The Golden State Warriors’ Undisputed All-Time Starting Lineup

The Golden State Warriors, a storied franchise with roots dating back to 1946, have evolved through many eras, styles, and basketball philosophies. From their beginnings as the Philadelphia Warriors to the current high-powered “Splash Era,” the Warriors have produced legends that left an indelible mark on the NBA. Picking the all-time starting five requires balancing era dominance, individual greatness, team impact, and cultural significance.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the undisputed all-time starting lineup for the Warriors:

No debate here. Stephen Curry is not only the greatest Warriors player ever but also arguably the greatest shooter in NBA history and the player who revolutionized modern basketball.

• Why Curry?
  Stephen Curry transformed the game with his unparalleled shooting range, ball-handling, and offensive creativity. Drafted in 2009, Curry went from a promising young player to a two-time MVP (including the first-ever unanimous MVP in 2016) and a three-time NBA champion. His quick release and deep three-pointers forced defenses to stretch farther than ever before, reshaping NBA offenses league-wide.
• Career Highlights with Warriors:
  • 3× NBA Champion (2015, 2017, 2018)
  • 2× NBA MVP (2015, 2016)
  • NBA Finals MVP (2022)
  • Multiple All-NBA selections and scoring titles
• Impact:
  Curry is the Warriors’ heartbeat and the architect of their recent dynasty. Beyond his stats, his leadership and style made Golden State an offensive juggernaut that changed how teams build rosters around shooting and pace.

As the perfect complement to Curry’s wizardry, Klay Thompson forms one half of the “Splash Brothers,” creating one of the deadliest backcourts in NBA history.

• Why Thompson?
  Klay’s shooting prowess and defensive ability make him a perfect fit at shooting guard. He is known for his quick release, catch-and-shoot mastery, and ability to score in bunches — including the legendary 37 points in a single quarter, an NBA record. His ability to lock down opposing guards defensively adds immense value.
• Career Highlights:
  • 3× NBA Champion (2015, 2017, 2018)
  • Multiple All-Star selections
  • Holds NBA record for points in a quarter (37)
  • Elite perimeter defender and clutch performer
• Impact:
  Klay is the yin to Curry’s yang. His spacing, shooting, and lockdown defense are critical to the Warriors’ success. His calm demeanor and reliability make him an undisputed member of the all-time starting lineup.

Stepping back into the earlier eras of Warriors history, Rick Barry is the franchise’s first true superstar and arguably the best small forward ever to wear a Warriors uniform.

• Why Barry?
  Barry was a scoring machine with a unique underhand free throw technique that yielded exceptional accuracy. He led the Warriors to their first NBA title on the West Coast in 1975, earning Finals MVP honors with his prolific scoring and leadership.
• Career Highlights:
  • NBA Champion (1975)
  • NBA Finals MVP (1975)
  • 8× NBA All-Star
  • Led league in scoring (1967)
• Impact:
  Rick Barry brought toughness, skill, and leadership to the Warriors in a transformative period for the franchise. His scoring versatility, passing, and clutch play make him the clear choice at small forward.

Though unconventional, Draymond Green’s combination of defense, playmaking, and intensity cements his spot as the Warriors’ all-time power forward.

• Why Green?
  Green isn’t the typical big man scorer but is arguably the best defensive player and emotional leader of the Warriors’ modern dynasty. His versatility—guarding multiple positions, orchestrating offense, and hustling on every play—is invaluable.
• Career Highlights:
  • 3× NBA Champion (2015, 2017, 2018)
  • NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2017)
  • Multiple All-Defensive Team selections
  • NBA All-Star and key playmaker
• Impact:
  Draymond’s intangibles elevate the team’s defense and chemistry. His ability to facilitate offense from the post and defend the entire floor made him a unique and irreplaceable part of the Warriors’ championship formula.

No Warriors all-time lineup is complete without Wilt Chamberlain — the towering, dominant center who redefined what was possible on the basketball court.

• Why Chamberlain?
  Wilt’s dominance is legendary. Although his prime was split between Philadelphia and later teams, his years with the Warriors franchise (Philadelphia and San Francisco Warriors) were spectacular. He put up staggering stats, including 100 points in a single game and multiple scoring titles.
• Career Highlights:
  • NBA MVP (1960)
  • NBA Champion (with Warriors 1967, and later with other teams)
  • Led NBA in scoring and rebounding multiple seasons
  • NBA All-Star numerous times
• Impact:
  Wilt was the ultimate big man, a physical specimen unmatched in his era. His scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking put the Warriors on the map. Despite playing before the modern Warriors dynasty, his place as the franchise’s greatest center is secure.

This lineup balances eras and roles:

• Era Dominance: Wilt and Barry represent the early to mid-20th century; Curry, Thompson, and Green represent the modern dynasty.
• Skill Complementarity: Curry and Thompson as shooters; Green as a defensive playmaker; Barry as a scoring forward; Chamberlain as an unstoppable center.
• Championship Pedigree: Each player contributed significantly to Warriors’ titles.
• Cultural Impact: Each has helped define the Warriors’ identity in their era.

No all-time list is without debate. Other Warriors greats include:

• Chris Mullin: Hall of Famer and member of the “Run TMC” trio, great shooter and scorer.
• Nate Thurmond: Defensive stalwart and rebounding force.
• Paul Arizin: Scoring pioneer from the franchise’s Philadelphia days.
• Kevin Durant: Crucial to two Warriors titles during his tenure.
• Andre Iguodala: Finals MVP and key defender in the dynasty.

However, the five selected above represent the most impactful, iconic, and franchise-defining players.

This lineup showcases how the Warriors’ franchise has evolved: from Wilt’s sheer physical dominance, Rick Barry’s gritty leadership, Draymond’s defensive versatility, to the revolutionary backcourt of Curry and Thompson. They represent excellence in scoring, defense, leadership, and innovation.

Together, these five embody the essence of Warriors basketball—relentless, innovative, and championship-caliber.