- The Warriors have had to change their starting lineup multiple times over the four decades
- Golden State has had a mix of scoring and playmaking point guards since 1980
- Stephen Curry has been the face of point guards for almost 10 years
The Golden State Warriors, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, have seen their fair share of legendary point guards grace the hardwood over the past four decades.
- 1980-1981: John Lucas
- 1982: Mike Gale
- 1983: Lorenzo Romar
- 1984-1987: Sleepy Floyd
- 1988-1989: Winston Garland
- 1990-1993: Tim Hardaway
- 1994: Avery Johnson
- 1995: Tim Hardaway
- 1996: B.J. Armstrong
- 1997: Mark Price
- 1998-1999: Bimbo Coles
- 2000-2001: Mookie Blaylock
- 2002-2003: Gilbert Arenas
- 2004 – Nick Van Exel
- 2005 – Speedy Claxton
- 2006-2008: Baron Davis
- 2009: Jamal Crawford
- 2010-2019: Stephen Curry
- 2020: D’Angelo Russell
- 2021-2024: Stephen Curry
From the early ’80s to the present day in 2024, the Warriors’ starting point guard position has been a pivotal role that has seen multiple All-Stars, championship winners, and franchise icons take the helm.
We have already seen how another iconic franchise like the Los Angeles Lakers shifted between starting point guards, but now it is time to focus on the Golden State Warriors franchise that has captivated audiences in recent seasons.
Join us as we embark on a journey through time, reminiscing about the talented floor generals who have donned the blue and gold, steering the Warriors through eras of triumphs and challenges.
From the “Run TMC” era to the “Splash Brothers” dynasty and beyond, let’s celebrate the point guards who’ve left an indelible mark on the Golden State Warriors’ rich history.
1980-1981: John Lucas
Career Stats With The Warriors: 12.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
John Lucas brought valuable leadership and experience to the Warriors. As a seasoned NBA player, he provided stability and veteran guidance to a relatively young team. His presence in the locker room and on the court helped create a sense of direction for the Warriors.
While Lucas was known for his playmaking, he was also a scoring threat. During the 1980-81 season, he averaged 15.8 points per game, showing his ability to contribute offensively and his scoring added another dimension to the team’s attack.
Lucas’s style of play aligned well with the Warriors’ fast-paced and up-tempo system. He was effective in pushing the ball in transition, which suited the team’s playing philosophy.
1982: Mike Gale
Career Stats With The Warriors: 5.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
Mike Gale’s role as the starting point guard for the Golden State Warriors in 1982 was marked by steady and dependable play, although his impact was not as pronounced as some of the franchise’s more celebrated point guards.
Despite his average numbers, Mike Gale served as a traditional floor general, focusing on running the offense and distributing the ball efficiently. While not known for flashy plays or high-scoring performances, he provided stability and a calming presence to the team.
It’s worth noting that Mike Gale’s impact on the Warriors in 1982 was not as transformative or memorable as some of the franchise’s other point guards. His contributions were solid but didn’t stand out as defining moments in the team’s history.
1983: Lorenzo Romar
Career Stats With The Warriors: 6.1 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
In his short stint with the Warriors as the starting point guard, Lorenzo Romar was a skilled playmaker who could effectively run the team’s offense.
He possessed good court vision and passing ability, which allowed him to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.
While not primarily known as a scorer, Romar provided a balanced scoring approach. He could contribute points when needed, which added depth to the team’s offensive options.
His willingness to take open shots and make smart decisions with the ball made him a reliable offensive contributor.
Lorenzo Romar’s time with the Warriors was relatively brief. He was taken the No. 141st pick in the 1980 NBA Draft and was thrust into the starting point guard role as the team in 1983 as the franchise strived to find a new cornerstone.
1984-1987: Sleepy Floyd
Career Stats With The Warriors: 17.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: 1986-87 All-Star
Sleepy Floyd’s tenure as the starting point guard for the Golden State Warriors from 1984 to 1987 was a significant and memorable period in the franchise’s history. Floyd was an exceptional scorer for a point guard.
During his time with the Warriors, he consistently averaged double-digit points per game, with peak seasons where he averaged over 19 points per game.
Floyd was renowned for his clutch performances. One of his most memorable moments came in the 1987 NBA Playoffs, where he scored a historic 51 points in a single game against the Los Angeles Lakers, a performance that is still remembered as one of the greatest playoff performances in NBA history.
The point guard played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ playoff success during his tenure. His memorable 1987 playoff run, including the game with 51 points mentioned earlier, helped the Warriors compete with the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round.
Finally, Floyd became a fan favorite in Golden State due to his exciting style of play, scoring ability, and clutch performances.
1988-1989: Winston Garland
Career Stats With The Warriors: 11.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
Winston Garland was primarily known for his scoring ability as a point guard. During the 1988-89 season, he averaged 14.5 points per game, which was a solid contribution to the Warriors’ offensive output.
His scoring was essential, especially considering that the Warriors had several offensive threats on their roster, including Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond.
While Garland was more of a scoring point guard, he still managed to distribute the ball effectively. He averaged 6.4 assists per game over those two seasons, demonstrating his ability to set up his teammates and run the team’s offense.
However, his playmaking skills were not at an elite level, and he was more of a scoring-oriented guard.
During the 1988-89 season, the Golden State Warriors finished with a 43-39 record, which was good enough for the fifth seed in the Western Conference. They made it to the Western Conference Semifinals in the playoffs, which was a respectable accomplishment.
1990-1993: Tim Hardaway
Career Stats With The Warriors: 19.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: 3x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 1989-90 All-Rookie Team Selection, Hall of Fame
Drafted No.14 overall by the Golden State Warriors, Tim Hardaway was known for his electrifying scoring ability as a point guard. During his time with the Warriors in which he started between 1990 and 1993, he averaged 20.6 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess.
He had a lethal crossover dribble that became his signature move and made him a constant scoring threat.
Hardaway possessed excellent playmaking skills. He averaged 9.7 assists per game during his Warriors’ stint, highlighting his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
His court vision and passing ability were crucial in the Warriors’ offensive schemes. At the same time, his creativity and flair on the court were a joy to watch.
The Warriors experienced relative success during Tim Hardaway’s tenure as the starting point guard. They made the playoffs in each of the three seasons he played with them during this period. In the 1990-1991 season, they advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals.
It’s worth noting that injuries began to affect Hardaway’s career during his time with the Warriors. He suffered a significant knee injury in 1993, which had a long-term impact on his playing ability, as he missed the entire 1994 season.
1994: Avery Johnson
Career Stats With The Warriors: 8.6 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
Avery Johnson was primarily known for his playmaking ability and his knack for setting up his teammates. During the 1993-94 season, he averaged 5.3 assists per game, showcasing his skills as a distributor.
His court vision and ability to run the offense were valuable assets for the Warriors. With Hardaway out with a knee injury, Johnson was required to slot in and do his best.
The speedy point guard was not an elite point guard at Hardaway’s level but he did a shift over his 70 starts in 82 appearances.
During the 1993-94 season, the Golden State Warriors had a relatively mediocre performance, finishing with a 50-32 record, which was good for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. While they made the playoffs, they were eliminated in the first round.
1995: Tim Hardaway
Career Stats With The Warriors: 19.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: 3x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 1989-90 All-Rookie Team Selection, Hall of Fame
After returning from his knee injury in 1995, he continued to showcase his scoring ability, averaging 20.1 points per game. He had a quick first step, a deadly crossover dribble, and an ability to finish at the rim, making him a constant offensive threat over his 62 games played.
Thankfully, his ball-handling skills did not diminish. Hardaway’s ball-handling skills were exceptional, and he was known for his creativity in breaking down defenders off the dribble. His crossover dribble was particularly famous and was often imitated by aspiring players.
During the season, the Golden State Warriors had a poor performance, however, finishing with a 26-56 record. While the team’s overall record was not impressive, Hardaway’s individual performance was a bright spot.
The Warriors were in a rebuilding phase during this time, and Hardaway’s contributions were noteworthy as he would be traded 52 games into the following season to the Miami Heat.
1996: B.J. Armstrong
Career Stats With The Warriors: 10.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
Armstrong was primarily known for his scoring ability as a point guard. In the 1995-96 season with the Warriors, he averaged over 12 points per game.
While not an elite scorer, he provided a solid offensive presence for the team, capable of hitting mid-range jumpers and three-pointers.
The point guard was known for his three-point shooting ability as he shot 47.3% from deep during the season.
He was a reliable three-point shooter and contributed to the Warriors’ perimeter shooting game. His ability to space the floor and hit from beyond the arc added value to the team’s offensive strategy.
Bringing veteran experience and leadership to the Warriors during the 1995-96 season, his professionalism and understanding of the game were valuable to a team in transition.
1997: Mark Price
Career Stats With The Warriors: 11.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
Mark Price was not the All-Star he used to be with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he had to put in a starting shift for the Warriors team in transition. In the 1996-97 season with the Warriors, he contributed 11.3 points per game.
While his scoring was not at the level of his prime years with the Cavaliers, he remained a credible offensive threat with his accurate shooting.
Price was an exceptional playmaker and passer throughout his career. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, he continued to display strong court vision and averaged 4.9 assists per game during the 1996-97 season.
His ability to set up his teammates and orchestrate the offense was a valuable asset even if the Golden State Warriors had a challenging campaign, finishing with a 30-52 record and missing the playoffs.
1998-1999: Bimbo Coles
Career Stats With The Warriors: 7.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
Bimbo Coles, whose real name is Vernell Eufaye Coles Jr., had a brief stint as the starting point guard for the Golden State Warriors in the 1998 and 1999 NBA seasons. This period marked a transitional phase for the Warriors franchise, and Coles played a role in their roster during this time.
Coles joined the Golden State Warriors in a trade with the Miami Heat on February 22, 1998. He was acquired along with Kevin Willis in exchange for Chris Gatling, Tim Hardaway, and a first-round draft pick.
Coles was known for his defensive skills and tenacity as a point guard, but he was not a high-profile player.
During his time with the Warriors, Coles was given the starting point guard role due to his experience and defensive prowess.
However, it’s important to note that the Warriors were not a playoff-contending team during both seasons. They finished with 19 and 21 wins in 1998 and 1999, respectively.
2000-2001: Mookie Blaylock
Career Stats With The Warriors: 9.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
Mookie Blaylock was acquired by the Golden State Warriors in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks in February 1999. In exchange for Blaylock, the Warriors sent Bimbo Coles and a first-round draft pick to the Hawks. This trade brought Blaylock’s veteran leadership and defensive prowess to the Warriors’ roster.
He was known for his tenacious defense, three-point shooting, and ability to distribute the ball. His presence on the court provided stability to the team’s backcourt and helped guide the Warriors through the 1999-00 season as he averaged 11.3 points and 6.7 assists per game.
The 2000-2001 season continued with Blaylock as the starting point guard for the Warriors. He continued to be a key contributor to the team, especially on the defensive end, where he was known for his steals and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
However, the Warriors did not have a particularly successful season, finishing with a record of 17 wins and 65 losses.
2002-2003: Gilbert Arenas
Career Stats With The Warriors: 15.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
Gilbert Arenas, later referred to as “Agent Zero,” was a second-round draft pick (No. 31 overall) by the Golden State Warriors in the 2001 NBA Draft.
He joined the Warriors for the 2001-02 season and initially came off the bench as a rookie, but his talent and scoring ability quickly earned him a more prominent role in the team’s rotation.
During the 2002-03 season, Arenas once again solidified his place as the Warriors’ starting point guard. He displayed exceptional scoring ability, averaging 18.3 points per game, and showed promise as a playmaker, averaging 6.3 assists per game.
His dynamic style of play, combined with his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, made him a crucial part of the Warriors’ backcourt. However, Gilbert Arenas’ time with the Warriors came to an end after the 2003 season.
He became a restricted free agent and signed an offer sheet with the Washington Wizards, which the Warriors ultimately chose not to match. Of course, Gilbert would go on to become one of the best point guards in the league in Washington.
2004 – Nick Van Exel
Career Stats With The Warriors: 12.6 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
The 2003-2004 NBA season was marked by the Warriors making several changes to their roster, and Van Exel was one of the acquisitions made during this time. He was acquired by the Warriors in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks in August 2003.
Nick Van Exel was known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills as a point guard.
He had previously played for several NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks, before joining the Golden State Warriors.
As the starting point guard for the Warriors during that season, Van Exel brought veteran leadership and scoring prowess to the team.
He was known for his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, as well as his proficiency in shooting three-pointers although the team finished with a record of 37 wins and 45 losses and did not make the playoffs.
2005 – Speedy Claxton
Career Stats With The Warriors: 11.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
Claxton, whose full name is Craig “Speedy” Claxton, was known for his quickness and defensive skills. In the 2004-2005 NBA season, the Warriors were looking to rebuild and find stability in their lineup.
Claxton was acquired by the Warriors in a trade with the New Orleans Hornets in August 2004. The Warriors sent Dale Davis and Dan Dickau to the Hornets in exchange for Claxton and Dale Davis.
During that season, Claxton was given the opportunity to be the starting point guard for the Warriors. His quickness and ability to push the pace on offense made him a suitable fit for the team. He also contributed on the defensive end, using his speed to disrupt opposing guards.
Claxton’s time as the starting point guard for the Warriors was marked by some individual success, as he averaged 13.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game during the 2004-2005 season.
However, the team as a whole did not have a highly successful season, finishing with a record of 34-48, which was not enough to make the playoffs.
2006-2008: Baron Davis
Career Stats With The Warriors: 20.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 8.1 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: 2006-07 Steals Champion
Baron Davis joined the Golden State Warriors in February 2005, coming over in a trade with the New Orleans Hornets. He quickly established himself as the team’s starting point guard and became the driving force behind a dramatic transformation in the Warriors’ style of play and fortunes.
Baron Davis’s first full season with the Warriors was the 2005-06 NBA season. He brought a combination of scoring ability, playmaking, and leadership to the team.
Under his leadership, the Warriors embraced an up-tempo, fast-paced style of play known as “Run TMC 2.0,” a reference to the exciting Warriors teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s, although the team missed the playoffs.
The 2006-07 season was a historic one for the Warriors. Led by Baron Davis, they became the “We Believe” team, known for their underdog status and stunning playoff run.
Davis was instrumental in the Warriors’ success during this season, averaging 20.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game (which led the league).
Golden State secured the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs and pulled off a monumental upset by defeating the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round, making it one of the most memorable moments in Warriors’ history.
While they were eliminated in the subsequent round, the season was a turning point for the franchise.
The Warriors continued their high-energy style in the 2007-08 season. Baron Davis remained a key figure, contributing 21.8 points, 7.6 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.
The Warriors narrowly missed the playoffs with a record of 48-34, which was a significant improvement from previous seasons.
Baron Davis’s time with the Warriors was characterized by his electrifying style of play, leadership, and his ability to elevate the team’s performance. He became a fan favorite and is credited with helping to reinvigorate the Warriors’ franchise during those years.
2009: Jamal Crawford
Career Stats With The Warriors: 19.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
Jamal Crawford was traded to the Golden State Warriors by the New York Knicks in a multi-player deal on November 21, 2008. The trade also involved Al Harrington going to the Knicks. At the time, the Warriors were looking to add scoring and playmaking to their roster.
Upon joining the Warriors, Crawford was initially used as a shooting guard, but due to injuries and lineup adjustments, he was often asked to play as the starting point guard during the 2008-09 season. This was a bit of an unconventional role for him as he was more accustomed to playing off the ball.
He had a knack for creating his own shot and was a proficient three-point shooter.
He also contributed with his passing and playmaking, averaging around 4.4 assists per game during his tenure as the starting point guard although the Warriors as a team struggled during the season. They finished with a record of 29 wins and 53 losses and did not make the playoffs.
2010-2019: Stephen Curry
Career Stats With The Warriors: 24.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: 4x NBA Champion, 2021-22 Finals MVP, 2x MVP, 9x All-Star, 9x All-NBA Team Selection, 2021-22 All-Star Game MVP, 2x Scoring Champion, 2015-16 Steals Champion, 2009-10 All-Rookie Team Selection
Stephen Curry was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. The team recognized his incredible shooting ability and potential to lead an offense, which is why they drafted him to be their point guard.
Curry quickly made an impact as a rookie, showcasing his incredible shooting range and ball-handling skills (17.5 points per game on 43.7% 3-PT FG).
Despite some injury setbacks early in his career, he established himself as the Warriors’ starting point guard. During these years, he formed a dynamic backcourt duo with Monta Ellis, and the team showed promise.
In the 2012-13 season, the Warriors made the playoffs and that was a turning point as they secured the sixth seed in the Western Conference. The Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets in the first round, marking their first playoff series win since 2007.
The real transformation occurred in the 2014-15 season when the Warriors won their first NBA championship in 40 years.
Curry was the driving force behind the team’s “Splash Brothers” backcourt with Klay Thompson and the talent and experience of players such as Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, and others playing valuable roles.
His incredible three-point shooting and ball-handling revolutionized the game.
The Warriors went on to win two more championships in 2017 and 2018, solidifying their dynasty status once Kevin Durant decided to join the team in free agency.
During his time as the starting point guard between 2010 and 2019, Curry was named MVP twice (2015 and 2016) and became the first unanimous MVP in NBA history in 2016, setting numerous records for three-point shooting along the way.
The Warriors, led by Curry, consistently posted top records during the regular season, becoming one of the winningest teams in NBA history.
They set a record for most regular-season wins in a single season with 73 in 2016, and Steph was widely regarded as the best point guard in the world during the majority of his stint as the leader of the Warriors.
2020: D’Angelo Russell
Career Stats With The Warriors: 23.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: N/A
D’Angelo Russell was acquired by the Golden State Warriors during the 2019 NBA offseason as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Brooklyn Nets. Russell had just earned his first NBA All-Star selection with the Nets and was known for his scoring and playmaking abilities.
Russell’s arrival in Golden State coincided with a significant setback for the team. In the fourth game of the 2019-20 season, Stephen Curry suffered a hand injury that sidelined him for most of the season. With Curry out, Russell was thrust into the starting point guard role.
Russell quickly showcased his scoring prowess and ability to run the offense. He averaged around 23.6 points and 6.2 assists per game during his time with the Warriors, often displaying his ability to create shots for himself and his teammates.
Despite Russell’s individual success, the Warriors faced challenges in the 2019-2020 season. The team struggled with injuries to key players, including Klay Thompson, and a lack of defensive depth.
As a result, the Warriors were not as competitive as in previous years and failed to make the playoffs.
2021-2024: Stephen Curry
Career Stats With The Warriors: 24.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Achievements With The Warriors: 4x NBA Champion, 2021-22 Finals MVP, 2x MVP, 10x All-Star, 10x All-NBA Team Selection, 2021-22 All-Star Game MVP, 2x Scoring Champion, 2015-16 Steals Champion, 2009-10 All-Rookie Team Selection
Stephen Curry returned from injury in the 2020-21 season and managed to capture his second scoring title by averaging 32.0 points per game on 42.1% from three and 48.2% from the field.
Despite Golden State still struggling to make an impact because of Klay Thompson’s absence due to an Achilles injury, Curry held his own and accumulated some individual awards.
The Warriors did not make the playoffs, however, and were forced to regroup in the following season. In 2021-22, the Warriors did that. Klay Thompson returned and played 32 regular-season games and was available for the playoffs.
Draymond Green was still the emotional leader of the team, and Curry guided the Warriors to 53 wins.
No surprise, Golden State returned to the NBA Finals and had the edge in experience against the young and hungry Boston Celtics as the series ended in six games. With Curry capturing his first Finals MVP award, his resume was looking very stacked against other point guard legends of the game.
In the 2022-23 season, Curry was once again the star of Golden State at 34 years old, and he held his own, averaging 29.4 points per game on 42.7% shooting from three. The Warriors won 44 games and made it to the playoffs only to lose in the second round.
In 2023-24, Curry was an All-Star and All-NBA Third Team selection as he posted 26.4 points per game on 40.8% shooting from three. Unfortunately, the Warriors struggled all season and failed to make the postseason. Regardless, going forward, Curry will likely retire as the starting point guard for the Warriors.
