Golden Legacy: The Story Behind Warriors’ Jersey No. 17 and the Legend Who Wore It Best
Over the past 75+ years, the Golden State Warriors have suited up more than 600 players, each bringing their own flair, hustle, and history to the court. With over 60 unique jersey numbers worn through the decades, each number carries a story—some iconic, some forgotten, but all part of the fabric of this storied franchise.
From the gritty hardwood battles in the old arenas of Philadelphia to the tech-fueled roar of Chase Center in San Francisco, the Warriors' jersey numbers are more than just identifiers—they're symbols of eras. And among these, No. 17 stands out, not necessarily for how often it’s been worn, but for who made it unforgettable.
➤ From Brooklyn to the Bay: The Rise of Chris Mullin
Let’s rewind to the mid-'80s—back when the NBA was beginning to take off into global popularity, and the Warriors were in search of a spark. Enter Chris Mullin, the tough-as-nails sharpshooter out of St. John’s University in New York. In the 1985 NBA Draft, the Warriors saw something special in the lefty with the smooth jumper and selected him seventh overall.
Little did they know, they weren’t just getting a good player—they were drafting the man who’d become one of the most beloved Warriors in franchise history.
➤ The Man Who Made No. 17 Iconic
Nine different players have rocked the No. 17 jersey throughout Warriors history, but Mullin? He owned it. For 13 straight seasons, from 1985 to 1997, Chris Mullin was a staple of the Warriors’ identity. He wasn't flashy. He didn’t fly through the air like Jordan. But he could shoot the lights out, defend with grit, and lead by example.
His stats in the Bay speak for themselves:
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20.1 points per game
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4.4 rebounds
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3.9 assists
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1.7 steals per game
And let’s not forget—he wore No. 17 the entire time. No bouncing between numbers. No midseason swaps. Just consistency and class.
➤ The Journey Beyond the Bay
In 1997, after 13 seasons of wearing the blue and gold, Mullin was traded to the Indiana Pacers. It was a change of scenery but not a change of identity. Even in Indiana, his game remained fundamentally the same: calm, confident, and efficient.
But like all good stories, Mullin’s time with the Warriors wasn’t done just yet. He made a brief but symbolic return in the 1999-2000 season to finish his career right where it started—in Golden State. It wasn’t about stats anymore. It was about coming home.
➤ A Franchise That’s Been Everywhere
Let’s zoom out for a second. The Warriors’ story is unlike any other in the NBA. They were founded in 1946, back in the days of the Basketball Association of America (BAA)—a league that would eventually evolve into what we now know as the NBA.
And just like the game, the team has moved and grown:
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Philadelphia Warriors (1946–1962)
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San Francisco Warriors (1962–1971)
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Golden State Warriors (1971–present)
There was even a brief stint in San Diego, making them one of the few franchises with such a widespread geographical history.
But no matter where the team played, or what era it was, the jersey numbers—and the men who wore them—continued to shape the identity of the franchise.
➤ Jersey Numbers: More Than Just Digits
Warriors Wire took on the ambitious project of documenting the entire history of jersey numbers worn by Golden State players. Think about that: over 600 players, more than 60 different numbers, spanning almost 80 years of basketball. It's not just trivia—it's a living archive of team culture, evolution, and legacy.
And in that sea of names and digits, No. 17 shines because of Mullin’s loyalty, skill, and the role he played during a pivotal time in the team’s history.
➤ The Stats Don't Lie
Want to measure greatness? Sure, you can look at championship rings. But for many fans, greatness is also about consistency, effort, and impact—and Mullin checked all three boxes. According to Basketball Reference, his numbers during his Warriors career were rock-solid year after year.
In an era where perimeter shooting wasn’t yet king, Mullin was ahead of his time. His ability to drain mid-range jumpers, his off-ball movement, and his knack for creating his own shot made him a nightmare for defenders.
Plus, let’s not sleep on the defense. Averaging nearly two steals per game, he wasn’t just scoring—he was getting stops, diving for loose balls, and playing with heart.
➤ A Warrior Through and Through
Even after retirement, Chris Mullin’s connection to the Warriors didn’t end. He served in executive roles with the team and remained a visible part of the franchise’s public image. In 2012, the Warriors did what many fans had long hoped for—they retired his jersey. Now, No. 17 hangs from the rafters, a permanent tribute to a player who gave everything to the Bay.
➤ More Than Just Mullin
Of course, Mullin isn’t the only name to wear No. 17, but his presence looms large over anyone who followed. His legacy made it nearly impossible for anyone else to truly make that number theirs. That’s the kind of impact we’re talking about.
➤ Wrapping It Up: A Tribute in Threads
Jersey numbers in the NBA are sacred. They're more than just a way for fans to recognize players on the court. They become identities, legacies, and touchstones of team history. And in the long, winding timeline of the Golden State Warriors, Chris Mullin and jersey No. 17 are inseparable.
So whether you’ve been a diehard Dubs fan since the days of Wilt Chamberlain, or you jumped on board during the Steph Curry revolution, remember this: the greatness of today is built on the foundation of legends like Chris Mullin—guys who suited up every night, bled for the badge, and made numbers like 17 worth remembering.
⭐ Key Takeaways
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Chris Mullin wore No. 17 for the Golden State Warriors across 14 seasons.
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He averaged 20.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game in the Bay.
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Mullin’s loyalty and legacy led to his jersey being retired in 2012.
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He is one of nine players to wear No. 17 in franchise history—but easily the most impactful.
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The Warriors franchise dates back to 1946, with a rich legacy spanning Philadelphia, San Francisco, Oakland, and even San Diego.
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