Ekpe Udoh and the Legacy of Warriors’ No. 20 Jersey

Ekpe Udoh: The Forgotten Warrior Who Wore No. 20

When you think about Golden State Warriors history, the first names that pop up are usually Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, or even legends like Chris Mullin and Wilt Chamberlain. But the story of this franchise runs far deeper than its icons. With over 600 players suiting up across more than 75 years, and rocking over 60 different jersey numbers, the Warriors’ history is filled with hidden gems—guys who left their mark, even if briefly.

One of those names is Ekpe Udoh, the 23rd player to wear the No. 20 jersey for Golden State. His time with the team wasn’t long, but his journey into the NBA and his short Warriors stint offer a fascinating look into how role players fit into the bigger puzzle of basketball history.

The Bigger Picture: A Franchise on the Move

Before we dive into Udoh, let’s zoom out for a second. The Warriors’ story itself is like a traveling road show. Born in Philadelphia in 1946, back when the NBA wasn’t even officially the NBA yet (it was still the BAA, the Basketball Association of America), the team has called multiple cities home. From Philly to San Francisco, hopping over to Oakland, and even spending a little time in San Diego, the Warriors have seen it all.

Over those decades, countless players have come and gone—some were future Hall of Famers, others just role guys trying to carve out their space in the league. Each jersey number carries its own legacy, and No. 20 has had 29 different players try it on. Udoh just happens to be part of that lineage.

Enter Ekpe Udoh

So who exactly is Ekpe Udoh?

• Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma

• College: Baylor University

• Draft Status: 6th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by Golden State

Coming into the league, Udoh wasn’t just some end-of-the-bench prospect. The Warriors used a high lottery pick on him because they believed he could help anchor the paint. At Baylor, Udoh had shown flashes of being a defensive monster—blocking shots, grabbing boards, and altering games with his presence around the rim.

Life as a Dub

Udoh’s time in Golden State wasn’t long, but it was impactful in its own way. Wearing the No. 20 jersey, he suited up for parts of two seasons before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2012.

His numbers with the Warriors?

• 4.6 points per game

• 3.4 rebounds per game

• 1.6 blocks per game

Those stats don’t exactly scream “franchise cornerstone,” but for a big man learning the ropes on a young team, they weren’t meaningless either. Blocking nearly two shots a night showed he had defensive chops. The Warriors at that time weren’t yet the dynasty we know today; they were still in the messy rebuilding years, figuring out who fit and who didn’t.

The Trade That Sent Him Packing

In 2012, Udoh’s time in the Bay came to an end when Golden State dealt him to Milwaukee. For many fans, this move flew under the radar. The Warriors were in a transitional phase—years away from becoming the powerhouse led by Curry and company. Udoh, unfortunately, just didn’t become the long-term defensive anchor the team hoped he’d be.

But here’s the thing—every franchise’s history is made up of players like him. Not everyone is a superstar. Some guys are there to fill roles, hold the line during rebuilding years, and make the next wave possible. Udoh was part of that fabric.

What Made Udoh Unique?

• Defensive Mindset: While he never exploded offensively, Udoh’s knack for blocking shots kept him valuable.

• Work Ethic: Coming into the league from a smaller program like Baylor, Udoh carried that chip on his shoulder.

• Part of a Transition: He played during a weird Warriors era—post-“We Believe” but pre-dynasty. That makes his time almost like a bridge between two very different versions of Golden State basketball.

Fun Nuggets from the Warriors’ Jersey Number History

To really appreciate Udoh’s place in the Warriors’ No. 20 club, you need to understand the broader jersey story:

• Over 60 numbers used: From single digits to unusual picks, the Warriors have covered nearly the whole spectrum.

• More than 600 players: Think about that—hundreds of guys, some famous, most forgotten, but all part of the same thread.

• 29 players in No. 20: Udoh wasn’t the first, and he certainly won’t be the last. Each wore that number with their own story behind it.

Beyond Golden State

After the Warriors and Bucks chapters, Udoh’s basketball life kept going. He bounced around the league and later found success overseas, carving out a solid pro career. For fans who only followed him in Golden State, it’s easy to forget his name. But for basketball lifers, his impact on the defensive end was always respected.

Why Players Like Udoh Matter

Here’s where casual fans sometimes miss the point: role players matter.

Sure, we all love highlight reels and MVP speeches. But without guys like Udoh—players willing to do the dirty work, challenge shots, and grind in practice—you don’t build winning cultures. He might not have been around when Golden State raised its first dynasty banner in the Curry era, but you can argue that players like him laid the groundwork.

The Legacy of No. 20

Every jersey number tells a story, and No. 20 is no exception. For Warriors fans, it may not carry the same weight as, say, Curry’s 30 or Mullin’s 17, but it still represents part of the franchise’s long, winding history. Udoh’s stint adds just another layer to that tale.

Key Takeaways

• The Warriors’ history is massive: Over 600 players and 60+ jersey numbers make for a rich legacy.

• Ekpe Udoh wore No. 20: A high draft pick who gave Golden State rim protection before moving on.

• Stats weren’t flashy, but important: 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.

• Role players matter: Even if they’re not remembered like the stars, they still helped shape the path forward.