Warriors Legends by the Numbers: The Forgotten Story of Estes Foster Parham and Jersey No. 14
When you think of Golden State Warriors legends, names like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, or even Wilt Chamberlain might instantly come to mind. But before those iconic names lit up arenas and won championships, the franchise had a long and winding history — one filled with unsung heroes, obscure stats, and forgotten jersey numbers.
Among the hundreds who’ve worn the blue and gold over the past seven-plus decades, there are players whose names don’t echo through Chase Center or appear on highlight reels, but who still left their mark in the team’s rich basketball tapestry. One such name is Estes Foster Parham, a little-known wing who briefly suited up for the Warriors — back when the NBA was still finding its footing.
Let’s take a trip back to the early days of professional basketball, and look at how one player came to wear the No. 14 jersey for the Warriors — one of 13 men to ever do so.
600+ Players, 60+ Jersey Numbers, and 75+ Years of History
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Over 600 players have represented the Warriors since their inception.
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The team has seen more than 60 jersey numbers used across different eras.
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The franchise has been around for over 75 years, originally founded in 1946.
Golden State’s journey started not in the Bay Area but in the city of Philadelphia, where the franchise was a charter member of the Basketball Association of America (BAA) — the league that eventually merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form what we now know as the NBA.
Since then, the Warriors have traveled far — not just in the standings but literally — calling Philadelphia, San Francisco, Oakland, and even San Diego home at various points in their storied existence.
As part of their ongoing tribute to every player who wore each jersey number, Warriors Wire is spotlighting the full historical lineage behind every digit ever worn. This time, we zoom in on jersey No. 14, which has been worn by 13 different players, including the focus of this story: Estes Foster Parham.
Who Was Estes Parham? A Forgotten Name from the BAA Era
Before the Warriors picked him up, Estes Parham was already a seasoned pro by early basketball standards. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Parham sharpened his skills at Texas Wesleyan University, a small college that didn't typically send players to the pro ranks.
But Parham defied the odds.
In the 1948 BAA Draft, the now-defunct St. Louis Bombers selected him with the 35th overall pick — back when drafts were longer, leagues were smaller, and many teams were barely financially surviving.
Here’s what Parham’s early career looked like:
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Drafted by: St. Louis Bombers (1948, 35th overall)
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College: Texas Wesleyan University
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Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
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Height: 6'3"
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Position: Guard/Forward
Parham played two seasons with the Bombers, but the team folded in 1950, leading to a dispersal draft. That’s when the Warriors acquired him, and he finished his career in Golden State’s predecessor organization.
Stats May Not Tell the Whole Story, But They Tell A Story
During his time with the Warriors — then known as the Philadelphia Warriors — Parham wore only the No. 14 jersey. It wasn't a flashy stint, statistically speaking, but considering the era and context, every minute on the court was part of a greater evolution in the sport.
In his final season (1950), Parham posted:
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1.3 rebounds per game
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Scoring data from that era is sparse, but it’s clear Parham was more of a role player than a star.
Yet it’s worth noting that NBA statistics back then didn’t always tell the full picture. The pace of play was slower, players weren’t jacking up three-pointers (they didn’t exist yet), and substitutions were rare — starters often played entire games.
Still, Parham's presence during this foundational time for pro basketball means he played a role — however modest — in helping the league get off the ground.
Why Estes Parham Matters
You might ask: Why are we talking about a player who averaged just over a rebound per game and didn’t last long in the league?
Because every franchise's history is built on the backs of players like Estes Parham. The stars shine bright, but the role players, journeymen, and forgotten contributors are the bedrock of any great sports legacy.
In fact, players like Parham remind us of a few key things:
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Pro sports have humble beginnings: Not everyone played in packed arenas or had national TV exposure.
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The early years of the NBA were unstable: Teams folded, players jumped leagues, and many athletes retired young.
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Every jersey number has a story: Even if it’s not hanging in the rafters, No. 14 has a legacy of its own.
The Bigger Picture: Warriors' Legacy by the Numbers
Golden State’s history is filled with moments big and small. From championships in the Curry era to forgotten seasons in the 1950s, it’s a patchwork quilt of basketball narratives.
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Jerseys like #30 (Curry) or #13 (Wilt) are iconic today.
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But #14, worn by Parham and 12 others, is part of that larger mosaic.
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Each number tells a story — sometimes of greatness, other times of grit, struggle, and transition.
So, while Estes Parham might not be a household name, his place in Warriors history is cemented. He was part of the team’s DNA during its early, unsteady steps — when the BAA was just an idea trying to survive, and when basketball wasn’t yet the global powerhouse it is today.
A Salute to the Forgotten Jerseys
In the end, jersey number retrospectives like this one are more than just a roll call. They're a salute to the evolution of the game, the journey of the franchise, and the many lives that passed through locker rooms, buses, and gymnasiums long before ESPN was a thing.
So here’s to Estes Foster Parham, warrior in name and spirit — one of the many who made it possible for future stars to shine.
All statistics courtesy of Basketball Reference.
🔥 Quick Takeaways:
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Over 600 players have worn a Warriors jersey.
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Jersey No. 14 has been worn by 13 players in team history.
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Estes Parham was a draft pick of the St. Louis Bombers before finishing his career with the Warriors.
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Though his stats were modest, his role was part of the league’s foundational years.
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The Warriors franchise has evolved through multiple cities and countless eras — but players like Parham kept it alive.
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