The Golden State Warriors have an incredible legacy, stretching back over 75 years with a rich and storied history. Over the decades, more than 600 players have suited up for the team, sporting over 60 different jersey numbers. From their early days to their modern dominance, each number carries a unique story of the athletes who wore it.
The franchise's journey began in 1946 as part of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), a precursor to the NBA. Originally founded in Philadelphia, the team later moved to San Francisco and Oakland, and even had a stint in San Diego. Through it all, the Warriors have remained one of the league’s most iconic teams.
To celebrate the legends who donned these jerseys, Warriors Wire is diving deep into the history of each number and the players who represented them. In this installment, we’re taking a closer look at the first of 12 players to wear the No. 8 jersey: Tony Farmer.
Farmer’s path to the NBA was anything but conventional. After wrapping up his college basketball career at Nebraska, he went undrafted in the 1991 NBA Draft. However, he didn’t let that setback deter him. Instead, he took his talents to various domestic leagues and international circuits, sharpening his skills and proving he had what it takes to compete at a high level.
His persistence paid off when he landed a spot with the Charlotte Hornets in 1997, finally making it to the NBA. However, his time there was short-lived, and he once again found himself playing abroad before getting another shot at the big league.
In 1999, Farmer signed with the Golden State Warriors for what would be his final season in the NBA. During his time in a Dubs jersey, he exclusively wore No. 8 and contributed solid numbers—averaging 6.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game. While his stint with the Warriors wasn’t long, it was a testament to his resilience and determination to make an impact on the court.
The history of the Warriors’ jersey numbers is filled with incredible stories like Farmer’s—players who fought hard to earn their spot in the league and leave a mark, no matter how brief their time in the Bay Area. As we continue this journey through the team’s past, we’ll explore more players who proudly represented the Warriors while wearing the No. 8 jersey and beyond.
Stay tuned for more deep dives into the history of the Golden State Warriors, where every number tells a story of triumph, grit, and basketball greatness!
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