Golden State Warriors: The Story Behind No. 20 and Terry Teagle’s Six-Season Run
When you think about the Golden State Warriors, most fans immediately picture the bright lights of Chase Center, Steph Curry’s smooth three-pointers, and championship banners waving proudly. But this franchise’s history runs much deeper—stretching back more than 75 years—and each jersey number has its own set of stories, players, and unforgettable moments.
Over time, more than 600 players have pulled on a Warriors uniform, representing over 60 unique jersey numbers. Each number has been worn by legends, role players, and even those who only spent a brief moment in the Bay. From the founding years in 1946 to the modern-day dynasty, these numbers are like time capsules for the franchise’s history.
Today, we’re digging into the 11th chapter in the ongoing series celebrating Warriors jersey numbers—specifically, No. 20, a number with its own slice of hardwood history. And when it comes to the Warriors’ No. 20, one name stands out from the pack: Terry Teagle.
A Team Rooted in History
Before we get to Teagle’s time in Oakland, it’s worth stepping back to appreciate the franchise’s roots. The Golden State Warriors began their journey as the Philadelphia Warriors in the old Basketball Association of America (BAA)—a league that eventually merged into what we now know as the NBA.
Since those early days, the team has traveled through multiple homes:
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Philadelphia – Where it all began in 1946
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San Francisco – The first West Coast chapter in the 1960s
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Oakland – The decades-long run at Oracle Arena that saw highs, lows, and championships
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San Diego – A lesser-known brief stop in their history
These moves weren’t just changes in zip code—they marked different eras in the team’s culture, fan base, and roster. And along the way, every jersey number picked up its own stories.
Meet Terry Teagle: The No. 20 Warrior
Born in Broaddus, Texas, Terry Teagle carved out a basketball path that took him from small-town roots to Baylor University, where he became a standout scorer. His college success caught the eyes of NBA scouts, and in 1982, the Houston Rockets selected him with the 15th overall pick in the draft.
Teagle’s first taste of the NBA came with Houston, where he played his first two seasons. His journey wasn’t a straight shot to stardom—he later spent time with the Detroit Pistons before finding a home with the Golden State Warriors in 1985.
Six Seasons in the Bay
When Teagle arrived in Oakland, the Warriors were still years away from the Curry-Thompson-Green dynasty. But they were a team with grit and flashes of potential. For parts of six seasons, Teagle wore only No. 20 for the Dubs—no number changes, no midseason swaps. Just consistency.
On the court, he brought scoring punch and athleticism to the wing. Across his Warriors career, he averaged:
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13.7 points per game – A reliable offensive contributor
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3.1 rebounds per game – Solid work on the glass for a guard/forward
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1.4 assists per game – Moving the ball while still hunting his own shot
For context, these numbers put him in that valuable middle ground—never the superstar, but always a player who could shift the momentum when the team needed a bucket.
The Trade to Showtime
Teagle’s time in Golden State ended in 1990, when the Warriors traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. That meant joining the tail end of the Showtime era—a chance to share the floor with legends like Magic Johnson and James Worthy.
Even though his Warriors chapter had closed, Teagle left a footprint in Oakland. No. 20 wasn’t just a number—it became a small but notable thread in the fabric of Warriors history.
Why Jersey Numbers Matter
Some might ask: Why does it even matter who wore what number? In sports, numbers are more than fabric and ink—they’re identity. Fans remember their childhood heroes not just by their names, but by the numbers stitched on their jerseys.
Think about it: 23 for Michael Jordan, 8 or 24 for Kobe Bryant, 30 for Steph Curry. For Warriors fans of the mid-to-late ’80s, No. 20 meant Terry Teagle.
And that’s the point of this jersey history project—giving these numbers context, spotlighting players who might not always get the front-page treatment but still played their role in building the franchise we see today.
From Philly to the Bay—The Bigger Picture
If you zoom out, Teagle’s story is one tile in a massive mosaic. Since 1946, the Warriors have rolled through different eras, styles, and rosters. The team has gone from playing in small gyms during the BAA days to competing in one of the most high-tech arenas in the world.
And through all that, jersey numbers have remained a constant. Players come and go, but those digits on the back carry history forward.
Quick Stats Recap – Terry Teagle’s Warriors Legacy
For the stat heads, here’s a quick breakdown of Teagle’s time with Golden State:
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Seasons with Warriors: 6 (1985–1990)
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Points Per Game: 13.7
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Rebounds Per Game: 3.1
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Assists Per Game: 1.4
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Only Wore: No. 20 for the Dubs
(Source: Basketball Reference)
Why Teagle Still Deserves a Nod
Terry Teagle might not be a household name in today’s NBA conversation, but for Warriors fans who lived through the ’80s, he was a steady and exciting part of the rotation. His scoring ability, work ethic, and loyalty to the No. 20 jersey give him a special spot in team lore.
In the end, these are the kinds of players that make up the backbone of every franchise—not always the superstar, but the glue guys who help hold the team together through multiple seasons.
The Ongoing Jersey Chronicles
With No. 20 now covered, there are still plenty of numbers to revisit in Warriors history. This project is all about digging up the stories behind the stats—celebrating the men who, in their own ways, helped shape the Golden State Warriors into what they are today.
Whether it’s a Hall of Famer or a hard-working role player, each number tells a different story. And if you’re a true Warriors fan, you know those stories are worth keeping alive.
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