In the near future, possibly by 2030, the leaders of the Golden State Warriors will embark on the exciting journey of retiring jerseys and erecting statues outside of Chase Center.
This moment will be exhilarating, a dream fulfilled for the franchise’s standout players.
However, there will inevitably be some degree of controversy.
Stephen Curry stands out as the foremost candidate for these honors. A two-time MVP award recipient, he has been the driving force behind the Warriors’ journey to four championships in just eight years.
His statue is destined to be the most prominent of them all.
But will it be a solo unveiling? Will Curry be celebrated first, followed by the others at a later date?
Another possibility, though not certain, is the simultaneous unveiling of statues for Draymond Green and Klay Thompson alongside Curry. A triumphant trio, with the franchise’s greatest player flanked by his longtime All-Star teammates.
This approach would certainly spark interest, as one could argue that Curry, Green, and Thompson form one of the most successful trio in NBA history. While Curry is the undeniable superstar, their six Finals appearances, which resulted in four championships, were a testament to their synergy that produced countless memorable moments.
Curry would not possess four rings without Green and Thompson, just as they could not have come close to achieving that without him.
There is no doubt that all three players deserve statues, whether displayed collectively or individually. Regardless of the presentation format, they will be honored. No matter the outcome of the upcoming seasons, they have already secured this recognition.
This leads us to Kevin Durant. His jersey is set to be retired, a fact confirmed by Golden State CEO Joe Lacob, who acknowledged that Durant’s exceptional three-year tenure with the Warriors merited his No. 35 being raised to the rafters.
But what about a statue? That would signify an even greater level of appreciation and acknowledgment.
The strongest case for a Durant statue lies in his decision to join the Warriors in July 2016, which instilled fear in the hearts of the other 29 NBA teams. For the first time in their history, the Warriors became the most dominating team in the league—a fact widely recognized.
Durant’s presence transformed the Warriors into an iconic franchise. While they may have achieved more championships without him, KD—and his two well-deserved Finals MVP awards—symbolized a dominating force over every opponent.
The primary argument against a Durant statue is that his three years and 246 games, including postseason play, may justify a jersey retirement but may be deemed too brief to warrant a statue outside the arena where he never played as a Warrior.
For perspective, consider the Miami Heat, who will unveil their first statue outside Kaseya Center next month, honoring Dwyane Wade, their most cherished player. Wade’s jersey was retired in 2020, just a year after he hung up his sneakers.
What hasn’t happened, and possibly never will, is the erection of a statue of LeBron James by the Heat, despite his four seasons in Miami, during which he reached the Finals every year and won two championships.
Whether KD receives dual honors is a decision for the Warriors to make. They may very well have reached a conclusion already and are merely waiting for the right moment. Personally, I believe it’s a deserved recognition.
There is, however, one more player to consider in this discussion: Andre Iguodala.
After experiencing a first-round playoff series loss to the Warriors while with the Denver Nuggets in 2013, Iguodala quickly recognized the team’s potential. Following his free agency a couple of months later, he navigated his way to Golden State, opting for a lesser contract than he could have secured elsewhere. This remains a rare instance where Iguodala turned down millions willingly.
Before long, Iguodala emerged as the team’s unofficial leader. He was an experienced player, revered for his on-court contributions and off-court wisdom. Teammates often sought his advice on various topics, including transition defense, nutrition, and investment strategies.
For good measure, Iguodala earned the MVP title of the 2015 NBA Finals—marking Golden State’s first championship in 40 years. As one of only three players, alongside Curry and Green, to have four rings, Iguodala has rightfully earned a statue outside Chase Center.
Lacob indicated as much to NBC Sports Bay Area in January 2021.
“With the remarkable achievements of the core group consisting of Curry, Draymond, Klay, and Kevin, for three years, it’s clear that they, along with Andre Iguodala, deserve some form of long-term recognition,” Lacob stated. “Once they retire, I’m sure they will be properly honored.”
Believe it. Lacob, just like Dub Nation, understands that the Warriors have accomplished something extraordinary over the past decade. He also knows who was primarily responsible for their success. It wouldn’t be surprising if the statues shine with a golden hue.
Iconic Honors: The Future of Jersey Retirements and Statues for the Golden State Warriors’ Legends
The Significance of Jersey Retirements and Statues
Jersey retirements and statues serve as lasting tributes to the legends of the game. For the Golden State Warriors, these honors are a testament to the extraordinary contributions made by players who have not only excelled on the court but have also shaped the franchise’s identity. As the Warriors continue to build their legacy, the future of these iconic honors is an exciting topic for fans and sports analysts alike.
Current Jersey Retirements: A Look Back
The Golden State Warriors have a proud history of honoring their players through jersey retirements. Some of the most notable jerseys retired by the franchise include:
| Player | Jersey Number | Retirement Year |
|---|---|---|
| Wilt Chamberlain | 13 | 1986 |
| Rick Barry | 24 | 1980 |
| Chris Mullin | 17 | 2012 |
| Kevin Durant | 35 | 2021 |
Statues: A Physical Legacy
Statues serve as a powerful way to remember and celebrate the achievements of legendary players. While the Warriors have yet to erect many statues, the idea is gaining traction among fans and analysts. Statues are not only a visual representation of a player’s impact on the franchise but also serve as a gathering point for fans, creating a sense of community and tradition.
Current Statues and Memorials
The Warriors currently have a statue of the great Wilt Chamberlain located outside the Chase Center, which commemorates his incredible career and contribution to the team. Plans for additional statues are often discussed, particularly for players like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, whose legacies may deserve similar recognition.
Future Prospects: Who Will Be Honored Next?
As the Warriors look to the future, several players are being considered for jersey retirements and statues.
- Stephen Curry: The face of the franchise and a two-time MVP, Curry has transformed the game of basketball and is a strong candidate for a statue reflecting his impact.
- Klay Thompson: Known for his remarkable shooting skills and defensive prowess, Thompson’s contributions to the Warriors’ success make him a prime candidate for jersey retirement.
- Draymond Green: A cornerstone of the Warriors’ defense and playmaking, Green’s leadership and versatility could warrant both a jersey retirement and statue.
Factors Influencing Future Honors
When considering future jersey retirements and statues, several factors come into play:
- Statistical Achievements: Player performance metrics and accolades, such as MVP awards and championships, are critical in determining who deserves these honors.
- Longevity and Loyalty: Players who spend a significant portion of their careers with the Warriors are often favored for these tributes.
- Impact on the Community: Contributions off the court, including charitable work and community involvement, enhance a player’s legacy.
Benefits of Iconic Honors
Retiring jerseys and erecting statues have numerous benefits for the Golden State Warriors organization and its fan base:
- Historical Context: These honors preserve the rich history of the franchise, providing context for newer fans.
- Enhanced Fan Engagement: Ceremonies surrounding these honors boost fan engagement and loyalty, creating memorable experiences.
- Inspiration for Future Generations: Young athletes can look to these legends as role models, inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
Case Studies of Other Teams
Examining how other franchises honor their legends can provide valuable insights for the Warriors:
| Team | Player | Type of Honor | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | Kobe Bryant | Jersey Retirement | 2017 |
| Chicago Bulls | Michael Jordan | Statue | 2014 |
| Boston Celtics | Bill Russell | Statue | 2013 |
First-Hand Experiences from Warriors Fans
Many fans have shared their experiences witnessing jersey retirements and statue unveilings. Here are a few highlights:
- Fan Reaction: “The energy in the arena during Curry’s jersey retirement was electric. It felt like a celebration of our shared love for the game.”
- Emotional Moments: “Seeing Wilt Chamberlain’s statue for the first time brought tears to my eyes. It felt like a piece of history was right in front of me.”
- Community Engagement: “The events surrounding these honors always draw a crowd. It’s a chance for all of us to come together and celebrate our team’s history.”
Practical Tips for Fans
For fans interested in getting involved with honoring players, consider the following tips:
- Stay Informed: Follow the team’s announcements regarding jersey retirements and statue unveilings.
- Participate in Events: Attend ceremonies to celebrate the legends and engage with other fans.
- Share Your Stories: Use social media to share your experiences with these honors to connect with the wider Warriors community.
Conclusion
As the Golden State Warriors continue to evolve, the future of jersey retirements and statues remains an exciting prospect. These honors not only celebrate past legends but also inspire future generations. By honoring its icons, the Warriors strengthen their legacy and create a deeper connection with fans.
