Warriors Ground has the well-earned reputation of being home to some of the best fans in all of sports. The knowledge and passion for the game – and yes, the off-the-charts noise made by 19,596 cheering in unison – makes Dub Nation stand out amongst sports fans. And while seemingly every team loves its own players, Dub Nation maintains that love for players who end up switching jerseys down the line.
This season, there are six first-year Warriors on the roster, and for every one of them there is another player who played for the Dubs last season and is now playing somewhere else. Five of those players have already returned to Oracle Arena, and each received a warm reception from Dub Nation in recognition of their contributions to the team’s success in recent seasons.
Suns guard Leandro Barbosa was the latest former Warrior to step foot on Warriors Ground, and he was greeted with a standing ovation from many in attendance of Sunday’s game at Oracle Arena.
Leandro Barbosa
Barbosa’s return to Oracle Arena came less than a week after that of Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut, who were with the club and starters for the majority of the team’s recent run of success.
Andrew Bogut & Harrison Barnes
Drafted 7th overall by the Dubs in 2012, Harrison Barnes spent his entire professional career with Golden State until 2016. Earning an NBA All-Rookie First Team bid in 2013 and helping the squad secure a championship in 2015 the young forward is certainly loved among fans.
Andrew Bogut also joined the Warriors in 2012 as part of a trade with the Bucks. A regular in the starting lineup, the Australia-native earned his first championship ring with the Dubs.
Festus Ezeli
Selected in the same draft as Barnes and Draymond Green in 2012, Festus Ezeli was a standout shot blocker and overall defender throughout his Warriors career, which included a crucial 10 points in 11 minutes of the Warriors’ championship-clinching win in 2015.
Mo Speights
Marreese Speights, popularly known as Mo Buckets among Dub Nation, played three seasons for the Warriors. He was the team’s top scorer off the bench during the 2015 championship season and became a fan favorite with his unwavering passion both on the court and on the bench while cheering on teammates, not to mention his ever-increasing range from the perimeter.