Golden State Warriors’ No. 20 Legacy: Honoring Phil Smith’s Lasting Influence on Team History

For decades, the Golden State Warriors have been known for producing some of the most dynamic and unforgettable players in NBA history. From the run-and-gun stars of the 1970s to the dynasty-building icons of recent years, the franchise has built a legacy that spans generations. Among those who have helped shape that proud history is Phil Smith, the man who wore No. 20 and left an indelible mark on the team during one of its most memorable eras.

While today’s Warriors fans celebrate the brilliance of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, there’s immense value in looking back to the players who laid the foundation for such success. Phil Smith is one of those cornerstones — a silky-smooth scorer, unshakable competitor, and key contributor to a championship team who wore the No. 20 jersey with pride.

Phil Smith entered the NBA in 1974 after being drafted by the Warriors in the second round. At the time, Golden State was building a roster loaded with talent and versatility, but few could have predicted how quickly Smith would emerge as a pivotal piece.

During his rookie year, Smith contributed solid minutes, but it was his second season — the 1974–75 campaign — when his name truly began to shine. That year, the Warriors captured the NBA championship, stunning the basketball world with a team-oriented style that outplayed and outworked more heralded opponents. Smith, though still young, provided crucial scoring bursts off the bench and fearless defense, earning the respect of veterans and coaches alike.

His adaptability and unselfishness made him an ideal fit for a squad that thrived on teamwork. In an era when individual stats often took a backseat to collective success, Smith embodied the Warriors’ “all-for-one” mentality.

Following the championship season, Smith transitioned from promising young role player to a full-fledged star. By the mid-to-late 1970s, he was one of the league’s most underrated shooting guards. His jump shot was pure, his footwork sharp, and his ability to create his own shot made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

From 1975–76 through 1977–78, Smith averaged over 19 points per game, earning two All-Star selections. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1976, an honor that highlighted his growing reputation as one of the best backcourt players in the league.

Yet Smith’s value went beyond scoring. He was an intelligent passer, capable rebounder for his position, and an excellent perimeter defender — the kind of all-around talent every championship contender needs.

The No. 20 jersey became synonymous with Smith’s game — graceful yet relentless, understated yet lethal. He played with a quiet confidence, letting his performance speak louder than any on-court trash talk. Fans who watched him play remember his smooth shooting form, quick release, and ability to deliver in clutch moments.

In many ways, Smith represented the bridge between the Warriors’ 1975 championship glory and the challenges of the late 1970s. While injuries would eventually slow him down, his production and professionalism set a standard for future players who would wear No. 20 or any other number for Golden State.

Smith’s career was not without setbacks. In 1979, he suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury — a devastating blow in an era when sports medicine was far less advanced than today. Many players never returned to form after such an injury, and while Smith’s athleticism was somewhat diminished, his basketball IQ and skill set allowed him to remain productive.

He spent several more seasons in the league, including stints with the San Diego Clippers and Seattle SuperSonics, before retiring in 1983. Even as his days with the Warriors became part of history, his impact remained firmly etched in the minds of those who witnessed his peak.

Phil Smith passed away in 2002 at the age of 50, leaving behind a basketball legacy defined not only by his stats and accolades but also by his class and competitive spirit. His contributions to the Warriors’ championship run, his stellar individual seasons, and his representation of the franchise with integrity have kept his name alive among dedicated fans and basketball historians.

In the broader scope of Warriors history, Smith’s career is a reminder that greatness isn’t only about MVP trophies or scoring titles. It’s also about consistency, sacrifice, and delivering when the team needs you most. His No. 20 is not officially retired, but among longtime Warriors faithful, it carries a special reverence.

Modern Warriors stars — especially guards like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson — carry a lineage that includes Smith’s influence. While their styles are different, the Warriors’ emphasis on sharpshooting, ball movement, and smart decision-making traces back to players like Smith, who proved that backcourt excellence could power the team’s success.

Even in an age of high-paced, three-point-heavy basketball, Smith’s approach remains relevant: efficient scoring, tough defense, and unwavering commitment to the team’s goals.

For fans, celebrating Phil Smith is about more than nostalgia — it’s about honoring a player who gave his all and represented the franchise with dignity. His time in Golden State coincided with one of the most cherished moments in the team’s pre-Curry era: the 1975 championship.

Every franchise has players who might not be household names to the casual fan but hold a legendary status within their own community. For the Warriors, Phil Smith is one of those figures. His No. 20 may never hang in the rafters, but it hangs in the hearts of those who remember his fearless drives, silky jumpers, and unshakable poise.