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3 Warriors One-Hit Wonders We Wish Hadn’t Disappeared

By Tyler Kemp

From left to right: CJ Watson, Kelenna Azubuike and Anthony Randolph of the Warriors
From left to right: CJ Watson, Kelenna Azubuike and Anthony Randolph of the Warriors / Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Warriors have been the gold standard of the NBA for the last half-decade. Before the era of winning championships started in 2015, Golden State had more than a few guys who were a part of some successful teams in the franchise’s history.

Here are three guys who played for the Dubs at one point, had a breakout season, and then faded away after their time in the Bay.

3. Mickael Pietrus

Pietrus going up for a dunk with the Warriors
Pietrus going up for a dunk with the Warriors / Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Pietrus was a great 3-and-D player for the “We Believe” Warriors, a team heralded in franchise history. After averaging a career-high 11 points per game during that 06-07 run as the No. 8 seed, Pietrus never topped that mark again. His 38% from three for the season was also a career benchmark. Following one more season in Golden State, Pietrus spent time in Orlando, Phoenix, Boston and Toronto before retiring in 2013.

2. Dorell Wright

Wright during his time with Golden State
Wright during his time with Golden State / Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Wright got his start in the NBA with the upstart Heat that won a championship in 2006. After six years in Miami, Wright went out to the Bay and splashed onto the scene with a career-high 16 points per game in 2010-11. After another solid season with the Dubs, Wright failed to record another double-digit scoring average before his retirement in 2015 after his age-29 season.

1. Kelenna Azubuike

Azubuike going up for a layup
Azubuike going up for a layup / Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

A rookie with “We Believe,” Azubuike broke out once that group was blown up via trades and free agency. In 2009 and 2010, Azubuike averaged 14.4 and 13.9 points per game, respectively. He was also a 40% shooter from deep with the Dubs. He parlayed his Warriors performance into a free agent contract with the Knicks, but only played two games over the following two seasons because of injuries. He didn't play again after the 2011-2012 season.