Philadelphia Warriors History

The Philadelphia Warriors were one of the founding franchises of professional basketball and one of the most successful teams during the sport's formative years. From winning the first championship in league history to showcasing legendary players such as Wilt Chamberlain, the Warriors played a central role in establishing professional basketball in the United States. Although the franchise relocated to California in 1962 and is now known as the Golden State Warriors, its Philadelphia years remain one of the most influential chapters in NBA history.

The Birth of the Warriors

The Warriors were founded in 1946 by Peter A. Tyrrell, owner of the Philadelphia Rockets hockey team, as one of the original franchises in the newly formed Basketball Association of America (BAA). The team adopted the "Warriors" nickname from a former professional basketball club that had played in Philadelphia during the 1920s.

The Warriors played their home games at Philadelphia Arena and immediately became one of the strongest teams in the new league. Their early success helped establish the BAA as a viable major professional basketball league.

The First Champions

The Warriors made history during the inaugural 1946–47 season by winning the first championship in BAA history. Coached by Eddie Gottlieb, Philadelphia was led by scoring sensation Joe Fulks, whose innovative jump shot revolutionized offensive basketball.

Fulks averaged 23.2 points per game, an extraordinary figure for the era, and became the league's first true superstar. Philadelphia defeated the Chicago Stags in the championship series, earning the first title in league history and forever securing its place in basketball lore.

Eddie Gottlieb and Early Success

Eddie Gottlieb was much more than a head coach. He also served as the team's general manager and later became one of the NBA's most influential executives. Widely respected for his basketball knowledge and leadership, Gottlieb helped guide both the Warriors and the league through its early years.

Following the 1949 merger of the Basketball Association of America and the National Basketball League, the Warriors became one of the original franchises in the newly formed National Basketball Association (NBA).

Throughout the early 1950s, Philadelphia remained one of the league's strongest teams, featuring stars such as Paul Arizin, Neil Johnston, Tom Gola, and George Senesky.

The 1956 NBA Championship

The Warriors captured their second league championship during the 1955–56 season. Under coach George Senesky, Philadelphia finished with a 45–27 record before advancing through the playoffs.

The team was powered by reigning MVP Neil Johnston, outstanding scorer Paul Arizin, rookie Tom Gola, and versatile guard Guy Rodgers. In the NBA Finals, the Warriors defeated the Fort Wayne Pistons in five games to capture the NBA championship.

The title cemented Philadelphia as one of professional basketball's early dynasties.

The Arrival of Wilt Chamberlain

In 1959, the Warriors acquired one of the greatest players in basketball history when they signed Philadelphia native Wilt Chamberlain through the NBA's territorial draft rule.

Chamberlain immediately transformed the franchise. During his rookie season, he averaged 37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game while winning both the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.

His extraordinary combination of size, strength, speed, and athleticism made him virtually unstoppable and forever changed the way basketball was played.

The 100-Point Game

On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain produced what is widely regarded as the greatest individual performance in basketball history.

Playing against the New York Knicks at Hershey Sports Arena, Chamberlain scored an astonishing 100 points in a 169–147 victory. The record has never been broken and remains one of the most iconic achievements in all of sports. The famous photograph of Chamberlain holding a handwritten sign reading "100" has become one of basketball's defining images.

Move to San Francisco

Despite the team's success on the court, owner Franklin Mieuli and a group of investors purchased the franchise and relocated it to San Francisco following the 1961–62 season. The team became the San Francisco Warriors, bringing NBA basketball to the West Coast.

Although Philadelphia lost its original Warriors franchise, the city quickly regained an NBA team when the Syracuse Nationals relocated to Philadelphia in 1963 and became the Philadelphia 76ers.

Notable Players

The Philadelphia Warriors featured many of the greatest players of basketball's early decades. Joe Fulks helped pioneer the modern jump shot and became the first scoring superstar in professional basketball. Paul Arizin was one of the league's greatest offensive players and a ten-time NBA All-Star. Neil Johnston won three consecutive NBA scoring titles and earned the league's Most Valuable Player Award in 1956. Tom Gola was known for his outstanding all-around game and later entered the Basketball Hall of Fame. Guy Rodgers became one of the NBA's premier playmakers, while Wilt Chamberlain rewrote the record book during his unforgettable three seasons in Philadelphia.

Home Arenas

During their years in Philadelphia, the Warriors played home games at several venues. Their primary home was Philadelphia Arena, although they also played selected games at Convention Hall as crowds continued to grow during the Wilt Chamberlain era.

Team Achievements

During their 16 seasons in Philadelphia, the Warriors won two league championships, capturing the inaugural BAA title in 1947 and the NBA championship in 1956. They made numerous playoff appearances and established themselves as one of the league's flagship franchises. The organization produced multiple Hall of Fame players and coaches while helping shape the modern game through innovative offensive play and superstar talent.

Legacy

The Philadelphia Warriors occupy a unique place in basketball history. They won the first championship in major professional basketball history, featured some of the sport's earliest superstars, and provided the stage for Wilt Chamberlain's legendary 100-point game. Their influence extended far beyond wins and losses, as the franchise helped popularize professional basketball during its formative years and laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of the NBA's most successful organizations. Although the Warriors relocated to California in 1962, their Philadelphia legacy remains an enduring part of both NBA history and the rich basketball tradition of the City of Brotherly Love.