The Golden State Warriors are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA, with a rich history of success, legendary players, and iconic moments. However, for nearly six decades, one number remained untouched and unclaimed by any player on the roster. This number, 0, has its unique place in the team’s history and in the NBA’s broader narrative. That is, until 2024, when Dennis Schröder, the German point guard, became the first player to wear the Warriors’ number 0 jersey since 1965.
The Significance of Number 0
The number 0 holds a particular place of rarity and significance in sports. While it is not as commonly worn as numbers like 23, 33, or 32, its symbolism has grown over time. In the NBA, number 0 was famously worn by players like Gilbert Arenas, one of the league’s most electrifying and unpredictable point guards in the early 2000s. For the Golden State Warriors, however, this number has a much deeper historical connection.
In 1965, the Warriors retired number 0 to honor one of their original stars, Guy Rodgers. Rodgers, a talented and innovative point guard, played for the Warriors from 1959 to 1966, helping to lay the foundation for the team’s future success. His ability to orchestrate the offense and set up teammates in scoring positions earned him recognition as one of the early greats of the league. While the Warriors were not as decorated as they are today, Rodgers played a vital role in establishing their reputation as a formidable franchise.
Rodgers was an exceptional floor general who could control the tempo of the game and distribute the ball with precision. He was instrumental in leading the Warriors to an appearance in the NBA Finals in 1964, even though they fell short against the Boston Celtics. Despite his accomplishments, Rodgers never won an NBA championship during his time in the league. Still, his influence on the game was immense, and his legacy has remained a symbol of the Warriors’ commitment to excellence.
The Long Wait
After Guy Rodgers’ departure from the Warriors in 1966, the number 0 was retired by the franchise as a tribute to his contributions to the team. From that moment on, no player would wear that number again, and it would become part of the Warriors’ heritage. The decision to retire Rodgers’ number created a rare occurrence in the world of professional sports, where a team chooses to retire a player’s jersey so early in the franchise’s history.
For the next several decades, number 0 remained untouched, sitting in the rafters as a reminder of the team’s early days and its connection to a player who helped define its legacy. As the Warriors enjoyed periods of success, including championship runs in the 1970s and 2010s, the number 0 continued to symbolize a time when the team was building its foundation.
This long gap without a player donning number 0 created a sense of mystique around it. Some fans might have wondered why it remained off-limits for so long, especially when new stars came and went. The Warriors’ modern era, led by players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, has been marked by an openness to new numbers, as many players have taken jersey numbers with meaning to them.
However, the absence of number 0 was something that could not be ignored. It was a testament to the Warriors’ respect for their past and their commitment to honoring those who came before. But after nearly 60 years, the question arose: who would be the player to finally wear the coveted number 0 jersey again?
Dennis Schröder and the Return of Number 0
In 2024, that question was answered when Dennis Schröder joined the Golden State Warriors. Schröder, a 30-year-old veteran point guard from Germany, had a reputation for his leadership and ability to run an offense, similar to Guy Rodgers in the past. Over the years, Schröder had played for several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Toronto Raptors. His experience and skills made him a valuable addition to the Warriors, a team that prides itself on a fast-paced offense and teamwork.
Schröder’s signing with the Warriors marked a new chapter in his career, but it also brought a new connection to the franchise’s history. When the Warriors welcomed Schröder to the team, the decision was made to allow him to wear number 0. This was a monumental moment because it not only brought back a retired jersey number but also signaled the Warriors’ respect for their past while embracing the future.
In Schröder, the Warriors found a player whose style of play could fit perfectly with their high-energy offense. Known for his speed, court vision, and tenacity, Schröder quickly became a fan favorite during his brief time with the team. His ability to score efficiently, create for teammates, and defend at a high level made him an excellent fit for the Warriors’ system.
What makes Schröder’s wearing of number 0 even more poignant is his personal connection to the Warriors’ legacy. As a European player, Schröder was fully aware of the historical significance of the NBA and the teams that helped shape its narrative. The chance to wear a jersey number that had been retired for nearly six decades was a testament to his respect for the game’s history and to the Warriors’ trust in his abilities.
The Warriors’ Embrace of History and Innovation
The decision to allow Schröder to wear number 0 once more reflects the Golden State Warriors’ unique approach to balancing tradition with innovation. While the team has modernized its game with the three-point revolution and its high-tempo style of play, it has never lost sight of its rich history. The Warriors’ commitment to honoring their past is evident in their decision to retire numbers like Guy Rodgers’ number 0, Wilt Chamberlain’s number 13, and others.
At the same time, the team is never afraid to evolve. The franchise is constantly looking for ways to improve, whether by adding talented players or refining its approach to basketball. By bringing Schröder into the fold, the Warriors not only reconnected with their past but also embraced a player who could contribute to their ongoing success in the modern NBA.
A Legacy Reimagined
Dennis Schröder’s decision to wear number 0 symbolizes more than just a connection to Guy Rodgers; it represents a bridging of the old and new eras of the Golden State Warriors. Schröder, much like Rodgers, is a player known for his leadership and playmaking skills, and his addition to the team only enhances the Warriors’ depth and championship aspirations.
For fans, the return of number 0 brings a sense of nostalgia, but also a sense of renewal. It shows that the Warriors are proud of their past but equally excited for what the future holds. By wearing number 0, Schröder not only steps into the shoes of a player who helped define the franchise’s early years but also redefines what it means to be part of this iconic team.
As the Warriors move forward, it is clear that the return of number 0 will always be remembered as a significant moment in the franchise’s long and storied history. And in Dennis Schröder, they have a player who embodies both the legacy and the future of this proud organization.
