As Stephen Curry makes his long overdue first appearance as a player on Team USA basketball in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, let’s take a look back at other players who played on the Olympic stage after spending time in Golden State.
Guys like Mitch Richmond!
He was a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors during the dynamic “Run TMC” era, is also a two-time Olympic medalist. His Olympic journey, featuring stints in the 1988 and 1996 Games, showcases the same grit and skill that made him a beloved figure in Warriors history.
Richmond’s first Olympic appearance in 1988 came shortly after his impressive rookie season with the Golden State Warriors, where he made an immediate impact alongside Chris Mullin and Tim Hardaway. As a member of the last all-amateur U.S. Men’s Basketball team, Richmond’s role in Seoul highlighted his burgeoning talent as the team took bronze.
For Warriors fans, this early international exposure was a glimpse of the tenacity and scoring ability that Richmond would consistently bring to the Bay Area.
By the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Richmond had cemented his reputation as a prolific scorer in the NBA, a journey that began in earnest with the Warriors. By that point he had joined the Sacramento Kings, but Warriors fans still remembered how good he was with the Dubs.
Selected for the star-studded “Dream Team II,” Richmond was joined by fellow NBA luminaries in a campaign that underscored the dominance of U.S. basketball. His contributions off the bench, averaging 9.9 points per game, were crucial in securing a gold medal.
Richmond’s role in these Olympics not only added to his personal accolades but also connected him back to his roots with the Warriors. The skills and leadership qualities he developed during the “Run TMC” era—characterized by a fast-paced, high-scoring style—translated seamlessly to the international stage. His Olympic success was a proud moment for Warriors fans, reflecting the quality and impact of players who have worn the blue and gold.
His journey from the raucous crowds of the Oakland to the global spotlight of the Olympics is a story of perseverance, skill, and dedication. Richmond’s ability to excel alongside the world’s best players highlighted the Warrior spirit—one of resilience and excellence—that he embodied throughout his career.