1946 Philadelphia Founding

Lore & Background

In 1946, as the world emerged from the shadow of World War II, professional basketball found its footing in Philadelphia. The city welcomed the Warriors as one of eleven original franchises under coach Joe Lapchick, a former Knickerbocker and Olympic gold medalist who instilled a culture of fundamentals and physical play. While George Mikan dominated Minneapolis, Paul Arizin became the face of Philadelphia's offense. A true homegrown star from Pennsylvania, Arizin was joined by Neil Johnston, the formidable center recruited from Ohio State, before Wilt Chamberlain arrived to shatter scoring records. The 1955-56 season stands as the pinnacle of this chapter: in a dramatic playoff run, the Warriors defeated the Fort Wayne Pistons to claim the franchise's first NBA title, validating the city's investment and setting a standard for excellence. Yet, by the late 1950s, stiff competition from baseball and rising costs eroded attendance. Following the 1961-62 season, the franchise made the painful decision to relocate, leaving behind the victories that forever tied the team's soul to its birthplace.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Convention Hall was thick with cigarette smoke and the roar of a city that had never seen basketball played like this before. It was April 1956, Game 5 against Fort Wayne—the clincher for the title. The score was tight, the clock ticking down in the fourth quarter. Paul Arizin drove hard to the basket, his sneakers squeaking violently on the polished hardwood as he absorbed contact from two defenders. He didn't flinch. With a fluid motion that seemed to defy gravity, he released a jumper over the outstretched arms of the defense. The ball hung in the air for an eternity before swishing through the net, sealing the victory and cementing the legend of Philadelphia.

Reader's Guide

The Philadelphia Founding Era (1946–1962) represents the genesis of the Warriors franchise, a period defined by the transition from an experimental league to a national powerhouse. This chapter is crucial because it established the team's core identity: a blend of disciplined coaching under Joe Lapchick and the emergence of scoring legends who would define the position of forward.

What truly defines this era is the 1956 NBA Championship victory. It remains the franchise's only title won while based in Philadelphia, serving as the ultimate proof of concept for the organization. The team featured stars like Paul Arizin, a two-time scoring champion and Hall of Famer, whose shooting prowess revolutionized the game. Later, the arrival of Wilt Chamberlain in 1959 added an unprecedented physical dominance that shattered records and captivated audiences, even as the franchise faced financial instability.

This period matters deeply to the club's identity because it provides the historical bedrock for all future success. The DNA of the Warriors—prioritizing elite talent, developing homegrown stars, and chasing championships—is rooted in these early years. While the team eventually moved west, the memory of the 1956 title serves as a constant reminder that the franchise was built on winning from day one. It is a testament to resilience and excellence that transcends geography.

Did You Know?

• The Philadelphia Warriors were one of the eleven original franchises of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), the direct predecessor to the NBA, founded in 1946.
• Paul Arizin made his professional debut in 1950 and went on to win two NBA scoring titles; he never won a BAA scoring title as the league had already merged into the NBA by the time he entered the league.
• The 1956 championship team was led by head coach George Senesky, who had previously been a star player for the Warriors, making him one of the few players to later win a title as a coach with the same franchise.
• Wilt Chamberlain played only three seasons in Philadelphia before the move to San Francisco, yet he averaged over 40 points per game during his tenure there.

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