George McCloud
A deep-range sniper who helped redefine the Warriors' offense in the early 90s.
George McCloud wasn't merely a role player; he was the sharpshooting anchor in the Warriors' orbit during the twilight of the Run TMC era. Acquired from Dallas in the blockbuster trade that sent Joe Barry Carroll packing, McCloud brought elite gravity to the perimeter between 1990 and 1994. While Chris Mullin and Tim Hardaway drew the double-teams, McCloud thrived in the open spaces, utilizing a release point so high he seemed to shoot from the second row of the stands.
- Role
- Shooting Guard / Small Forward
- NBA Tenure with Warriors
- 1990–1994
- Primary Skill
- Three-Point Shooting
- Acquisition Method
- Trade from Dallas Mavericks
Lore & Background
For four seasons, McCloud was the Warriors' most reliable deep threat during a turbulent stretch that followed the peak Run TMC years. He didn't need the ball in his hands to be dangerous; he simply stood near the logo and waited for a pass. In an era before analytics dictated spacing, McCloud's ability to drain shots from 26 feet forced defenses to play him at full extension, creating driving lanes for Hardaway that didn't exist otherwise.
In Their Own Story
At the Oakland Arena, McCloud didn't need a setup. He caught a pass at the logo, dribbled once to settle his feet, and let fly before the defender could close out. The shot hung in the air longer than most defenses dared to hope, dropping through the net with a sound that signaled another fast-break opportunity for the Warriors. It wasn't just a basket; it was a statement that no corner of the court was safe.
Reader's Guide
George McCloud played for the Golden State Warriors from 1990 to 1994, arriving via trade from the Dallas Mavericks. His primary role was spacing the floor for Chris Mullin and Tim Hardaway, but he frequently operated as a secondary scorer. In the 1992-93 season, he set a franchise single-season record with 206 three-pointers made—a mark that stood until Reggie Williams broke it years later. His value lay in his efficiency; when McCloud was hot, the Warriors' offense became nearly impossible to defend due to the sheer volume of perimeter threats.
While he eventually moved on to other teams where he continued to be a solid contributor, his time in San Francisco remains a memorable chapter for fans who witnessed his deep shots and energetic play. He is remembered as a key component of the Run TMC supporting cast, helping to maintain the team's relevance during a competitive period in NBA history.
Did You Know?
- McCloud was part of the trade that sent Joe Barry Carroll from Golden State to Dallas.
- He held the Warriors' single-season three-pointers made record for several years after his departure (206 in 1992-93).
- Known for his deep shooting range, he often shot from well beyond the standard NBA three-point line distance.
- Before joining the Warriors, McCloud was a standout player at Florida State University.