Paul Arizin
The deadly shooter who forged the Warriors' early identity with a lethal mid-range game.
Before the Bay Area dynasty, there was 'Pistol' Pete. Paul Arizin anchors the franchise's pre-dynasty history, revered as one of the greatest scorers in Warriors annals. Playing his entire professional career for the Philadelphia/Warriors organization from 1950 to 1962, he defined the team's identity before their move to California, earning a single NBA championship and cementing a legacy as an inaugural Hall of Famer.
Known for his deadly mid-range jump shot and relentless scoring ability, Arizin was a central pillar during the franchise's most dominant period in Philadelphia. His career, though shortened by military service and later knee injuries, remains a benchmark for offensive excellence in Warriors history, bridging the gap between the team's founding era and its future greatness.
He led the league in scoring twice (1952, 1953), proving his shot was not just pretty but devastatingly effective.
- Role:
- Small Forward / Shooting Guard
- Affiliation:
- Philadelphia Warriors (1950–1962)
- Championships:
- 2 (1956, 1947 as part of the franchise lineage)
- NBA All-Star Selections:
- 10
- Career Points Per Game:
- 23.8
Lore & Background
Paul Arizin's journey to basketball immortality began at Villanova University, where he was a two-time consensus All-American before being selected by the Philadelphia Warriors in the first round of the 1950 draft. His arrival coincided with a golden age for the franchise, which had already won an NBA title in 1947. Arizin quickly established himself as the team's primary offensive weapon, known for his unique ability to rise up from mid-range and fire with pinpoint accuracy, a style that was revolutionary for its time.
The defining moment of his career arrived in the 1956 NBA Finals against the Fort Wayne Pistons. In a series marked by intense physical play, Arizin delivered legendary performances, including a crucial Game 7 where he scored 28 points to secure the championship. His partnership with future Hall of Famer Neil Johnston created one of the most potent scoring duels in league history. However, his career was interrupted by two years of military service during the Korean War and later plagued by severe knee injuries that forced his premature retirement at age 34.
Despite the shortened tenure, Arizin's impact on the franchise is indelible. He was named to the NBA's 25th Anniversary Team in 1970 and the 50th Anniversary Team in 1996. His number 11 was retired by the Warriors, honoring a player who embodied the grit, scoring prowess, and championship pedigree that the organization would carry with it from Philadelphia to San Francisco and eventually Oakland.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Philadelphia Arena hung heavy with the scent of floor wax and sweat. It was Game 7, 1956, and the score was tight. Paul Arizin wiped his brow, his eyes locked on the basket. The crowd roared, a deafening wall of sound that seemed to vibrate through the hardwood. He caught the pass from Johnston, pivoted sharply away from the defender, and rose up. Time slowed in that moment. The ball left his fingertips with a perfect arc, spinning against the bright arena lights before swishing through the net. The roar that followed wasn't just for a basket; it was for the man who could will a championship into existence with nothing but a jump shot.
Reader's Guide
Paul Arizin's era at the franchise spans a critical chapter in Warriors history; fans can honor his legacy by seeking out vintage footage of the 1956 Finals and noting the retired #11 banner. His story is essential context for understanding the team's scoring lineage from Philadelphia to Oakland.
Did You Know?
- Paul Arizin was one of only two players in NBA history (along with Wilt Chamberlain) to win an MVP award and a scoring title in the same season before the league merged with the ABA.
- He served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean War, missing the 1952-53 and 1953-54 seasons, yet returned immediately to lead the league in scoring upon his return.
- Arizin's number 11 was one of the first numbers ever retired by the Golden State Warriors franchise.
- He is widely credited with popularizing the modern mid-range jump shot as a primary offensive weapon.