The Forgotten First: Fred Hetzel and the Legacy of Warriors Jersey No. 44

In the vast tapestry of the Golden State Warriors’ history, woven with over 600 players across more than 75 years, certain threads shimmer brighter than others. The numbers of legends—13, 30, 11—are etched in the Bay Area’s collective memory. Yet, the story of every jersey is a story of lineage, a chain of players who contributed, however briefly, to the soul of the franchise. This journey begins not with a household name, but with a foundational piece: Fred Hetzel, the first man to ever wear the No. 44 for the Warriors. His tenure, from 1965 to 1968, encapsulates a pivotal era of transition and lays the initial, often overlooked, brick in the legacy of a now-iconic number.

From Davidson to the Bay: The No. 1 Pick’s Arrival

The San Francisco Warriors of the mid-1960s were a franchise in search of an identity and a star. Having moved from Philadelphia just three years prior, they landed the coveted first overall pick in the 1965 NBA Draft. Their choice was not a flashy guard, but a polished, high-scoring forward from Davidson College: Fred Hetzel. A 6-foot-8 powerhouse, Hetzel was a collegiate sensation, averaging a staggering 27.8 points and 14.6 rebounds per game in his senior year. He was a two-time Consensus All-American and the 1965 Southern Conference Player of the Year, leaving little doubt about his readiness for the professional stage.

The Warriors, led by the legendary Wilt Chamberlain, were poised for contention. Hetzel’s selection was seen as the final piece to elevate the team. He donned the No. 44 jersey—a number not yet carrying any Warriors history—and stepped onto the court with immense expectations. His rookie season showed promise; he played in 73 games, providing a reliable frontcourt presence alongside Wilt. However, the season’s narrative would be defined by a heartbreaking Finals loss to the Boston Celtics, a series that ultimately signaled the end of an era rather than the beginning of a dynasty.

The Hetzel Era: A Forward in a Time of Flux

Fred Hetzel’s three seasons with the Warriors were marked by incredible instability and change. His career arc mirrors the franchise’s own journey during this tumultuous period:

• Rookie Season (1965-66): Played a supporting role on a 35-45 team that caught fire in the playoffs, stunning the league to reach the NBA Finals.
• Post-Wilt Transition (1966-67): With Chamberlain traded to Philadelphia early in the season, Hetzel’s role expanded. He posted career-best numbers, averaging 12.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, showcasing the scoring touch that made him a top pick.
• Final Season in SF (1967-68): The team continued to rebuild, finishing 43-39. Hetzel remained a steady contributor, but the franchise’s future was clearly being built around other young talents like Nate Thurmond and Jeff Mullins.

Hetzel’s game was that of a classic, fundamental forward. In an era before the three-point line, he operated effectively from the mid-range and was a diligent rebounder. His No. 44 became a familiar sight at the Civic Auditorium and the Cow Palace, a symbol of the bridge between the Wilt Chamberlain era and the emerging Thurmond-led Warriors. While not an All-Star, Hetzel was a professional scorer and a crucial rotation player during a foundational reset for the franchise.

Expansion and Legacy: The No. 44 Jersey Lives On

In 1968, the NBA expanded, adding the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns. The 1968 NBA expansion draft would redirect Fred Hetzel’s career, as he was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks, ending his tenure with the Warriors. His departure, however, did not retire his number. Instead, he had inaugurated it. The No. 44 jersey would be worn by 15 other Warriors after him, a eclectic group that includes:

• George Johnson (1978-81): A defensive stalwart and key member of the 1975 championship team who wore 44 later in his second stint with the team.
• Joe Barry Carroll (1980-87): The controversial first overall pick in 1980, a talented but enigmatic center whose time with the Dubs was fraught with fan frustration.
• Andris Biedriņš (2004-13): The beloved “Latvian Laser,” a fan-favorite center who led the NBA in field-goal percentage in 2009 and embodied the hard-working, pre-dynasty Warriors.

This lineage transforms the No. 44 from a simple identifier into a historical document. It tells a story of promising starts (Hetzel, Carroll), defensive specialists (Johnson), and enduring role players (Biedriņš). Hetzel’s role as the origin point for this lineage grants him a unique place in the franchise’s numerical history. He wasn’t the greatest to wear it, but he was the first to establish its identity—an identity of capable big men and forwards who filled specific, vital roles on their respective teams.

Expert Analysis: Hetzel’s Place in Warriors History

Evaluating Fred Hetzel’s impact requires context. He was a No. 1 overall pick who never became a star, which in a vacuum might be labeled a disappointment. However, his drafting was a direct consequence of the team’s success the prior year (they acquired the pick via trade). He entered a win-now situation that evaporated almost immediately with Wilt’s departure. Hetzel’s true value was as a transitional talent who provided professional minutes and scoring during a chaotic rebuild.

In the modern analytics-driven NBA, Hetzel’s profile is fascinating. His per-36 minute averages as a Warrior—approximately 16 points and 9 rebounds—paint the picture of a very productive modern stretch-four, albeit without the three-point shot. His ability to score efficiently from outside the paint would be highly valued today. His legacy is less about statistics and more about symbolic stewardship. He carried the number through the franchise’s final years as the “San Francisco” Warriors before the 1971 rebrand to “Golden State,” making him a footnote in two distinct civic identities.

Looking forward, the No. 44 jersey awaits its next chapter. It has been dormant since Biedriņš’ departure in 2013, coinciding with the rise of the dynasty. Its future wearer will inherit a number with a deep, if understated, history. They will not be following a retired legend’s shadow, but rather stepping into a jersey worn by foundational players, top picks, and dedicated workers. The next Warrior to choose 44 will connect directly to that first link in the chain: Fred Hetzel, the college superstar who helped guide a franchise through one of its most uncertain periods.

Conclusion

The history of an NBA franchise is not written solely by its champions and MVPs. It is compiled by every player who checks into a game, every number that flashes on the scorer’s table. Fred Hetzel’s three seasons with the Warriors may seem like a brief prologue, but as the inaugural wearer of No. 44, he holds a permanent and significant place. He represents the hope of a draft pick, the reality of professional sports’ turbulence, and the quiet dignity of contributing to something larger than individual stats. As we trace the lineage of Warriors jersey numbers, we begin with Hetzel because every story needs a beginning. His No. 44, worn by giants and fan favorites in the decades that followed, started with a skilled forward from Davidson who was, for a moment, the future of a franchise forever on the move.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.