The Warriors traded for Bernard King prior to the 1980–81 season, moving Short to a reserve role. That year he played in 79 games, where he had 391 rebounds, a career high 249 assists, and a 16.1 points per game average. The next few seasons he was the Warriors sixth man, playing behind Joe Barry Carroll, until gaining the starting job prior to the 1984–85 season.
The Warriors exchanged Bernard King before the 1980–81 season, shifting Short to a reserve position. That year he participated in 79 games, accumulating 391 rebounds, a career maximum of 249 assists, and an average of 16.1 points per game. The following seasons he served as the sixth man, playing behind Joe Barry Carroll, until securing the starting role prior to the 1984–85 season.