With the news of former Golden State Warrior Chris Mullin’s induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame today, there has been lots of reaction about this distinguished honor by many of people around the Warriors organization. Here’s some of the reaction by a few prominent folks in and around the W’s:
Majority Owner Joe Lacob:
This is a tremendous and much-deserved honor for Chris Mullin. He’s certainly one of the greatest players in the history of our franchise and this solidifies his stature as one of the true legends of the game. Chris provided Bay Area fans with many incredible performances over his 13-year tenure with the Warriors and, just as importantly, was beloved by an adoring fan base for his likability as a person off the floor. He was a player who was completely devoted to his craft and NBA fans, and Warriors fans in particular, were the beneficiaries. As an organization, we are extremely proud of Chris and his election to the Hall of Fame and congratulate him on this outstanding achievement as he prepares to join basketball immortality in Springfield."
Notice the omission of talks about his time as Warriors GM, which not many people were too excited about.
Here’s another former Warrior player and GM Alvin Attles:
I was blessed with the opportunity to watch Chris evolve as both a person and a player from the moment he arrived in the NBA until the end of his illustrious career. He was simply an incredible player and one of the greatest shooters that I have ever seen. His work ethic and desire to improve his game in every facet – shooting, passing and even defense – is what set him apart from the average athlete. After 50-plus years in this league, I know that very few players have worked harder or prepared more diligently than Chris Mullin. The fact that he will now be rewarded with the ultimate honor – enshrinement into the Hall of Fame – proves that there is no substitution for hard work."
Attles definitely knows his basketball, I think he’s spot on about Mullin here.
Former Warriors Head Coach Don Nelson:
"I’m elated for Chris and the fact that he has been recognized as a Hall of Famer. He was the heart and soul of some very good teams with the Warriors and part of an exciting time for basketball fans in the Bay Area. His accomplishments at every level – high school, college, the NBA and the Olympics – are well-documented and his resume, quite honestly, is about as well-rounded as any player when you look at his entire body of work. He will certainly be remembered as one of the purest shooters in the history of the game and someone who got the maximum out of his ability."
What ever Nelly has to say, Warriors fans will always listen.
Warriors beat writer Marcus Thompson was more concerned with why Mullin’s jersey hasn’t been retired yet, especially now as a hall of famer. Here are some of his tweets from earlier today:
It will pain some in GSW organization, but they have to give Mullin his shine now, right?
I mean, if they are really all about the fans, wouldn’t they allow their fans to celebrate one of their all-time favorites?
If I were the Warriors brass right now, I’d be doing anything I could to get that jersey in the rafters ASAP, definitely before the season is over.
Stay with SB Nation Bay Area for more news and analysis about Chris Mullin as it unfolds.