Chris Mullin

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Lore & Background

Mullin was born in Brooklyn, New York. As a youth, he regularly traveled to the Bronx and Harlem to play against the best basketball players in New York City. He won the 1974 'Elks Hoops Shoot' national free throw contest. He began high school at Power Memorial Academy, then transferred to Xaverian High School, leading them to a New York Class A state championship in 1981. In college at St. John's University, he was named Big East Player of the Year three times, was a member of the 1984 U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball team, and received the 1985 Wooden Award and USBWA College Player of the Year. He led St. John's to the 1985 Final Four and finished as the Redmen's all-time leading scorer with 2,440 career points. He is one of only three players to win the Haggerty Award three times (1983–1985).

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere shifted dramatically when Don Nelson took over as head coach, moving Mullin from shooting guard to small forward. This tactical change unlocked new dimensions in his game just as he was conquering his personal battles with alcoholism. The mid-to-late 80s saw the birth of 'Run TMC,' a trio named after the first initials of Chris, Mitch Richmond, and Tim Hardaway, drawing parallels to the rap group Run–D.M.C. Their offensive firepower made them the focal point of the Warriors' identity. Despite body breakdowns and injuries that later sidelined him, Mullin remained a clutch presence. His career concluded with a return to his original team for the 2000–01 season, capping a playing tenure that included stints in Indiana where he led the NBA in free-throw percentage (.939) during the 1997–98 campaign.

Reader's Guide

Mullin was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the seventh pick in the 1985 NBA draft. For five consecutive seasons from 1988 until 1993, he scored an average of 25 or more points and five rebounds. He formed the trio 'Run TMC' with Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway, which was the focal point of the Warriors' playoff run from 1988 to 1991. Mullin was a five-time All-Star during his time with Golden State. He was traded to the Indiana Pacers after the 1996–97 season. In his first season with the Pacers, he started all 82 games, averaged 11.3 points per game, and helped the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals. He appeared in three games of the 2000 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. He returned to the Warriors for the 2000–01 season, his last as a player. After playing, he served as Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Warriors and later as an advisor for the Sacramento Kings. He was head coach at St. John's University from 2015 to 2019.

Did You Know?

• Mullin is a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee: in 2010 as a member of the 1992 Dream Team and in 2011 for his individual career.
• He led the NBA in free-throw percentage (.939) during the 1997–98 season with the Indiana Pacers.
• Mullin chose #17 because it was available and he liked the number, not specifically for John Havlicek.
• He is the only men's basketball player to be named Big East Player of the Year three different seasons (1983–1985).

College Dominance at St. John's

Mullin was recruited by Hall of Fame coach Lou Carnesecca to play for St. John's University. In his freshman year, he averaged 16.6 points per game, setting a school record for freshmen. Over the next three years with the Redmen (now the Red Storm), he was named Big East Player of the Year three times and an All-American three times. As a senior averaging 19.8 points per game, he led St. John's to the 1985 Final Four. He finished his career as the program's leading scorer with 2,440 points. His individual honors included the 1985 Wooden Award and USBWA College Player of the Year.

The Run TMC Era and Personal Redemption

Selected seventh overall in the 1985 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, Mullin played alongside Eric 'Sleepy' Floyd before Don Nelson moved him to small forward. After admitting his alcoholism during his third season, he entered rehab and returned stronger. From 1988 to 1993, he averaged over 25 points and five rebounds per game. He formed the trio 'Run TMC' with Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway, a group that drove five consecutive playoff appearances. Mullin was a five-time All-Star during his time in Golden State.

Olympic Glory with Two Distinct Teams

Mullin won two Olympic gold medals in distinct capacities. He was part of the 1984 U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball team while still in college. In 1992, he returned as a professional to join the 'Dream Team,' the first American Olympic basketball team to include NBA professionals. During the 1992 Summer Olympics, Mullin started two games, averaging 12.9 points per game with 61.9% shooting from the field and 53.8% from three-point range. These achievements contributed to his unique status as a two-time Hall of Fame inductee.

Later Career and Coaching Transition

Traded to the Indiana Pacers after the 1996–97 season, Mullin played under coach Larry Bird. In his first season there, he led the NBA in free-throw percentage (.939) and helped the Pacers reach the Eastern Conference Finals. He transitioned to a bench role before being waived after the 2000–01 season, which he spent back with the Warriors. Post-playing, he served as general manager of the Golden State Warriors and special advisor for the Sacramento Kings. He later returned to coaching, serving as head coach of the St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team from 2015 to 2019.