Mullin reverse's retirement decision. - RMJH4's Blog

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Mullin reverse's retirement decision.

Posted on June 19, 2018 at 11:09 AM.

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Mullin reverse's retirement decision, sign with Wizards.

Mullin had agreed to a one-year contract with the Golden State Warriors last season, assuring them he would finish his NBA playing days in the same place he played his first 12 seasons. The four-time All-Star was waived by the Warriors two weeks ago. Mullin had been planning a retirement party at this season's opening night, but that was abruptly cancelled when he received a call from the Wizards.

Mullin holds the Warriors franchise records for games played (787) and steals (1,344), while ranking fourth in points (16,120), fourth in assists (3,127) and second in 3-pointers (571).

Mullin said it was "a special day for everyone in the NBA when Jordan announced his return, I just had to be part of it."

"He's in the twilight of his career, but I think he has his own short-term goals," coach Doug Collins said. "Also, the long-term situation is important to Chris." We view him as someone who could join our coaching staff after he finally retires.

Mullin's return came together last week when he was in the DC Area. He scrimmaged with Jordan and several Wizards players and discovered he was energized by Jordan's fountain of youth and the opportunity to do something special with the Wizards this season.

"I've known Chris for a very long time and consider him like a brother," Jordan said. "Over the years and over the past months, we have talked about what his game plan was. Patrick and I had a good time reminiscing with Chris about the 92 Olympics. We talked last week while he was here playing with some of the guys."

Collins said five players asked him to sign Mullin and that he expects Mullin to serve as a mentor for young guard Rip Hamilton.

"I was taught a long time ago that you listen to your players," Collins said. "That meant a lot in the decision-making process."

Mullin said he isn't sure what his role will be with the Wizards, but "there's not a lot I haven't done, from being the No. 1 option to the No. 12 option."

"One night it might be a flashback night, and I'll get hot," he said with a grin.

Mullin, 37, averaged more than 25 points for five straight seasons with the Warriors, including a career-high 26.5 in 1988-89. With Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond, he formed the "Run T-M-C" unit that brought Golden State some of the best times in its fairly ordinary recent yers.

Mullin, an All-NBA first-teamer in 1991-92, has been a fan favorite in Oakland ever since he was the seventh overall pick in the 1985 draft. He even received standing ovations when he returned from a stint in alcohol rehab that caused him to miss 22 games in 1987-88.

A two-time Olympian and a member of the original Dream Team in 1992, Mullin was traded to Indiana for Erick Dampier and Duane Ferrell in 1997. As usual, the Warriors were going nowhere, and Mullin wanted a shot at an NBA title. He played for three seasons under coach Larry Bird, a Dream Team teammate and made the NBA finals.

Last season with the Warriors his playing time was heavily reduced to 18.7 minutes but he still managed to lead the team in 3 point percentage. His free throw percentage remained in the 80's and was only bested by Chris Mills. But what didn't show up was the fight he still showed on every possession. His 0.5 blocks per game and 0.8 steals per game showed the defense hadn't gone yet either, but teammates felt he was a better presence on that end than the numbers showed.

"Last week while I was here in DC, I got a good feeling about the guys here," said Mullin, sounding like a future coach. "I see players that want to be here, and I have the feeling they want direction.I think we can definitely make the playoffs this season. Which would be amazing considering they had the worst record in the league last season."