Chris Mullin Golden State

Chris Mullin: The Golden State's Forgotten Hoops Hero

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell about a man who once ruled the hardwood in the Golden State. No, it's not Steph Curry or Klay Thompson. We're talking about a guy who was so good, they named a bridge after him. Okay, not really, but they should have!

Enter: Chris Mullin

Picture this: It's the late 80s, early 90s. The Warriors are a hot mess, and the Bay Area is in desperate need of a basketball savior. Enter Chris Mullin, the smooth-shooting, lefty wonder from St. John's. He was drafted by the Warriors in '85, and let me tell you, it was love at first sight. Well, for the Warriors fans, at least. For Mullin, it might've taken a bit longer to warm up to the Dubs' losing ways.

But hey, who could blame him? The Warriors were like that one kid in high school who always forgot his lunch. You felt bad for him, but you didn't want to sit with him at lunch. Until Mullin came along, that is. He was the cool kid who made the lunch table worth sitting at.

Mullin's Magic

Mullin was a scorer, plain and simple. He could shoot from anywhere, and he did it with a style that was as smooth as a glass of Napa Valley's finest. He was like a fine wine, getting better with age. His career high of 51 points against the Phoenix Suns in '92 is still a Warriors record, and it's not likely to be broken anytime soon. I mean, have you seen the Warriors' current roster? They've got more sharpshooters than a Renaissance fair!

Chris Mullin Warriors Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images

But it wasn't just his scoring that made Mullin a fan favorite. He was a team player, through and through. He passed the ball like a hot potato on a cold day, always looking for the open man. He was the ultimate assist man, and he did it all with a smile on his face. Well, most of the time. I've seen some game footage, and let me tell you, that smile can turn into a bit of a scowl when things aren't going his way. But who can blame him? He was a competitor, and he hated losing more than a Warriors fan hates traffic on the Bay Bridge.

Mullin's Legacy

Mullin's career spanned 16 seasons, 13 of which were spent in the Golden State. He was an All-Star, an All-NBA selection, and a key player on the 1991 U.S. Olympic "Dream Team." He's also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, which is like the Oscars of basketball. But for all his accolades, Mullin is still humble as they come. He's the kind of guy who'd tell you he was just "doing his job" after dropping 50 points. And that, my friends, is what makes him a true legend.

YouTube Gold: Chris Mullin Was An Assassin - Duke Basketball Report

So, the next time you're watching the Warriors light up the scoreboard, remember Chris Mullin. Remember the man who laid the foundation for the dynasty we see today. Remember the lefty wonder who made the Bay Area fall in love with basketball all over again. And then, raise a glass of that Napa Valley finest in his honor. Because, let's face it, the Golden State wouldn't be the same without him.

And there you have it, folks. The tale of Chris Mullin, the Golden State's forgotten hoops hero. Now, who's ready for another round?