Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, was a key member of the Golden State Warriors and a vital part of the legendary 1992 Dream Team. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and high basketball IQ, Mullin recently shared a previously unheard anecdote about the now-iconic closed-door practice session where Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson battled for supremacy. As the two superstars went at it, Larry Bird watched from a distance, recognizing a changing of the guard.
During an appearance on All The Smoke, Mullin reflected on his time with the Dream Team and revealed Bird’s reaction to the intense scrimmage. According to Mullin, as Jordan and Magic fiercely competed, Bird smirked and told Magic it was time to pass the torch, acknowledging that Jordan was now the best player in the world.
“Magic and Bird were guys I looked up to… It was a passing of the torch. Larry passed it. A lot of those practice sessions you talked about, one of those was in Monaco. We went to San Diego for training camp and had to qualify for the Olympics because we lost in ’88. We went to Monte Carlo, played the French national team, and didn’t really play well,” Mullin recalled.
“So Chuck Daly was like, ‘We need one more practice before we go to Barcelona.’ That’s when that practice happened—closed-door, no one in the gym. Chuck split up the teams. Michael had a squad, Magic had a squad, and they were just talking trash. I remember Michael going right at Magic, and Magic wasn’t backing down. One of the greatest players ever, but he wasn’t just going to hand it over.”
Mullin went on to describe Bird’s reaction: “Larry had a bad back, so he wasn’t playing much. I remember during the scrimmage, everyone was talking. Then you look over, and Larry is just laughing, shaking his head, saying, ‘It’s over, man. Leave that guy alone. We had our time in the sun.’ It was amazing to see—not only Michael taking it, but Magic fighting for it before finally saying, ‘Here, you got it.’”
Chris Mullin’s journey: from Brooklyn to the Hall of Fame
Chris Mullin had a storied NBA career, earning recognition as one of the league’s most skilled shooters and a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1963, Mullin became a standout at St. John’s University, leading the team to the 1985 Final Four while collecting numerous collegiate accolades. His outstanding performances earned him the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, selected by the Warriors.
During his prime, Mullin was one of the most prolific scorers in the league. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, he formed part of the legendary “Run TMC” trio alongside Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond. Mullin averaged over 25 points per game for five consecutive seasons (1988-1993), earning five NBA All-Star selections and cementing his reputation as a premier offensive threat.
Beyond the NBA, Mullin was a key figure for USA Basketball, winning gold medals in both the 1984 Olympics and as a member of the iconic 1992 Dream Team. His sharpshooting, movement without the ball, and unselfish play made him an ideal fit for the star-studded roster that dominated international competition. His role on the Dream Team further solidified his status as one of the best wing players of his era.
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Mullin spent 13 seasons with the Warriors before finishing his career with the Indiana Pacers. After retiring in 2001, he transitioned into executive roles, serving as Golden State’s general manager from 2004 to 2009. In 2011, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his lasting impact on the game. Later, he returned to his alma mater, St. John’s, as head coach from 2015 to 2019. Mullin’s legacy remains that of one of the greatest shooters and most respected figures in basketball history.