Run TMC wasn’t just ahead of time; it made the NBA fun again. On the latest episode of All The Smoke, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson break down how Tim Hardaway Sr., Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin built one of the most electrifying squads in basketball history.
You cannot tell the story of the NBA without mentioning one of the league’s most dynamic trios, Run TMC. Run TMC’s origins started with Mullin’s arrival in 1985 when the Warriors were rebuilding amidst a long playoff drought. Mullin noted that the Warriors made the playoffs in his second season and were trending upwards alongside Warriors legends Sleepy Floyd and Joe Barry Carroll. Mullin recalled those early years candidly — he was averaging 15 points a night but battling personal demons that led him to rehab. Mullin joked that 15 points a game back then wouldn’t turn heads, but today? That might land you $15 million a season.
When he returned, Don Nelson had traded away nearly the entire team. However, the addition of Richmond in 1988 was the catalyst for Run TMC, according to Mullin. He expressed that Richmond was a pro from Day 1, averaging 20 points in his rookie campaign and earning Rookie of the Year honors. Mullin stressed that the organization had some juice after that season. The Warriors drafted Hardaway the following season, and Run TMC was off to the races.
Hardaway was the trio’s mouthpiece and changed the dynamic of the team. Mullin said he was their version of Draymond Green and Stephen Jackson, but backed it up with crazy numbers. Mullin added that when Hardaway went up against the point guards of the early 1990s, — Kevin Johnson, Gary Payton, John Stockton, etc. — he would say he was busting their ass. Hardaway was so quick that Nelson actually had to slow him down. Mullin laughed as he told Matt and Stak, ‘’We couldn’t keep up with him.’’ Hardaway could get by the guy who was guarding him whenever he wanted. To try to make everyone keep up with Hardaway, Nelson had to make him give the ball up first and get it back a second time before he could make his move.
“I talked smack every day. We was some some bad MFs”⁰⁰Every team needs a Tim Hardaway 🤣
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Despite the success Hardaway would eventually find in Golden State, his NBA career got off to a tough start. Draft night didn’t go as Hardaway expected, as he was supposed to be a lottery pick, but rumors spread that he had bad knees. Nelson was spreading the rumor and planning to scoop him at No. 14. Teams passed up on Hardaway, and he slid down to the 14th pick for the Warriors. Although Nelson told teams to stay away from Hardaway, he had his sights set on him the whole time. Although Hardaway was unhappy about where he was selected, he admits that it was a blessing in disguise because he got to play with Richmond and Mullin. Hardaway felt he was the missing puzzle and clicked with Richmond and Mullin immediately.
Richmond became aware of Hardaway before the draft when Nelson brought him into his office to watch the film on Hardaway. When Nelson asked Richmond what he thought, he said he liked what he saw — a tough guard who was a great scorer and passer. Richmond added playfully that when watching Hardaway on film, he could hear his trash-talking coming through the TV. A pivotal moment for Richmond was when Nelson sat the team down and said Hardaway was the captain, and once Hardaway got the rebound, everyone on the court just needed to RUN. Richmond said humorously that everyone was trying to beat Hardaway down the court because if not, it would be one on five, or he was pulling the trigger for a jump shot. They implemented a rule where only three players could take the first shot. To hold them accountable, Nelson would say in the huddle that they would run motion, but he would run plays if they were not sharing the ball. Richmond added that he had to learn from Mullin because he constantly moved. Richmond emphasized how vital movement was in the Warriors’ offense, like back cuts being essential to get teammates open. Moreover, he highlighted that whoever had the ball in their hand was a point guard, and if you did not have a good shot, you had to pass it. However, if you were open, Nelson put the confidence in his players to take the shot.
Watch or listen to the full episode below and keep an eye on DraftKings Network for new episodes of All The Smoke every Thursday at 6 p.m. ET!
SHOW BREAKDOWN
Run TMC REUNION: The Rapid Rise and Sudden Fall of the Iconic Warriors Big 3
Run TMC was electric, unstoppable — and short-lived. This episode dives into the rise of the legendary trio of Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin, and how it all fell apart just as fast as it came together. Relive the magic and the heartbreak of one of the most iconic teams in Warriors history.
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