Mitch Richmond (Los Angeles Lakers)
NBA Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond served as an offensive anchor for two struggling franchises throughout his career. During his first years in the league, as a Golden State Warrior, he had amazing chemistry with fellow teammates Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullin. The trio was called Run TMC, a play on words of the popular 1990’s rap group.
When he was traded to Sacramento in 1991, Richmond became the pure star of the team, averaging 21.9 points during his seven seasons. He was also selected as an NBA All-Star six times and won All-Star game MVP in 1995.
During the three seasons of Run TMC, the unit made it to the playoffs two times, but failed to make it passed the second round. When Richmond was the go to player for the Kings, they achieved one playoff berth in 1996, which ended in a quick 3-1 series loss to the first seed Seattle Supersonics.
Ultimately, Richmond would never see the NBA Finals as a starting player, despite averaging over 20 points during his time as a Warrior and King. A forgettable three-year stint in Washington, from 1998 to 2001, left Richmond injury prone and out of touch with his previous All-Star caliber performances. His last hope at a championship ring was with the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that were reigning champs for the last two years.
Of course, the Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, would go on to effortlessly sweep the New Jersey Nets in the 2002 Finals. A season that saw Richmond average an embarrassing 4.1 points in 62 games played, and playing a whole two minutes during the Lakers’ playoff run.
Richmond retired with a ring, but to a team that had great odds to three-peat as champs. The Lakers were the safest option to get him to a land he never reached, the NBA Finals. Bryant and O’Neal guided the path to the Finals, Richmond was simply taken for the ride.
A more self fulfilling path would have been a victory during Richmond’s early years with the blossoming Warriors team. Or, with the Kings, a franchise that retired his jersey number.