What Happened to Run TMC?
Run TMC was the electrifying, high-scoring trio of Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin, who played for the Golden State Warriors for two seasons from 1989 to 1991. Known for their fast-paced "Nellie Ball" offense under coach Don Nelson, they captivated fans with their offensive prowess before the trio was broken up by a trade in 1991. All three members were later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and remain active in the basketball world through media, coaching, and promotional events as of 2026.
Quick Answer
Run TMC, the iconic Golden State Warriors trio of Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin, played together for two high-scoring seasons (1989-1991) before being disbanded by a trade. Their fast-paced, offensive style left a lasting legacy despite their short tenure. As of 2026, all three are NBA Hall of Famers; Tim Hardaway Sr. is involved in business ventures, Mitch Richmond participates in NBA events like the Rising Stars Invitational, and Chris Mullin serves as a Warriors broadcast analyst and makes public appearances.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Chris Mullin Drafted by Golden State Warriors
Chris Mullin was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA draft, laying the groundwork for the future trio.
Mitch Richmond Drafted; Don Nelson Becomes Coach
Mitch Richmond was drafted fifth overall by Golden State in 1988, the same year Don Nelson became the Warriors' coach and general manager, initiating the 'Nellie Ball' offensive system.
Tim Hardaway Drafted; Run TMC Forms
Tim Hardaway was selected in the first round with the 14th overall pick in the 1989 NBA draft, completing the trio that would become known as Run TMC.
Warriors Lead NBA in Scoring
In their first season together, the Golden State Warriors, led by Run TMC, topped the NBA in scoring, averaging 116.3 points per game.
Highest-Scoring Trio in NBA History (at the time)
Run TMC averaged 72.5 points per game, becoming the highest-scoring trio in NBA history at that point, and the Warriors sold out every home game.
Run TMC Wins First Playoff Series
The Warriors upset the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 1991 NBA Playoffs, showcasing the effectiveness of their unique offensive style.
Mitch Richmond Traded, Run TMC Disbands
Mitch Richmond was traded to the Sacramento Kings for Billy Owens, effectively breaking up Run TMC after just two seasons, as coach Don Nelson sought to make the team bigger.
Chris Mullin Inducted into Hall of Fame
Chris Mullin was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career, acknowledging the impact of his time with Run TMC.
Mitch Richmond Inducted into Hall of Fame
Mitch Richmond was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his stellar career, including his contributions to Run TMC.
Tim Hardaway Inducted into Hall of Fame
Tim Hardaway was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, completing the recognition for all three members of Run TMC.
Mitch Richmond Headlines NBA Rising Stars Invitational
Mitch Richmond served as a headliner for the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore, sharing his expertise with young basketball prospects.
Chris Mullin Autograph Event
Chris Mullin participated in a private autograph signing event, maintaining his connection with fans and collectors.
Tim Hardaway Sr. Comments on Son's Jersey Number
Tim Hardaway Sr. publicly stated that his retired No. 10 jersey for the Miami Heat would not be worn by his son, Tim Hardaway Jr., who recently signed with the team. [cite: 12 (from previous search output), 30]
Chris Mullin Continues Media Role
Chris Mullin remains active as a member of the Golden State Warriors' broadcast team on NBC Sports Bay Area, providing analysis and commentary on the team and league. [cite: 18 (from previous search output), 31]
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Run TMC, an acronym derived from the first names of Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin, emerged as a captivating force in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors from 1989 to 1991. Coached by Don Nelson, the team embraced a revolutionary, fast-paced offensive system dubbed "Nellie Ball," which prioritized scoring and perimeter play over traditional post-up offense. This style allowed the trio to flourish, leading the league in scoring in 1989-90 and finishing second in 1990-91.
The trio's peak came in the 1990-91 season, where they collectively averaged an astounding 72.5 points per game, making them the highest-scoring trio in NBA history at that time. Mullin finished eighth in league scoring (25.7 PPG), Richmond tenth (23.9 PPG), and Hardaway eleventh (22.9 PPG). Despite their offensive brilliance, the Warriors struggled defensively, a common criticism of the "Nellie Ball" system, and finished with a cumulative record of 81-83 over their two seasons together.
The key turning point and the end of the Run TMC era came on November 1, 1991, when Mitch Richmond was controversially traded to the Sacramento Kings for rookie Billy Owens. Coach Don Nelson stated he was under pressure to make the team "bigger" to improve their defensive shortcomings and elevate them from a good team to a great one. Richmond later admitted to friction with Nelson over defensive responsibilities and contract desires.
The consequences of the breakup were significant. While the Warriors initially performed well without Richmond in 1991-92, the trio's potential was never fully realized. All three players went on to have highly successful individual careers. Richmond won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002, and all three were eventually inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Mullin in 2011, Richmond in 2014, and Hardaway in 2022.
As of August 2026, the members of Run TMC remain active in the basketball world. Tim Hardaway Sr. is involved in various business ventures, including serving as President of Benjamin Banneker Wood Watches and a partner at SportsEdTV. He also made headlines in July 2026 regarding his son, Tim Hardaway Jr., signing with the Miami Heat, emphasizing that his retired No. 10 jersey would remain untouched. Mitch Richmond continues to be a prominent figure, having headlined the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore in June 2026, sharing his knowledge with young prospects. Chris Mullin maintains a public presence as a member of the Golden State Warriors' broadcast team on NBC Sports Bay Area and participates in events like autograph signings and media discussions about the Warriors and NBA history.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Run TMC made different choices?