Mullin opens up on Chronicle Live — tonight at 8:30 p.m.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: It's and all-Chris Mullin edition of Chronicle Live tonight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area with the Chris Mullin Town Hall Special airing at 8:30 p.m. Don't miss Mullin's hour-long interview with Greg Papa before the Warriors retire his number.

OAKLANDWarriors great Chris Mullin will have his No. 17retired by the Golden State Warriors on March 19 at Oracle Arena. That night,when the Warriors play the Timberwolves, Mullin will join five other playerswho have had their numbers retired by the franchise:Tom Meschery, Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Nate Thurmondand Alvin Attles.The ceremony will come eight months after Mullin wasenshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.
In a lead-up to the event, Mullin sat down with Greg Papafor a special hour-long Chronicle Live appearance, which will air Friday at 5p.m., on Comcast Sports Net Bay Area.Mullin taped the interview at Oracle Arena at a Warriorsseason-ticketholders event, and he touched on a variety of subjects:On Warriors legend and ambassador Alvin Attles: "Al,to me is the face of this franchise forever. You talk about winning a championship, coaching, playing, GM, consultant, its Al Attles. He is theWarriors franchise. And the way he conducts himself behind the scenes withhumility and dignity, hes up there with the biggest influences of my life.On Larry Bird, whom he played with on the DreamTeam and then later for the Indiana Pacers: The Dream Team, itself,was an incredible experienceLarry Bird was a guy I totally idolized growingup as well. In 79, I was in high school watching Magic (Johnson) and Larry. Tobe able to play with him, spend time with him away from the court. We had a coollittle game of HORSE on day in Barcelona. Memories of a lifetime.On former teammate Mitch Richmond: Mitchwalked into training camp, I remember distinctly, at the College of Alameda,and the first practice he was the best player on the court. He was physicallyready to play in the NBA, strong, could jump, had a jump shot, had a post game,made his free throws, played great defense. The first practice it looked likehed been with us for years.On Tim Hardaway: Again, much like Mitch,the first day he walked into the gym, he had total confidence, total control ofthe team. Tim Hardawaynow we hear about Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose,Chris Paul, all these great point guards we have. Rajon Rondo, Deron Williams,You can go on and on. That was Tim Hardaway. Thats who he was.On Don Nelson: We go back to 87-88. Overthe course of all those years weve got so many great memoriesRun TMC,Manute (Bol), Tom Tolbert, Sarunas (Marciulionis), all these different guys,Nellie had a big part in putting that team together. Im forever grateful forthat. As I sit here, that was the greatest time I had playing basketball and alot had to do with Don Nelson.