
Headed over to Oracle Arena for the Minnesota Timberwolves vs the Golden State Warriors.
I showed up early so I could capture some photos of Chris Mullin's press conference.

It was pretty cool waiting in the press room as names: And other players who's jersey have been retired by the Warriors Nate Richmond, Rick Barry, Alvin Attles, Tim Mescherly, with Barbara Lewis in place of her brother Wilt Chamberlain. And the other two/thirds of Run TMC Mitch Richmond, and Tim Hardaway.
I was asked to stay for the half time honoring Chris Mullin and revealing the retired jersey.
It started out as a great ceremony, Mully with his family and former teammates and coaches out to support him.



Chris Mullin thanked the fans and you really felt how much the fans loved him and appreciated his contributions to this franchise.

Then owner Joe Lacob took to the microphone - and fans started booing him as they are upset about the Monta Ellis trade which happened last week.

Lacob waited for the booing to stop while Mully came out to shake his hand to show his support of Lacob... but it wasn't enough.
Mully took to the microphone and explained to the fans how trades and changes are a part of the game, he was confident in the decisions of Lacob, and they should use their passion to support the team and everyone cheered.
But the second Lacob took the microphone, the boos started up again. So then Rick Barry who was trying to contain himself, grabbed a microphone and told the fans to stop being disrespectful. They cheered for him but went right back to booing when Lacob started attempting his speech again!

It's a shame because this ceremony was planned way before the trade happened and all it did was take away from Chris Mullin's special night. Though they may be upset with the decisions of Lacob, this was not the time or place to express that. Tonight should have been all about celebrating Chris Mullin.
Funny that a Tuesday, the day the trade was announced, I photographed a very happy Joe Lacob celebrating after their win over the Kings in Sacramento... less than a week later, he's being booed and his team is losing!
Warriors fell to the Timberwolves 97-93.
Full set: http://kelleylcox.com/action/basketball/nba/20120319timberwolvesatwarriors