The rumors became reality today as Mitch Richmond was announced as one of several inductees into this year’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. With 12,070 points in a Kings uniform, Richmond becomes the 14th player in franchise history and first during the Sacramento-era to earn the Hall of Fame honor.
“I would like to thank the Kings organization for seven unforgettable years in Sacramento,” said Richmond in a statement sent out by the team. “My time in a Kings uniform playing to the support of the most raucous and passionate fans in the NBA certainly played a significant role in making it to the Hall of Fame. I also want to express my appreciation to all of the terrific teammates, coaches, front office personnel and staff who helped make those seasons special.”
Kings assistant coach Corliss Williamson spent the first three years of his career under the tutelage of the Hall of Fame guard. The 40-year-old former Kings big man says that he gained a great deal of knowledge from playing with Richmond at the beginning of his career.
“Mitch is a great guy,” Williamson said after Monday practice. “I came in as a rookie and he kind of took me under his wing. Having a chance to play with a guy like that and learn from him not only off the court but on the court – how to be a professional – I’m very happy for him.”
From 1988-98, Richmond averaged at least 21.0 points per game in 10 straight seasons. He also ranks 29th in league history with 1,326 three-pointers made, 34th in scoring average and 37th in total points scored.
“It’s very deserving,” Williamson said of Richmond’s induction into the hall. “He put in a lot of work during his time. One of the better players in the NBA during his time. It’s well deserved.”
Richmond will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on Friday, Aug. 8, 2014. The ceremony will take place in Springfield, Mass., home of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
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