Rick Mahorn
One of the few champions across the NBA, WNBA, and BIG3 leagues.
Derrick Allen Mahorn (born September 21, 1958) was an American pro basketball player recognized for his physical style as a power forward and center. His career took him through the Washington Bullets, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Jersey Nets. As a core piece of the late-1980s Detroit Pistons 'Bad Boys,' Mahorn hoisted the 1989 NBA Championship trophy. Announcer George Blaha gave him the title 'Baddest Bad Boy of them all.' After hanging up his sneakers, Mahorn worked as a radio analyst for the Pistons and joined Bill Laimbeer's staff as an assistant coach with the WNBA's Detroit Shock, securing a title in 2008. In 2017, he guided Trilogy to the inaugural BIG3 Championship as head coach, becoming one of a select few to bring home championships from the NBA, WNBA, and BIG3.
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Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Mahorn's journey with the Pistons began after he was traded from the Washington Bullets. Initially unhappy, he arrived at training camp overweight and out of shape, a sentiment he later shared in a 2014 ESPN documentary. Teammate Bill Laimbeer intervened, speaking to Mahorn about his role on the team, which led him to become an integral part of the core. On the court, he formed a physical pairing with Jeff Ruland while in Washington, earning the nickname 'Beef Brothers.' In Detroit, his toughness was central to the team's identity. The 1989 NBA Championship marked his only title as a player. However, the celebration was marred by an emotional twist: just two days after winning (on June 15), Mahorn was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the expansion draft because the Pistons elected not to protect him. While the team celebrated in Detroit, Mahorn was pulled aside to hear the news. His rights were traded to Philadelphia in a pre-arranged deal before he was expected to report, and the trade was finalized on June 24, 1989.
In Their Own Story
In Philadelphia, Mahorn reunited with former rival Charles Barkley to form a top-rebounding duo known as 'Thump N' Bump.' After two seasons in Philly, he moved overseas to play for Il Messaggero Roma in Italy's Serie A in 1991. Teaming with Dino Radja, he helped the team win the 1992 FIBA Korać Cup. His time there ended abruptly in October when he was kicked off the team after throwing a chair during a heated argument with head coach Paolo Di Fonzo. He returned to the NBA in November, signing with the New Jersey Nets, where he played for four seasons before returning to the Pistons in 1996–97 under coach Doug Collins. His final stint came with the 76ers before retiring after the 1999 season. The story of his career is one of resilience, from overcoming the shock of the expansion draft to bouncing back from international turmoil to finish his NBA journey.
Reader's Guide
Mahorn's post-playing career highlights a unique path to coaching success. He began as a color commentator for Pistons radio before joining Bill Laimbeer as an assistant coach with the Detroit Shock in the WNBA. Their partnership yielded two championships in 2006 and 2008. His tenure took a dramatic turn on July 22, 2008, during a Sparks-Shock game when he attempted to break up a brawl. In trying to restrain Lisa Leslie, his hand contact caused her to fall, resulting in a two-game suspension for Mahorn. On June 15, 2009, he was named head coach of the Shock, leading the team until it relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Later, in 2017, Mahorn took over as head coach of Trilogy in the BIG3 league. His roster featured stars like Al Harrington and Kenyon Martin, guiding them to the inaugural championship. This achievement cemented his legacy as a winner across three major basketball leagues.
Did You Know?
- Mahorn is one of several individuals to win championships as a player in the NBA (1989), an assistant coach in the WNBA (2008), and a head coach in the BIG3 (2017).
- He was dubbed the 'Baddest Bad Boy of them all' by Pistons announcer George Blaha.
- Mahorn was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the expansion draft just two days after winning the 1989 NBA Championship (June 15); his rights were traded to Philadelphia in a pre-arranged deal before he was expect
- While playing for Il Messaggero Roma in Italy, he was kicked off the team in October 1992 for throwing a chair at his coach during an argument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rick Mahorn?
Rick Mahorn was a dominant power forward and center known for his physical playstyle during the 1980s. He spent most of his career with the Detroit Pistons, where he became a central figure in their famous 'Bad Boys' era.
What role did Rick Mahorn play on the court?
Mahorn served as an enforcer and defensive anchor who protected the paint and intimidated opposing players. His aggressive style earned him the nickname 'Baddest Bad Boy of them all' from announcer George Blaha, though he never made an All-Star team.
Why is Rick Mahorn important to Pistons history?
He was a core component of the back-to-back championship teams in 1989 and 1990 that defined the franchise's identity. His relentless defense helped establish the tough reputation that allowed Detroit to win titles against superior offensive talent.
How did Rick Mahorn's career end?
After playing for several teams including the Washington Bullets, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Jersey Nets, he retired from professional play in the early 1990s. He subsequently transitioned into broadcasting as a radio analyst for the Pistons.
What unique achievements does Rick Mahorn hold?
Mahorn is one of the very few individuals to win championships across three different leagues: the NBA, the WNBA, and the BIG3. Following his playing days, he contributed to basketball success by serving as an assistant coach for the Detroit Shock in the WNBA.