Warriors on TV: Should Chris Mullin replace Azubuike?

Analysis: We offer up a few candidates for the pre- and post-game gig

In late July, the Warriors and NBC Sports Bay Area announced that Kelenna Azubuike would take over as an in-game analyst on the team’s local cable telecasts next season. He’s replacing Jim Barnett, who after 30-plus years on TV, will move to radio alongside Tim Roye.

But what we haven’t heard yet is who’s replacing Azubuike?

Azubuike, of course, did a tremendous job for several years on the Warriors’ pre- and post-game shows with Greg Papa and Garry St. Jean. The three of them each brought distinctive views to the telecasts and meshed well.

Now, there’s a hole to fill and we know who our No. 1 choice would be.

Chris Mullin.

Mullin, of course, brings some hard-to-match credentials. He played most of his NBA career with the Warriors and is one of the most beloved members of the organization. He also spent time in the team’s front office, is a Hall of Famer and was a member of that first illustrious Dream Team.

Even better, he can handle himself around a microphone. Mullin seemed to be testing the TV waters during the NBA’s recent postseason. After stepping down from his post as head coach at St. John’s University, he filled in for St. Jean on a few nights when St. Jean took a vacation. Mullin also popped up on “The Jump,” ESPN’s popular NBA roundtable show.

Each time, his on-camera performance was nearly as smooth as his jump shot. He knew when to provide astute insights and when to step back and blend in. There were no signs of nerves. No awkward moments. He seemed to be at ease and his personality came through.

But what if Mullin still has his eyes on coaching? What if he simply doesn’t want to do TV on a full-time basis? Who would make our second tier of candidates?

Here’s a few quick takes:

— Stephen Jackson: Like Azubuike, Jackson was a member of the We Believe team — one of the most cherished squads in Golden State history. He’s a key, go-to panelist on “The Jump,” where’s he has never been afraid to speak his mind, even on controversial matters. Jackson is also 15 years younger than Mullin, so he brings the perspective of someone who has played more recently in the NBA and against some of its current stars.

— Baron Davis: He’s also a “We Believe” alum — and the undisputed leader of that team. In recent years, he’s been dabbling in TV, appearing several times on TNT’s free-wheeling “Players Only” broadcasts. Like Jackson, Davis isn’t shy when it comes to expressing his opinions. He would also bring a great, infectious sense of humor to the job.

— David West: Everyone associated with the recently retired Warrior raves about how thoughtful and cerebral he is — great qualities to bring to the telecasts. Also, out of all of our candidates, he’s the only one who could speak to what it was like to be a part of the Warriors’ dynasty years. We have no idea, however, if broadcast work even interests him.

— Rosalyn Gold-Unwude: After two years, TNT cut ties with the former Warriors sideline reporter last month and we’re still curious to find out why. (She tweeted about the departure for the first time today). Her old job is now taken by Kerith Burke, but why not bring her back for the pre- and post-game shows? Sure, it would be an unconventional move, but Gold-Unwude knows the Warriors as well as anyone and now has been around the league. And as a former college player, she can dissect the game better than most sideline reporters.

— Don Nelson: Oh, this would be a lot of fun. But he’s probably just too darn attached to the weather — and the weed — in Maui.

So who’s the best person for the Warriors’ TV job? Are there other candidates who come to mind? Share your thoughts.