Off topic with former NBA strongman Rick Mahorn

Rick Mahorn sat one row behind the baseline during pregame warmups. Very few people recognized the former NBA enforcer, but there he was, looking like a mere spectator.

Mahorn smiled as he was approached. The current Detroit Pistons radio analyst and former forward who played 18 seasons was known for never backing down from anyone and being quick to defend his teammates.

Ask Mahorn how he played until he was 40 and he points to the leadership he showed while lining up.

“You have to be a good follower. This is exactly what I have learned throughout my career,” he said. “You have to go out there and do the things you have to do as a player. If the coach tells you to arrive early or to arrive late, you have to lead by example and that’s what it’s all about. Life is an example of how you want to be perceived and I guess that’s what kept me in the league for so long.

Before the Pistons took on the Spurs last week, Mahorn also didn’t back down from an interview request, spending time discussing today’s NBA game, the former Spur reserve center and current Pistons Boban Marjanovic, as well as Gregg Popovich and Chuck Daly in this week’s game. Off topic.

What do you admire about today’s NBA game?

This has evolved a lot. I (wasn’t) a good 3-point shooter myself, but the three-ball is a must-have weapon in your arsenal, especially if you’re down 20. But the big thing I find interesting is the fluidity of the game – the open court, people are diving for the basket and then you get threes — it’s fun because it’s not as stagnant.

Why don’t we see the triple threat anymore?

You see it when it comes to the playoffs. The playoffs are a whole different animal. You can’t necessarily change your game if you want to shoot a whole bunch of 3s, but you have to make some saves. Defense is always going to be an anchor that you need to slow the game down a little bit because you’re playing this team seven times.

You’ve played against San Antonio many times over the years with and without Gregg Popovich as head coach. Most teams are going through a slump. Why were Spurs able to ignore him?

Well, it starts at the top. It starts with ownership. RC Buford then Pop, they have a great relationship. This is the San Antonio way. I mean, just give it to them. They have been doing their due diligence for 20 years. It’s incredible, especially in this day and age. And win five championships. What can you say?

The Spurs-Pistons connection resurfaced when Boban Marjanovic signed with Detroit. What do you like about Marjanovic?

It brings an additional dimension to your team. Boban can be under that basket, you can’t stop him because he’s going to make the shot. He’s not a monster. That’s what I like about him because of his skill level. He can shoot free throws. He can pull on the sweater, the little baby hooks, you love his big man game. Is this a big man’s play that is in today’s game? (No, but) you can use it in spurts. But everyone is running towards the 3-pointer.

If you were Marjanovic’s height (7-foot-3), in what area would you lead the league?

If I was Boban’s size when I played, it wouldn’t be a league. I would destroy it. I really would do it because of my temperament, my attitude, I wouldn’t back down. I would have been like Shaquille O’Neal. I mean, Shaq did it.

If you were still playing in the current championship, what role would you play?

Well, I would have to change my game a lot because it’s not (the same). Is there a guy like me in this league? Not necessarily. You have to have versatility, but with my basketball IQ, I understand the game and I understand where I need to be in the execution factor. So it’s all about change and you have to evolve with the times.

As a former player who lived through one of the most physical eras, when you hear guys complaining about playing too many games or playing games together, what do you say?

I tell them to get on a commercial flight, play three times in a row, and tell me how you feel after that.

Does it bother you when you hear complaints?

I mean, it’s a whole different league. I can’t hit him. It’s for the good of the league, for the good of the players. It’s better in basketball. Either way, you’re going to work out every day. I prefer to play the game rather than practice.

Who is your favorite player to watch right now?

Oh, it’s LeBron (James). I love watching LeBron because he brings a different element. He is tall. He is fast. He is strong. He gets to the basket and one thing about that, you never hear anything about him off the court. It’s about him on the field or him working for perfection. It’s about winning championships. It’s not just about the regular season. He wants to reach the final every year and I like that.

Is Kawhi Leonard in your top five or top 10?

Well, he didn’t play this year (laughs). He still has a lot to do. He only has one championship to his name. I like the way he plays on both ends of the court. I mean, (Leonard), I like the way Klay Thompson, Avery Bradley, I like guys that can play both ends. It reminds me a lot of the throwbacks in Detroit with Joe (Dumars) and Isiah (Thomas). They played both ends of the court as guards and against (Michael) Jordan, Dennis Johnson and everyone. They wanted to compete. I like people who can compete.

If you had to choose one young player to start a franchise with right now, who would it be?

I like (Joel) Embiid. I like his attitude. I like his spirit. Giannis (Antetokounmpo), I was never with him. I like what he can do, but I think I like Embiid because he’s the big man.

Speaking of big men, is it ever weird to see Tim Duncan’s jersey retired when we come to San Antonio?

Tim Duncan (laughs). Mr. Fundamental. He’s one of the best and he comes every night. That’s the problem: you want guys to come every night and be professionals.

What was it like babysitting Duncan?

He was so fundamentally sound. You couldn’t move it one way, but it could shoot the glass. He was a tough guard.

There are stories about how Duncan would teach people during the game how to guard it.

He didn’t tell me anything (laughs). (Expletive) maybe I should have (asked). Him and David Robinson, the only thing they wanted to do was beat you. And you know what? That’s what you like about guys who put everything on the field.

I miss the camaraderie. I miss the game. I’m very old now, but I miss the camaraderie.

Have you ever had a Popovich moment?

No, I just respect Pop. Pop is a good guy. Pop tells it like it is. I like its political side. I like his coaching style. He’s an honest guy.

Do you see yourself coaching again?

If I ever had this opportunity, I would love it.

Some guys stay away from the head coaching job because they don’t have the opportunity to go all the way. Watch the situation in Memphis with David Fizdale. This becomes an obstacle.

I mean, you know what, you coach to win. You handle things, but I learned a lot from Chuck Daly. You want to reach the final every year. And if you’re like Popovich, you’re fine.

Do you see any similarities between Popovich and Chuck?

(Laughs) I mean, Pop will insult you. Chuck won two championships and an Olympic medal. Chuck knew how to push politically correct buttons at all times. The only thing Pop can’t do that Chuck could do is dress up (laughs).