Chris Mullin didn't think he'd see his No. 17 Golden State jersey hanging from the rafters at Oracle Arena, not after a bitter parting with the Warriors three years ago.

But Mullin has found a way to overcome a lot during his life and Hall of Fame basketball career, including a contentious halftime ceremony Monday night.

Mullin was honored at the half of Golden State's 97-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and while fans celebrated Mullin's career, they also took time to voice their displeasure with new co-owner Joe Lacob.

Lacob talked about "embracing history and respect" as he prepared to unveil Mullin's No. 17 hanging in the rafters at Oracle Arena, but angry fans showed little respect for the owner on Mullin's special night. A chorus of boos rained down on the new co-owner who, along with Peter Guber, took over the franchise in 2010. Last week the franchise traded star Monta Ellis to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Mullin and fellow Warriors great Rick Barry separately interrupted Lacob -- taking the microphone to come to the owner's defense during the ceremony.

"As the greatest fans in the NBA ... sometimes change is inevitable, and it's going to work out just fine," Mullin said. "With your support and patience, and use that passion in the right direction ... this thing is going in the right way. I've got great confidence in Joe, [coach] Mark Jackson and everything will work out just fine. Just a little bit of patience."

When the boos restarted for Lacob, Barry took the opportunity to chastise the crowd.

"This is crazy. Seriously. Come on, you're doing yourself a disservice," Barry said. "All of the wonderful accolades being sent to you [the fans], for you to treat this man [Lacob] who is spending his money to do the best that he can to turn this franchise around -- and I know he's going to do it. So give him the respect he deserves."

Lacob eventually finished the presentation for the former St. John's star and current ESPN analyst who went on to become a five-time All-Star after entering the NBA as a first-round pick in 1985.

After the game, Lacob expressed his feelings to the media.

"Look, fans are upset, I guess, that we traded one of their favorites (Ellis) and that's all I can attribute that to," Lacob said, as quoted by the San Jose Mercury News. "What I feel bad about is it kind of ruined a night that was very special, that the organization really tried to do the right thing for with Chris. And I feel good that we did that. I feel bad for Chris, more than anything else."

Lacob said the uncomfortable situation also got to Mullin as he spoke quietly to the owner before addressing the fans. Lacob summarized Mullin's thoughts, saying, as quoted by the Mercury News, "He (Mullin) was upset. He was upset with the situation."

Earlier in the evening, Mullin was having too much fun remembering his playing days and joking with former teammates to get caught up in a discussion about any lingering resentment he might have toward his former employers. READ MORE