Quentin Richardson says Rockets player forced him to adapt his game

13-year NBA veteran Quentin Richardson credits former Houston Rockets guard Cuttino Mobley for his development and adaptation of his game.

Cuttino Mobley played 11 seasons in the NBA, including stops with the Houston Rockets, LA Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and Orlando Magic. Mobley left his mark on the Rockets franchise, as he finished fifth in Rockets history in made 3-point field goals, which is impressive, considering how he only played six seasons with the Rockets.

Mobley proved to be capable of being the leading scorer or the Robin to the Rockets’ Batman, which was Steve Francis. Mobley led the Rockets in scoring and also had seasons in which he was the second-leading scorer.

Although he was partly remembered for his offense, Mobley was also a stellar defender, as outlined by 13-year NBA veteran Quentin Richardson.

Richardson credits Rockets’ Mobley for his development

“It took probably two years. My best friend was like ‘don’t let him strip you’. Because I used to punish people and go straight to the post.

Cat, he was smart. As soon as I would go to turn, he would flick it out. I would be hot. I feel like he was personally responsible for me taking my post game to the next level.

He made me figure out alot of stuff. And then on the other end, you already know Rudy Tomjanovich ran that shake two, and it was you and him on that elbow island. He was going to give you so much pivot, and so much everything.

He had a handle, had a mid-range, could finish, was way stronger and heavier than he looked.”

Mobley was one of the best two-way players during his playing days, as he finished 13th in scoring during the 2001-02 season, with 21.7 points per game, while making 39.5 percent of his threes. Mobley was cited by Los Angeles Lakers reserve J.R. Smith as one of the most difficult players to defend in NBA history.

Mobley was also stellar on the defensive end, as he finished 22nd in defensive win shares during the 2003-04 season. Mobley also finished 34th in the same category during the 2005-06 season, which is further proof of his defensive abilities.

Mobley has transitioned into an analyst role, as he’s currently employed by Fox Sports Radio, which has allowed him to remain around the game. Mobley is also in the Big 3, which has allowed him to continue to flash his 3-and-D abilities.

Although Mobley’s career was largely unheralded and unnoticed, it’s good to see the players, like Richardson, give him his credit.