OAKLAND, CALIF. ? With his spiked hair and smooth jumper, Chris Mullin was one of the most popular players in Golden State’s history.

The Warriors are hoping he’ll be just as big in the front office.

Mullin was introduced as the Warriors’ executive vice president of basketball operations Thursday. Owner Chris Cohan believes the five-time All-Star will end the franchise’s 10-year absence from the playoffs — the longest streak in the NBA.

The Warriors have groomed Mullin for the job for the last two seasons, employing him as a special assistant. He dabbled in everything from management procedures to scouting until he was prepared to assume control.

“I didn’t want to take this job until I was ready, but it’s time,” Mullin said. “I feel like this team is right on the cusp of doing some good things. I feel honored to be the person chosen to lead that.”

Garry St. Jean was stripped of his title as general manager to make room for Mullin, though St. Jean will get another job with the Warriors. Neither St. Jean nor coach Eric Musselman, who’s expected to be fired soon, were at the news conference announcing Mullin’s promotion.

Mullin averaged at least 25 points per game each season from 1988-93. He played 13 of his 16 NBA seasons with Golden State, making the All-NBA first team in 1992.

Cohan, who made a rare public appearance on behalf of the franchise, consolidated his team’s often fractious front office under two men: Mullin and team president Robert Rowell. He identified Mullin as a potential manager five years ago after Mullin was traded to Indiana.

“These two gentlemen have many challenges ahead of them,” Cohan said. “But with Bob and Chris at the head of my business, I’ve really never felt more comfortable about the future of the Warriors. Their goal always remains a championship-caliber franchise.”

Mullin was the Warriors’ most visible and popular player almost from the moment he joined the team in 1985 following a stellar college career at St. John’s. His boundless energy and his crewcut, which became a fixture during his third NBA season, were synonymous with the franchise.

The Warriors made the playoffs four times in Mullin’s first seven seasons.

Now they again are heading for an early summer vacation in disarray — despite a respectable 37-45 record.