American · Shreveport, Louisiana · Born 30 August 1953American basketball center who played 21 NBA seasons, known as 'The Chief' and one of the greatest centers in basketball history with 4 championships.
Robert Lee Parish was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1953 and attended Centenary College. Golden State Warriors selected him eighth overall in the 1976 NBA Draft. His 21-season career — the longest in NBA history at the time of his retirement — produced four NBA championships (three with Boston in 1981, 1984, 1986 and one with Chicago in 1997) and nine All-Star appearances. He averaged 14.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. He was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team in 1996. His partnership with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale as the Boston Celtics frontcourt in the 1980s is considered the greatest frontcourt trio in NBA history. His nickname The Chief came from his stoic demeanour — he rarely showed emotion, spoke to journalists reluctantly and let his performance communicate everything. He played his 21st and final NBA season for the Chicago Bulls at age 43, winning a fourth championship as Michael Jordan's backup center. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. His consistency — never missing significant time through injury across two decades at the highest level — is as remarkable as any statistical achievement in his career.
Being part of Boston Celtics' legendary frontcourt with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, known as 'The Chief'
How They Played
Reliable two-way center with excellent fundamentals, consistent mid-range shooting, and exceptional longevity
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest centers in NBA history, holds record for most games played in NBA history at retirement
Career Honours
- NBA Champion 4x
- All-Star 9x
- NBA 50th Anniversary Team
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | 1976–1980 | 308 |
| Boston Celtics | 1980–1994 | 1106 |
| Chicago Bulls | 1996–1997 | 43 |
American Athletes