Robert Parish
Inducted:
2003
Player Stats
7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
244 lb (111 kg)
Born
August 30, 1953
Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
Position
Center
College
Centenary (1972–1976)
Robert Parish was one of the most durable and reliable centers in NBA history, earning the nickname “The Chief” for his calm presence and steady excellence. Over a 21-season career, Parish became a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics’ dynasty during the 1980s, anchoring the paint with strength, touch, and quiet leadership.
Known for his remarkable durability, Parish played an NBA-record 1,611 regular-season games over 21 seasons, a testament to his fitness and discipline (which he famously attributed to martial arts and yoga). He capped his career by winning a fourth championship with the Chicago Bulls in 1997 at age 43. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
Parish's Awards and Records
- 00 Retired by the Boston Celtics (1998)
- All-time NBA leader in games played
- One of the most durable players in league history
NBA Records
- 4x NBA Champion (1981, 1984, 1986, 1997)
- 9x NBA All-Star (1981–1987, 1990, 1991)
- All-NBA Second Team (1982)
- All-NBA Third Team (1989)
- NBA 50th & 75th Anniversary Teams
NBA Team
Golden State Warriors (1976–1980)
Boston Celtics (1980–1994)
Charlotte Hornets (1994–1996)
Chicago Bulls (1996–1997)
NBA Draft
1976: 1st round, 8th overall pick
Golden State Warriors
Number Worn
00
NBA Stats
Seasons:
21 (1976-1997)
Games Played:
1,611
Assists:
2,180 (1.4 APG)
Points:
23,334 (14.5 ppg)
Rebounds:
14,715 (9.1 rpg)
Blocks:
2,361 (1.5 bpg)
FG%
53.7
FT%
72.1
Points per Game:
14.5
NBA Championships:
4 (1981, 1984, 1986, 1997)