View source for Robert Parish

{{Short description|American basketball player (born 1953)}}
{{About|the retired basketball player|the American director-editor-actor|Robert Parrish}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Robert Parish
| image = Robert Parish.jpg
| width = 220
| caption = Parish in 2005
| height_ft = 7
| height_in = 1
| weight_lb = 244
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1953|08|30}}
| birth_place = [[Shreveport, Louisiana]], U.S.
| high_school = [[Woodlawn High School (Shreveport, Louisiana)|Woodlawn]] (Shreveport, Louisiana)
| college = [[Centenary Gentlemen basketball|Centenary]] (1972–1976)
| draft_year = 1976
| draft_round = 1
| draft_pick = 8
| draft_team = [[Golden State Warriors]]
| career_start = 1976
| career_end = 1997
| career_position = [[Center (basketball)|Center]]
| career_number = 00
| years1 = {{nbay|1976|start}}–{{nbay|1979|end}}
| team1 = [[Golden State Warriors]]
| years2 = {{nbay|1980|start}}–{{nbay|1993|end}}
| team2 = [[Boston Celtics]]
| years3 = {{nbay|1994|start}}–{{nbay|1995|end}}
| team3 = [[Charlotte Hornets]]
| years4 = {{nbay|1996|full=y}}
| team4 = [[Chicago Bulls]]
| cyears1 = 2001
| cteam1 = Maryland Mustangs
| highlights =
'''As player:'''
* 4× [[NBA champion]] ({{nbafy|1981}}, {{nbafy|1984}}, {{nbafy|1986}}, {{nbafy|1997}})
* 9× [[NBA All-Star]] ({{nasg|1981}}–{{nasg|1987}}, {{nasg|1990}}, {{nasg|1991}})
* [[All-NBA Second Team]] ({{nbay|1981|end}})
* [[All-NBA Third Team]] ({{nbay|1988|end}})
* [[NBA anniversary team]] ([[50 Greatest Players in NBA History|50th]], [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team|75th]])
* No. 00 [[Boston Celtics accomplishments and records#Retired numbers|retired by Boston Celtics]]
* Second-team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] – [[Associated Press|AP]] ([[1976 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1976]])
'''As coach:'''
* [[United States Basketball League|USBL]] Coach of the Year (2001)
| stat1label = [[Point (basketball)|Points]]
| stat1value = 23,334 (14.5 ppg)
| stat2label = [[Rebound (basketball)|Rebounds]]
| stat2value = 14,715 (9.1 rpg)
| stat3label = [[Block (basketball)|Blocks]]
| stat3value = 2,361 (1.5 bpg)
| HOF_player = robert-parish
| CBBASKHOF_year = 2006
| medal_templates =
{{MedalCountry|{{flagu|United States}}}}
{{MedalSport|Men's [[basketball]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Pan American Games]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[Basketball at the 1975 Pan American Games|1975 Mexico City]]|[[United States national basketball team|Team competition]]}}
}}
'''Robert Lee Parish''' (born August 30, 1953) is an American former professional [[basketball]] player. A 7'1" [[Center (basketball)|center]], nicknamed "'''the Chief'''", Parish played for four teams in the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA) from 1976 to 1997. During his 14-year tenure with the [[Boston Celtics]], Parish teamed with Hall-of-Fame forwards [[Larry Bird]] and [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]] to form one of the greatest front lines in NBA history.

During his college career at [[Centenary College of Louisiana|Centenary College]], Parish racked up impressive enough numbers to be drafted three times—twice by teams from the [[American Basketball Association|ABA]], and once in 1976 by the [[Golden State Warriors]] of the NBA. Parish played four seasons for the Warriors. In 1980, he was traded to the [[Boston Celtics]] along with a draft pick that the Celtics would use to select forward Kevin McHale. Parish and McHale joined star forward Larry Bird on the Celtics. Known as the Big Three, the trio won three NBA championships together. Parish left the Celtics as a free agent following the 1993–1994 season. He went on to play two more seasons with the [[Charlotte Hornets]] and one with the [[Chicago Bulls]], winning an NBA championship with the Bulls in 1997 before retiring from the NBA at age 43.

Parish played an [[List of National Basketball Association career games played leaders|NBA-record]] 1,611 games in his career. He played in 21 NBA seasons, [[List of National Basketball Association seasons played leaders|a 4-way tie for third-most in league history]]. Aside from his career longevity, Parish is known for his strong defense, rebounding, and high-trajectory jump shot. He is a nine-time NBA All-Star and a four-time NBA champion, and he was named to the [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History|NBA's 50th]] and [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team|75th anniversary teams]]. The Celtics retired his jersey in 1998. Parish was inducted into the [[Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame]] in 2003.

== Early life ==
Robert is the son of Robert Sr. and Ada Parish. He is the oldest of their four children.<ref name="espn.com1">{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=walton_bill&id=1610915|title=Walton: A Hall of an intro for The Chief|date=September 7, 2003|website=ESPN.com|last=Walton|first=Bill|access-date=March 17, 2019|archive-date=September 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923093937/https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=walton_bill&id=1610915|url-status=live}}</ref>

Parish was already {{height|ft=6|in=6}} tall in the seventh grade (age 12–13) when junior high coach Coleman Kidd first noticed him and encouraged him to play basketball, which was new to him. Coleman would come to the Parish family home if Robert missed a practice and gave Parish a basketball to practice with. It was at this time that Parish started wearing his uniform No. 00. The players got to choose their jerseys in order of perceived ability; as Parish was viewed as the worst player, he received the last remaining jersey, which was number 00. Parish stuck with the jersey throughout his college and professional career.<ref name="espn.com1" /><ref name="encyclopedia.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/parish-robert-1953|title=Parish, Robert 1953– - Encyclopedia.com|website=www.encyclopedia.com|access-date=March 17, 2019|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424062328/https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/parish-robert-1953|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Quinn |first=Justin |title=Iconic Boston Celtics center Robert Parish tells how he came to wear his retired No. 00 jersey |url=https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2023/10/09/nba-boston-celtics-parish-00-reason-jersey-23/77129840007/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Celtics Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>

"I really didn't like basketball growing up." Parish said, talking about how he focused instead on football, baseball, and track. "[Coach] Coleman would come to my house and take me to practice every day until I had to start showing up myself; I give all the credit to him."<ref name="encyclopedia.com" />

Parish attended [[Woodlawn High School (Shreveport, Louisiana)|Woodlawn High School]] in [[Shreveport, Louisiana]], where he played for Coach Ken Ivy. He had previously attended Union High School until it was closed due to desegregation. Named All-American, All-State, All-District, and All-City in 1972, Parish led Woodlawn High School to the 1972 [[Louisiana High School Athletic Association]] Class AAAA state championship.<ref name="espn.com1" /><ref name="encyclopedia.com" />

== College career ==
[[File:Parish Centenary.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Parish as a junior at [[Centenary Gentlemen basketball|Centenary]].]]
Parish attended [[Centenary Gentlemen basketball|Centenary College of Louisiana]]. "The reason why I chose Centenary is because of their coaches," Parish said. "I was very impressed with the coaches."<ref name="encyclopedia.com" /> However, he received virtually no notice because of one of the most severe penalties ever levied by the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]].<ref name="Invisible Man">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1975/12/08/613720/invisible-in-the-post |title=Invisible In The Post |first=Sam |last=Moses |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |page=1 |date=December 8, 1975 |access-date=March 23, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402210420/http://www.si.com/vault/1975/12/08/613720/invisible-in-the-post |url-status=live }}</ref>

Beginning in 1965, the NCAA used a formula to determine the academic eligibility of incoming freshmen seeking to play varsity sports.<ref name="Prop 48">{{cite web |url=http://www.ncaachampionmagazine.org/Championship%20Magazine/ChampionMagazineStory/ArticleListings/tabid/61/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/47/Default.aspx |title=Prop 48: 25 Years Later |work=NCAA Champion Magazine |last=Pickle |first=David |date=Summer 2008 |access-date=November 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226220536/http://www.ncaachampionmagazine.org/Championship%20Magazine/ChampionMagazineStory/ArticleListings/tabid/61/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/47/Default.aspx |archive-date=December 26, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> (At that time, freshmen were generally ineligible to play varsity athletics. The NCAA allowed freshmen to play varsity sports other than [[American football|football]] and basketball in 1968, and extended freshman varsity eligibility to those sports in 1972.){{citation needed|date=October 2023}} Parish took a standardized test that did not fit the NCAA's eligibility formula. Centenary converted his score to an equivalent that fit the formula, which it had done for 12 other athletes in the previous two years. This action violated NCAA regulations; however, the NCAA had not paid any attention to the school's actions prior to Parish's recruitment.<ref name="Invisible Man" />

Shortly before Parish was to enroll, the NCAA notified Centenary that he and four other basketball players whose test scores had been converted were ineligible to play varsity basketball. The NCAA added that the school would not be penalized if it rescinded the five scholarships.<ref name="Invisible Man" /> When Centenary refused to pull the scholarships, the NCAA placed Centenary's basketball program on probation for six years. During the six-year probation period, the college was barred from postseason play; its results and statistics were excluded from weekly statistics, and its existence was not acknowledged in the NCAA's annual press guides.<ref name="Invisible Man" />

Within days of its decision, the NCAA repealed the 1.6 rule, but refused to make the five Centenary players eligible. All five, including Parish, sued the NCAA to challenge its eligibility decision, but lost.<ref name="Invisible Man" /> The decision made Parish a sort of "invisible man" who racked up huge statistical totals in virtual obscurity. In his four years at Centenary, the [[Centenary Gentlemen basketball|Gents]] went 87-21 and spent 14 weeks in the [[AP Poll|AP Top 20 poll]], mostly during his [[1975–76 Centenary Gents basketball team|senior season in 1975–76]].<ref name="Centenary Parish">{{cite web |url=http://www.gocentenary.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17900&ATCLID=1306175 |title=Robert Parish |work=2009–10 Centenary Gents Basketball Media Guide |publisher=Centenary Sports Information |format=PDF |page=5 |access-date=June 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711103837/http://www.gocentenary.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17900&ATCLID=1306175 |archive-date=July 11, 2011}}</ref> While he averaged 21.6&nbsp;points and 16.9&nbsp;rebounds per game during his Centenary career<ref name="Centenary Parish" /> and Centenary recognized his records, the NCAA would not include Parish's statistics in its record books.<ref name="NCAA Season Records">{{cite web |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/stats/m_basketball_RB/2009/D1.pdf |title=Division I All-Time Individual Leaders: Rebound Average (Since 1973) |work=Official 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Record Book |page=19 |access-date=November 20, 2008 |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727114202/http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/stats/m_basketball_RB/2009/D1.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NCAA Career Records">{{cite web |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/stats/m_basketball_RB/2009/D1.pdf |title=Division I All-Time Individual Leaders: Career Records, Rebound Average (For careers beginning in 1973 or after) |work=Official 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Record Book |page=25 |access-date=November 20, 2008 |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727114202/http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/stats/m_basketball_RB/2009/D1.pdf |url-status=live }}<br /> The NCAA lists seasons by the calendar years in which they end.</ref>

=== Team USA 1975 ===
Between his junior and senior years at Centenary, Parish played for [[United States men's national basketball team|Team USA]] at the [[1975 Pan American Games]]. His difficulties with the NCAA indirectly led to his not being recommended for a spot on the team. Centenary paid his way to [[Salt Lake City]] to enable him to try out for Team USA. Parish made the team, was unanimously elected captain, and led the team to a gold medal.<ref name="Invisible Man" />

=== College legacy ===
Throughout his time at Centenary, Parish chose not to escape anonymity by either jumping to the [[National Basketball Association]] or [[American Basketball Association]] (the latter of which existed until the [[ABA–NBA merger]] in 1976), or by transferring to another college, even though the professional ranks offered him potential riches and a transfer would have given him eligibility and far more publicity. At the time, professional scouts did not question his physical skills, but were divided as to whether his decision to stay at Centenary was a show of loyalty or evidence of poor decision-making.<ref name="Invisible Man" /> For his part, Parish said, "I didn't transfer because Centenary did nothing wrong. And I have no regrets. None."<ref name="Invisible Man 2">{{cite magazine|url=http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1090563/2/index.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102063854/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1090563/2/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |title= Invisible In The Post |first=Sam |last=Moses |magazine=Sports Illustrated |page=2 |date=December 8, 1975 |access-date=November 20, 2008}}</ref>

Overall, Parish averaged 21.6 points and 16.9 rebounds in his 108-game career at Centenary and 24.8 points and 18 rebounds as a senior. The ''[[Sporting News]]'' named him a first-team All-American as a senior.<ref name="espn.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=may_peter&id=1609347|title=May: Chief was no big stiff|date=September 4, 2003|website=ESPN.com|last=May|first=Peter|access-date=August 25, 2018|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825212522/http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=may_peter&id=1609347|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2018, following a formal appeal from Centenary College, the NCAA announced that Parish's records would be recognized and placed into the NCAA Record Book.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ktalnews.com/sports/robert-parishs-college-records-will-be-recognized-by-ncaa/982273808/|title=Robert Parish's college records will be recognized by NCAA|first=Tim|last=Owens|date=February 20, 2018|website=KTALNews.com|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030000821/https://www.ktalnews.com/sports/robert-parishs-college-records-will-be-recognized-by-ncaa/982273808/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/college/2018/02/19/ncaa-recognize-robert-parishs-centenary-statistics/352722002/|title=NCAA to recognize Robert Parish's Centenary statistics|website=shreveporttimes.com|date=February 19, 2018|access-date=March 17, 2019|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424062329/https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/college/2018/02/19/ncaa-recognize-robert-parishs-centenary-statistics/352722002/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Professional career ==

=== Golden State Warriors (1976–1980) ===
After college, Parish was drafted in the first round of the [[1976 NBA draft]] by the [[Golden State Warriors]]. He had also been drafted by the [[Utah Stars]] in the 1973 ABA Special Circumstances draft and by the Spurs in the 1975 ABA draft. Parish signed with the Warriors. The Warriors were NBA champions in 1975 (two seasons prior to Parish's rookie campaign). However, when Parish joined the Warriors, their decline had begun, and they missed the playoffs completely from 1978 to 1980.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}

"I was seriously thinking about having a very short basketball career before the trade because of all the losing that I experienced with the Warriors, and being blamed for the Warriors demise." Parish said of his time with Golden State. "I understand that because I was the No. 1 player taken (by the team in the 1976 draft) and the blame falls on my shoulders. But basketball is not an individual sport. It's a team sport. And I just feel like the team was an assembly of misfits and too much independent thinking. Guys were thinking about themselves as opposed to the team."<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2016/03/robert_parish_remembers_arrgum.html|title=Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish remembers argument with Michael Jordan, Danny Ainge's great prank on Johnny Most and more|first=Jay|last=King|date=March 26, 2016|website=masslive.com|access-date=March 17, 2019|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424062335/https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2016/03/robert_parish_remembers_arrgum.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 307 games over four seasons, Parish averaged 13.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks with the Warriors.<ref name="basketball-reference.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/parisro01.html|title=Robert Parish Stats|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=March 17, 2019|archive-date=February 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224181056/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/parisro01.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Boston Celtics (1980–1994) ===
{{expand section|date=October 2023}}
[[File:Robert Parish Celtics.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Parish during his tenure with the Celtics]]
Heading into the [[1980 NBA draft]], the [[Boston Celtics]] lost [[Dave Cowens]] to retirement and had [[Larry Bird]] ready to start his second NBA season. The Celtics held the number one overall pick in the draft.

On June 9, 1980, in a pre-draft trade, Celtics president [[Red Auerbach]] dealt the top overall pick and an additional first-round pick to the Warriors for Parish and the Warriors' first-round pick, the third overall. With that pick, the Celtics chose [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]]. The Warriors then selected [[Joe Barry Carroll]] with the first pick.<ref name="basketball-reference.com" />

Reflecting on the trade after his retirement, Parish said, "I was surprised initially. But once I hung up from the Warriors after they called me and told me I was being traded to the Boston Celtics, I cheered and I jumped up and down ... because I went from the (penitentiary) to the penthouse, in my opinion... Being traded to the Celtics changed the trajectory of my career."<ref name="auto" />

[[File:Mayor Raymond L. Flynn and Robert Parish (9516906179).jpg|thumb|Parish in the mid-1980s with Boston mayor [[Raymond Flynn]]]]
Playing 14 years with the Celtics from 1980 to 1994,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://celticswire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-boston-celtics-parish-22000-bloom-sailors-born-wedman-trade-history-2023/|title=On this day: Parish scores 22,000th point; Sailors, Bloom born; Wedman trade|website=celticswire.usatoday.com|date=January 14, 2023|last=Quinn|first=Justin|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=June 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603045706/https://celticswire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-boston-celtics-parish-22000-bloom-sailors-born-wedman-trade-history-2023/|url-status=live}}</ref> Parish won three [[NBA Finals|NBA titles]] (1981, 1984 and 1986) while teamed with Bird and McHale. The trio came to be known as "The Big Three",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/569047-robert-parish-kevin-mchale-and-larry-bird-the-big-three-whats-in-a-name|title=Bird, Parish and McHale: Won't The Real Big Three Please Stand Up?|first=Kevin|last=Anderson|website=Bleacher Report|date=January 11, 2011|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029235542/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/569047-robert-parish-kevin-mchale-and-larry-bird-the-big-three-whats-in-a-name|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/celtics-10-greatest-teams-in-franchise-history-ranked|title=10 Greatest Celtics Teams In Franchise History, Ranked|first=Jay|last=Postrado|date=September 4, 2023|website=ClutchPoints|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030180806/https://clutchpoints.com/celtics-10-greatest-teams-in-franchise-history-ranked|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2020/04/22/robert-parish-bulls-celtics/|title=Robert Parish chose a winner between the 1986 Celtics and 1997 Chicago Bulls|first=Deyscha|last=Smith|website=www.boston.com|date=April 22, 2020|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029235542/https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2020/04/22/robert-parish-bulls-celtics/|url-status=live}}</ref> and is regarded as one of the greatest frontcourts in NBA history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba/news/this-date-in-nba-history-june-9-red-auerbachs-trade-1980-boston-celtics-dynasty/jbt0ej2341ie1fqulh9xbwf90|title=This Date in NBA History (June 9): Red Auerbach orchestrates trade to set up 'greatest frontcourt ever' for the 1980s Celtics & more|date=August 15, 2021|website=www.sportingnews.com|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029235913/https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba/news/this-date-in-nba-history-june-9-red-auerbachs-trade-1980-boston-celtics-dynasty/jbt0ej2341ie1fqulh9xbwf90|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/ralph-sampson-reveals-red-auerbach-tried-to-convince-him-to-turn-pro-in-1980|title=Ralph Sampson reveals Red Auerbach tried to convince him to turn pro in 1980: "There might not have been a Kevin McHale or Robert Parish"|website=basketballnetwork.net|date=July 7, 2023|last=Acedera|first=Shane Garry|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030000802/https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/ralph-sampson-reveals-red-auerbach-tried-to-convince-him-to-turn-pro-in-1980|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/73604-greatest-nba-trios-of-all-time|title=Greatest NBA Trios of All Time|first=Marcel|last=Smith|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=June 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606032855/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/73604-greatest-nba-trios-of-all-time|url-status=live}}</ref> Parish, Bird, and McHale were all named to the NBA's [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History|50th Anniversary All-Time Team]].<ref name="top50" />

Parish was nicknamed "the Chief" after the fictitious Chief Bromden, a silent, giant [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] character in the film ''[[One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (film)|One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest]]''. According to Parish, former Celtics forward [[Cedric Maxwell]] gave him this nickname because of his stoic nature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/240389-robert-parish-the-glue-of-the-1980s-celtics-championship-teams|title=Robert Parish: The Glue of the 1980s Celtics Championship Teams|first=Nick|last=Gelso|website=Bleacher Report|date=August 21, 2009|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206210319/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/240389-robert-parish-the-glue-of-the-1980s-celtics-championship-teams|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/how-robert-parish-got-his-nickname-the-chief|title=How Robert Parish got his nickname "The Chief"|website=basketballnetwork.net|last=Trivic|first=Filip|date=October 31, 2021|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029235544/https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/how-robert-parish-got-his-nickname-the-chief|url-status=live}}</ref>

Parish was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1981–82 and to the All-NBA Third Team in 1988–89.<ref name="basketball-reference.com" />

Parish is the Celtics' all-time leader in blocked shots (1,703), offensive rebounds (3,450), and defensive rebounds (7,601).<ref name="imdb.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1075445/bio|title=Robert Parish|publisher=IMDb|access-date=March 17, 2019|archive-date=October 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004225349/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1075445/bio|url-status=live}}</ref> In 14 seasons and 1106 games with the Celtics, Parish averaged a [[double-double]] of 16.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, shooting 55.2% from the floor.<ref name="basketball-reference.com" />

=== Charlotte Hornets (1994–1996) ===
On August 4, 1994, at age 41, Parish left the Celtics and signed as an unrestricted free agent with the [[Charlotte Hornets]].<ref name="basketball-reference.com" /> Parish spent two seasons with the Hornets, playing as a backup to [[Alonzo Mourning]] for the 1994-95 season,<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-nba-legend-robert-parish|title=Legends profile: Robert Parish|website=NBA.com|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202152131/https://www.nba.com/news/history-nba-legend-robert-parish|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-08-05-sp-23918-story.html|title=Parish Joins Hornets as Mourning's Backup|date=August 5, 1994|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=November 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102131240/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-08-05-sp-23918-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1995/11/01/hornets-look-to-deal-mourning/|title=Hornets look to deal Mourning|website=Tampa Bay Times|date=November 1, 1995|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030000658/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1995/11/01/hornets-look-to-deal-mourning/|url-status=live}}</ref> and starting 34 games during the 1995-96 season.

=== Chicago Bulls (1996–1997) ===
On September 25, 1996, Parish signed as a free agent with the [[Chicago Bulls]] after his release from Charlotte. With Chicago, Parish joined a team coming off a [[1996 NBA Finals|fourth championship]] with fellow Hall of Famers [[Michael Jordan]], [[Scottie Pippen]], [[Toni Kukoč]] and [[Dennis Rodman]].<ref name="basketball-reference.com" />

Playing his final NBA season with the Chicago Bulls in [[1996–97 NBA season|1996–97]], he won his fourth NBA title. Parish played a reserve role for the Bulls.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/05/27/0525-bh-s-parish/|title=Robert Parish thinks back on his Bullish last season|first=Mark|last=Murphy|work=Boston Herald|date=May 27, 2020|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028224608/https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/05/27/0525-bh-s-parish/|url-status=live}}</ref> He remained in the NBA until the age of 43.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/nba/who-is-the-oldest-nba-player-for-the-2023-24-season-and-in-history-heres-a-full-list/3245582/|title=Who is the oldest NBA player for the 2023-24 season and in history? Here's a full list|first=Logan|last=Reardon|website=NBCLosAngeles.com|date=October 17, 2023|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022220036/https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/nba/who-is-the-oldest-nba-player-for-the-2023-24-season-and-in-history-heres-a-full-list/3245582/|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 25, 1997, Parish retired from the NBA.<ref name="basketball-reference.com" />

=== Career statistics and records ===
As of 2023, Parish is first on the [[list of National Basketball Association career games played leaders]] with 1,611 games played<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/g_career.html|title=NBA & ABA Career Leaders and Records for Games|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=February 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220213952/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/g_career.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and is tied for second-most seasons played in NBA history with 21.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/player_yrs.html|title=NBA Individual Regular Season Records for Seasons|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030000717/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/player_yrs.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2022, he is the oldest player to win an NBA championship, having been a member of the NBA champion Chicago Bulls in 1997 at the age of 43.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/top-5-oldest-nba-players-taken-nba-court-history-featuring-robert-parish-vince-carter|title=Top 5 oldest NBA players to have taken to NBA court in history featuring Robert Parish, Vince Carter, and more|first=Michael|last=Macasero|date=October 18, 2022|website=www.sportskeeda.com|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030000658/https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/top-5-oldest-nba-players-taken-nba-court-history-featuring-robert-parish-vince-carter|url-status=live}}</ref> As of October 2023, he is [[List of oldest and youngest National Basketball Association players|the third-oldest player to ever play an NBA game]] (the two oldest players to have played in the NBA are [[Nat Hickey]] and [[Kevin Willis]]).<ref name="auto2"/>

Overall, in 1,611 NBA games, Parish averaged 14.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, shooting 53.7% from the field.<ref name="basketball-reference.com" /> In 184 career playoff games, Parish averaged 15.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, shooting 50.6% from the field.<ref name="basketball-reference.com" />

As of 2023, Parish ranks fifth in NBA history in career defensive rebounds with 10,117<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/drb_career.html|title=NBA & ABA Career Leaders and Records for Defensive Rebounds|website=[[Basketball Reference]]|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630043817/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/drb_career.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and fourth in playoff career offensive rebounds with 571.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/orb_career_p.html|title=NBA & ABA Career Playoff Leaders and Records for Offensive Rebounds|website=[[Basketball Reference]]|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=May 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530075521/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/orb_career_p.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Legacy ===
Parish is known for his defense,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportscasting.com/robert-parish-eviscerated-the-idea-of-nba-teams-playing-zone-defense/|title=Robert Parish Once Eviscerated the Idea of NBA Teams Playing Zone Defense: 'I Think They're Just Giving Up'|website=sportscasting.com|first=Joe|last=Kozlowski|date=August 21, 2021|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029235207/https://www.sportscasting.com/robert-parish-eviscerated-the-idea-of-nba-teams-playing-zone-defense/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2912009/2021/11/02/nba-75-at-no-74-robert-parish-was-the-unselfish-and-underappreciated-backbone-of-80s-celtics/|title=NBA 75: At No. 74, Robert Parish was the unselfish and underappreciated backbone of '80s Celtics|first=Zach|last=Harper|website=The Athletic|date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=March 5, 2023|archive-date=March 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305224750/https://theathletic.com/2912009/2021/11/02/nba-75-at-no-74-robert-parish-was-the-unselfish-and-underappreciated-backbone-of-80s-celtics/|url-status=live}}</ref> his rebounding,<ref name="auto3"/> and his ability to run the [[wiktionary:fast break|fast break]].<ref name="auto5"/> Fellow Hall-of-Famer and teammate [[Bill Walton]] once called Parish "probably the best medium-range shooting big man in the history of the game". His trademark was his [[Jump shot (basketball)|jump shot]], which traversed a very high arc before falling.<ref name="auto4"/>

"There was no showmanship to Robert's game," said Walton. "There was the rebounding. There was the defense. There was the scoring. There was the setting of screens. There was the way he ran the floor. How many centers in today's NBA do any of that"?<ref name="espn.com" />

Parish was inducted into the Centenary College Athletics Hall of Fame in 1988,<ref name="imdb.com" /> the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2001,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lasportshall.com/?inductees=robert-parish|title=Robert Parish|website=lasportshall.com|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821225631/https://lasportshall.com/?inductees=robert-parish|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[College Basketball Hall of Fame]] in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://petejkaplan.medium.com/robert-parish-kevin-willis-kevin-garnett-vince-carter-and-dirk-nowitzki-4484ea5d0fc6|title=ROBERT PARISH, KEVIN WILLIS, KEVIN GARNETT, VINCE CARTER AND DIRK NOWITZKI|first=Peter J.|last=Kaplan|website=petejkaplan@medium.com|date=June 29, 2020}}</ref>

In 1996, Parish, along with teammates [[Larry Bird]], [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]], [[Nate Archibald]], and [[Bill Walton]], was selected as one of the [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History]].<ref name="top50">{{cite web | url=https://www.nba.com/history/nba-at-50/top-50-players | title=NBA at 50: Top 50 Players | website=NBA.com | access-date=October 24, 2023 | archive-date=November 14, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114192212/https://www.nba.com/history/nba-at-50/top-50-players | url-status=live }}</ref> On January 18, 1998, the Celtics retired Parish's famous #00 jersey at halftime of a Celtics–Indiana Pacers game; Bird (who was then head coach of the Pacers) and McHale were present for the ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/day-celtic-champ-robert-parish-090031741.html|title=On this day: Celtic champ Robert Parish' Jersey retired; Burrough born|date=January 18, 2023|website=Yahoo Sports|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=January 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130023936/https://sports.yahoo.com/day-celtic-champ-robert-parish-090031741.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.<ref name="basketball-reference.com" /> In October 2021, Parish was again honored as one of the&nbsp;league's greatest players of all time by being named to the&nbsp;[[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced|title=NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced|website=NBA.com|date=October 21, 2021|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025195243/https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced|url-status=live}}</ref> To commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary, ''[[The Athletic]]'' ranked their top 75 players of all time and chose Parish as the 74th greatest player in NBA history.<ref name="auto3" />

"He was there for every practice," McHale said of Parish. "For every game. He very seldom missed anything, including assignments on the floor. His longevity is unbelievable, but his dependability was just as impressive".<ref name="espn.com" />

== Coaching career ==
In 2001, Parish served as the head coach of the Maryland Mustangs, an expansion team in the [[United States Basketball League]] (USBL).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Seidel |first1=Jeff |title=USBL: Minor League, Major Dreams |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2001/05/03/usbl-minor-league-major-dreams/81feb693-2473-4b2a-b56d-67c2fc181155/ |access-date=9 November 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=3 May 2001 |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117081438/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2001/05/03/usbl-minor-league-major-dreams/81feb693-2473-4b2a-b56d-67c2fc181155/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=grossfeld>{{cite news |last1=Grossfeld |first1=Stan |author-link=Stan Grossfeld |title=Robert Parish yearns for NBA coaching job |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2013/01/25/robert-parish-yearns-for-nba-coaching-job |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |access-date=November 9, 2020 |date=January 25, 2013 |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110052352/https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2013/01/25/robert-parish-yearns-for-nba-coaching-job |url-status=live }}</ref> Parish coached the team to a USBL Northern Division-best 19 wins and 11 losses (.633 win percentage). The team lost a quarterfinal playoff game against the [[Dodge City Legend]], 109–106.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of the United States Basketball League |url=http://www.apbr.org/usbl.html |website=APBR.org |publisher=Association for Professional Basketball Research |access-date=9 November 2020 |archive-date=July 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716024359/http://apbr.org/usbl.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Parish was named the USBL Coach of the Year, but the Mustangs folded after one season.<ref name=grossfeld />

Unlike his Celtics teammates [[Larry Bird]], [[Danny Ainge]], and [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]], Parish has not attained a coaching, executive, or commentary position in the NBA. McHale, who served as the general manager of the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]], said he tried to hire Parish shortly before his departure from the team but was unable to do so because of a lack of available positions. In 2013, Parish said that he considered himself a potential NBA coach; he added that his role during the final three years of his playing career was essentially a coaching role.<ref name=grossfeld />

As of 2016, Parish was a Celtics consultant, acting as a mentor for the team's big men.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2016/05/28/robert-parish-prefers-leave-glory-behind/ZLnuJdWnXxlRp31AIfAOuI/story.html|title=Robert Parish prefers to leave the glory behind|last=Washburn|first=Gary|newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=May 28, 2016|access-date=March 17, 2019|archive-date=July 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709201006/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2016/05/28/robert-parish-prefers-leave-glory-behind/ZLnuJdWnXxlRp31AIfAOuI/story.html?outputType=amp|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Parish was divorced from his wife, Nancy Saad, in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-05-30-9705300150-story.html|title=PARISH: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE|date=May 30, 1997|website=Chicago Tribune|access-date=September 9, 2023|archive-date=October 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028224626/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-05-30-9705300150-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1990, Saad sued Parish, accusing him of having physically abused her throughout their marriage.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1995/jul/28/parish-ex-wife-feud-is-very-old-news-and-much/|title=Parish, Ex-Wife Feud Is Very Old News And Much Disputed|website=www.spokesman.com|date=July 29, 1995|access-date=September 9, 2023|archive-date=November 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101182250/https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1995/jul/28/parish-ex-wife-feud-is-very-old-news-and-much/|url-status=live}}</ref> Saad stated that she was hospitalized following a 1987 beating from Parish.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1995/07/27/ex-wife-accuses-parish-of-abuse/d16c95e9-936a-4aff-a99f-ff66ff145a4a/ |title=EX-WIFE ACCUSES PARISH OF ABUSE |website=WashingtonPost.com |date=July 27, 1995}}</ref> Parish denied Saad's accusations;<ref name="auto1"/> in 2013, however, he admitted to having pushed Saad on June 2, 1987.<ref name=grossfeld />

Authorities found marijuana in Parish's home in February 1993.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/02/11/Marijuana-found-in-Parishs-home-authorities-say/9062729406800/|title=Marijuana found in Parish's home, authorities say -|website=UPI.com|date=February 11, 1993|access-date=September 9, 2023|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404034729/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/02/11/Marijuana-found-in-Parishs-home-authorities-say/9062729406800/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, Parish pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug possession charge and was given six months' probation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/02/25/Parish-given-six-months-unsupervised-probation/5547730616400/|title=Parish given six months unsupervised probation| website=UPI.com |date=February 25, 1993}}</ref>

During his career, Parish is alleged to have incorporated [[martial arts]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=may_peter&id=1609347|first=Peter|last=May|date=September 10, 2003|title=Longevity was Parish trademark|website=ESPN.com|access-date=August 25, 2018|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825212522/http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=may_peter&id=1609347|url-status=live}}</ref> [[yoga]], and [[vegetarianism]] into his training and conditioning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thesportster.com/entertainment/top-15-athletes-you-didnt-know-were-vegetarian/|first=Stephanie|last=Whitfield|date=April 14, 2015|title=Top 15 Athletes You Didn't Know Were Vegetarian|website=TheSportster.com|access-date=August 25, 2018|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825180330/https://www.thesportster.com/entertainment/top-15-athletes-you-didnt-know-were-vegetarian/|url-status=live}}</ref> In a 2022 interview, Parish stated he was never a vegetarian; he eats chicken and fish, but avoids [[red meat]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20230131224626/https://celticswire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-boston-celtics-parish-2022-cw-interview/ "Boston legend Robert Parish talks Celtics All-Stars, Robert Williams, coaching and more in new interview"]. celticswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved 31 January 2023.</ref>

Parish maintains a low profile however he has done work in the local community, working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-08-07 |title=Gillette Teams Up with Basketball Legend Robert Parish to Support Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston |url=https://www.aol.com/news/2013-08-07-gillette-teams-up-with-basketball-legend-robert-pa.html |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=www.aol.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Celtics00.png|thumb|The Celtics retired Parish's No. 00 in 1998.]]

==Career statistics==
{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|record=y}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|style="background:#CFECEC; width:1em"|*
|Led NCAA Division I
|}

===College===
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1972–73 NCAA University Division men's basketball season|1972–73]]
| style="text-align:left;"| Centenary
| 27 || 27 || 32.8 || .579 || – || .610 || '''18.7''' || .9 || – || – || 23.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1973–74 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1973–74]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1973–74 Centenary Gentlemen basketball team|Centenary]]
| 25 || 25 || 33.6 || .523 || – || .628 || 15.3 || 1.4 || – || – || 19.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1974–75 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1974–75]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1974–75 Centenary Gentlemen basketball team|Centenary]]
| '''29''' || '''29''' || 31.0 || .560 || – || .661 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 15.4* || 1.5 || – || – || 18.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1975–76 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1975–76]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1975–76 Centenary Gentlemen basketball team|Centenary]]
| 27 || 27 || '''34.8''' || '''.589''' || – || '''.694''' || style="background:#cfecec;"| 18.0* || '''1.8''' || – || – || '''24.8'''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
| 108 || 108 || 33.0 || .564 || – || .655 || 16.9 || 1.4 || – || – || 21.6
{{s-end}}

===NBA===

====Regular season====
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1976}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1976–77 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State]]
| 77 || 1 || 18.0 || .503 || {{sort|-|—}} || .708 || 7.1 || 1.0 || 0.7 || 1.2 || 9.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1977}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1977–78 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State]]
| '''82''' || 37 || 24.0 || .472 || {{sort|-|—}} || .625 || 8.3 || 1.2 || 1.0 || 1.5 || 12.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1978}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1978–79 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State]]
| 76 || 75 || 31.7 || .499 || {{sort|-|—}} || .698 || 12.1 || 1.5 || '''1.3''' || '''2.9''' || 17.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1979}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1979–80 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State]]
| 72 || 69 || 29.4 || .507 || .000 || .715 || 10.9 || 1.7 || 0.8 || 1.6 || 17.0
|-
|  style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|1980}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1980–81 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| '''82''' || 78 || 28.0 || .545 || .000 || .710 || 9.5 || 1.8 || 1.0 || 2.6 || 18.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1981}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1981–82 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 80 || 78 || 31.7 || .542 || {{sort|-|—}} || .710 || 10.8 || 1.8 || 0.8 || 2.4 || '''19.9'''
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1982}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1982–83 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 78 || 76 || 31.5 || .550 || .000 || .698 || 10.6 || 1.8 || 1.0 || 1.9 || 19.3
|-
|  style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|1983}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1983–84 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 80 || 79 || 35.8 || .546 || {{sort|-|—}} || .745 || 10.7 || 1.7 || 0.7 || 1.5 || 19.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1984}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1984–85 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 79 || 78 || 36.1 || .542 || {{sort|-|—}} || .743 || 10.6 || 1.6 || 0.7 || 1.3 || 17.6
|-
|  style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|1985}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1985–86 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 81 || 80 || 31.7 || .549 || {{sort|-|—}} || .731 || 9.5 || 1.8 || 0.8 || 1.4 || 16.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1986}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1986–87 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 80 || 80 || '''37.4''' || .556 || .000 || .735 || 10.6 || '''2.2''' || 0.8 || 1.8 || 17.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1987}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1987–88 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 74 || 73 || 31.2 || .589 || .000 || .734 || 8.5 || 1.6 || 0.7 || 1.1 || 14.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1988}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1988–89 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 80 || 80 || 35.5 || .570 || {{sort|-|—}} || .719 || '''12.5''' || '''2.2''' || 1.0 || 1.5 || 18.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1989}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1989–90 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 79 || 78 || 30.3 || .580 || {{sort|-|—}} || .747 || 10.1 || 1.3 || 0.5 || 0.9 || 15.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1990}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1990–91 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 81 || 81 || 30.1 || '''.598''' || .000 || .767 || 10.6 || 0.8 || 0.8 || 1.3 || 14.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1991}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1991–92 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 79 || 79 || 28.9 || .535 || {{sort|-|—}} || '''.772''' || 8.9 || 0.9 || 0.9 || 1.2 || 14.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1992}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1992–93 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 79 || 79 || 27.2 || .535 || {{sort|-|—}} || .689 || 9.4 || 0.8 || 0.7 || 1.4 || 12.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1993}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1993–94 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 74 || 74 || 26.9 || .491 || {{sort|-|—}} || .740 || 7.3 || 1.1 || 0.6 || 1.3 || 11.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1994}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1994–95 Charlotte Hornets season|Charlotte]]
| 81 || 4 || 16.7 || .427 || {{sort|-|—}} || .703 || 4.3 || 0.5 || 0.3 || 0.4 || 4.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1995}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1995–96 Charlotte Hornets season|Charlotte]]
| 74 || 34 || 14.7 || .498 || {{sort|-|—}} || .704 || 4.1 || 0.4 || 0.3 || 0.7 || 3.9
|-
|  style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|1996}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1996–97 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago]]
| 43 || 3 || 9.4 || .490 || {{sort|-|—}} || .677 || 2.1 || 0.5 || 0.1 || 0.4 || 3.7
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
|bgcolor="EOCEF2" |  1,611{{double-dagger}} || 1,320 || 28.4 || .537 || .000 || .721 || 9.1 || 1.4 || 0.8 || 1.5 || 14.5
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| All-Star
| 9 || 1 || 15.8 || .529 || {{sort|-|—}} || .667 || 5.9 || 0.9 || 0.4 || 0.9 || 9.6
{{S-end}}

====Playoffs====
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1977 NBA Playoffs|1977]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1976–77 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State]]
| 10 || 0 || 23.9 || .481 || {{sort|-|—}} || .654 || 10.3 || 1.1 || 0.7 || 1.1 || 12.1
|-
|  style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| [[1981 NBA Playoffs|1981]]†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1980–81 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 17 || 17 || 28.9 || .493 || .000 || .672 || 8.6 || 1.1 || 1.2 || 2.3 || 15.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1982 NBA Playoffs|1982]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1981–82 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 12 || 12 || 35.5 || .488 || .000 || .680 || '''11.3''' || 1.5 || 0.4 || '''4.0''' || '''21.3'''
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1983 NBA Playoffs|1983]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1982–83 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 7 || 7 || 35.6 || .483 || .000 || .850 || 10.6 || 1.3 || 0.7 || 1.3 || 14.7
|-
|  style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| [[1984 NBA Playoffs|1984]]†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1983–84 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| '''23''' || '''23''' || 37.8 || .478 || .000 || .646 || 10.8 || 1.2 || 1.0 || 1.8 || 14.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1985 NBA Playoffs|1985]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1984–85 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 21 || 21 || '''38.2''' || .493 || .000 || .784 || 10.4 || 1.5 || 1.0 || 1.6 || 17.1
|-
|  style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| [[1986 NBA Playoffs|1986]]†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1985–86 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 18 || 18 || 32.8 || .471 || .000 || .652 || 8.8 || 1.4 || 0.5 || 1.7 || 15.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1987 NBA Playoffs|1987]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1986–87 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 21 || 21 || 35.0 || .567 || .000 || .767 || 9.4 || 1.3 || 0.9 || 1.7 || 18.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1988 NBA Playoffs|1988]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1987–88 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 17 || 17 || 36.8 || .532 || .000 || .820 || 9.9 || 1.2 || 0.6 || 1.1 || 14.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1989 NBA Playoffs|1989]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1988–89 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 3 || 3 || 37.3 || .455 || .000 || .778 || 8.7 || 2.0 || '''1.3''' || 0.7 || 15.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1990 NBA Playoffs|1990]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1989–90 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 5 || 5 || 34.0 || .574 || .000 || '''.944''' || 10.0 || '''2.6''' || 1.0 || 1.4 || 15.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1991 NBA Playoffs|1991]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1990–91 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 10 || 10 || 29.6 || '''.598''' || .000 || .689 || 9.2 || 0.6 || 0.8 || 0.7 || 15.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1992 NBA Playoffs|1992]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1991–92 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 10 || 10 || 33.5 || .495 || .000 || .714 || 9.7 || 1.4 || 0.7 || 1.5 || 12.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1993 NBA Playoffs|1993]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1992–93 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 4 || 4 || 36.5 || .544 || .000 || .857 || 9.5 || 1.3 || 0.2 || 1.5 || 17.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1995 NBA Playoffs|1995]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1994–95 Charlotte Hornets season|Charlotte]]
| 4 || 0 || 17.8 || .545 || .000 || .400 || 2.3 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 0.8 || 3.5
|-
|  style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| [[1997 NBA Playoffs|1997]]†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1996–97 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago]]
| 2 || 0 || 9.0 || .143 || .000 || .000 || 2.0 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 1.5 || 1.0
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
| 184 || 168 || 33.6 || .506 || .000 || .722 || 9.6 || 1.3 || 0.8 || 1.7 || 15.3
{{S-end}}

== See also ==
* [[List of NBA career games played leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career rebounding leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career blocks leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career turnovers leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career personal fouls leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career minutes played leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff rebounding leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff blocks leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff games played leaders]]
* [[List of NBA single-game rebounding leaders]]
* [[List of NBA single-game blocks leaders]]
* [[List of NBA seasons played leaders]]
* [[List of oldest and youngest NBA players]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}

*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010211003007/http://nba.com/playerfile/profile/robert_parish_cp.html |date=February 11, 2001 |title=Robert Parish }} NBA biography (archived from 1997)
* {{basketballstats|bbr=p/parisro01}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Parish, Robert}}
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