1977 Topps #111 Robert Parish, ROOKIE / RC, Golden State Warriors - PSA 9 MINT.

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NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team

“Known for his mid-range jumper and defensive presence for the Celtics in the 1980s, Robert Parish was a part of Boston's Hall of Fame "Big Three" comprised of he, Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. The nine-time All-Star finished among the top 10 in the league in field goal percentage for six consecutive seasons and topped 10 rebounds per game in eight seasons.

Career

After a standout career at Centenary (21.6 ppg, 16.9 rpg) in which he played for Team USA in the 1975 Pan American games, Parish was drafted in 1973 by the Utah Stars and in ’75 by the San Antonio Spurs in the ABA Draft. He ultimately wound up with the Warriors after he was picked No. 8 in the 1976 draft.

After four seasons of solid play with the Warriors, Boston GM Red Auerbach landed Parish for two first-round Draft picks and Golden State’s 1980 first-round draft pick, which the Celtics used to select McHale.

Stoic in nature, Parish was nicknamed "The Chief" by teammate Cedric Maxwell, who picked the name in reference to a character in the film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

Parish enjoyed one of his best seasons in 1981-82, earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team and finishing second to teammate Bird in voting for the league’s MVP award. That season, he averaged 19.9 ppg and 10.8 rpg while finishing fifth in the league in total blocks.

Parish’s career was highlighted by remarkable durability, retiring as one of only 5 players to play at least 21 seasons and as the all-time leader in games played with 1,611. He finished as the Celtics all-time leader in offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds and blocks.

Parish won three NBA championships in the 1980’s with the Boston Celtics alongside Larry Bird and McHale. He played his final season as a reserve on the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls, which were led to a championship by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

Parish was the first player to wear No. 00, which he donned for all 21 seasons of his career. Forty-two NBA players have since followed in his footsteps, but his No. 00 has been retired by the Celtics since 1998.”