Robert Parish Early Life and Childhood
Birth: August 30, 1953, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Robert Parish was born to Robert Sr. and Ada Parish. His early years were marked by the challenges of growing up in the segregated South. Parish developed an interest in basketball at a young age, despite his family’s modest means. His towering height, which eventually reached 7 feet, made him a standout on the court even in his formative years.
Robert Parish Education
High School: Woodlawn High School, Shreveport, Louisiana College: Centenary College of Louisiana
At Woodlawn High School, Parish’s basketball prowess began to shine. He led his team to the state championship and earned All-American honors. His performance earned him a scholarship to Centenary College, where he played from 1972 to 1976. Despite NCAA sanctions against Centenary that prevented them from appearing in the NCAA tournament, Parish’s individual performance did not go unnoticed. He averaged 21.6 points and 16.9 rebounds per game over his college career.
NBA Draft and Early Career
- Draft Year: 1976 Drafted By: Golden State Warriors, 1st round (8th pick overall)
Parish was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1976. His initial years in the NBA were promising but unremarkable compared to his later achievements. He averaged 12.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game during his four seasons with the Warriors.
Robert Parish Golden Eras in the NBA
- Golden State Warriors (1976-1980)
Early Promise: Robert Parish began his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors after being selected as the 8th overall pick in the 1976 NBA Draft. While his time with the Warriors wasn’t filled with championships, Parish showed promise as a reliable center. In his four seasons with Golden State, Parish averaged 12.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, demonstrating his potential as a dominant force in the league.
Rising Star: During these years, Parish’s talent became evident, and he started to gain recognition as a formidable player. Despite the team not achieving significant success, Parish’s performance laid the foundation for his future stardom.
Boston Celtics (1980-1994)
The Trade: In 1980, Robert Parish was traded to the Boston Celtics, a move that would define his career. The trade also brought Kevin McHale to the Celtics, creating one of the most dominant frontcourts in NBA history alongside Larry Bird. This trio became synonymous with the Celtics’ success in the 1980s.
Championship Years: Parish’s time with the Celtics was marked by immense success and three NBA Championships (1981, 1984, and 1986). During this era, Parish solidified his reputation as one of the best centers in the league. His durability, defensive prowess, and scoring ability were pivotal to the Celtics’ dominance.
Rivalries: The Celtics’ battles with the Los Angeles Lakers defined the NBA in the 1980s. Parish often faced off against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in these intense matchups, showcasing his skills against one of the greatest centers of all time. Other notable rivals included Moses Malone of the Philadelphia 76ers and Bill Laimbeer of the Detroit Pistons, both of whom provided fierce competition.
Charlotte Hornets (1994-1996)
Veteran Presence: After leaving the Celtics, Parish joined the Charlotte Hornets. Though he was in the twilight of his career, Parish brought veteran leadership and experience to the Hornets. His presence was invaluable in mentoring younger players and providing stability on the court.
Solid Contribution: During his two seasons with the Hornets, Parish continued to contribute effectively, averaging around 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. His time with the Hornets helped the team reach the playoffs, further highlighting his impact even in the later stages of his career.
Chicago Bulls (1996-1997)
Final Championship: Parish concluded his illustrious career with the Chicago Bulls, joining them for the 1996-1997 season. Although his role was limited, Parish added another championship to his resume, winning his fourth NBA title with the Bulls. Playing alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Parish’s veteran presence and locker room leadership were crucial components of the Bulls’ success.
Retirement: After winning the championship with the Bulls, Parish retired from professional basketball. His final season was a fitting end to a career that spanned over two decades and included numerous accolades and achievements.
Robert Parish Career Statistics
- Games Played (GP): 1,611
- Minutes Per Game (MPG): 28.4
- Points Per Game (PPG): 14.5
- Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 9.1
- Assists Per Game (APG): 1.4
Robert Parish Net Worth
As of 2023, Robert Parish’s estimated net worth is around $10 million. His wealth comes from his NBA salaries, endorsements, and post-retirement activities.
Robert Parish Controversies
Parish’s career was relatively free of major controversies. He was known for his stoic demeanor and professionalism on and off the court. One notable incident was his 1993 arrest for marijuana possession, which he described as a minor setback in his life.
Robert Parish Personal Life
Parish has kept much of his personal life private. He was married to Nancy Saad, but they divorced. Parish has children but has chosen to keep them out of the public eye.
Post-Retirement Activities
After retiring from professional basketball, Parish remained involved in the sport. He has worked in various roles, including as a broadcaster and a mentor to young players. Parish has also participated in numerous charity events and basketball clinics, contributing to the community and inspiring future generations of athletes.
Conclusion
Robert Parish’s career is a testament to resilience, consistency, and excellence in professional basketball. From his early days in Louisiana to his legendary status with the Boston Celtics, Parish has left an indelible mark on the NBA. His legacy continues to inspire both current players and fans of the game.
