15 players you forgot played for the Golden State Warriors
3. Robert Parish (1976-80)
During a career that included the most NBA games played by an individual with 1,611, Robert Parish is best known for his work as a Boston Celtic, and for good reason.
The Hall of Fame big man was a nine-time All-Star in green and helped the historic franchise raise three championship banners with statistical averages of 16.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game across 14 seasons.
But before he could put in the work that would put his No. 00 in the rafters of TD Garden, The Chief was a burgeoning man in the middle for the Golden State Warriors.
Happy Birthday, Robert Parish (64) The offensive/defensive repertoire of Parish's @Hoophall career on full display (@Warriors @Celtics) pic.twitter.com/DR3BBvQDZS
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) August 30, 2017
Drafted with the eighth overall pick by the Dubs in 1976, Parish spent his first two seasons in more of a developmental state with modest numbers of 10.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.
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The following two years saw that progress come to fruition in combined averages of 17.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.
By 1980 — Parish’s fourth pro season — the Golden State Warriors were spiraling down the standings tied for 10th in the Western Conference with just 24 wins that season, marking their third straight in decline.
To kickstart a rebuild, they orchestrated one of the most impactful trades in NBA history, shipping Parish and the draft pick that became Kevin McHale to the Cs for two first-round picks, reigniting Boston’s championship ways in the process.