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Robert Parish: aka The Chief

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      Robert Parish also known as The Chief, had no ego when it came to playing for the the Boston Celtics. A versatile big who could run the floor and finish fast breaks. His longevity and dependability were very impressive for a big. His high arching shot was like watching rain fall down. He was a strong defensive player who always had the knack for clutch rebounds and blocked shots. 

     Starting his career in Golden State, The Chief was labeled with a bad reputation. You never know a player until he's on your team and when Red Auerbach went calling to Golden State and offered the number one pick for Robert and the third overall pick history, was made. At first he was surprised to be traded but he was jumping up and down for joy to have a fresh start. Chief loved that the Celtics were all about team. They played for the name on the front of the jersey not the back of it. 

      When Robert joined the Celtics they also used that 3rd pick to draft Kevin McHale and when they teamed up with Larry Bird eventually they would become the greatest front court in NBA history! With that frontcourt they won 3 NBA titles in 81, 84, and 86! Chief was a nine time All Star, made the NBA's 50th Anniversary team and won a gold medal in the Pan American games. Chiefs number hangs from the Garden rafters. He is a member of the college basketball hall of fame and the Basketball Hall of Fame! 

     The Chief played an NBA record 1,611 regular season games. He is the all time Celtics leader in blocks, offensive and defensive rebounds. During his career with the Celtics he averaged a double double. Following his career with the Celtics he played for the Hornets and Bulls winning a title in 97 with Chicago. Little know fact is the Chief was coach of the USBL Maryland Mustangs and won coach of the year in 2001. 

     The Chief was a generational talent and could do it all. What was special about him was he had no ego. Try finding that in today's game. If anyone was ever at the Garden and saw the Chief play, to hear the crowd go CHIIIEEEF was truly special. The Chief should go down as all time great big man. People forget how complete a player he truly was. 

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Comments

  1. Srini NJuly 19, 2021 at 2:23 PM

    Thanks for passing down history for us young Celtics fans. Been a fan of C's since 2010, a decade but nothing like you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tom LaneJuly 19, 2021 at 5:24 PM

      Thanks. The Celtic Knight does his homework on the past (and present) glory of The Green. We love your input.

      Delete
  2. The Celtic KnightJuly 19, 2021 at 5:54 PM

    That means alot! Thank you

    ReplyDelete

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