In 1985-86, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke the previous NBA record of 16 seasons held by Dolph Schayes, John Havlicek, Paul Silas and Elvin Hayes; he ended his own. On this page you will find a list of the leaders of the regular seasons in NBA history. Any questions, comments, feedback, or corrections combined (regular season and playoffs)? In such a vertiginous and physically demanding game, not many are able to endure two decades in the NBA, since this sport seriously affects an athlete's body. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Jamal Crawford in the first round of the 2000 NBA Draft, but on the same day of the draft, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he played his first four seasons.
In 1985-86, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke the previous NBA record of 16 seasons held by Dolph Schayes, John Havlicek, Paul Silas and Elvin Hayes; he finished his career in 1988-89 with a record of 20 seasons played. He always adapted to his role and did it, and that's why he stayed in the NBA for 20 years despite being an average player at best. Three other great basketball players played for 20 seasons: Los Angeles Lakers legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant, and Jamal Crawford, three times winner of the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award. NBA Hall of Famer Robert Parish made his debut in the 1976-77 season with the Golden State Warriors, then played 14 seasons with the Boston Celtics, winning three rings.
Being first in the overall draft comes with a lot of pressure and, unfortunately for these NBA players, it was just too difficult to handle. To stay in the NBA, you have to prove that you're one of the best players in the world and that you're up to the league's standards. The three-time sixth NBA player played his last three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets. Throughout the history of the league, there have been several important prospects that fell short and didn't even last 10 years in the NBA.
Only ten players in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) have played 20 or more seasons in their respective careers. In addition to LeBron, there are two other players who are ready to register their 20th year in the NBA this season. A study by The Game Day claims to have found the best NBA players of all time, placing Michael Jordan and LeBron James out of the top five. The eight-time All-Star first played with the Toronto Raptors in 1998 and was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1999. Land of Basketball is a website for sports fans.
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