Top 5 Players to Play Most NBA Matches in their Career

In the era of load management i.e., players resting themselves after playing 3-4 matches at a stretch, some players have rarely missed a game in their playing career even after having limited recovery options available. 

Here are the five players who have been legends to play the game.

5. John Stockton – Games Played - 1504

Team – Utah Jazz. Active Years – 1984 – 2003 Seasons Played - 21

John Stockton, 10-time NBA All-Star and a 2-time NBA Hall-of-Famer, Stockton is considered to be one of the greatest Point guards to play the game. Stockton was Drafted as No.16 seeds for the Utah Jazz and has been loyal since, alongside his long-term teammate Karl Malone.

Stockton has just missed a total of 22 games in his entire playing career, making him the most influential in the game. Stockton also leads in the following categories – Most Assists in the history of NBA – 15,805. Stockton has 1000+ assists in the Seven seasons of his playing career.

He has clinched almost all the trophies available to NBA teams but has never won the NBA Championships. Jazz along with Malone and Stockton have reached NBA Finals twice in their career and were knocked out in the NBA Finals by the Chicago Bulls.

Career Averages:

4. Dirk Nowitzki – Games Played – 1522

Team – Dallas Mavericks. Active Years – 1998 – 2019. Seasons Played – 21

Dallas Texas legend, Dirk has been sensational since he has been with the Dallas Mavericks. He played his entire basketball career with the Mavs.

He guided Dallas Mavericks to the infamous 2011 NBA Finals, where he won the NBA Championship, against the Big 3 – LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade. The Championship is considered to be one of the greatest championships to be won by any franchise.

Dirk is the only player in NBA history to play 21 seasons with a single franchise and 1st European Player to start in the NBA All-Star Game. He currently is 6th on the All-Time scoring list.

Career Averages:

Also Read |  Top 5 Youngest Players to be Drafted in NBA

3. Vince Carter – Games Played – 1541

Teams – Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks.

Active Years – 1998 – 2020 Seasons Played – 22

Half Man Half Amazing, Vinsanity, Air Canada – Carter is one of them or the best in-game dunkers of all time. 6’6 shooting forwards has been associated with the NBA for 22 seasons. He has played with an NBA Player’s father and then his son. An 8-time All-Star, NBA Slam Dunk Champion – Carter Produced a noteworthy Dunk fest at the All-Star Competition in 2000.

Carter was easily dunking on grown men at the age of 41, but as the age got him, he started mentoring young guys during his tenure with the Kings and the Hawks. Carter is one of those players who retired without getting an NBA Championship. He came close to winning it with the Orlando Magic in 2010 but was eliminated by Cleveland Cavaliers.

He retired with an NBA sportsmanship award in 2020, as a mark of respect by the NBA for his 22 seasons in the NBA.

Career Averages

2. Kareem Abdul Jabbar – Games Played – 1560

Teams – Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers

 Active Years – 1969 – 1989 Seasons Played – 20

7ft 2 Center, Kareem Abdul Jabbar is one of the greatest players in the NBA’s history. He was Drafted as a No.1 pick back in 1969 with the Milwaukee Bucks, he is destined to be a franchise player. He guided the Milwaukee Bucks to their only NBA Championship in 1971, followed by Five more championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, forming a formidable due alongside Jerry West.

Known for his trademark goggles and the Skyhook Jump shot, made him unguardable during his prime and retired with 6 NBA Championships, Six-time Most Valuable Player and 19-time NBA-All-star to name a few of his accolades in the NBA

Career Averages

1. Robert Parish – Games Played – 1611

Teams – Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls

Active Years – 1976 – 1997 Seasons Played – 21

True iron man in History. It is difficult for a player to sustain their body for about 1611 games in his 21 seasons at the Professional level. He has almost played every game of the regular season right from his rookie year till his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets, his game time was reduced due to his age factor with the Chicago Bulls.

He is the Oldest NBA Player to win an NBA Championship. Parish was drafted as the 8th Overall Pick for the Golden State Warriors in 1976, then moved to the Boston Celtics where he made a mark in the NBA.

A 4-time NBA Champion, 9 Times NBA All-Star’s record is here to stay for a long time. Considering the amount of load management, injuries, and fatigue that the current players are complaining about, Parish’s record is safe.

Career Averages

Also Read | Top 5 Oldest Rookies in the NBA