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Making it into the NBA is an achievement in itself, but playing for an extended period is noteworthy. Players like Isaiah Thomas have had their careers cut short due to injuries; however, a few have managed to weather every storm and play for as long as their legs can carry them.
Players like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony from the 2003 NBA Draft class are active players with the longest careers. Udonis Haslem ought to be the active player holding the record, but he went undrafted in the 2002 NBA Draft and made his league debut in October 2003.
Playing in the NBA is a gruesome affair, as many fail to continually measure up to the league's standards. However, a select few have established themselves and consistently dominated the game even when they are not as athletic as they once were due to aging.
While many enjoy long careers due to their contributions on the court, a few others are more desirable for their off-court contributions. Haslem is a great example as he just inked another one-year deal with the Miami Heat despite playing only one game during the 2020-21 NBA season.
That said, here are the top five players with the longest careers in NBA history.
#5 Dirk Nowitzki - 21 seasons
Dirk Nowitzki is one of the few players that has spent his entire NBA career with one franchise. He scored 31,560 points in his 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, making him the sixth-highest scorer in the league's history.
Known as the creator of the famed fadeaway jumper, Dirk made scoring look easy and was effective from every area of the floor. Before the NBA, he played in Germany for DJK Wurzburg.
The Dallas Mavericks overcame the Miami Heat super team in the 2011 NBA Finals, all thanks to the heroics of Nowitzki. He led the franchise to their first-ever championship and was rewarded with the Finals MVP award for his effort.
The big man has set several records in the franchise, many of which will stay in place for the foreseeable future.
#4 Kevin Garnett - 21 seasons
Kevin Garnett was part of the team that formed a dominant era in the Boston Celtics' 21st century. His defensive acumen, dominance in the paint, and overall versatility made him an irreplaceable asset on any team he was on.
Garnett played in the NBA for 21 seasons, beginning and ending his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves while having spells with the Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. The power forward is one of five players in the league's history to have won the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year award in their career.
During his illustrious career, the forward received several accolades, including 15 All-Star appearances, 12 NBA All-Defensive teams and a four-time rebounding champion. Undoubtedly, his most prized award will be his championship ring that came in 2008.
#3 Kevin Willis - 21 seasons
Kevin Willis spent 21 seasons in the NBA and played for eight different teams. He could have perhaps been tied for No. 1 if he did not miss the 1988-89 season due to injury.
Willis was a skilled player and elite rebounder, but he did not get much recognition from the league. He made only one All-Star appearance in 1992 and was featured on the All-NBA Third Team the same year.
Although he made it to the NBA playoffs eleven times, he did not register much success as he only managed to win the championship once. The San Antonio Spurs, led by Tim Duncan, defeated the Nets in the 2003 NBA Finals to give Willis his first ring.
The big man was the oldest player in the league from 2004 until he chose to retire in 2007. His most impressive run in the league is when he registered double-doubles for four consecutive seasons.
#2 Robert Parish - 21 seasons
Although Robert Parish was the first player in NBA history to play for 21 seasons, he is currently tied with Garnett and Willis. He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1976, but his career took off after he joined the Boston Celtics four years later.
In his first season with the Celtics, he became an All-Star and went on to win the NBA championship months later alongside Larry Bird. Although he played for three franchises, his run with the Celtics was the most productive.
Parish ended his career on an exceedingly high note, playing alongside Michael Jordan for the Chicago Bulls. Although he featured in only two games during the NBA playoffs, Jordan and Co. won the 1997 NBA Finals.
#1 Vince Carter - 22 seasons
Vince Carter was the oldest NBA player before he decided to retire in 2020. Although he never won an NBA championship, he is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Carter was known as a high flier, which all of his aliases portray. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2000 and made appearances in several other years.
Carter won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1999 after he was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the draft. He was even more impressive in his sophomore year, where he helped lift the Raptors to their first-ever playoff appearance.
After playing for 22 seasons, the guard chose to hang up his boots before the restart of the 2020-21 season in July.
