NBA: 1980s All-Decade second team

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Oct 20, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; NBA legend Robert Parish acknowledges the crowd during the game between the Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Second Team: C – Robert Parish

1980s Resume: 10 seasons, five NBA Finals appearances, three NBA titles, one-time All-NBA Second Team, one-time All-NBA Third Team, seven-time NBA All-Star, 17.8 PPG, 10.4 RPG and 1.7 BPG, 19.2 average PER

Robert Parish never averaged more than 20 points per game in a single season and he was never quite as dominant as Hakeem Olajuwon, who locked up the center spot on our 1980s All-Decade Third Team. But considering The Chief played all 10 seasons in the 80s, won three titles in the decade and ended up logging an NBA record 1,611 games in his career, we’ll cut him some slack and give him Second Team recognition.

The Chief was known for his stoic nature, his impressive shooting touch for a seven-footer and his tendency to get out and run on the fast break. Parish’s shot was a bit of a rainbow, but it usually found its target and between The Chief, Bird and McHale, those 80s Celtics arguably had the greatest frontcourt in NBA history.

Parish was the defensive anchor for three title teams and five NBA Finals teams. His shot-blocking was much stronger in his first few seasons of the decade, but Parish was always a solid rebounder who could beat you from the free throw line or with a nice little midrange jumper. Had Hakeem played for more than five seasons in the 80s, he probably would have locked up this spot, but Parish’s longevity and championship pedigree gives him the edge when it comes to this All-Decade team.

What do you think of our 1980s All-Decade Third Team? Is there anyone that should be on the list? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter and tune in for First Team honors on Tuesday!

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