Wikipedia article: List of National Basketball Association seasons played leaders

Question: who's played the most years in the nba
Short answer: Robert Parish *
Answer: Rank Player Position Team ( s ) Seasons Robert Parish * Golden State Warriors ( 1976 -- 1980 ) Boston Celtics ( 1980 -- 1994 ) Charlotte Hornets ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1996 -- 1997 ) 21 Kevin Willis PF / C Atlanta Hawks ( 1984 -- 1995, 2004 -- 2005 ) Miami Heat ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Golden State Warriors ( 1996 ) Houston Rockets ( 1996 -- 1998, 2001 -- 2002 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2001 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 2002 -- 2004 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2007 ) Kevin Garnett PF / C Minnesota Timberwolves ( 1995 -- 2007, 2015 -- 2016 ) Boston Celtics ( 2007 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2015 ) Kareem Abdul - Jabbar * Milwaukee Bucks ( 1969 -- 1975 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1975 -- 1989 ) 20 Kobe Bryant SG Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2016 ) Vince Carter ^ SG / SF Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2004 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2004 -- 2009 ) Orlando Magic ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2011 -- 2014 ) Memphis Grizzlies ( 2014 -- 2017 ) Sacramento Kings ( 2017 -- 2018 ) Atlanta Hawks ( 2018 -- present ) Dirk Nowitzki ^ PF Dallas Mavericks ( 1998 -- present ) 8 Moses Malone * Buffalo Braves ( 1976 ) Houston Rockets ( 1976 -- 1982 ) Philadelphia 76ers ( 1982 -- 1986, 1993 -- 1994 ) Washington Bullets ( 1986 -- 1988 ) Atlanta Hawks ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Milwaukee Bucks ( 1991 -- 1993 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 1994 -- 1995 ) 19 James Edwards Los Angeles Lakers ( 1977, 1992 -- 1994 ) Indiana Pacers ( 1977 -- 1981 ) Cleveland Cavaliers ( 1981 -- 1983 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1983 -- 1988 ) Detroit Pistons ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 1991 -- 1992 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 1994 -- 1995 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1995 -- 1996 ) John Stockton * PG Utah Jazz ( 1984 -- 2003 ) Karl Malone * PF Utah Jazz ( 1985 -- 2003 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Charles Oakley PF / C Chicago Bulls ( 1985 -- 1988, 2001 -- 2002 ) New York Knicks ( 1988 -- 1998 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Washington Wizards ( 2002 -- 2003 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 ) Shaquille O'Neal * Orlando Magic ( 1992 -- 1996 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2004 ) Miami Heat ( 2004 -- 2008 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Cleveland Cavaliers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Boston Celtics ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Juwan Howard PF / C Washington Bullets / Wizards ( 1994 -- 2001 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2001 -- 2002, 2007 -- 2008 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2002 -- 2003, 2008 ) Orlando Magic ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 -- 2007 ) Charlotte Bobcats ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Miami Heat ( 2010 -- 2013 ) Jason Kidd * PG Dallas Mavericks ( 1994 -- 1996, 2008 -- 2012 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1996 -- 2001 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2001 -- 2008 ) New York Knicks ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Tim Duncan PF / C San Antonio Spurs ( 1997 -- 2016 ) Paul Pierce † SG / SF Boston Celtics ( 1998 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2014 ) Washington Wizards ( 2014 -- 2015 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 2015 -- 2017 ) Jason Terry ^ Atlanta Hawks ( 1999 -- 2004 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2004 -- 2012 ) Boston Celtics ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2014 ) Houston Rockets ( 2014 -- 2016 ) Milwaukee Bucks ( 2016 -- present )

Question: which nba player has played the most seasons
Short answer: Kevin Willis
Answer: Rank Player Position Team ( s ) Seasons Parish, Robert Robert Parish * Golden State Warriors ( 1976 -- 1980 ) Boston Celtics ( 1980 -- 1994 ) Charlotte Hornets ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1996 -- 1997 ) 21 Willis, Kevin Kevin Willis PF / C Atlanta Hawks ( 1984 -- 1995, 2004 -- 2005 ) Miami Heat ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Golden State Warriors ( 1996 ) Houston Rockets ( 1996 -- 1998, 2001 -- 2002 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2001 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 2002 -- 2004 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2007 ) Garnett, Kevin Kevin Garnett PF / C Minnesota Timberwolves ( 1995 -- 2007, 2015 -- 2016 ) Boston Celtics ( 2007 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2015 ) Abdul - Jabbar, Kareem Kareem Abdul - Jabbar * Milwaukee Bucks ( 1969 -- 1975 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1975 -- 1989 ) 20 Bryant, Kobe Kobe Bryant SG Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2016 ) Carter, Vince Vince Carter ^ SG / SF Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2004 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2004 -- 2009 ) Orlando Magic ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2011 -- 2014 ) Memphis Grizzlies ( 2014 -- 2017 ) Sacramento Kings ( 2017 -- present ) Nowitzki, Dirk Dirk Nowitzki ^ PF Dallas Mavericks ( 1998 -- present ) 8 Malone, Moses Moses Malone * Buffalo Braves ( 1976 ) Houston Rockets ( 1976 -- 1982 ) Philadelphia 76ers ( 1982 -- 1986, 1993 -- 1994 ) Washington Bullets ( 1986 -- 1988 ) Atlanta Hawks ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Milwaukee Bucks ( 1991 -- 1993 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 1994 -- 1995 ) 19 Edwards, James James Edwards Los Angeles Lakers ( 1977, 1992 -- 1994 ) Indiana Pacers 1977 -- 1981 Cleveland Cavaliers ( 1981 -- 1983 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1983 -- 1988 ) Detroit Pistons ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 1991 -- 1992 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 1994 -- 1995 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1995 -- 1996 ) Stockton, John John Stockton * PG Utah Jazz ( 1984 -- 2003 ) Malone, Karl Karl Malone * PF Utah Jazz ( 1985 -- 2003 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Oakley, Charles Charles Oakley PF / C Chicago Bulls ( 1985 -- 1988, 2001 -- 2002 ) New York Knicks ( 1988 -- 1998 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Washington Wizards ( 2002 -- 2003 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 ) O'Neal, Shaquille Shaquille O'Neal * Orlando Magic ( 1992 -- 1996 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2004 ) Miami Heat ( 2004 -- 2008 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Cleveland Cavaliers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Boston Celtics ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Howard, Juwan Juwan Howard PF / C Washington Bullets / Wizards ( 1994 -- 2001 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2001 -- 2002, 2007 -- 2008 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2002 -- 2003, 2008 ) Orlando Magic ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 -- 2007 ) Charlotte Bobcats ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Miami Heat ( 2010 -- 2013 ) Kidd, Jason Jason Kidd * PG Dallas Mavericks ( 1994 -- 1996, 2008 -- 2012 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1996 -- 2001 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2001 -- 2008 ) New York Knicks ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Duncan, Tim Tim Duncan PF / C San Antonio Spurs ( 1997 -- 2016 ) Pierce, Paul Paul Pierce † SG / SF Boston Celtics ( 1998 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2014 ) Washington Wizards ( 2014 -- 2015 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 2015 -- 2017 ) Terry, Jason Jason Terry ^ Atlanta Hawks ( 1999 -- 2004 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2004 -- 2012 ) Boston Celtics ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2014 ) Houston Rockets ( 2014 -- 2016 ) Milwaukee Bucks ( 2016 -- present )

Question: who had the longest career in the nba
Short answer: Robert Parish *
Answer: Rank Player Position Team ( s ) Seasons Robert Parish * Golden State Warriors ( 1976 -- 1980 ) Boston Celtics ( 1980 -- 1994 ) Charlotte Hornets ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1996 -- 1997 ) 21 Kevin Willis PF / C Atlanta Hawks ( 1984 -- 1995, 2004 -- 2005 ) Miami Heat ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Golden State Warriors ( 1996 ) Houston Rockets ( 1996 -- 1998, 2001 -- 2002 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2001 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 2002 -- 2004 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2007 ) Kevin Garnett PF / C Minnesota Timberwolves ( 1995 -- 2007, 2015 -- 2016 ) Boston Celtics ( 2007 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2015 ) Kareem Abdul - Jabbar * Milwaukee Bucks ( 1969 -- 1975 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1975 -- 1989 ) 20 Kobe Bryant SG Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2016 ) Vince Carter ^ SG / SF Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2004 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2004 -- 2009 ) Orlando Magic ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2011 -- 2014 ) Memphis Grizzlies ( 2014 -- 2017 ) Sacramento Kings ( 2017 -- 2018 ) Atlanta Hawks ( 2018 -- present ) Dirk Nowitzki ^ PF Dallas Mavericks ( 1998 -- present ) 8 Moses Malone * Buffalo Braves ( 1976 ) Houston Rockets ( 1976 -- 1982 ) Philadelphia 76ers ( 1982 -- 1986, 1993 -- 1994 ) Washington Bullets ( 1986 -- 1988 ) Atlanta Hawks ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Milwaukee Bucks ( 1991 -- 1993 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 1994 -- 1995 ) 19 James Edwards Los Angeles Lakers ( 1977, 1992 -- 1994 ) Indiana Pacers ( 1977 -- 1981 ) Cleveland Cavaliers ( 1981 -- 1983 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1983 -- 1988 ) Detroit Pistons ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 1991 -- 1992 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 1994 -- 1995 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1995 -- 1996 ) John Stockton * PG Utah Jazz ( 1984 -- 2003 ) Karl Malone * PF Utah Jazz ( 1985 -- 2003 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Charles Oakley PF / C Chicago Bulls ( 1985 -- 1988, 2001 -- 2002 ) New York Knicks ( 1988 -- 1998 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Washington Wizards ( 2002 -- 2003 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 ) Shaquille O'Neal * Orlando Magic ( 1992 -- 1996 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2004 ) Miami Heat ( 2004 -- 2008 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Cleveland Cavaliers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Boston Celtics ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Juwan Howard PF / C Washington Bullets / Wizards ( 1994 -- 2001 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2001 -- 2002, 2007 -- 2008 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2002 -- 2003, 2008 ) Orlando Magic ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 -- 2007 ) Charlotte Bobcats ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Miami Heat ( 2010 -- 2013 ) Jason Kidd * PG Dallas Mavericks ( 1994 -- 1996, 2008 -- 2012 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1996 -- 2001 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2001 -- 2008 ) New York Knicks ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Tim Duncan PF / C San Antonio Spurs ( 1997 -- 2016 ) Paul Pierce † SG / SF Boston Celtics ( 1998 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2014 ) Washington Wizards ( 2014 -- 2015 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 2015 -- 2017 ) Jason Terry ^ Atlanta Hawks ( 1999 -- 2004 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2004 -- 2012 ) Boston Celtics ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2014 ) Houston Rockets ( 2014 -- 2016 ) Milwaukee Bucks ( 2016 -- present )

Question: who has played the longest in the nba
Short answer: Robert Parish broke
Answer: Only seven players in the history of the National Basketball Association ( NBA ) have played at least 20 seasons in their careers. 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 then - record 20 seasons played. Robert Parish broke the mark in 1996 -- 97, when he retired after 21 seasons, and Kevin Willis tied him in his final season in 2006 -- 07. They were joined by Kevin Garnett in 2015 -- 16 when he began his 21st season. His Minnesota Timberwolves played their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant, who became the fifth player to reach the 20 - season plateau that night. The game was the first time in league history that two opposing players had at least 20 years of experience. Having played his entire career with the Lakers, Bryant was also the first NBA player to spend 20 seasons with one team. In 2017 -- 18, Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter began their 20th seasons. Nowitzki, who has spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks, joined Bryant as the only players to play 20 seasons with one team.

Question: who played in the nba the most years
Short answer: Robert Parish broke
Answer: Only seven players in the history of the National Basketball Association ( NBA ) have played at least 20 seasons in their careers. 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 then - record 20 seasons played. Robert Parish broke the mark in 1996 -- 97, when he retired after 21 seasons, and Kevin Willis tied him in his final season in 2006 -- 07. They were joined by Kevin Garnett in 2015 -- 16 when he began his 21st season. His Minnesota Timberwolves played their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant, who became the fifth player to reach the 20 - season plateau that night. The game was the first time in league history that two opposing players each had at least 20 years of experience. Having played his entire career with the Lakers, Bryant was also the first NBA player to spend 20 seasons with one team. In 2017 -- 18, Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter each began their 20th NBA seasons. Nowitzki, who has spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks, is the only player other than Bryant to have played 20 seasons with one team.

Question: who has been playing the longest in the nba
Short answer: Robert Parish *
Answer: Rank Player Position Team ( s ) Seasons Parish, Robert Robert Parish * Golden State Warriors ( 1976 -- 1980 ) Boston Celtics ( 1980 -- 1994 ) Charlotte Hornets ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1996 -- 1997 ) 21 Willis, Kevin Kevin Willis PF / C Atlanta Hawks ( 1984 -- 1995, 2004 -- 2005 ) Miami Heat ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Golden State Warriors ( 1996 ) Houston Rockets ( 1996 -- 1998, 2001 -- 2002 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2001 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 2002 -- 2004 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2007 ) Garnett, Kevin Kevin Garnett PF / C Minnesota Timberwolves ( 1995 -- 2007, 2015 -- 2016 ) Boston Celtics ( 2007 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2015 ) Abdul - Jabbar, Kareem Kareem Abdul - Jabbar * Milwaukee Bucks ( 1969 -- 1975 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1975 -- 1989 ) 20 Bryant, Kobe Kobe Bryant SG Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2016 ) Carter, Vince Vince Carter ^ SG / SF Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2004 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2004 -- 2009 ) Orlando Magic ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2011 -- 2014 ) Memphis Grizzlies ( 2014 -- 2017 ) Sacramento Kings ( 2017 -- present ) Nowitzki, Dirk Dirk Nowitzki ^ PF Dallas Mavericks ( 1998 -- present ) 8 Malone, Moses Moses Malone * Buffalo Braves ( 1976 ) Houston Rockets ( 1976 -- 1982 ) Philadelphia 76ers ( 1982 -- 1986, 1993 -- 1994 ) Washington Bullets ( 1986 -- 1988 ) Atlanta Hawks ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Milwaukee Bucks ( 1991 -- 1993 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 1994 -- 1995 ) 19 Edwards, James James Edwards Los Angeles Lakers ( 1977, 1992 -- 1994 ) Indiana Pacers 1977 -- 1981 Cleveland Cavaliers ( 1981 -- 1983 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1983 -- 1988 ) Detroit Pistons ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 1991 -- 1992 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 1994 -- 1995 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1995 -- 1996 ) Stockton, John John Stockton * PG Utah Jazz ( 1984 -- 2003 ) Malone, Karl Karl Malone * PF Utah Jazz ( 1985 -- 2003 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Oakley, Charles Charles Oakley PF / C Chicago Bulls ( 1985 -- 1988, 2001 -- 2002 ) New York Knicks ( 1988 -- 1998 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Washington Wizards ( 2002 -- 2003 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 ) O'Neal, Shaquille Shaquille O'Neal * Orlando Magic ( 1992 -- 1996 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2004 ) Miami Heat ( 2004 -- 2008 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Cleveland Cavaliers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Boston Celtics ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Howard, Juwan Juwan Howard PF / C Washington Bullets / Wizards ( 1994 -- 2001 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2001 -- 2002, 2007 -- 2008 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2002 -- 2003, 2008 ) Orlando Magic ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 -- 2007 ) Charlotte Bobcats ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Miami Heat ( 2010 -- 2013 ) Kidd, Jason Jason Kidd * PG Dallas Mavericks ( 1994 -- 1996, 2008 -- 2012 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1996 -- 2001 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2001 -- 2008 ) New York Knicks ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Duncan, Tim Tim Duncan PF / C San Antonio Spurs ( 1997 -- 2016 ) Pierce, Paul Paul Pierce † SG / SF Boston Celtics ( 1998 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2014 ) Washington Wizards ( 2014 -- 2015 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 2015 -- 2017 ) Terry, Jason Jason Terry ^ Atlanta Hawks ( 1999 -- 2004 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2004 -- 2012 ) Boston Celtics ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2014 ) Houston Rockets ( 2014 -- 2016 ) Milwaukee Bucks ( 2016 -- present )

Question: who had the longest career in nba history
Short answer: Robert Parish *
Answer: Rank Player Position Team ( s ) Seasons Robert Parish * Golden State Warriors ( 1976 -- 1980 ) Boston Celtics ( 1980 -- 1994 ) Charlotte Hornets ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1996 -- 1997 ) 21 Kevin Willis PF / C Atlanta Hawks ( 1984 -- 1995, 2004 -- 2005 ) Miami Heat ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Golden State Warriors ( 1996 ) Houston Rockets ( 1996 -- 1998, 2001 -- 2002 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2001 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 2002 -- 2004 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2007 ) Kevin Garnett PF / C Minnesota Timberwolves ( 1995 -- 2007, 2015 -- 2016 ) Boston Celtics ( 2007 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2015 ) Kareem Abdul - Jabbar * Milwaukee Bucks ( 1969 -- 1975 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1975 -- 1989 ) 20 Kobe Bryant SG Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2016 ) Vince Carter ^ SG / SF Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2004 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2004 -- 2009 ) Orlando Magic ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2011 -- 2014 ) Memphis Grizzlies ( 2014 -- 2017 ) Sacramento Kings ( 2017 -- present ) Dirk Nowitzki ^ PF Dallas Mavericks ( 1998 -- present ) 8 Moses Malone * Buffalo Braves ( 1976 ) Houston Rockets ( 1976 -- 1982 ) Philadelphia 76ers ( 1982 -- 1986, 1993 -- 1994 ) Washington Bullets ( 1986 -- 1988 ) Atlanta Hawks ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Milwaukee Bucks ( 1991 -- 1993 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 1994 -- 1995 ) 19 James Edwards Los Angeles Lakers ( 1977, 1992 -- 1994 ) Indiana Pacers ( 1977 -- 1981 ) Cleveland Cavaliers ( 1981 -- 1983 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1983 -- 1988 ) Detroit Pistons ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 1991 -- 1992 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 1994 -- 1995 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1995 -- 1996 ) John Stockton * PG Utah Jazz ( 1984 -- 2003 ) Karl Malone * PF Utah Jazz ( 1985 -- 2003 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Charles Oakley PF / C Chicago Bulls ( 1985 -- 1988, 2001 -- 2002 ) New York Knicks ( 1988 -- 1998 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Washington Wizards ( 2002 -- 2003 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 ) Shaquille O'Neal * Orlando Magic ( 1992 -- 1996 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2004 ) Miami Heat ( 2004 -- 2008 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Cleveland Cavaliers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Boston Celtics ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Juwan Howard PF / C Washington Bullets / Wizards ( 1994 -- 2001 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2001 -- 2002, 2007 -- 2008 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2002 -- 2003, 2008 ) Orlando Magic ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 -- 2007 ) Charlotte Bobcats ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Miami Heat ( 2010 -- 2013 ) Jason Kidd * PG Dallas Mavericks ( 1994 -- 1996, 2008 -- 2012 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1996 -- 2001 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2001 -- 2008 ) New York Knicks ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Tim Duncan PF / C San Antonio Spurs ( 1997 -- 2016 ) Paul Pierce † SG / SF Boston Celtics ( 1998 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2014 ) Washington Wizards ( 2014 -- 2015 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 2015 -- 2017 ) Jason Terry ^ Atlanta Hawks ( 1999 -- 2004 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2004 -- 2012 ) Boston Celtics ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2014 ) Houston Rockets ( 2014 -- 2016 ) Milwaukee Bucks ( 2016 -- present )

Question: who has the most seasons in the nba
Short answer: Robert Parish broke
Answer: Only seven players in the history of the National Basketball Association ( NBA ) have played at least 20 seasons in their careers. 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 then - record 20 seasons played. Robert Parish broke the mark in 1996 -- 97, when he retired after 21 seasons, and Kevin Willis tied him in his final season in 2006 -- 07. They were joined by Kevin Garnett in 2015 -- 16 when he began his 21st season. His Minnesota Timberwolves played their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant, who became the fifth player to reach the 20 - season plateau that night. The game was the first time in league history that two opposing players had at least 20 years of experience. Having played his entire career with the Lakers, Bryant was also the first NBA player to spend 20 seasons with one team. In 2017 -- 18, Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter began their 20th seasons. Nowitzki, who has spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks, joined Bryant as the only players to play 20 seasons with one team.

Question: who has played the most seasons in the nba
Short answer: Robert Parish *
Answer: Rank Player Position Team ( s ) Seasons Parish, Robert Robert Parish * Golden State Warriors ( 1976 -- 1980 ) Boston Celtics ( 1980 -- 1994 ) Charlotte Hornets ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1996 -- 1997 ) 21 Willis, Kevin Kevin Willis PF / C Atlanta Hawks ( 1984 -- 1995, 2004 -- 2005 ) Miami Heat ( 1994 -- 1996 ) Golden State Warriors ( 1996 ) Houston Rockets ( 1996 -- 1998, 2001 -- 2002 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2001 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 2002 -- 2004 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2007 ) Garnett, Kevin Kevin Garnett PF / C Minnesota Timberwolves ( 1995 -- 2007, 2015 -- 2016 ) Boston Celtics ( 2007 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2015 ) Abdul - Jabbar, Kareem Kareem Abdul - Jabbar * Milwaukee Bucks ( 1969 -- 1975 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1975 -- 1989 ) 20 Bryant, Kobe Kobe Bryant SG Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2016 ) 6 Malone, Moses Moses Malone * Buffalo Braves ( 1976 ) Houston Rockets ( 1976 -- 1982 ) Philadelphia 76ers ( 1982 -- 1986, 1993 -- 1994 ) Washington Bullets ( 1986 -- 1988 ) Atlanta Hawks ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Milwaukee Bucks ( 1991 -- 1993 ) San Antonio Spurs ( 1994 -- 1995 ) 19 Edwards, James James Edwards Los Angeles Lakers ( 1977, 1992 -- 1994 ) Indiana Pacers 1977 -- 1981 Cleveland Cavaliers ( 1981 -- 1983 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1983 -- 1988 ) Detroit Pistons ( 1988 -- 1991 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 1991 -- 1992 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 1994 -- 1995 ) Chicago Bulls ( 1995 -- 1996 ) Stockton, John John Stockton * PG Utah Jazz ( 1984 -- 2003 ) Malone, Karl Karl Malone * PF Utah Jazz ( 1985 -- 2003 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Oakley, Charles Charles Oakley PF / C Chicago Bulls ( 1985 -- 1988, 2001 -- 2002 ) New York Knicks ( 1988 -- 1998 ) Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Washington Wizards ( 2002 -- 2003 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 ) O'Neal, Shaquille Shaquille O'Neal * Orlando Magic ( 1992 -- 1996 ) Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996 -- 2004 ) Miami Heat ( 2004 -- 2008 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Cleveland Cavaliers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Boston Celtics ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Howard, Juwan Juwan Howard PF / C Washington Bullets / Wizards ( 1994 -- 2001 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2001 -- 2002, 2007 -- 2008 ) Denver Nuggets ( 2002 -- 2003, 2008 ) Orlando Magic ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Houston Rockets ( 2004 -- 2007 ) Charlotte Bobcats ( 2008 -- 2009 ) Portland Trail Blazers ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Miami Heat ( 2010 -- 2013 ) Kidd, Jason Jason Kidd PG Dallas Mavericks ( 1994 -- 1996, 2008 -- 2012 ) Phoenix Suns ( 1996 -- 2001 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2001 -- 2008 ) New York Knicks ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Duncan, Tim Tim Duncan PF / C San Antonio Spurs ( 1997 -- 2016 ) Nowitzki, Dirk Dirk Nowitzki ^ PF Dallas Mavericks ( 1998 -- present ) Carter, Vince Vince Carter ^ SG / SF Toronto Raptors ( 1998 -- 2004 ) New Jersey Nets ( 2004 -- 2009 ) Orlando Magic ( 2009 -- 2010 ) Phoenix Suns ( 2010 -- 2011 ) Dallas Mavericks ( 2011 -- 2014 ) Memphis Grizzlies ( 2014 -- 2017 ) Sacramento Kings ( 2017 -- present ) Pierce, Paul Paul Pierce † SG / SF Boston Celtics ( 1998 -- 2013 ) Brooklyn Nets ( 2013 -- 2014 ) Washington Wizards ( 2014 -- 2015 ) Los Angeles Clippers ( 2015 -- 2017 )

Question: who's played in the nba the longest
Short answer: Robert Parish broke
Answer: Only seven players in the history of the National Basketball Association ( NBA ) have played at least 20 seasons in their careers. 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 then - record 20 seasons played. Robert Parish broke the mark in 1996 -- 97, when he retired after 21 seasons, and Kevin Willis tied him in his final season in 2006 -- 07. They were joined by Kevin Garnett in 2015 -- 16 when he began his 21st season. His Minnesota Timberwolves played their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant, who became the fifth player to reach the 20 - season plateau that night. The game was the first time in league history that two opposing players each had at least 20 years of experience. Having played his entire career with the Lakers, Bryant was also the first NBA player to spend 20 seasons with one team. In 2017 -- 18, Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter each began their 20th NBA seasons. Nowitzki, who has spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks, is the only player other than Bryant to have played 20 seasons with one team.