Robert Parish refused retirement from the NBA when the Celtics decided to start the rebuilding process in 1994

If he had his way in 1994, Robert Parish would have preferred to stay with the Boston Celtics. Considering he won his three NBA titles there, his sentiment was completely understandable. Parish was heading into his 19th season in the league at the time. However, with the Cs rebuilding their roster, keeping the then-40-year-old center hardly aligned with the team's direction.

According to Celtics Senior Executive Vice President Dave Gavitt, there were no guarantees that "The Chief" would stay on the roster. He reasoned that salary cap factors could hinder the nine-time All-Star's wish to stay in Bean Town.

The 8th overall pick of the 1976 Draft was aware of the Celtics' rebuilding process. He knew there was no guarantee he would be re-signed for another season, but he kept an open mind.

"If it means I'm on the roster, that's fine. If not, that's fine too," Parish said via UPI at the time.

Any role will do

At that point in his career, the Centenary product just wanted to stay on with the team where he had the best years of his career. He admitted that his time with the Celtics was the highlight of his career , a move that placed him among the most reliable centers the league had ever seen.

Unfortunately, things didn't go accordingly for Parish. He would sign as an unrestricted free agent with the Charlotte Hornets, playing backup to Alonzo Mourning. Unfortunately for the Louisiana native, continuing his career hardly paid off. He admitted that he considered possibly calling it a career during his stay in Charlotte.

"A big, big difference, even in practices. I'd be kicking ass in practice, but then it takes me another four to six practices to kick that same ass again! That's another telltale sign it's time to retire - when a player that is not on your level is giving you the business, and you can't do sh*t about it," Parish said.

One last ride

Despite retirement wading in his mind, Parish would play one more season after agreeing to join the Chicago Bulls in 1996. He was hardly a factor, with Phil Jackson relying heavily on Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman. Regardless, the decision to play one more season paid off.

Parish would be part of the 1997 Bulls championship squad, earning his fourth NBA ring. Robert called it quits on August 25, 1997, the perfect time to end a truly historic career.

Related: Robert Parish on when to retire from basketball: “When a player that is not on your level is giving you the business and you can’t do s**t about it”