List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise

Kobe Bryant has spent his entire 19-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a men's professional basketball league consisting of 30 teams in North America (twenty-nine in the United States and one in Canada). The NBA was founded on June 6, 1946 in New York City, as the Basketball Association of America (BAA).[1] The league adopted its current name at the start of the 1949–50 season when it merged with the National Basketball League (NBL).[2] The NBA is an active member of USA Basketball, which is recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as the National Governing Body (NGB) for basketball in the country.[3] The league is considered to be one of the four major professional sports leagues of North America.[4]

The players listed here have spent their entire NBA career with just one franchise. Among active players, Kobe Bryant has played for the Los Angeles Lakers for 19 years, Tim Duncan for the San Antonio Spurs for 18 years, and Dirk Nowitzki for the Dallas Mavericks for 17 years. Hall of Famer John Stockton spent his entire 19-year playing career with the Utah Jazz, the longest span of any player on this list. Reggie Miller, also a Hall of Famer, played his entire 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers.

Several players also played the majority of their careers with one team before being traded to another team near the ends of their careers. These include Hall of Famers Karl Malone (18 seasons with the Utah Jazz before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers for one final season), Hakeem Olajuwon (17 seasons with the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Toronto Raptors for one final season), Patrick Ewing (15 seasons with the New York Knicks before playing his final two seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics and the Orlando Magic), Michael Jordan (13 seasons with the Chicago Bulls before returning to the NBA with the Washington Wizards for two seasons), and active player Paul Pierce (15 seasons with the Boston Celtics before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets and subsequently signing with the Washington Wizards).

Key

Pos.GFC
PositionGuardForwardCenter

All-time

Note: This list is correct through the start of the 2014–15 season.

^ Denotes player who is still active in the NBA
* Denotes player who has been inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame
NBA players who have spent their career at one franchise
No. of seasons played Player Pos. Team Career Notes Ref.
19 Stockton, JohnJohn Stockton* G Utah Jazz 1984–2003 — [5]
19 Bryant, KobeKobe Bryant^ G Los Angeles Lakers 1996–present Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and traded to the Lakers [6]
18 Miller, ReggieReggie Miller* G/F Indiana Pacers 1987–2005 — [7]
18 Duncan, TimTim Duncan^ F/C San Antonio Spurs 1997–present — [8]
17 Nowitzki, DirkDirk Nowitzki^ F Dallas Mavericks 1998–present Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998 and traded to the Mavericks [9]
16 Havlicek, JohnJohn Havlicek* F/G Boston Celtics 1962–1978 — [10]
15 Schayes, DolphDolph Schayes* F/C Syracuse Nationals / Philadelphia 76ers 1949–1964 Drafted by the New York Knicks in 1948, but opted to play for the Nationals in the NBL before moving to the NBA with the Nationals in 1949[11] [12]
15 Greer, HalHal Greer* G/F Syracuse Nationals / Philadelphia 76ers 1958–1973 — [13]
14 Baylor, ElginElgin Baylor* F Minneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers 1958–1971 Retired on November 1971 due to injury after only playing 9 games in the 1971–72 season [14]
14 West, JerryJerry West* G/F Los Angeles Lakers 1960–1974 — [15]
14 Dumars, JoeJoe Dumars* G Detroit Pistons 1985–1999 — [16]
14 Robinson, DavidDavid Robinson* C San Antonio Spurs 1989–2003 Drafted by the Spurs in 1987, but did not enter the NBA until 1989 due to his commitment with the Navy[17] [18]
14 Parker, TonyTony Parker^ G San Antonio Spurs 2001–present — [19]
13 Russell, BillBill Russell* C Boston Celtics 1956–1969 Drafted by the St. Louis Hawks in 1956 and traded to the Celtics [20]
13 Sanders, SatchSatch Sanders* F Boston Celtics 1960–1973 — [21]
13 Unseld, WesWes Unseld* C/F Baltimore / Capital / Washington Bullets 1968–1981 — [22]
13 Murphy, CalvinCalvin Murphy* G San Diego / Houston Rockets 1970–1983 — [23]
13 Brown, FredFred Brown G Seattle SuperSonics 1971–1984 — [24]
13 Adams, AlvanAlvan Adams C/F Phoenix Suns 1975–1988 — [25]
13 Bird, LarryLarry Bird* F Boston Celtics 1979–1992 Drafted by the Celtics in 1978, but did not enter the NBA until 1979, after his college graduation[26] [27]
13 Johnson, MagicMagic Johnson* G/F Los Angeles Lakers 1979–1991; 1996 Came out from retirement on January 1996 and played 32 games in the 1995–96 season [28]
13 McHale, KevinKevin McHale* F/C Boston Celtics 1980–1993 — [29]
13 Thomas, IsiahIsiah Thomas* G Detroit Pistons 1981–1994 — [30]
13 Foster, JeffJeff Foster F/C Indiana Pacers 1999–2012 Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1999 and traded to the Pacers [31]
13 Ginóbili, ManuManu Ginóbili^ G San Antonio Spurs 2002–present Drafted by the Spurs in 1999, but did not enter the NBA until 2002 [32]
12 Jones, SamSam Jones* G/F Boston Celtics 1957–1969 — [33]
12 Cooper, MichaelMichael Cooper G/F Los Angeles Lakers 1978–1990 — [34]
12 Worthy, JamesJames Worthy* F Los Angeles Lakers 1982–1994 — [35]
12 McMillan, NateNate McMillan G/F Seattle SuperSonics 1986–1998 — [36]
12 Smits, RikRik Smits C Indiana Pacers 1988–2000 — [37]
12 Wade, DwyaneDwyane Wade^ G Miami Heat 2003–present — [38]
12 Haslem, UdonisUdonis Haslem^ F Miami Heat 2003–present Went undrafted in 2003, but signed as a free agent with the Heat [39]
11 Pettit, BobBob Pettit* F/C Milwaukee / St. Louis Hawks 1954–1965 — [40]
11 Twyman, JackJack Twyman* G/F Rochester / Cincinnati Royals 1955–1966 — [41]
11 Attles, AlAl Attles G Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors 1960–1971 — [42]
11 Tomjanovich, RudyRudy Tomjanovich F San Diego / Houston Rockets 1970–1981 — [43]
11 Erving, JuliusJulius Erving* G/F Philadelphia 76ers 1976–1987 Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1972, but opted to play in the ABA before joining the 76ers after the ABA–NBA merger in 1976[44] [45]
11 Eaton, MarkMark Eaton C Utah Jazz 1982–1993 — [46]
11 Collison, NickNick Collison^ F Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder 2003–present Missed the 2003–04 season due to injury[47] [48]
11 Varejão, AndersonAnderson Varejão^ F/C Cleveland Cavaliers 2004–present Drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2004 and traded to the Cavaliers [49]
10 Mikkelsen, VernVern Mikkelsen* F/C Minneapolis Lakers 1949–1959 — [50]
10 Arizin, PaulPaul Arizin* G/F Golden State Warriors 1950–1962 Missed the 1953–54 season and the 1954–55 season due to military service[51] [52]
10 Bianchi, AlAl Bianchi G Syracuse Nationals / Philadelphia 76ers 1956–1966 Drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1954 and traded to the Nationals, but did not enter the league until 1956 due to military service[53] [54]
10 Hagan, CliffCliff Hagan* G/F St. Louis Hawks 1956–1966 Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1953 and traded to the Hawks, but did not enter the league until 1956 due to military service[55] [56]
10 Reed, WillisWillis Reed* F/C New York Knicks 1964–1974 — [57]
10 Bradley, BillBill Bradley* G/F New York Knicks 1967–1977 Drafted by the Knicks in 1965, but did not enter the NBA until 1967 due to academic commitment in England[58] [59]
10 Boerwinkle, TomTom Boerwinkle C Chicago Bulls 1968–1978 — [60]
10 Leavell, AllenAllen Leavell G Houston Rockets 1979–1989 — [61]
10 Griffith, DarrellDarrell Griffith G Utah Jazz 1980–1991 Missed the 1985–86 season due to injury[62] [63]

Active

Note: This list is correct as of December 18, 2014.

Active NBA players who have spent their career at one franchise
No. of seasons played Player Pos. Team Career Notes Ref.
19 Bryant, KobeKobe Bryant G Los Angeles Lakers 1996–present Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and traded to the Lakers [6]
18 Duncan, TimTim Duncan F/C San Antonio Spurs 1997–present — [8]
17 Nowitzki, DirkDirk Nowitzki F Dallas Mavericks 1998–present Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998 and traded to the Mavericks [9]
14 Parker, TonyTony Parker G San Antonio Spurs 2001–present — [19]
13 Ginóbili, ManuManu Ginóbili G San Antonio Spurs 2002–present Drafted by the Spurs in 1999, but did not enter the NBA until 2002 [32]
12 Haslem, UdonisUdonis Haslem F Miami Heat 2003–present Went undrafted in 2003, but signed as a free agent with the Heat [39]
12 Wade, DwyaneDwyane Wade G Miami Heat 2003–present — [38]
11 Collison, NickNick Collison F Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder 2003–present Missed the 2003–04 season due to injury[47] [48]
11 Varejão, AndersonAnderson Varejão F/C Cleveland Cavaliers 2004–present Drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2004 and traded to the Cavaliers [49]
9 Aldridge, LaMarcusLaMarcus Aldridge F Portland Trail Blazers 2006–present Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2006 and traded to the Trail Blazers [64]
8 Conley, Jr., MikeMike Conley, Jr. G Memphis Grizzlies 2007–present — [65]
8 Durant, KevinKevin Durant F Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder 2007–present — [66]
8 Horford, AlAl Horford C Atlanta Hawks 2007–present — [67]
8 Noah, JoakimJoakim Noah C Chicago Bulls 2007–present — [68]

References

General

Specific

  1. ↑ Goldaper, Sam. "The First Game". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
  2. ↑ "1949–50 Season Overview: Powerful Lakers Repeat". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Inside USA Basketball". USA Basketball. Retrieved July 4, 2009.
  4. ↑ Pennington, Bill (April 4, 2003). "Drugs; Anti-Doping Executive Plans to Prod Pro Leagues". The New York Times (The New York Times Company). Retrieved July 6, 2009.
  5. ↑ "John Stockton Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Kobe Bryant Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  7. ↑ "Reggie Miller Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Tim Duncan Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Dirk Nowitzki Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  10. ↑ "John Havlicek Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  11. ↑ "Dolph Schayes Bio". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Dolph Schayes Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  13. ↑ "Hal Greer Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Elgin Baylor Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Jerry West Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Joe Dumars Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  17. ↑ Anderson, Dave (May 18, 1987). "Sports of the Times; The Robinson Plot Thickens". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  18. ↑ "David Robinson Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Tony Parker Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  20. ↑ "Bill Russell Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  21. ↑ "Tom Sanders Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  22. ↑ "Wes Unseld Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  23. ↑ "Calvin Murphy Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  24. ↑ "Fred Brown Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Alvan Adams Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  26. ↑ "Larry Bird Bio". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  27. ↑ "Larry Bird Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  28. ↑ "Magic Johnson Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  29. ↑ "Kevin McHale Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  30. ↑ "Isiah Thomas Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  31. ↑ "Jeff Foster Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Manu Ginobili Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  33. ↑ "Sam Jones Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  34. ↑ "Michael Cooper Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  35. ↑ "James Worthy Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  36. ↑ "Nate McMillan Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  37. ↑ "Rik Smits Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "Dwyane Wade Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 "Udonis Haslem Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  40. ↑ "Bob Pettit Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  41. ↑ "Jack Twyman Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  42. ↑ "Al Attles Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  43. ↑ "Rudy Tomjanovich Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  44. ↑ "Julius Erving Bio". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  45. ↑ "Julius Erving Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  46. ↑ "Mark Eaton Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 "First-rounder needs shoulder surgery". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. October 4, 2003. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 "Nick Collison Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 "Anderson Varejao Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  50. ↑ "Vern Mikkelsen Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  51. ↑ "Paul Arizin Bio". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  52. ↑ "Paul Arizin Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  53. ↑ "Suns Add Al Bianchi to Coaching Staff". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. February 18, 2002. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  54. ↑ "Al Bianchi Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  55. ↑ McCallum, Jack (October 24, 2008). "Wait over, Oden is ready to go". Sports Illustrated. Time Warner Company. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  56. ↑ "Cliff Hagan Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  57. ↑ "Willis Reed Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  58. ↑ Mann, Jack (February 7, 1966). "Just A Guy At Oxford". Sports Illustrated. Time Warner Company. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  59. ↑ "Bill Bradley Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  60. ↑ "Tom Boerwinkle Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  61. ↑ "Allen Leavell Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  62. ↑ "1985–86: "The Mailman" Delivers A Winning Season". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  63. ↑ "Darrell Griffith Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  64. ↑ "LaMarcus Aldridge Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  65. ↑ "Mike Conley Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  66. ↑ "Kevin Durant Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  67. ↑ "Al Horford Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  68. ↑ "Joakim Noah Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 22, 2014.