The longest-serving referee in the NBA
The longest-serving referee in the NBA
Though the NBA has seen so many referees throughout the league’s history, there are a few of them who have served the biggest basketball association for so long by staying loyal. In this list, Joey Crawford and Mendy Rudolph are two special referees. They’ve served over 2000 NBA games. But now the question is who has served the league for the longest period?
With the record for most officiated games with a huge number of 2635, Dick Bavetta is the one who served the NBA as a referee for the longest time in history, according to several sources. The dedication he showed was truly unbelievable and now Mr. Bavetta is going to have a justified retirement after his 39-year career as a referee.
NBA.com, in a press conference, stated that:
Bavetta, who began his NBA career on Dec. 2, 1975, at Madison Square Garden in a game between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics finished with a record 2,635 consecutive regular season games officiated, having never missed an assigned game throughout his entire career. Bavetta also officiated 270 Playoff games including 27 Finals games.
‘Dick’s dedication and commitment to his craft have been an inspiration to all NBA officials,’ said [NBA President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn]. ‘We are grateful for his contributions to our league, and we wish him the best as he enjoys his well-earned retirement.’
Bevetta commented on his career:
On behalf of myself and the entire Bavetta family, I would like to thank the NBA family and the National Basketball Referee Association for allowing me the honor and the privilege of representing them for 39 wonderful years. I am most proud of never having missed an assigned game, be it an exhibition, regular season, or playoffs, throughout my entire career. It really has been a great run.
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