Robert L. Parish Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

Bill Walton introduces Robert L. Parish as he delivers his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2003. To learn more about Robert L. Parish take a look at his official Hall of Fame bio at www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famer...

[@kenarthur6253]

My favorite Parish moment is when he clobbered Laimbeer.

[@bruceholmes5252]

He should have put more damage on Laimbeer.

[@MarkSmith-ph9ic]

I dont think he even got thrown out of the game. It was the best

[@CzarSmitty1963]

Yes!!!! I loved it - "Lame-Beer" got the arse kickin' he deserved -

[@mofethegreat]

@@bruceholmes5252 preach, i agree.

[@gopstench1883]

I'm glad you reminded me of that. I forgot about that great moment until now.

[@Fernando-fr5cu]

Those '86 Celtics are legendary. Robert Parish was the anchor of that team.

[@MyDyerMaker]

One tough dude. Thanks for making my childhood even better.

[@TheNBAHistory]

Bill Walton is an excellent public speaker.

[@postaltraining]

and a freakin gas bag!!! won't stop talking lol

[@Mr_Chris77]

postaltraining Walton talked longer than Chief!!!

[@postaltraining]

yep. parish kind of struggles when speaking. has gotten better over the years. if he had kept a closer kinship with his teammates he'd have a nice six digit cushy job right now. being on the outside had its benefits and he chose that way.

[@theeditorialsuite1070]

Agreed.

[@toscodav]

@@postaltraining At least he wasn't talking about himself.

[@johnicehouse]

Wow, Bill Walton was such a class act. Robert Parish was an awesome player, and human being too! Thank you!

[@whttrails]

type my response from the video and started with "wow, Bill walton..." and here is the same a few lines down. But this is chiefs night. He is clearly a great man despite BB

[@jan279]

You can really tell he did his homework before going out there, Bill Walton is a legend.

[@greenwolfegreen6028]

Robert Parrish. One of the greatest players of all-time. Well deserved.

[@michaelcroom6924]

R Robert Parish

[@timhoward5]

Thanks!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Humble, honest, intense, hard working and a star despite himself. Hail to the chief! Respect 🏀

[@ConservativeAnthem]

Bill Walton gives a truly great speech...

[@mobetta2092]

Bill Walton's a passionate and masterful speaker. I realized that when he was an NBA analyst on ABC/ESPN

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

Very detailed.

[@philipclock]

I see what Larry Bird meant, when he said he'd thought about letting Bill give his HOF introductory speech but it would have been longer than his career 🤗🤗🤗

[@dwartfarquart9590]

He had a great subject.

[@littlebeartoe]

This gentleman set a great example. We were lucky in Boston to have him.

[@toscodav]

I don't think dim Boston fans appreciate what they had. Look how badly they treated Bill Russell. Towards the end of Legend Larry's carreer they actually booed him. WTF. You all elected Elizabeth Warren so It makes sense i guess.

[@echoromeo384]

@@toscodav that's true. You don't deserve what you got until it's gone. Bill Russell deserved better.

[@dennisddd8243]

He was the quietest man and yet he said so much. Actions speak louder than words. Without Robert Parish I do not believe there would have been a Boston Dynasty. That simple

[@abc-bu7nr]

2nd dynasty anyway

[@seankennedy18]

Greatest presenter speech ever! Love Bill. Love the Chief! Robert has such class and grace.

[@MusicManSeanB]

Not a huge Bill Walton fan, but I must give him his due. He truly gave Robert Parish justice the way he introduced him.

[@bobbywall172]

Walton is the best❤️❤️love him and Larry, Dennis, Kevin, Danny, k.c. And the Chief

[@David-vx7ht]

MSean, Watching Bill Walton play in his prime was watching an artist at his craft. Those two injury years he had with the Blazers were the epitome of team basketball.

[@MusicManSeanB]

As a player, give him all of his, for he was brilliant...especially during those John Wooden UCLA teams. He irks my nerves at times as an announcers during games.

[@TV-ob1if]

@@MusicManSeanBI’d have to say he did him justice here

[@joelluongo7419]

" Cheif ".. " Walton " they're all team players.. that love/passionate about basketball. Walton was in his element induction speech for Robert Parish. I watch all those Bird highlights.. if you follow close.. all those crazy Bird passes from every which way.. at seven feet tall.. Parish finishes them all off!!! I remember one Bird pass in particular.. Bird bounces the basketball right between Sikma's legs.. Parish gathers the ball and it is a slam dunk!!!

[@chrismayor5147]

So that's what class looks like

[@jamesrbutler1]

What a fine and well-prepared introduction by Bill Walton. It was personal, informative, and heartfelt. I learned a lot about Robert Parish from that speech. Dale Carnegie may not have done any better!

[@susanbloodgood3572]

My favorite quiet players Parrish and Tim Duncan !

[@missayawk]

Can I add Moses Malone too?

[@phill2035]

The Chief is the example of what a pro basketball player should be. This generation could learn from him. I love the Chief.

[@glenroyce779]

He is an example of what a good human / citizen should be (!). The NBA should make this video mandatory watching for all rookies entering the league!

[@georgemartinez8434]

Right on Bill Walton what a speech for The Chief Robert Parrish who don't speak, but that doesn't matter his game says it all, commitment, dedication, focus, work ethics!!!

[@Jondsmusic]

What an honest classy humble man! One of the greatest centers of all time! So glad he was a Celtic and represented us well for so many years. God bless you and your family Mr. Parish, aka the chief!

[@jjs777fzr]

Parish was such an integral player for the Celtics. I'll never forget the Big Three, DJ and Danny.

[@tunett123]

I heard that at one time Bill Walton had a stuttering problem and had to work hard to overcome it. Now he is a great speaker.

[@josepheschman2466]

... who loves the sound of his own voice ....

[@stephenkennedy8767]

When he was at UCLA he avoided the press.

[@coreysmorgan8488]

Good job, Bill

[@lonesomelou4188]

Yeah, he alluded to that in an interview on KZbin. I identify with him. I spoke with a lisp when I was very young. The speech therapy resulted in me being comfortable speaking in front of crowds.

[@echoromeo384]

@@josepheschman2466 jealous much?

[@DARK24-7]

Respect to you sir,"Chief" did it right!

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

Humble, Classy and Honorable. The Chief will always be loved here in Massachusetts for HIS commitment to the game and the team we all love here. Hail To The Chief.

[@toscodav]

How come Mass gave Bill Russel so much shit? WTF 11 rings you all ran him out of town.

[@lonesomelou4188]

@@toscodav Boy, you said it. Like pulling teeth to get them to put up a statue for him. And I'm from the region, but I don't go for that racism crap. Bill was my first hero in life.

[@MrYoumitube]

You gotta give it to Bill Walton he has probably introduced 5-6 players into the HOF, simply because he loves talking positively about his team-mates and make it as if they were best player to ever step onto a basketball court.

[@uncletony6210]

+MrYoumitube I think Bill just loves talking, period.

[@classicsurvivor]

MrYoumitube it's not because he simply loves talking positively about his teammates. It's because the inductee selects someone who is already in the HOF to introduce them into the hall. So, it shows what an impact Walton had on his teammates to be asked to introduce them into the HOF. Yeah, he speaks well, but Walton was obviously a great teammate too.

[@TheDeMIlz]

bill walton just loves life and everything about it and loves letting the world know haha, such a great guy

[@Amick44]

I read Parish called Bill the most honest teammate, ex player he knew. Felt some of his ex teammates and coaches let him down when he asked for a job in basketball. Walton told him, you have to stay connected, those who don't, won't get those jobs. Parish appreciated that.

[@d.shelby8171]

They were...the best to step on a bball court.

[@mletrout7942]

Most people don't know it, but Robert is warm, generous, and funny as hell in private. Love that man!

[@GB-ez6ge]

An old friend of mine worked at the front desk of a fancy apartment building near the Boston Garden where a lot of the Celtics lived or rented crash pads. She knew Larry, Kevin, and Robert who she said was "funny as hell". I think he was only serious on the court.

[@truckingnomad]

i love bill walton he is a inspiration to weed smoking anxious people everywhere

[@hammadelestudiante4747]

Walton gave an excellent speech. Wow!

[@stephenkennedy8767]

What a terrific speech by Mr. Parrish! Of course you have to wait patiently for Walton to finish!!!!

[@bobsofia68]

I enjoyed the Robert Parish bio by Mr. Walton. One of the better HoF intro's I've ever seen, across all sports. Robert Parish always struck me as a man of great dignity. A well deserved entry into the HoF.

[@timbarringer7790]

Hail to The Chief

[@The123456NoNo]

I met the chief at Copley mall when I was a kid. He is one cool dude. Thank you for signing the autograph. Was great w Celtics

[@EM-ny4dx]

Great speech intro from Bill Walton. 👏

[@whttrails]

wow, Bill Walton gave a absolute great introduction and Chief, you brought tears to my eyes at the end with the smiles from your kids. We all can tell, you come from great people.

[@barrycollette7111]

Next time Thx Bill!! From loving fans and all

[@stugg]

Chief taking it to the hoop for that signature Tomahawk Dunk, will forever be etched in my memory. CHIEEEEEF! .

[@mr.cookie7308]

Parish epitimize the greatness of the NBA when it had honor and grace. One of the classiest players of all time!!!

[@scottbelcher9026]

What a truly great player he was!!! ❤️

[@basshuntet607]

A great speech. Befitting a true sports hero. Watching this had a uplifting effect on me.

[@heirling25]

Bad Boy Piston fan here--I couldn't stand the Chief, Bird, Ainge, McHale, DJ, etc when they played--hated them--mainly because they were so great and used to kick the Pistons butts for several lol. As much as I disliked them when they played, i missed them once they retired from the game. Great to see Parrish in the Hall of Fame. Much, much deserved. I'll say it--CHIEEF!!

[@postaltraining]

those years when kent benson was left to try to guard mchale and poor tripucka on bird- almost seemed unfair. but by 86 the pistons were much better and slowly closed the gap

[@patrickj.7887]

I felt the same way only in a reverse way: I was a devout Celts fan, and I hated the pistons, but I respected their talent, and I watched them on TV far more than I should have (lol), the bad boys were just that, they were bad! But it was a great rivalry and when the Celtics and the pistons played you know the ratings needle was all the way up! Two great teams, that helped define a great area in the history of the NBA!

[@dennisddd8243]

That means a lot from a Detroit fan. I guess the having such a classy player has Isaiah Thomas rubbed off on you fans. Today we are both fans of the game, but, once the season starts. Well you know the rest of that store

[@TheMimetolithman]

HE SPRAINED HIS ANKLE that was all HearT FOR HIM TO GO UP WITH THAT BADDDDDDDDDDDD sprained they hurtttttttttttttttt bad' what a player I liked this guy on my team he thanked Bird for at least 5000 points lol whAT an team and ERA'

[@explosivehotdogs]

Growing up under a native Detroiter I regularly watched the Bad Boys and the Celtics. I had instilled in me a dislike for the Boston Boys, but with age and wisdom I've come to appreciate them as individuals, especially the Chief who has so much wisdom to share.

[@stephenlnoe]

12:29 Is where the most humble enshrinement speech begins. This is a man. No race, no religion, no selfish words or boasting, no pride or prejudice just a thankful man who is no doubt loved dearly.

[@matiaskocner5905]

Big and humbleness heart. We love U. One of the greatest player ever, like a Man!

[@mr.cookie7308]

Parish is my favorite NBA player of all time...the man played with honor and diginity.

[@DILLIGAF425]

The great Robert Parish

I have never heard him speak a word until now. And that is my all time favorite HOF enshrinement speech ever. Hail to the Chief!

[@guidosegalla82]

You were great and deserving of the HOF thanks for the memories God Bless

[@MrHarlemworld]

THE MAN!!! PERIOD!!

[@emeryhays]

robert parish cool calm and collective. bill walton great speech. thank you.

[@bowhunter928]

The most durable p;layer in NBA history. Played in the most games of any player ever. 1,611 regular season games over 21 seasons

[@Stgfre]

Robert Parish was a great Basketball player. As I Boston Celtics fan, it was great to watch him play. He deserves to be inducted in the Basketball Hall Of Fame.

[@richardcurro3669]

I can listen to walton all day long

[@mjt11860]

w/those wide shoulders, even the double doors weren't wide enough to let him in. he had to come in sideways. what a great, & yet humble guy.

[@colinjulian2431]

Quality speech!!

[@googoo-gjoob]

on every team....in every sport...i chose 00 as my jersey #

[@albertarcher1839]

Chief is a class act. One hell of a ball player and person.

[@pbasswil]

Wow, so heart-warming. Terrific people, everyone involved in this ceremony! So glad Robert ended up in Boston - what a rare and amazing collection of talent he was part of. It's only because the Celtics were so _incredibly deep_ then, that Parrish wasn't even more of a dominant star there. But to just be a _starter_ on that team, and an unquestioned peer of Larry & DJ & Kevin & Bill & Danny etc, etc, would be an amazing result for _any_ b.b. career!

[@oskarschindler68]

Robert Parish the Chief #00 out of Centenary. He played for the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls. 21 years in the NBA (a record) and a 4 time NBA champion. Hail to the Chief!!!

[@leisa-millerharrison8226]

Robert Parish was a fantastic young man during his time at Woodlawn. My mother was his biggest fan a substitute teacher at Woodlawn Gerrie Miller and he treated her with special hugs and she always talked about him until her death in 2022 at 92!

[@Ma007rk]

Robert Parrish. I remember Robert Parrish when he was playing Basketball at Woodlawn High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. I used to sit by the radio drinking lemonade and listen to him when he was playing basketball at Centenary College. The coach was Larry Little. I followed his career as a professional basketball player from start to finish. I'm so happy to see him in the hall of fame. It's almost like an old friend coming home.

[@michaeltoebe1851]

What a classy man throughout. And what junior high coach has ever received so much love. Impressive.

[@LLPOF]

Wow. Walton knows how to give a speech. Parish .... What can you say except that he is one of the all-time greats. Brings back great memories.

[@mattpetersen4620]

I am actually proud of myself for loving Chief so much as a kid growing up. Simply loved his demeanour.

[@azpowerhitter]

Such class. Great man, great player.

[@scottneilson3292]

I love the Chief. He is the epitome of a true and dedicated professional in every way. The 1986 Celtics are the greatest team in the history of basketball.

[@Amick44]

Much like Stockton in that regard. Good point. The Admiral and Duncan, too.

[@oneadvocate9517]

The 1987 Lakers are.

[@leomonster1973]

@@oneadvocate9517 They were lucky the '87 Celtics were injured from stem to stern ad still took them to 6 games. the 86 Celtics ARE THE GREATEST

[@oneadvocate9517]

@@leomonster1973 You stupid, the 1987 Lakers are the best. Even if they were healthy, Lakers win. You must be still but hurt, that the Lakers won the 1985 in the Boston Garden

[@oneadvocate9517]

@@leomonster1973 Now that I think about it. The Celtics got lucky in 84. If Gerald Henderson doesn't steal James Worthy's pass, the Lakers win in 84 also.

[@baseballman74]

i enjoyed watching Chief~ he is a classy guy who played very hard each and every game.

[@daviddavidson8050]

Chief!! Love you Robert Parish! Congrats good Sir. A truly well-earned, Well-deserved honor. Somewhere in Detroit Bill Laimbeer checked his jaw. Yep! Still there. No straw soup tonight Ma!

[@youlikethesound]

There’s not a lot of off court footage on Parish. He was truly a great.

[@haroof]

Chief Parish became one of my heroes the day he laid out that POS, Bill Laimbeer.

[@ireneduke5022]

Haroof 😍😍😀😀

[@wmden1]

He was already one of mine, but he added to it, with Lame beer, sic. Laimbeer was the main reason for Chief's ankle injuries. Chief looks so much like his Dad, it is almost unreal.

[@veronicagranger3865]

Good no call ref 😂😂😂 chiiieff ! My childhood memories !

[@omarrsullivan4516]

As a Lakers fan, that made me smile. Could not stand Laimbeer

[@MrZackavelli]

Damn, I never knew what a masterful public speaker Bill Walton was

[@charliebabbitt3314]

LOVE THE CHIEF!!!!!!!!!!!! All the great centers in the history of basketball...Gimmy the chief!!!!

[@thomasgriffiths6758]

One of my father's best friends when I was growing up was Barry McLeod who played guard on the Centenary team that Robert Parish played for, he would tell me stories about playing with Parish in Louisiana.

[@ozvaldo3091]

The Real Chief

[@patron40silver]

I remember seeing Chief play in an exhibition game, when he was still with Golden State, vs the Lakers.

[@thearchive4109]

These things almost feel like a eulogy at first but then you see them and feel relieved, “oh yeah, they’re still alive.” A very good practice - love them while they’re here.”

[@Iwillnotbepushed]

Thank you Parish. You were the best in the league. Especially thank you for DROPPING Bill Lamebrain.

[@msalzberg4962]

I've noticed that every Celtic of that era specifically mentioned KC Jones in glowing terms in their Hall of Fame speech.

[@chinesejohn812]

I went down to the parade in 1986 and I was close up to the two trucks carrying the Celtics. I will never forget how strong and powerful Parish looked up in that truck staring out to the crowd. He was a true great person on and off the court.

[@lesliewatts2878]

Robert Parish. Thank you for your impeccably good example for young people. Good health, good retirement, and good luck.

[@Layzee888]

Robert Parish's speech starts at 18:09

[@matiaskocner5905]

😂

[@robertfrancissantiago4025]

Parish: "I'm beginning to like this guy (Walton)" 😂😂

[@woodman6176]

ThE 86 Celtics were all TEAM the others were great Bird called this one the best not a selfish player among them. Bird would find chief and mchale from anywhere when he wasn’t busting 3s

[@cacyapp]

Class act

[@justincowen441]

Parish was such a bad ass he wore two 0's

[@brynajones8076]

Always classy, talented, a gem on the court...The Chief.

[@chriswarrick6538]

love the Chief !

[@scottcamp9266]

Simply the best❤️

[@avclub2456]

Man I love this one ❤️

[@slomo1562]

Bill we need a 3 minute introduction for Robert Parrish. Bill... 37 minutes later... "then in 4th grade young Robert..." Day two of the induction Robert approaches the podium and says: "thanks Bill. Can I go home now?"

[@scottburns8697]

Holy crap; chief looks younger now than when he played!

[@Skibbitypappappa]

This was almost 20 years ago dummy

[@leeinoregon1326]

That was beautiful. Bill set it up and Chief finished it.

[@johnjenkins5854]

Chief was consistent as hell. He would regularly beat younger men down the court. And, with the likes of LB & DJ likely to throw a pass when least expected, his hand got better and better. Plus, HTF, you gonna block his jumper? He became a great mid-range shooter, and played all 48. Never seen him slow down, and I never missed a game.

[@elnach3240]

Wow Bill Walton is an amazing orator.

[@lukelogan7564]

This gentleman is a role model.

[@AZNboi10921]

His shoulders doe DAMN

[@judah6152]

Shoulder Don.

[@kingunda5013]

Walton spoke for 11 minutes. Chief, just a li'l over 6. I thought I clicked the wrong video and watched Big Bill's own induction ceremony. 😁

[@stonehaven11]

CHIEEEFFFF!!!

[@PeekaPeep]

Parish was the forerunner to David Robinson and Pau Gasol: a 7-footer who was long, lean, athletic, could fill it up from mid-range, and ran the floor like nobody's business during his physical prime. It's really a crime that he gets overlooked on the list of All-Time great centers because of the fact that he had two other Hall of Famers on that Celtic frontline in Larry Bird and Kevin McHale to share the load with, but make no mistake-HE WAS THAT DAMN GOOD! Most of all, I have never seen a more durable big man in all my years of watching pro basketball. Dude played well into his 40s and was STILL productive on a per-minute basis (O_O). Too bad there's hardly any footage of his college years at Centenary because he put up some rather dominating numbers there, shades of Jacksonville-era Artis Gilmore for real...

[@thinkcivil1627]

He had a virtually unblockable turnaround jumper and he doesn't get enough credit for his ability from the outside. He respected Walton, because the first thing Bill did when he got to Boston was to go to Robert's house and let him know that he wasn't there to take his job. He was there to give Robert a breather and to win a championship. It certainly worked.

[@jdftwo1]

Great individual, player,announcer etc

[@DonkeyKongBMAC]

Does the hall of fame committee not know the chief is 7 feet tall

[@Taylorxswifte]

Great speech by Bill Walton for the great Robert parish!

[@jaymuise5318]

Thanks Chief.. u Rock... Bill Walton... great job dood

[@nickbrown2347]

seen the chief while out shopping in shreveport

[@toscodav]

Let me guess. You were in isle 2 and Chief was in Isle 6 when you saw him.

[@stevet4564]

I was in a bodycast in Maine at eleven yrs old in 1981. The doctors had found my pelvis defect and bilateral hip dysplasia during the mandatory physical I had after making my first schoolboy basketball team. I never got to play schoolboy basketball. I watched the Celtics and was able to feel as if I were still part of a team unable to move a muscle that year from an angled mirror. Parish was a settling force on that team.. never wavering, always composed...and always looked like a badass..lol Thank you Chief