Nearly four decades. Imagine refereeing the best basketball players for nearly four decades.
Fans and players alike always have a love/hate relationship for referees in any sport. It’s just natural to not like the ref. But after 39 years, I think we can all collectively applaud the career of Dick Bavetta.
“Dick’s dedication and commitment to his craft has been an inspiration to all NBA officials,” said NBA President, 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.”
Bavetta worked three NBA All-Star Games (1989, 1995 and 2006) and was the first NBA referee selected to officiate the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona. Bavetta also refereed the 1997 McDonald’s Championship in Paris, 1993 Mexico Challenge and 1990 Japan Games in Tokyo.
“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,” said Bavetta. “I am most proud of never having missed an assigned game, be it exhibition, regular season or playoffs, throughout my entire career. It really has been a great run.”
(press release via SLAMonline)
On top of all that he tallied up a record 2,635 consecutive regular season games, (consecutive!) including 270 Playoff games and 27 Finals games. You could say that Bavetta is the most recognisable referee in the NBA. Whether that is positive or negative is down to your preference.
