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The Chief: The Story of the Boston Celtics' Most Enigmatic Icon
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 23, 2026
I’ve always found it difficult to rate a biography. How do you evaluate someone’s life experience when you haven’t lived it yourself? That said, I can confidently say this was an exceptional read. His charisma shines through in the way he tells his story—not just the basketball moments, but the personal ones as well. The short anecdotes from former teammates and friends about “The Chief” are like sprinkles on top, adding even more depth and enjoyment to an already great book. 5⭐️’s
March 31, 2026
It was a good read. Nice to read about one of the best NBA players. As a Celtics fan, this is a great book about a man who many don't know much about. I appreciate Robert's openness and honesty about his life.
April 14, 2026
For the longest time, I was a fan of the NBA and especially, the San Antonio Spurs. So, yeah, I knew who Parish was, and I was excited to learn more about his playing days. He won NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics (during the Bird era) and he also won one as a member of the Chicago Bulls (with Jordan). How cool is that. I mean, he may be the only player to win with rings with those two extremely talented players. His nickname is The Chief, and that stems from the movie, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest as one of the characters is named The Chief for his quietness.
Growing up outside of Shreveport, Louisiana, Parish went to Centenary College as he wanted to stay close to home to take care of his young daughter. The NCAA didn't like it and punished the school because they knew something illegal must have happened (Parish says nothing illegal happened and he never told them about his daughter). How one of the top high school basketball players in the county chose that school and not LSU or Indiana (under Bobby Knight). Despite that, the team and Parish played on, he never once thought about transferring or jumping to the ABA (which tried several times to get him).
His parents taught him not to view other peoples appearance as different and despite being a 7 foot tall black man, it never really affected him. When he played in Golden State, he attended a gay pride parade in San Francisco (this was 1976 to 1980), and although he rarely saw some of the things happening, it didn't bother him (he embraced it).
Parish didn't go into a game-by-game recollection of what he did, as he focused more on the Playoffs, All Star games, and his multiple trips to the NBA Finals. He talked highly of his Celtic days and his friendship with Bill Walton (it was funny, because in the book, he was referred to as William). Walton did get Parish and a few other Celtic players to attend a Grateful Dead concert. Can you see Bird jamming to Jerry Garcia and company!
Parish played 21 years in the NBA, won multiple Championships, was an All Star for 9 seasons, was voted as a top 50 and top 75 player by the NBA, and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
Parish was a member of the Celtics when Len Bias was drafted (he passed away a few days after the draft) and when Reggie Lewis was on the team (he died as well). Parish thinks the Celtics would've won more championships with Bias and Lewis, and they could've easily become two of the GOATs! Lewis was already on his way.
Key Teammates of Parish:
Golden State Warriors (1976–1980): Jo Jo White, Bernard King, Rick Barry
Boston Celtics (1980–1994): Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Bill Walton, Cedric Maxwell, Tiny Archibald, Reggie Lewis, Dave Cowens, Red Auerbach (owner)
Charlotte Hornets (1994–1996): Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues, Del Curry (Steph's dad)
Chicago Bulls (1996–1997): Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoč, Luc Longley, Bill Wennington, Phil Jackson (coach)
I enjoyed his stories from being an NBA player and players he played with and against. Who is better Bird or Jordan? His favorite Celtics players. Who would win: 1986 Celtics or 1997 Bulls?
Growing up outside of Shreveport, Louisiana, Parish went to Centenary College as he wanted to stay close to home to take care of his young daughter. The NCAA didn't like it and punished the school because they knew something illegal must have happened (Parish says nothing illegal happened and he never told them about his daughter). How one of the top high school basketball players in the county chose that school and not LSU or Indiana (under Bobby Knight). Despite that, the team and Parish played on, he never once thought about transferring or jumping to the ABA (which tried several times to get him).
His parents taught him not to view other peoples appearance as different and despite being a 7 foot tall black man, it never really affected him. When he played in Golden State, he attended a gay pride parade in San Francisco (this was 1976 to 1980), and although he rarely saw some of the things happening, it didn't bother him (he embraced it).
Parish didn't go into a game-by-game recollection of what he did, as he focused more on the Playoffs, All Star games, and his multiple trips to the NBA Finals. He talked highly of his Celtic days and his friendship with Bill Walton (it was funny, because in the book, he was referred to as William). Walton did get Parish and a few other Celtic players to attend a Grateful Dead concert. Can you see Bird jamming to Jerry Garcia and company!
Parish played 21 years in the NBA, won multiple Championships, was an All Star for 9 seasons, was voted as a top 50 and top 75 player by the NBA, and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
Parish was a member of the Celtics when Len Bias was drafted (he passed away a few days after the draft) and when Reggie Lewis was on the team (he died as well). Parish thinks the Celtics would've won more championships with Bias and Lewis, and they could've easily become two of the GOATs! Lewis was already on his way.
Key Teammates of Parish:
Golden State Warriors (1976–1980): Jo Jo White, Bernard King, Rick Barry
Boston Celtics (1980–1994): Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Bill Walton, Cedric Maxwell, Tiny Archibald, Reggie Lewis, Dave Cowens, Red Auerbach (owner)
Charlotte Hornets (1994–1996): Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues, Del Curry (Steph's dad)
Chicago Bulls (1996–1997): Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoč, Luc Longley, Bill Wennington, Phil Jackson (coach)
I enjoyed his stories from being an NBA player and players he played with and against. Who is better Bird or Jordan? His favorite Celtics players. Who would win: 1986 Celtics or 1997 Bulls?
June 26, 2026
As a kid growing up in Massachusetts during the 80s, I revered the Celtics: Larry, Kevin, DJ, and the Chief. Of all the stars on those teams, the one whose voice was rarely heard was Robert Parish. He was quiet, stoic, and just went out and played the game. The first inkling I got of his personality was when he was interviewed for the excellent documentary “Celtics City” and he spoke effusively about how the 1986 would just go in and “F things up.” It was refreshing to hear from the Chief. And that’s what this book is: refreshing. If you’re a fan, you know almost all of the stories, but getting Robert’s point of view for those stories is refreshing and a necessary corrective. He comes across as a guy who understands winning and the sacrifices that requires, but is at peace with the choices he made. It’s a quick read and a fun nostalgic trip. Of all the Celtic heroes of the 80s, the Chief has always been the least understood. This book can help remedy that. Recommended.
July 10, 2026
I grew up watching the Big Three of the legendary Boston Celtics teams of the 1980s, so The Chief was a book I couldn't pass up. While Larry Bird and Kevin McHale often received most of the attention, Robert Parish was the steady, dependable force in the middle. The big man's reserved personality is still on display in this reserved memoir that offers firsthand stories about the Celtics dynasty, the Lakers rivalry, and the challenges throughout a Hall of Fame career.
I found myself wanting a little more insight into some of the key relationships and moments of his career, which keeps this from being a five-star read. Still, for anyone who loves basketball history or remembers the Celtics' championship years, The Chief provides a fascinating look at the quiet cornerstone of one of the greatest teams ever assembled.
I found myself wanting a little more insight into some of the key relationships and moments of his career, which keeps this from being a five-star read. Still, for anyone who loves basketball history or remembers the Celtics' championship years, The Chief provides a fascinating look at the quiet cornerstone of one of the greatest teams ever assembled.
April 2, 2026
I got this book because a reviewer said he reads a lot of basketball bios and this was one of the best. I sure don't agree. Like so many of them, it's another season-by-season description of games and accomplishments. My take is that these players are so wrapped up in their work it leaves little time to have much else to say about their lives.
I did enjoy his comments about teammates and opponents. The best part was his affection and admiration for Bill Walton. Apparently, they were the closest of friends.
It got me thinking, have I ever read one of these basketball bios that I really enjoyed? Yes! The book by Kenny Smith in which he focuses on the great leaders and influencers of his life. It was inspiring and very well written.
I did enjoy his comments about teammates and opponents. The best part was his affection and admiration for Bill Walton. Apparently, they were the closest of friends.
It got me thinking, have I ever read one of these basketball bios that I really enjoyed? Yes! The book by Kenny Smith in which he focuses on the great leaders and influencers of his life. It was inspiring and very well written.
June 19, 2026
This was a great book I would recommend it to any who’s a basketball fan or saw Robert play. It was great to read this and get insight into the kind of person Robert Parish is. R.I.P. Bill Walton and Comminiser Stern.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews