When Argentine point guard Prigioni signed with the New York Knicks in 2012, he became the official oldest rookie in NBA history at 35 years and 29 days. He debuted on November 2, 2012, and quickly developed the nickname as a cool, pass-minded guard who could dictate the game’s tempo.
Marcelo Huertas, the “Brazilian Magic Johnson,” as some of his fans referred to him, joined the NBA in 2015 with the Los Angeles Lakers at 32 years old. Before his arrival, Huertas amazed European fans, particularly FC Barcelona, for whom he won two Spanish League championships.
Quite arguably one of the most legendary names on this roster, Arvydas Sabonis was already an NBA legend in his own right before he even stepped foot in the league. Signed by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1986, political and injury setbacks kept him from debuting until 1995, when he was 31.
Pero Antic may not be a household name, but in 2013, the Macedonian forward-center signed with the Atlanta Hawks as a 31-year-old rookie. Antic was a tough big man with shot range and attitude, and he introduced both to the Hawks’ bench.
Nicknamed “Le Roi” (The King), Antoine Rigaudeau arrived at the Dallas Mavericks in 2003 at 31, having come on the crest of a wave of success in Europe. A two-time EuroLeague champion and Olympic silver medalist with France, Rigaudeau signed with an already loaded Mavs roster.
