It doesn’t happen every day that a 35-year-old puts on his kicks for his very first NBA game—but that’s precisely what Pablo Prigioni did. Most players are at the top of their game during their mid-20s.
These men didn’t even get underway until most of their contemporaries were established deep within their careers (even retired). From Olympic medalists to EuroLeague grizzled veterans, these late bloomers showed everyone that the NBA isn’t for the young but for the ready.
Let’s Look Into The Most Senior Rookies Ever To Play
1. Pablo Prigioni—35 years old
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.
Prigioni had already ruled Europe, particularly with Spain’s Baskonia and Real Madrid. In his first season as a pro, he contributed 3.5 points and 3.0 assists in 16.2 minutes per game, helping the Knicks secure 54–28 and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
“I always knew that I could play at this level,” Prigioni declared in an interview. “I simply needed to wait for the moment.”
2. Marcelo Huertas—32 years old
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.
At age 32, his flashy assists and astute basketball IQ made him a favorite among L.A. fans, particularly during Kobe Bryant’s last campaign. On average, Huertas produced 3.9 points and 3.1 assists in two seasons with the Lakers. Though he didn’t have a storied NBA career, he illustrated that showmanship knows no bounds regarding age.
3. Arvydas Sabonis—31 years old
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.
Despite this, Sabonis had an immediate impact, averaging 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds as a rookie. His passing out of the high post, soft shooting, and overall size made him a nightmare to match up against.
NBA legend Bill Walton once quipped, “If you want to see how the game should be played, watch Arvydas Sabonis.”
Sabonis continued to play seven NBA seasons and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2011.
4. Pero Antic—31 years old
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.
He scored 6.0 points per game and rebounded 3.5 rebounds per game during two seasons and assisted the Hawks in making the Eastern Conference Finals in 2015. Antic won titles in Serbia and Greece before arriving in the NBA and was best known for being a great locker room guy. His stay was brief, but Antic made an impression as the first Macedonian to suit up in the NBA.
5. Antoine Rigaudeau—31 years old
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.
His NBA career, though, was short-lived—only 11 games in which he scored 1.5 points per game. As short as his stint was, Rigaudeau’s NBA appearance was a tribute to his storied European career. He was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2015 and is still a beloved figure in French basketball.
Why These Late Bloomers Mattered
These players may not have had 10-year NBA careers or jersey retirements, but their tales are a testament to determination, ability, and basketball’s global reach. Some were ignored by NBA scouts in their youth, while others were thwarted by politics or contractual issues abroad. But when opportunity knocked, they seized it with both hands.
KEEP READING: Youngest NBA Rookies of All Time: From Kobe Bryant to Andrew Bynum
They also transformed attitudes. Prigioni and Huertas demonstrated that savvy veterans could still play in today’s high-speed NBA. Sabonis became the face of international domination, and players such as Antic and Rigaudeau paved the way for future Euro stars to find their way to the league.
Most importantly, they reminded fans that the NBA isn’t just a young man’s game—it’s a basketball man’s game. And whether you’re 19 or 35, if you can play, you deserve your shot.
So the next time you catch a glimpse of a 30-year-old inking a rookie deal, don’t laugh–look closely. He could be the next Sabonis or Prigioni, waiting to teach the young bloods how it is done.
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