Few individuals are appreciated less for their contributions to the world of sports as referees. Their brilliant calls go unnoticed, their missed calls are overstated and their consistency is nothing short of under-appreciated.
Throughout the NBA, few men with the whistle have done as much for the game as Dick Bavetta.
Bavetta, 74, made his NBA debut in 1975. Since then, he’s been the referee iron man. Albeit with little recognition amongst casual fans, this earned him the reputation of one of the association’s best.
As Bavetta prepares for retirement after 39 years of work, the official NBA Instagram made sure to honor him with an excellent image.
That’s one impressive streak.
Bavetta is perhaps best-known for his All-Star Weekend race with Charles Barkley. That and the infamous kiss that followed.
For those who missed it:
Bavetta is amazing for many, many reasons.
As the association continues to move into a new generation, it will be forced to move on without one of its greatest referees. Not only is he the iron man, but he’s the all-time leader for total games officiated.
Happy trails, Dick Bavetta. Enjoy retirement.