The dynamic duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton has set the record for an NBA player’s most consecutive playoff appearances with 19 each. Both Malone and Stockton became the Utah Jazz’s superstars who spearheaded the team’s NBA championship odds and led back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998.
On this day in 1997, John Stockton buried the series-clinching three against Houston to send the @utahjazz to the NBA Finals! #NBAVault
We're streaming UTA/HOU WCF Game 6 tonight on @NBA at 8pm/et. #NBATogetherLive pic.twitter.com/pUZRvsWQI4
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 29, 2020
Unfortunately, they failed both attempts to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy. Malone and Stockton also didn’t miss a postseason appearance throughout their careers since being drafted in 1985 and 1984, respectively. Following the Jazz superstars on the list are legendary point guards Tony Parker and Jason, who had 17 straight playoff appearances.
Parker, a four-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, was vital to the team’s success as the leading floor general. The French national player finished his postseason career with averages of 17.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Meanwhile, Jason Kidd starred for four different teams during this period and was crucial to every team’s rotation.
This successful postseason campaign by Kidd earned him a title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Tim Duncan, Robert Horry and Scottie Pippen are sitting third on the list with 16 consecutive playoff appearances each. These three stars won multiple titles, with Duncan winning four rings with the Spurs, Horry collecting seven rings with three teams, and Pippen playing a massive part in Chicago’s two three-peats during the 90s.
Shaquille O’Neal and Clyde Drexler are rounding out the top-nine list. They each appeared in 15 consecutive playoff runs. Shaq suited up for four different teams and won four titles, while Drexler played for two only teams. O’Neal amassed incredible playoff statistical numbers of 24.3 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.1 blocks. On the other hand, Drexler racked up 20.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists.
Below is a table of NBA players with the most consecutive playoff appearances. Note that these numbers are as of the 2021-22 season.
NBA Players With Most Consecutive Playoff Appearances
| Rank | Player | Consecutive Playoff Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| T-1 | Karl Malone | 19 |
| T-1 | John Stockton | 19 |
| T-2 | Tony Parker | 17 |
| T-2 | Jason Kidd | 17 |
| T-3 | Tim Duncan | 16 |
| T-3 | Robert Horry | 16 |
| T-3 | Scottie Pippen | 16 |
| T-4 | Shaquille O’Neal | 15 |
| T-4 | Clyde Drexler | 15 |
Read more: NBA Players With Most Playoff Appearances
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