Pablo Prigioni

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Prigioni's path to New York was paved by a decade of success in Spain. After playing for Ramallo, Belgrano San Nicolás, and Obras Sanitarias in Argentina, he moved to Europe in 1999, joining Fuenlabrada and later Lucentum Alicante. His breakthrough came with Baskonia (2003–2009), where he won three Spanish King's Cups (2004, 2006, 2009) and the Spanish League championship in 2008. He also earned two All-EuroLeague selections in 2006 and 2007, leading the league in assists that same year. Following stints with Real Madrid (2009–2011) and a return to Baskonia, Prigioni signed a one-year rookie minimum contract with the New York Knicks on July 24, 2012. He re-signed on July 10, 2013, extending his tenure until 2015. During his time in New York, he became the starting point guard for the last two months of the regular season and the entire playoff run. In Game 6 against the Boston Celtics, he hit three three-pointers in the first quarter to help secure an 88–80 victory, advancing the Knicks to the second round for the first time in 13 years.

In Their Own Story

The defining moment of Prigioni's New York tenure occurred during the 2013 playoffs against the Boston Celtics. With the series on the line in Game 6, the Knicks needed a spark in the first quarter. Prigioni delivered immediately, draining three three-pointers to set the tone. His leadership and shooting helped propel the team to an 88–80 win, ending a 13-year drought of failing to reach the second round. Prigioni's style was defined by precision rather than athleticism. He averaged 3.5 points, 2.8 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game in his four NBA seasons. On January 13, 2016, while with the Los Angeles Clippers (after leaving New York), he recorded a career-high eight steals against the Miami Heat, just one shy of the franchise record held by his coach, Doc Rivers. His ability to control the pace and make clutch shots made him an indispensable part of the Knicks' identity during his three seasons there.

Reader's Guide

Pablo Prigioni's time with the New York Knicks began on July 24, 2012, when he signed a one-year contract for the rookie minimum. At 35 years old, he made his NBA debut on November 2, 2012, becoming the oldest rookie in league history. He quickly earned a starting role, leading the team as point guard for the final two months of the 2012–13 season and throughout the playoffs. His playing style was characterized by high basketball IQ, precise passing, and reliable three-point shooting. During his tenure, he helped guide the Knicks to a second-round playoff appearance in 2013. Prigioni re-signed with the team on July 10, 2013, continuing his role until his departure in 2015. His career with the Knicks is remembered for breaking age barriers and demonstrating that veteran skill could thrive in the modern NBA. After leaving New York, he played for the Houston Rockets (2015) and Los Angeles Clippers (2015–2016) before retiring as a player in 2017.

Did You Know?

• Prigioni made his NBA debut on November 2, 2012, at age 35, becoming the oldest rookie in NBA history.
• In Game 6 of the 2013 playoffs against Boston, he hit three three-pointers in the first quarter to help the Knicks advance to the second round for the first time in 13 years.
• He played four seasons in the NBA with the Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers before retiring as a player in January 2017.
• Prigioni won three Spanish King's Cups (2004, 2006, 2009) and led the EuroLeague in assists in 2006 during his European career.