Pablo Prigioni

At 35, the oldest rookie ever brought European mastery to Madison Square Garden.

via Wikipedia: Pablo Prigioni · see source

Pablo Prigioni is an Argentine-Italian professional basketball coach and former player who made history with the New York Knicks as the oldest rookie in NBA history. Born on May 17, 1977, he joined the Knicks in 2012 at age 35 after a celebrated career in Europe. Playing the point guard position, Prigioni became a vital part of the team's offense, starting for the final two months of the 2012–13 season and leading them through the playoffs. His arrival marked a unique moment in NBA history, bridging years of European dominance with his debut on November 2, 2012.

Quick Facts

Position: Assistant coach
League: NBA
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Nationality: Argentine; Italian
Born: 17 May 1977
Birthplace: Río Tercero, Argentina
Career number: 5, 9, 10
Career position: Point guard

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.

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?

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.