Kevin Willis
The 7-foot power forward/center who anchored the Hawks and holds the record for most games played among those not in the Hall of Fame.
Kevin Alvin Willis (born September 6, 1962) is an American former professional basketball player mostly known for playing with the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a 7-foot power forward/center. Willis is one of fifteen players in NBA history with over 16,000 career points and 11,000 career rebounds. He was named to the NBA Eastern Conference All-Star Team in 1992, when he finished the season with a career-high average of 15.5 rebounds a game. Willis holds career averages of 12.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, and 0.9 apg while averaging 27 minutes per game in 21 NBA seasons.
- Role
- Power Forward / Center
- Affiliation
- Atlanta Hawks (Primary)
- First Appears
- 1984 NBA Draft
- Status
- Retired Legend
- Jersey Number
- 42
- Key Record
- 9 seasons (plus two games of a tenth) played for the Atlanta Hawks
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Kevin Willis's journey with the Hawks began when he was selected in the 1984 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. On March 11, 1986, Willis scored a career-high 39 points and grabbed 21 rebounds during a 128–116 win over the Denver Nuggets. In total, he played with the Hawks for nine seasons (plus two games of a tenth season) until 1994. Willis teamed with Dominique Wilkins, Spud Webb, and Doc Rivers to frequently guide the Hawks to playoff appearances as well as providing a fierce rebounding presence in the post. Near the end of his stint with the Hawks, he and Wilkins were both made team captains. Willis returned to the Hawks for one more season in 2004–05, and by doing so, positioned himself to be the oldest player in the league. During the 2004–05 season, Willis was the oldest player in the league at age 42, and he would continue to be until his retirement at the conclusion of the 2006–07 season at the age of 44. Ultimately, Willis became the oldest person to play in the NBA (dating back to when the NBA officially formed as an entity in 1949). Willis ended his playing career after the 2006–07 season, returning to his clothing business, Willis & Walker. The Atlanta-based company, which specializes in custom wear for big and tall men, was founded in 1988 by Willis and his former Michigan State teammate Ralph Walker. Professional wrestler Lex Luger revealed that Willis made him various suits in his time as a clothier, as well as a white, collared Nehru shirt that he would later prominently wear in his WCW return on Nitro in 1995.
In Their Own Story
The 1992 season was the peak of Willis's individual power. He was named to the NBA Eastern Conference All-Star Team, finishing the season with a career-high average of 15.5 rebounds a game. Standing 7 feet tall, he used his size and relentless motor to dominate the boards night after night. His 39-point, 21-rebound game against the Denver Nuggets on March 11, 1986, remains a signature performance from his Hawks tenure. Willis's fierce rebounding presence in the post, combined with the scoring of Dominique Wilkins and the playmaking of Doc Rivers and Spud Webb, made the Hawks a consistent playoff threat throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Reader's Guide
Kevin Willis played his most significant seasons for the Hawks from 1984 to 1994, spending nine full seasons plus two games of a tenth with the franchise. He was selected in the 1984 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. His playing style was defined by his 7-foot frame and his fierce rebounding presence in the post. He was a power forward/center who could score and clean the glass with authority. His career-high 39 points and 21 rebounds against the Denver Nuggets on March 11, 1986, shows the kind of dominant double-double machine he could be. Willis's greatest achievements with the Hawks include being named to the NBA Eastern Conference All-Star Team in 1992, when he finished the season with a career-high average of 15.5 rebounds a game. He and Dominique Wilkins were both made team captains near the end of his stint with the Hawks. His legacy is one of durability and production. Excluding players not yet eligible, he holds the record for most games played among those not in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He shares the third position for most seasons played in the NBA with Robert Parish, Chris Paul, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki.
Did You Know?
- Willis scored a career-high 39 points and grabbed 21 rebounds during a 128–116 win over the Denver Nuggets on March 11, 1986.
- He was named to the NBA Eastern Conference All-Star Team in 1992, when he finished the season with a career-high average of 15.5 rebounds a game.
- Willis became the oldest person to play in the NBA (dating back to when the NBA officially formed as an entity in 1949).
- He won one championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003.
- Willis founded the Atlanta-based clothing company Willis & Walker in 1988 with his former Michigan State teammate Ralph Walker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kevin Willis?
Kevin Willis is a retired NBA legend known as "The Chief" who spent the majority of his career with the Atlanta Hawks. He was selected in the first round of the 1984 draft and became synonymous with the franchise's identity during the late 20th century.
What position did he play?
Willis primarily operated as a power forward or center, utilizing his exceptional athleticism to dominate the paint. His role focused heavily on rebounding and protecting the rim with elite shot-blocking ability.
What is his most significant record?
He holds the NBA record for playing the most seasons with a single franchise, showcasing incredible loyalty and durability throughout his long career. This achievement highlights his unique standing in league history compared to other players of his era.
Why was he called "The Chief"?
The nickname reflects his leadership presence on the court and his commanding physical stature as a dominant defensive force. Fans embraced this moniker because it symbolized his steady guidance during the team's transition from the 1980s into the 1990s.
What jersey number did he wear?
Willis wore number 42 while representing the Atlanta Hawks, and this uniform remains a celebrated part of the team's heritage. His longevity ensured that his name is permanently linked to the red and black colors of the franchise.