Parish Joins Hornets as Mourning’s Backup

Robert Parish, arriving with three NBA championship rings and a pending invitation to the Hall of Fame, insists he doesn’t mind taking a backup role with the Charlotte Hornets.

“My ego has been in check for a long time,” the nine-time All-Star center of the Boston Celtics said Thursday after signing a multi-year contract with the Hornets.

“Coming off the bench behind a fine young center like Alonzo Mourning fits my style,” said the 7-foot Parish, the NBA’s oldest player, who will turn 41 on Aug. 30.

While terms weren’t disclosed, published reports said Parish agreed to a two-year deal with an optional third year, and a guarantee of about $5.5 million. That amount would increase to about $7.5 million if Parish plays three seasons.

Parish expects to play about 10 to 15 minutes a game, sometimes alongside Mourning, the Hornets’ 6-10 center.