NBA President for Basketball Operations Rod Thorn announced that veteran referee Dick Bavetta decided to end his officiating career after 39 years in service.

Thorn praised Bavetta's passion and commitment to his job, stating that he served as an inspiration to all NBA officials.

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The man started his NBA career back in December 2, 1975 when the New York Knicks faced the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.

Bavetta officiated a total of 2,635 regular season contests, 270 playoff games, and 27 Finals competitions in the span of his career. He is proud to say that he did not miss a single game assignment.

"I am most proud of never having missed an assigned game, be it exhibition, regular season or playoffs, throughout my entire career," said the 74-year-old referee in a statement released. "It really has been a great run.

Born in Park Slope, Bavetta grew up in Brooklyn. He received his high school education at Power Memorial Academy and St. Francis for college. He is currently the record holder for the most number of games officiated in the NBA. He exceeded the previous record of 2,134 games by Jake O'Donnell in 2006.

Before his stint with the league, Bavetta was an official with the Eastern League, where he officiated for nine years, Jersey Shore Basketball League, Rucker League and FIBA. He was also involved in both public and Catholic high school leagues in New York City.

Aside from his career in the league, Bavetta was also active in many charitable events. He personally founded and financed "The Bavetta Scholarships" in 1986. The main focus of this program is to give assistance to minority children in high school.

The man also volunteered with the Double H-Hole in the Woods Ranch for children with HIV and cancer. He is with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as well, serving as the Upstate New York Regional Director.

TagsDick Bavetta, Referee, retirement