Longevity has become a recurring theme in the NBA.

There are those that celebrate LeBron James not just because of how he will play well into his 40s, but also because of the 40,474 points he has scored thus far. In this day and age, it has also become an achievement to play all 82 regular season games that we admire Mikal Bridges’ ability to play in 83 (thanks to a midseason trade). In fact, Bridges hasn’t missed an NBA game ever.

One would think that longevity leads to championship success at some point, as 16 of the 20 NBA players who have played the most minutes all-time have won at least one NBA title.

Most Career Minutes (All-Time)

Then again, luck and the right circumstances factor into having a lengthy career and winning. Staying in the league is one thing, but playing yourself into a position to chase championships is another.

The list of active players with the most career minutes reveals as much. Most Career Minutes (Active Players)

In two seasons, we could see LeBron James could hit the 60,000-minute mark, while four players (Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, and James Harden) could join Chris Paul in the 40,000-minute club. But all of them could see Al Horford winning another championship before they do.

Horford’s case is proof that good things could come to those who wait. After starting out with the Atlanta Hawks, the Dominican moved to the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and then back to the Celtics. Horford’s role changed throughout that span of time, beginning as a defensive anchor before becoming a veteran presence that worked best when he shared time with another big man. The title may have come only at this point in his career, but the nearly 35,000 minutes it took for Horford to get there was well worth it.

There are a few players on the list who’ve taken that approach, as Thaddeus Young, Jeff Green, Nicolas Batum, and Wesley Matthews have seen their roles change, but they have remained in the NBA because of that. Green and Matthews have won rings for their efforts, while Young (Phoenix Suns) and Batum (Los Angeles Clippers) still have a shot at their first championship on paper.

The NBA is a league where young men thrive, but it’s the mature ones that truly reach the pinnacle of success. Some grow their games and eventually become superstars. Others take on various roles and tend to find the right one at the right time. That being said, the NBA can be seen as a league of opportunity, where the strong will find a way to survive and win. After all, winning is the most important thing for everyone, right? Unless of course, you’re one of those chasing stats and clout.

So what are the keys to winning an NBA championship? Is it talent? Luck? Timing? Flexibility? It’s a little bit of everything and if they stick around long enough, they might find themselves with a ring that makes all the sacrifices worth it.