Every baller has an ultimate dream, the shinning NBA ring on their finger. Greats of the game such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Lebron James have stacked 6, 5, and 4 rings respectively during their illustrious careers.
Although, winning a championship is an important aspect of the sport, it does not necessarily mean that if a player has not won a ring he would not sit among the greats. Here is the list of the Top 10 greatest players who had a devoted career and a colossal fanbase but have been unlucky in regards to winning a championship.
#10. Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller’s 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers saw him become a franchise legend. Reggie’s career began with the Pacers’ 1987 NBA Draft pick where he was the X factor the squad needed, bringing enthusiasm and a strong conviction in the big moment.
Miller transformed the Pacers into regular contenders, reaching their only Finals appearance in 2000 against the Lakers. Despite losing the title, Miller and the Pacers won the hearts of the fans.
Widely hailed for his long-range shots, Miller is one of the NBA’s all-time leaders in three-pointers made. A five-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA, Miller’s skills stretched beyond the three-point line. Reggie Miller averaged 18.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in his career. Throughout his time with the Pacers, even on difficult paths, he left a legacy.
#9. Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady left an impression across 15 NBA seasons and six franchises with seven All-NBA and seven All-Star honors. The NBA Hall of Fame inducted McGrady in 2017, solidifying his legacy. His career averages of 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists showed his scoring power, however his prime years were something extraordinary entirely.
Tracy McGrady at 23, showed the NBA his sensational magic, averaging 32 points per game. Nonetheless, injury uncertainties prevented him from reaching his peak.
Despite injuries stealing his finest years, his presence was expected to inspire a happy ending. His appearances were few, and his only championship attempt with the San Antonio Spurs was narrowly defeated by the Miami Heat. Even without a ring, Tracy McGrady remains one of the most beloved NBA figures in the history of the league.
#8. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1996 NBA draft, after having a great performance in college. When his Sixers and Kobe Bryant’s Lakers met in the NBA Finals, he had led his team all the way there.
In 2000–01, Iverson reached the height of his career, when he was named MVP of the league. The Sixers made it to the NBA Finals and came so close to capturing the championship under his leadership. Despite their best efforts, they fell to the Lakers by a series score of 4-1.
Iverson was named MVP once, was named to the All-NBA team seven times, won the scoring title four times and the steals title three times in his career. The player is also widely regarded as one of the best ball-handlers in NBA history and made significant impact on the game with 26.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per contest throughout his career.
When Iverson made a clutch basket, the crowd would go wild. That’s how beloved Allen Iverson was, yet he never won a championship.
#7. John Stockton
John Stockton is known to be the ideal point guard. His whole 19-year career was spent with the Utah Jazz, where he revolutionized the position.
An NBA legend and ten-time All-Star, Stockton left his mark in the record books by setting NBA record for assists and steals, demonstrating his superior court vision and defensive intelligence. One of the all-time great point guards, players, and passers, he is hailed for his basketball IQ and playmaking skills.
The greatness of John Stockton was recognized in 2009 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Stockton and Karl Malone made the Utah Jazz perennial Western Conference competitors by mastering the pick-and-roll.
Stockton, who stood about 6 feet 1 inch tall, had unparalleled bravado. He boldly faced down giants, showing off an attacking arsenal that included both rapid drives and pinpoint three-point shooting while he averaged 13.1 points and 10.5 assists per game.
John Stockton’s legacy is brilliant despite the fact that he never won a championship. Under his direction, the Jazz reached the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998 for the first time in franchise history.
#6. Chris Paul
Chris Paul has been nothing short of brilliant and committed with his scintillating display all across the floor. Paul’s incredible skillset has allowed him to make his place as one of the NBA’s all-time best point guards. He has also been voted the All-Star Game’s Most Valuable Player and has won two Olympic gold medals in his career.
Paul has come a long way, but he hasn’t yet won a championship. Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns saw him lead the teams into becoming title contenders. His popularity among fans has made him one of the most followed NBA athletes across social media platforms.
CP3’s career saw its peak in 2020, when he made it to the NBA Finals. The combination of misfortune, injuries, and team shortcomings greatly reduced his prospects of winning the title. The impact of Paul’s leadership and court vision can be seen in his career stats, averaging 17.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. Now playing for the Dubs, remains to be seen if CP3 can push for one final race to the Championships.
#5. Vince Carter
Vince Carter is the first player in NBA history to appear in games for 22 consecutive seasons, spanning four extraordinary decades. Carter made a great impact from the moment he began his career with the Toronto Raptors in 1998.
During his career in the NBA, the former basketball great accumulated an incredible average of 16.7 points ,4.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in his career. Carter will always be remembered for his incredible dunking, which earned him the title of best dunker in NBA history and was recognized not only by his peers but also by media outlets and the league itself.
Carter’s physical dominance on the floor was matched only by his basketball skills. His impact was not limited to the NBA, as he also helped the United States win the gold medal in the Summer Olympics in 2000. He will forever be remembered as a legendary figure in the history of basketball.
#4. Charles Barkley
Charles Wade Barkley is recognized for his MVP in 1993, 11 All-Star appearances, 11 All-NBA nominations, two Olympic gold medals (1992 and 1996), ranking among the NBA’s top 50 players, and admission into the Hall of Fame. He was drafted by the Sixers in 1984 after they won the NBA title and had talents like Moses Malone and Julius “Doctor J” Erving.
By his fourth season, Barkley was a superstar. For four years, he dominated the Sixers’ offense despite often being outmanned. He was shockingly moved to the Phoenix Suns in 1992, where he led the seasoned Suns to the Finals and earned MVP. They missed the ring despite a great season. The Red-hot Chicago Bulls defeated Phoenix Suns in the six-game series.
Barkley left the NBA after seven more All-Star seasons. He defied expectations and nearly won every award as a small-town underdog, averaging 22.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.
Despite never winning a title, Charles Barkley will be recognized as one of the finest power forwards in NBA history. He became an all-time great due to his dedication and pressure-handling in tough situations throughput his career.
#3. Patrick Ewing
The famous NBA center Patrick Ewing was a monster on the floor with unequaled toughness and versatility. Despite not winning a title, Ewing made history in the NBA throughout his 17-year career.
Ewing, an 11-time All-Star, was skilled in all areas of the game. He was an efficient mid-range shooter and post player known for his rebounding, blocks, and agility. Ewing had an immediate impact after being drafted by the Knicks in 1985.
In the 1990s, he led the Knicks to two NBA Finals and won over the fanbase with his dedication. Despite missing championship rings, Ewing averaged 21.0 points and 9.8 rebounds per game throughout his career – testament of his consistency. Ewing’s legacy lives on as his excellence spoke volumes of his constant passion and leadership during his time in the NBA.
#2. Steve Nash
Steve Nash had an illustrious 18-season career with four different teams in the NBA. His time with the Suns is widely remembered by all, highlighted by securing the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award twice.
Nash’s basketball journey was shaped early on, earning him the title of West Coast Conference (WCC) Player of the Year not once but twice, a testament to his exceptional skills. Ranking fifth all-time in assists, Nash’s playmaking finesse saw him lead the league in assist a staggering five times and earn a pair of MVP honors.
However, despite his remarkable feats, Nash’s quest for an NBA championship ring remained unfulfilled. He navigated close to the summit, but his teams—the Mavericks and Suns—fell short of reaching the NBA Finals.
His journey comprised of seven All-NBA selections, eight All-Star appearances, and five Assists titles. Steve Nash’s career was defined by his skill, determination, and impact, even if the ultimate triumph of a championship eluded him.
#1. Karl Malone
Two-time NBA MVP, 14-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA First Team, Three-time All-NBA Defensive First Team, Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, NBA Top 50 player, and Hall of Fame — Karl Malone’s stellar resume definitely qualifies to sit among the greats.
Malone went from Louisiana Tech to the Utah Jazz as a first round draft pick, but he exceeded expectations. Over 18 years, the franchise’s success depended on their star forward. The 14-time All-Star was unmatched at his position. His strong rebounding helped his team break fast, demonstrating his on-court skills. He was 6’9″ and about 260 pounds, but he moved gracefully and finished fiercely.
Malone was a brute-agility hybrid with a lethal 18-foot face-up jumper. His partnership with point guard John Stockton maximized his athleticism, leading the Jazz to several playoffs.
During his final season with the Lakers in 2004, the elderly yet efficient All-Star helped the franchise reach the NBA Finals. It was his third Finals appearance, and he had his best opportunity at the title. Unfortunately, the Lakers lose to the tough Detroit Pistons in the disappointing five-game series. Despite not winning a ring, Karl Malone is a legend of the sport and an all-time great.
Malone retired as the NBA’s third-all-time greatest scorer and defensive rebounding beast after 19 years averaging 25.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in his illustrious career.
These 10 legendary players have essentialized their sense of loyalty to their team, over their championships. They wanted to grow and help their team achieve success through the years. Here are the honorable mentions who deserve to sit on the same table:
- Elgin Baylor (10-time All-NBA, Rookie of the Year, 11-time All-Star, Eight NBA Finals appearances, NBA’s Top 50 players of all time, Hall of Famer)
- Dominique Wilkins (Seven-time All-NBA, Nine-time All-Star, Two-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion, Hall of Famer)
- Pete Maravich (Five-time All-Star, Four All-NBA, NBA’s Top 50 players of all time, Hall of Famer)
- Alex English (Eight-time All-Star, Three All-NBA, Hall of Famer)
- George Gervin (Nine-time All-Star, Five-time All-NBA, NBA’s Top 50 players of all time, Hall of Famer)
Do you have any honorable mentions for the greatest NBA players without a ring? Share with us in the comments.
