The greatest players in NBA history who never won a title

For any sport, winning a title is always the most important thing, collectively and individually. Generally, when thinking about the best players, it is common to remember those who won countless championships, such as Michael Jordanwith six rings of NBAor Tom Bradywith seven achievements from NFL.

Those players we love so much are not always able to reach the maximum glory of their sports. In basketball, this is no different. Some athletes pass through the league and leave their names in history, but, for various reasons, they fail to win a championship during the years they take the court. See now a list of the greatest players in NBA history to never win a title!

Allen Iverson

In no conversation does the subject of greatest untitled players come up, does the name of Allen Iverson will not be mentioned. The number 3 that marked a generation of fans is probably THE GREATEST to never receive a North American basketball league championship ring. Born on June 7, 1975, he entered the NBA in 1997 and has already received the Rookie of the Year award.

In the 2000/01 season, he had the best season of his life. ‘The Answer’ was discredited Philadelphia 76ers until the NBA grand final. But, he came across the unstoppable Los Angeles Lakers in Kobe Bryant It is Shaquille O’Neal.

Iverson changed the league in many ways, mainly due to his bold style, with braids, baggy clothes and tattoos, something that wasn’t so common at the time. AI spent 14 seasons as a professional player until his retirement.

Carmelo Anthony

Another player who marked his generation, without a doubt, was Carmelo Anthony. Responsible for iconic celebrations and a style of play more focused on shooting threes when it didn’t yet exist Stephen Curry, Melo wrote his name in history. Ninth highest scorer, with 28,289 points, he spent 19 seasons before retiring.

Played for teams like Denver Nuggets It is New York Knickswhere he became an idol in both, but also played for Oklahoma City ThunderLos Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets It is Portland Trail Blazers. Carmelo was drafted the same year as LeBron Jamesso much so that he is very good friends with the greatest basket player in history.

However, he never had the success that his companion had. Even though he was well known by young people who grew up in the 2000s and admired his basketball, Melo was hampered by injuries that prevented him from continuing to compete at a high level.

Charles Barkley

Another one of those great players who even managed to get a taste of the title, but ended up going the way of one of the biggest (if not the biggest) names in basketball. Charles Barkley was dominant on the court and was mainly responsible for taking the Phoenix Suns for the 1993 NBA Finals.

However, on his way to glory, there was a number 23 called Michael Jeffrey Jordanwhich, together with the Chicago Bulls, won his first of many titles. After that, he never managed to reach the finals again. He currently works as a commentator for basketball games and is a reference in this position.

Charles Barkley on the Phoenix Suns:

“No disrespect, Durant is a follower. He’s not a leader. He’s proven that everywhere he’s been.

I think Booker will have to take the initiative to take this team to another level, being that leader in all aspects.

And I said… pic.twitter.com/wBYaoptPKw

— Coast to Coast Brazil | NBA (@brasilcoast2) February 20, 2024

John Stockton

Probably one of the most unbelievable to have ever won a title, John Stockton it also made a huge impact on a generation of passionate fans. Leader of Utah Jazzthe point guard reached two NBA Finals in the late 90s.

But on both occasions, he came up against Michael Jordan in his prime, losing twice to the Chicago Bulls. To this day, experts and basketball lovers debate and are certain that if Stockton and the Jazz had faced any other team, they would have won at least one final.

📽️ 2.18.2001 – OTD 23 years ago, on a nationally televised Sunday afternoon stage, John Stockton (age 38) shot 10-12 and put on a point guard clinic while dominating the 4th-Qtr in a #UtahJazz comeback win at the 33-16 Sacramento Kings. #JazzBasketball#TakeNotepic.twitter.com/FoJ5QI04QO

— JazzBasketball (@Jazzbasketball1) February 18, 2024

Patrick Ewing

The 90s were dominated by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. But, in New York City, there was a 7-foot center who always put the New York Knicks in contention. Able to accumulate many points very quickly, Patrick Ewing failed to take the franchise to the title.

Ewing made it to the finals a few times. In 1993/94, he worked hard, but ended up losing in seven games to the Houston Rockets led by Hakeem Olajuwon. In 1998/1999, it didn’t even come close to providing work for the San Antonio Spurs in Tim Duncan It is David Robinsonlosing in five games.

Patrick Ewing, Knicks game winner pic.twitter.com/9izGYJKdnR

— Alex B. (@KnicksCentral) February 16, 2024

Reggie Miller

Largely responsible for creating the fashion for three-pointers, Reggie Miller He was a natural pitcher. Inspiration from Stephen Curry, the number 31 played his entire life for Indiana Pacers and came very close to winning a title.

But, in his path, there was no one else, none other than Kobe and Shaq. In the 1999/2000 finals, the Pacers even tried, but ended up losing in six games, yielding what would be the first of many titles for the Black Mamba.

Steve Nash

The game of Steve Nash was beautiful. It was attractive. Many Phoenix Suns fans saw the team come to life in the 21st century due to the point guard’s performance. But, despite all his talent, he didn’t win a title.

In fact, Nash’s Suns never even reached the NBA Finals. With the expectation of one day winning a title, the point guard joined Kobe Bryant at the Los Angeles Lakers, but the 2010s for the team from the city of Los Angeles They were cruel and nothing happened.

Honorable mentions for athletes who are still active:

There are those who are still active and can join teams that at some point win rings, for example Chris Paul, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, James Harden, Jimmy Butler. All will likely be included in the Basketball Hall of Fameeven if in the next few years they fail to win the league.