There are a lot of NBA players without a ring. In this article, we will be discussing the 12 best ones. These players have made it to the top of their game, but have not been able to win an NBA championship. This list is based on talent, performance, and individual achievements. Let’s start with number 1.
1. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is a 10-time NBA All-Star and the 2012 Olympic gold medalist. He currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers. Anthony is known to be one of the best scorers in the NBA throughout his career, averaging over 24 points per game. He is also a 6-time All-NBA selection. However, despite all of his individual success, he has not been able to win an NBA championship.
2. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is a 6-time NBA All-Star and the current face of the Portland Trail Blazers. He is one of the best point guards in the NBA and has led the Blazers to the playoffs in each of the last 6 seasons. Lillard is a 2-time All-NBA selection and was named Rookie of the Year in 2012-13. He is also a 2-time All-Star Game MVP. However, like Carmelo Anthony, Lillard has not been able to win an NBA championship.
3. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is a 9-time NBA All-Star and the 2017 NBA MVP. He currently plays for the Houston Rockets. Westbrook is one of the best point guards in the league and is known for his high energy and explosive playing style. He has averaged a triple-double for 3 straight seasons and is a 6-time All-NBA selection. However, Westbrook has not been able to win an NBA championship.
4. Chris Paul
Chris Paul is a 10-time NBA All-Star and the current president of the National Basketball Players Association. He currently plays for the Phoenix Suns. Paul is one of the best point guards in NBA history and is considered to be one of the best playmakers of all time. He is a 9-time All-NBA selection and led the league in assists per game for 8 straight seasons. However, despite all of his individual success, Chris Paul has not been able to win an NBA championship.
5. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki is a 14-time NBA All-Star and the 2011 NBA Finals MVP. He is the current head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki is one of the best shooters in NBA history and is considered to be one of the best international players of all time. He is a 12-time All-NBA selection and led the Mavericks to the playoffs 15 times in his 21 seasons with the team. However, despite all of his individual success and team success, Dirk Nowitzki has not been able to win an NBA championship.
6. Vince Carter
Vince Carter is an 8-time NBA All-Star and the 1999 Rookie of the Year. He currently plays for the Atlanta Hawks. Carter is one of the best scorers in NBA history and is considered to be one of the best dunkers of all time. He is a 2-time All-NBA selection and led the league in minutes per game for 3 straight seasons. However, despite all of his individual success, Vince Carter has not been able to win an NBA championship.
7. Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns is a 2-time NBA All-Star and the 2016 Rookie of the Year. He currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Towns are one of the best young centers in the NBA and have already established himself as one of the best scorers in the league. He is a 2-time All-NBA selection and was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 2016. However, despite all of his individual success, Karl-Anthony Towns has not been able to win an NBA championship.
8. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is a 6-time NBA All-Star and the 2016 NBA Finals MVP. He currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets. Irving is one of the best point guards in the league and is known for his clutch shooting and ability to take over games. He is a 4-time All-NBA selection and led the Cavaliers to the playoffs in each of his 6 seasons with the team. However, despite all of his individual success and team success, Kyrie Irving has not been able to win an NBA championship.
9. Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis is a 6-time NBA All-Star and the 2012 Olympic gold medalist. He currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis is one of the best young players in the league and is considered to be one of the best big men in the league. He is a 3-time All-NBA selection and was named Rookie of the Year in 2012-13. However, despite all of his individual success, Anthony Davis has not been able to win an NBA championship.
10. James Harden
James Harden is a 7-time NBA All-Star and the 2017-18 NBA MVP. He currently plays for the Houston Rockets. Harden is one of the best scorers in the league and is known for his ability to get to the free-throw line. He is a 6-time All-NBA selection and led the league in scoring in 2017-18. However, despite all of his individual success, James Harden has not been able to win an NBA championship.
11. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is a 9-time NBA All-Star and the 2017 MVP. He currently plays for the Houston Rockets. Westbrook is one of the best point guards in the league and is known for his high energy and intensity. He is a 5-time All-NBA selection and led the league in assists per game for 3 straight seasons. However, despite all of his individual success, Russell Westbrook has not been able to win an NBA championship.
12. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing is an 11-time NBA All-Star and the 1985 Rookie of the Year. He currently works as an assistant coach for the Charlotte Hornets. Ewing is one of the best centers in NBA history and is considered to be one of the best players of his generation. He is a 2-time All-NBA selection and led the Knicks to the playoffs in each of his 15 seasons with the team. However, despite all of his individual success and team success, Patrick Ewing was never able to win an NBA championship.
Conclusion
These are the 12 best NBA players without a ring. Even though they have not been able to win an NBA championship, they have all had success in their careers. They have all been All-Stars and have won individual awards. Several of them have even led their teams to the playoffs. However, they have not been able to win the ultimate prize, an NBA championship. Maybe one day one of these players will finally be able to win a ring, but for now, they will just have to settle for being some of the best players without a championship.