- An in-depth look at current players’ championship quests
- Highlighting the careers of top-tier players without a ring
- Damian Lillard and Devin Booker will have a better shot in 2023-24
The pursuit of an NBA championship is the ultimate goal for any professional basketball player. While many talented individuals have graced the NBA hardwood, not all have had the opportunity to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
In this article, we’ll explore the careers of the ten best current players without an NBA championship, ranked in order of their impact and contributions to their respective teams. Only players with a minimum of 7 seasons in the NBA are included in this list.
10. Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose‘s career can be described as a rollercoaster ride. From being the youngest player to win the league MVP award with the Chicago Bulls to suffering multiple devastating injuries, Rose’s journey has been marked by setbacks and comebacks. Despite enduring numerous surgeries and rehabilitation, Rose’s love for the game has never wavered.
He currently serves as a mentor and veteran presence for the Memphis Grizzlies, providing crucial leadership and occasional clutch performances. The opportunity for Rose to win a championship might be a long shot, but his determination and perseverance continue to inspire fans and players alike.
Rose, a veteran of 14 NBA seasons, has graced the hardwood for five different teams, with significant stints that include memorable tenures with the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks. Over the course of his illustrious career, Rose has consistently delivered impressive statistics and garnered numerous accolades.
In his 699 regular-season appearances, Derrick Rose has displayed an exceptional skill set that has made him a force to be reckoned with. Averaging 17.7 points per game, Rose has been a dynamic scoring threat, capable of taking over games with his scoring ability. Furthermore, his playmaking skills are evident in his 5.3 assists per game, a testament to his ability to create opportunities for his teammates.
9. DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan has been a scoring machine throughout his career, particularly during his time with the Toronto Raptors. His ability to put up points in a variety of ways, especially with his mid-range game, has made him a consistent All-Star.
DeRozan’s recent move to the Chicago Bulls presented a new chapter in his career, and he’s focused on helping his team contend for a championship. While the path might not be straightforward, DeRozan’s scoring prowess and work ethic make him an integral part of the Bulls’ aspirations.
As a seasoned veteran with 14 NBA seasons under his belt, DeRozan has made a significant impact on the court while donning the jerseys of the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and the Chicago Bulls. Over the span of his illustrious career, DeRozan has consistently delivered remarkable statistics and earned several prestigious accolades.
In his impressive tenure, DeMar has showcased his scoring prowess, maintaining an average of 21.0 points per game throughout his 1,031 regular-season appearances. Beyond his scoring, DeRozan has proven to be a versatile contributor, as evidenced by his 4.4 rebounds per game. Additionally, he has exhibited excellent playmaking skills, dishing out an average of 4.0 assists per game.
8. Chris Paul
Chris Paul’s reputation as one of the most exceptional point guards in NBA history is well-deserved. His court vision, basketball IQ, and leadership have made him a sought-after asset for various teams. Paul’s journey to an NBA championship came tantalizingly close in the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns, but an unfortunate injury disrupted his quest.
Despite his age, Paul remains an elite playmaker and floor general, providing invaluable guidance to the Warriors roster for next season. His determination and leadership are key factors in Golden State’s title aspirations.
Chris Paul, a prominent figure in the NBA, has had a distinguished 18-season career with five teams, including the Clippers and Hornets. Throughout his journey, he’s maintained impressive averages of 17.9 points, 9.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 steals in 1,214 regular-season games. With 12 All-Star game selections and the prestigious Rookie of the Year award to his name, Paul’s legacy as a well-rounded and dominant point guard is firmly established.
7. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook’s triple-double prowess has made him a unique and electrifying talent in the NBA. He has consistently been among the league leaders in points, rebounds, and assists, demonstrating his all-around excellence. Westbrook’s competitiveness and intensity are unquestionable, but he’s still searching for that elusive championship ring.
Russell Westbrook captivated NBA fans and showcased his unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. His relentless energy and competitive spirit are hallmarks of his playing style. Westbrook has played for several teams, most recently the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, as he continues his quest for a championship. Whether he’s leading a fast break, crashing the boards, or hitting clutch shots, Westbrook’s contributions are instrumental to his team’s success.
Russ has amassed an impressive 15-season career while donning the jerseys of five different teams, most notably the OKC Thunder. His on-court contributions are underscored by notable career averages of 22.4 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.3 rebounds across 1,094 regular-season games. Westbrook’s remarkable talent has earned him the distinction of participating in nine All-Star games and securing the coveted MVP award in 2017, solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite players.
Beyond his statistical prowess, Russell Westbrook’s impact on the game extends to his tenacity and unmatched competitiveness, making him a respected figure in the world of basketball. His journey in the NBA has left an enduring legacy, characterized by his remarkable versatility and an array of individual accolades that have further etched his name in the annals of the sport’s history.
6. Paul George
Paul George is a dynamic two-way player with the ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. He has been the focal point of the Los Angeles Clippers since his arrival from the Thunder in 2019. George came close to reaching the NBA Finals in 2021, but an injury hindered his efforts. He remains a top-tier player without a championship to his name.
Over the course of his 13-season NBA career, Paul George has made significant contributions to the game while representing teams like the Pacers, Clippers, and Thunder. His on-court prowess is underscored by career averages of 20.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 793 regular-season games. George’s versatility and skill set have not only earned him individual accolades but have also made him a valued asset for the teams he’s played for.
His eight All-Star game selections and the recognition of the Most Improved Player award highlight his consistent excellence on the hardwood. George’s journey in the NBA showcases a player who has continually honed his abilities and has been recognized for his dedication to the sport. As he continues to make his mark in the league, his impact reaches beyond just statistics, influencing the game and earning him a place among the NBA’s top talents.
5. James Harden
James Harden is a scoring virtuoso who has redefined the art of scoring in the NBA. Known for his signature step-back three-pointer, Harden’s offensive arsenal is unrivaled. After a successful tenure with the Houston Rockets, Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and he then demanded a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers, where once again he is trying to leave after another playoff failure.
During his remarkable 14-season career in the NBA, James Harden has showcased his exceptional talents while representing four different teams, notably the Rockets and Thunder. His impressive stats reflect his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities, with career averages of 24.7 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.6 rebounds across an impressive 1,000 regular-season games.
Harden’s consistency and versatility on the court have earned him recognition as one of the league’s premier players, with an impressive 10 All-Star game selections to his name. Harden’s journey in the NBA is a testament to his skill and impact on the game. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor, coupled with his basketball IQ, has solidified his status as a top-tier player in the league, making him a force to be reckoned with season after season.
4. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler’s time with the Miami Heat in the 2020 and 2023 NBA Finals showcased his tenacity, leadership, and unwavering work ethic. Butler’s performance in the two Finals, including a memorable 40-point triple-double in the Bubble, made him the heart and soul of the Heat’s championship run.
Although they fell short both times, the indomitable spirit and fearless nature that Butler displayed left an indelible mark. His journey to an NBA championship remains a captivating narrative, and his leadership continues to be a driving force for the Heat, who will embark on another season as runner-ups and looking to claim the elusive trophy.
Over a successful 12-season career spanning four different NBA teams, including notable stints with the Bulls and Heat, Jimmy Butler has established himself as a versatile and impactful player who proved able to lead his teams in deep postseason runs.
His career statistics of 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in 754 regular-season appearances highlight his well-rounded skills and contributions on the court. Butler’s consistent excellence has earned him six All-Star game selections, affirming his status as a respected and formidable presence in the league.
3. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid’s emergence as one of the most dominant big men in the league has been a sight to behold. His combination of size, skill, and agility makes him a formidable presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. The Philadelphia 76ers’ championship aspirations heavily depend on Embiid’s performance. With his ability to score, rebound, and protect the rim, he’s a game-changer.
While his journey is still in progress, Embiid’s quest for an NBA championship has the potential to reshape the landscape of the league, as he and the 76ers are still looking to add more talented pieces centered around him and Tyrese Maxey, their rising star.
Joel Embiid, a dominant force for the 76ers over seven seasons, has consistently delivered impressive performances on the court. With career averages of 27.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 394 regular-season games, he exemplifies a true all-around presence in the paint. His remarkable abilities have garnered him recognition with six All-Star game selections and the coveted MVP award in 2023, showcasing his impact and status as one of the league’s premier players.
2. Devin Booker
Devin Booker’s scoring ability has made him one of the league’s most exciting young stars. His remarkable shooting and ability to perform in clutch moments were on full display during the Phoenix Suns‘ run to the 2021 NBA Finals. Booker’s superstar level has elevated the Suns, and the young guard’s potential is limitless. While he came agonizingly close to an NBA championship, Booker’s future is filled with opportunities to cement his legacy as a scorer and a winner.
For this upcoming season, Booker’s chances of obtaining a ring may have shifted considerably after acquiring Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic and trading away Chris Paul to Washington and Deandre Ayton to Portland in exchange. This duo, alongside the excellence of Kevin Durant, is poised for a championship run in 2023-24.
Booker, with a career that has unfolded over eight seasons exclusively with the Suns, has cemented himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. His impressive statistics, including an average of 23.9 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 530 regular-season games, highlight his scoring prowess and well-rounded abilities on the court. Although he has been a key contributor for Phoenix throughout his career, Booker’s journey in the NBA has earned him three All-Star game selections, a testament to his growing reputation as a top-tier talent in the league.
1. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard, often referred to as “Dame Time,” is renowned for his long-range shooting and clutch performances. Lillard’s ability to make game-winning shots from beyond the arc has become legendary. He has been the face of the Portland Trail Blazers for years, consistently carrying the team deep into the playoffs.
Despite his incredible individual efforts, Lillard is still in search of an NBA championship to complete his legacy. After a trade this offseason, that saw him arrive at the Milwaukee Bucks and become a lethal duo along with Giannis Antetokounmpo, his chances of winning the trophy have gone up immensely.
Over the course of his illustrious 11-season career with the Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard has firmly established himself as a franchise player and one of the NBA’s premier point guards. With impressive career averages of 25.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in 769 regular-season games, Lillard has consistently been a prolific scorer and an exceptional playmaker on the court.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he’s been chosen to participate in seven All-Star games, highlighting his impact and recognition as one of the league’s elite talents. Now, as the newest member of the Milwaukee Bucks, Dame Time is also poised for a title run in the East.
