Not every NBA career ends with the Larry O’Brien Trophy. For every LeBron or Curry who rides off with multiple rings, dozens of supremely talented stars continue to watch the Finals from their couches year after year. In the 2024-25 season, we continued to see the same fact: winning a title requires more than talent. It takes timing, luck, the right teammates, and in many cases, simply not running into particular teams.
Some of these guys are first-ballot Hall of Famers, but factors such as injuries, roster construction, or the reputation for not being “that guy” in May and June, the championship window looks like it’s already closing. Here are 12 current NBA stars who, as great as they are, may never win an NBA championship.
1. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is a dominant force in the NBA when healthy, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game during the 2024–25 regular season, but we hardly see enough of him on the court. His playoff performances have been marred by injuries and early exits over the last few seasons, and Sixers fans are getting frustrated by this.
Last year, in the 2024 playoffs, despite averaging 33.0 points and 10.8 rebounds over six games, the 76ers failed to advance past the second round. Of course, the 76ers completely missed the playoffs this past season.
As he is 31 years old right now, the window for a title run narrows, and unless Philadelphia makes significant roster improvements, Embiid’s championship goals will likely never be reached because he has yet to make an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Could it be possible that Embiid might have to try his luck outside of Philadelphia?
2. James Harden
James Harden’s tenure with the Clippers has been a rollercoaster. In the 2024–25 season, he posted averages of 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. Despite these solid numbers, the Clippers’ playoff runs have been underwhelming, with Harden’s postseason performances often falling short of expectations, including a horrific Game 7 performance, which continues his unfortunate history of coming up short in big games.
At 35, Harden’s window for securing a championship is closing. The Clippers’ roster, while talented, has struggled with injuries and consistency. Unless there’s a significant shift in team dynamics or a move to a more championship-ready team, Harden may conclude his illustrious career without a title.
3. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook’s relentless energy and competitiveness remain evident, but his role has diminished. In the 2024–25 season with the Nuggets, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. In the playoffs, Westbrook posted 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
Naturally, the 36-year-old’s future within the team has been questioned, and the former MVP might not be suitable for the modern game in terms of keeping turnovers low and making high-percentage shots. After the Nuggets were defeated in the second round by the Thunder, Westbrook’s title hopes are in major jeopardy.
4. Chris Paul
Chris Paul, coming off a season with the Spurs, continues to showcase his playmaking abilities, averaging 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game in the 2024–25 season. However, at 40, his physical limitations are more apparent, and his ability to influence games has waned.
While Paul’s leadership is invaluable, the Spurs are in a rebuilding phase, and a championship run in the immediate future seems unlikely. Given his age and the team’s trajectory, Paul’s best chance at a title may have passed, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players without a championship.
5. Paul George
Paul George’s move to the 76ers hasn’t yielded the desired results. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. While still a valuable contributor when healthy, his impact as a max player has diminished, and the 76ers suffered because of that.
At 35, George’s prime years are behind him. The 76ers’ roster lacks the depth and cohesion needed for a championship push, and unless significant changes occur, George may end his career without a title. It might be in the best interest of the franchise and George to part ways this summer.
6. Damian Lillard
At the start of last season, Damian Lillard’s partnership with the Bucks aimed to bring a championship to Milwaukee. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game. However, injuries and team inconsistencies have hindered their success because the point guard’s Achilles injury has thrown next season into doubt.
At 34, Lillard’s championship window is narrowing. While his scoring prowess remains, the Bucks need to address roster issues and health concerns to become true contenders. Without these changes, Lillard’s quest for a title may remain unfulfilled, and it might even see Giannis Antetokounmpo leave Milwaukee as a result.
7. Devin Booker
Devin Booker is still one of the league’s premier scorers, averaging 25.6 points and 7.1 assists per game in the 2024–25 season. Despite his individual brilliance, the Suns have struggled to make deep playoff runs, often hindered by injuries and inconsistent team performances.
At 28, Booker still has time to chase a championship, which is why he will likely remain in Phoenix. However, the Suns need to build a more resilient and balanced roster to support his efforts. Without significant changes, Booker’s title aspirations may remain unfulfilled, and it is hard to see the Suns returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2021.
8. Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell continues to be a scoring force, averaging 24.0 points per game in the 2024–25 season. The Cavaliers have shown promise but have yet to make a deep playoff run, once again falling short in the second round of the playoffs despite a strong 64-18 record.
At 28, Mitchell’s prime years are ahead, but the Cavaliers need to build a more cohesive and battle-tested roster. Without significant playoff experience and roster enhancements, Mitchell’s path to a championship remains very challenging when looking at how strong the Knicks and Pacers have looked this season.
9. Ja Morant
Ja Morant’s explosive playmaking was evident in the 2024–25 season, where he averaged 23.2 points and 7.3 assists per game. However, the Grizzlies have struggled with consistency and depth, limiting their playoff success, and it didn’t help that they fired coach Taylor Jenkins before the playoffs.
At 25, Morant has time to develop and lead the Grizzlies to greater heights. However, the team needs to address its roster construction and gain valuable playoff experience. It might also be possible that Memphis moves on from Morant altogether, which might make sense considering the issues that have arisen in recent seasons.
10. DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan continues to be a reliable scorer, averaging 22.2 points per game in the 2024–25 season. His mid-range game remains effective, but the Kings have struggled to translate individual performances into team success, and we have already seen how a duo of DeRozan and Zach LaVine won’t work out.
At 35 and nearing 36, DeRozan’s opportunities for a championship are limited. The Kings’ roster lacks the depth and star power needed for a deep playoff run, and unless DeRozan joins a more competitive team, a title may remain out of reach.
11. Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine’s athleticism and scoring ability are undeniable when he is healthy. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 23.3 points per game. However, his defensive shortcomings and the Kings’ overall team performance have raised questions about their championship viability.
At 30, LaVine is in his prime, but the Kings need significant roster improvements to become contenders. Without a stronger supporting cast and defensive enhancements, LaVine’s chances of winning a championship remain slim, and it might be time for the player to join a legitimate title-contender instead of playoff hopefuls.
12. Trae Young
Trae Young led the league in assists with 11.6 per game and added 24.2 points per game in the 2024–25 season. Despite his offensive prowess, the Hawks failed to make the playoffs, highlighting the team’s defensive deficiencies and lack of depth.
At 26, Young has potential, but the Hawks need to address their roster construction and defensive issues to become contenders. Without these improvements, Young’s championship prospects remain uncertain, which is why his future is currently uncertain at the moment.
