Some of the greatest shooting guards ever have won multiple NBA championships, including Sam Jones of the Boston Celtics and the legendary Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. The following list includes the 29 shooting guards who have won at least two NBA titles over their careers.
10 Championships
Sam Jones
Playing alongside basketball icons like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and John Havlicek, Sam Jones was an integral part of the Celtics dynasty. Interestingly, he wasn’t just a role player; he was a dynamic shooting guard known for his clutch performances. In fact, his nickname, “Mr. Clutch,” was earned through his ability to deliver game-changing plays when it mattered most. The shooting guard averaged an impressive 17.7 points per game throughout his career and elevated his game in the playoffs, posting 18.9 points per game.
With 10 championships under his belt, it’s no surprise that Sam Jones was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His legacy isn’t just defined by the number of rings he won but by how he played the game: with skill, determination, and an unwavering commitment to winning with an all-time great dynasty.
7 Championships
Frank Ramsey
With seven championship rings to his name, backup shooting guard Frank Ramsey carved out a niche for himself as an invaluable asset to the Boston Celtics during the late 1950s and early 1960s. While names like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and Sam Jones often steal the spotlight, Ramsey’s contributions were no less significant. Often coming off the bench, his ability to inject energy, score crucial baskets, and provide relentless defense made him a game-changer in his own right.
Interestingly, Ramsey’s scoring prowess was ahead of its time. He was known for his unorthodox shooting style, which involved jump shots that were launched while he was still ascending, giving defenders little time to react. This unique technique, coupled with his agility and speed, made him a nightmare for opposing teams and a fan favorite in Boston.
6 Championships
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan’s six championships with the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s are an underlying reflection of his dominance and impact on the game. He boasts career averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, making him one of the most prolific scorers and versatile players in NBA history. His playoff averages were even more impressive, posting 33.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game.
There were so many great moments of Jordan’s dominance during his six championship runs. One of the earliest instances came in 1989, during a first-round playoff matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In what would be remembered as “The Shot,” Jordan soared over Craig Ehlo to sink a buzzer-beating jumper, clinching the series for the Bulls and signaling the arrival of a new basketball sensation. Fast-forward to 1991, and Jordan was on the cusp of securing his first NBA championship before pouring in 30 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Finally, in 1998, with the Bulls facing the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals once again, Jordan provided a fitting climax to his Chicago career. In Game 6, with the score tied and seconds ticking away, he drained a game-winning jumper over Bryon Russell, sealing the Bulls’ sixth championship and solidifying his legacy as the greatest shooting guard and all-around player ever.
5 Championships
Kobe Bryant, Michael Cooper
Kobe Bryant had an incredible career when it came to winning championships. Starting off in 2000, Bryant teamed up with Shaquille O’Neal to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their first championship in over a decade. In Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, Bryant, despite an ankle injury, delivered a crucial alley-oop to O’Neal, helping seal the victory and setting the stage for the Lakers’ dominant run. The Lakers’ three-peat from 2000 to 2002 was a period of utter dominance, with one of the most memorable moments coming in Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals against the Sacramento Kings.
With the Lakers trailing late in the game, Bryant took over to lead the team to a crucial victory, ultimately propelling them to the NBA Finals. Bryant’s fourth and fifth championships came in 2009 and 2010, where he led a revamped Lakers team featuring Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. In Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Bryant displayed his unwavering determination, scoring 23 points and grabbing 15 rebounds to secure the championship for the Lakers.
As a defensive stalwart and versatile player, Cooper played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ “Showtime” era during the 1980s. Cooper’s defensive prowess was legendary. He was a key part of the Lakers’ defensive schemes, often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player.
His quickness, anticipation, and ability to disrupt passing lanes made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Offensively, Cooper was a reliable shooter, especially from beyond the arc. His ability to knock down crucial three-pointers in key moments of playoff games earned him the reputation as a clutch performer.
4 Championships
Klay Thompson, Bill Sharman, Manu Ginobili, Pep Saul
Klay Thompson, one half of the Splash Brothers alongside Stephen Curry, has been a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty in recent years. With four championship rings to his name, Thompson’s sharpshooting, defensive prowess, and clutch performances have played pivotal roles in the Warriors’ success. One of the most iconic moments of Thompson’s championship runs came in Game 6 of the 2016 Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Facing elimination on the road, Thompson exploded for a playoff-record 11 three-pointers, scoring 41 points and leading the Warriors to a thrilling comeback victory.
Bill Sharman, a Hall of Famer and a key member of the Boston Celtics dynasty in the 1950s and 1960s won four championships during his illustrious career. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and clutch play, Sharman was a reliable scorer and a defensive stalwart for the Celtics. Arguably Sharman’s most memorable moments came in the 1959 NBA Finals when he averaged 22.5 points per game to sweep the Lakers.
Manu Ginobili, the crafty left-hander from Argentina, was an integral part of the San Antonio Spurs’ championship runs alongside Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. With four championships and a reputation for making jaw-dropping plays, Ginobili’s unorthodox style of play and relentless competitiveness made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing teams. His playoff averages of 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game only told half of the story of Ginobili’s impact.
Pep Saul may not be a household name like some of his contemporaries, but his contributions to the Minneapolis Lakers’ championship success in the 1950s should not be overlooked. A versatile forward known for his hustle, defense, and basketball IQ, Saul was a key role player on a Lakers team that won four championships.
3 Championships
Dwyane Wade, Byron Scott, Danny Green, Mario Elie, Whitey Skoog, Bob Harrison, Patrick McCaw
Dwyane Wade was the heart and soul of the Miami Heat’s championship runs which also featured the likes of LeBron James and Chris Bosh. With three championships under his belt, Wade’s combination of scoring ability, defensive tenacity, and leadership made him a cornerstone of the Heat’s success.
One of Wade’s most memorable moments came in the 2006 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. Trailing 0-2 in the series, Wade put on a virtuoso performance in Game 3, scoring 42 points and leading the Heat to victory. His ability to take over games and make clutch plays when it mattered most solidified his reputation as one of the game’s premier shooting guards, and he took advantage of a Heat superteam in 2012 and 2013 to win two more titles.
Byron Scott, a key member of the Los Angeles Lakers’ “Showtime” era alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, won three championships during his tenure with the team. Scott held playoff averages of 13.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game as his impact on both ends of the court made him invaluable for the Purple and Gold.
Danny Green, known for his three-point shooting and perimeter defense, has been a valuable contributor to NBA championship teams with the Spurs, Raptors, and Lakers. With three rings to his name, Green’s ability to space the floor, knock down timely shots, and play solid defense has made him a sought-after role player on championship-contending teams.
Mario Elie, known for his clutch shooting and tenacious defense, played a pivotal role in the Houston Rockets’ championship runs in the mid-1990s. His game-winning “Kiss of Death” shot against the Phoenix Suns in the 1995 playoffs is one of the most iconic moments in the Rockets’ history.
Whitey Skoog and Bob Harrison were key members of the Minneapolis Lakers’ dynasty in the 1950s, providing valuable scoring, defense, and leadership alongside George Mikan and Pep Saul. Patrick McCaw, although young in his career, has already won three championships with the Golden State Warriors. Known for his versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to make timely contributions, McCaw has proven to be a valuable role player on championship-caliber teams.
2 Championships
Joe Dumars, Vinnie Johnson, Vernon Maxwell, Danny Ainge, Dick Barnett, Brent Barry, Devin Brown, Craig Hodges, Dennis Hopson, Charles Johnson, Don Chaney, Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic
Joe Dumars, a Hall of Famer and a key member of the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era, won two championships during his illustrious career. Known for his defensive tenacity, clutch shooting, and leadership, Dumars was instrumental in the Pistons’ success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. One of Dumars’ most memorable moments came in the 1989 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers when he averaged 27.3 points and 6.0 assists per game to win Finals MVP.
Vinnie “The Microwave” Johnson could heat up quickly and score in bunches off the bench, and was a key contributor to the Detroit Pistons’ championship runs alongside Joe Dumars. One of Johnson’s most iconic moments came in Game 5 of the 1990 NBA Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers when he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and hit the game-winner.
Vernon Maxwell, known as “Mad Max” for his fiery demeanor and fearless play, won two championships with the Houston Rockets alongside Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. One of Maxwell’s most memorable moments came in Game 7 of the 1994 Finals against the New York Knicks. With a quiet six games against the Knicks, Maxwell dropped 21 points in Game 7 and helped the Rockets win the NBA title.
Danny Ainge, known for his sharpshooting and competitive spirit, won two championships with the Boston Celtics during the 1980s. Ainge’s ability to stretch the floor, make timely shots, and provide veteran leadership made him a valuable member of the Celtics’ championship teams. Over his playoff career, Ainge posted 9.9 points and 3.4 assists per game.
Dick Barnett was a key member of the New York Knicks championship team in 1970, providing valuable scoring and leadership alongside Willis Reed and Walt Frazier. Brent Barry won two championships with the San Antonio Spurs in the 2000s and was a sharpshooter who held an average of 40.5% from three.
Devin Brown, Craig Hodges, Dennis Hopson, Charles Johnson, Don Chaney, Shannon Brown, and Sasha Vujacic each played their roles on championship-caliber teams throughout their careers, providing valuable scoring, defense, and leadership when called upon. However, they were mainly role players who made the most of their time on the court.
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