Without An NBA Championship: Any professional basketball player’s ultimate objective is to win an NBA title. While many outstanding players have graced the NBA court, not everyone has had the chance to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
In this article, we’ll examine the careers of the top 10 NBA players Without an NBA championship, ranking them according to their influence and value to their teams. This list only includes athletes who have played in the NBA for at least 7 seasons.
Top 10 Players Right Now Without An NBA Championship
Here are the 10 players who are right now without an NBA championship
1. Damian Lillard
Known as “Dame Time,” Damian Lillard is well-known for his long-range shooting and clutch outings. It has become a mythology that Lillard can make shots from beyond the arc to win games. For many years, he served as the Portland Trail Blazers’ face, regularly leading them all the way to the postseason.
Despite his outstanding individual achievements, Lillard is without an NBA championship till now. His prospects of winning the trophy have increased significantly due to a trade this summer that saw him join Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, where they have formed a potent combo.
Damian Lillard has firmly established himself as a franchise player and one of the NBA’s top point guards throughout the course of his historic 11-season stint with the Trail Blazers. Lillard has consistently been a productive scorer and a superb playmaker on the floor with career averages of 25.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in 769 regular-season games.
He has been selected to play in seven All-Star games, demonstrating that his influence and status as one of the league’s top athletes have not been ignored despite his achievements. Dame Time is ready to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to another Eastern Conference championship as the team’s newest player.
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2. Devin Booker
One of the most intriguing emerging players in the NBA, Devin Booker is known for his scoring prowess. During the Phoenix Suns’ journey to the 2021 NBA Finals, his outstanding shooting and capacity to deliver in crunch time were on full show. The Suns have benefited from Booker’s celebrity status, and the young guard has endless potential. Although Booker came agonisingly close to winning an NBA championship but he is one of the Players right now without an NBA Championship, there are still plenty of chances for him to go down in history as a great scorer and winner.
After dealing Chris Paul to Washington and Deandre Ayton to Portland in return for Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic, Booker’s prospects of winning a championship this coming season may have changed significantly. This team, combined with Kevin Durant’s brilliance, is ready for a championship run in 2023–24.
With a career that has spanned eight seasons and only involved the Suns, Booker has established himself as a pillar of the organisation. His stellar record in 530 regular-season games, which includes an average of 23.9 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds, showcases his scoring power and all-around court skills. Although Booker has played a significant role for Phoenix throughout his career, the NBA has recognised him with three All-Star game selections, a sign of his rising star as a top player in the league.
3. Joel Embiid
Seeing Joel Embiid develop into one of the league’s most powerful big players has been amazing. He commands respect in the paint on both ends of the floor because of his size, talent, and mobility. On Embiid’s performance, the Philadelphia 76ers’ chances of winning the title greatly rely. He changes the course of the game with his ability to score, grab rebounds, and guard the rim.
While his journey is still ongoing, Embiid’s pursuit of an NBA title has the potential to alter the league’s landscape as he and the Philadelphia 76ers continue to search for quality players to surround themselves with him and Tyrese Maxey, their budding star.
Over the course of seven seasons, Joel Embiid has been a powerful force for the 76ers and has regularly put up strong performances on the floor. He is a real all-around force in the paint, averaging 27.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists during 394 regular-season games. Six All-Star game honours and the prized MVP title in 2023 demonstrate his influence and standing as one of the league’s top players. His extraordinary talents have earned him acclaim.
4. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler showed his grit, leadership, and unrelenting work ethic while playing for the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023. Butler was the driving force behind the Heat’s title run with his performance in the two Finals, which included a historic 40-point triple-double in the Bubble.
Even though they failed both times, Butler’s unwavering energy and bravery made a lasting impression. His story of winning an NBA championship continues to be compelling, and the Heat, who will begin their next campaign as runners-up and seek the elusive title, are motivated by his leadership.
Jimmy Butler has established himself as a versatile and significant player who has demonstrated the ability to guide his teams in significant postseason runs during the course of a remarkable 12-season career spanning four different NBA clubs, including memorable spells with the Bulls and Heat.
His career averages of 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 754 regular-season games speak enough about his tremendous on-court skills. Butler’s consistent play has led to his selection for six All-Star games, establishing him as a feared force in the league.
5. James Harden
NBA scoring has been redefined by James Harden, a scoring prodigy. Harden’s offensive toolbox is unmatched and is most known for his famous step-back three-pointer. Harden was transferred from the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets following a great time there, then after another disappointing playoff run, he sought a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers.
James Harden has displayed his amazing skills while playing for four different teams throughout the course of his remarkable 14-season NBA career, most notably the Rockets and Thunder. His stellar statistics, which include career averages of 24.7 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.6 rebounds across an incredible 1,000 regular-season games, highlight both his scoring power and playmaking skills.
Harden has been selected to 10 All-Star games, making him one of the league’s top players because of his dependability and flexibility on the floor. A tribute to his talent and influence on the game is Harden’s career in the NBA. He has cemented his position as a top-tier player in the league and established himself as a force to be reckoned with year after year thanks to his ability to dominate on both sides of the floor and his basketball intelligence.
6. Paul George
Paul George is a versatile player who can dominate on both ends of the court. Since joining the Los Angeles Clippers from the Thunder in 2019, he has served as the team’s focal point. Injuries prevented George from making the NBA Finals in 2021, though he came close. He still ranks among the best players despite having no titles to his credit.
In his 13-year NBA career, Paul George has been successful, playing for teams like the Pacers, Clippers, and Thunder and significantly enhancing the game. His career averages of 20.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists during 793 regular-season contests are evidence of his ability on the floor.
George’s adaptability and skill set have not only brought him personal recognition but also elevated him to a valuable member of the teams he has represented.
His eight choices for the All-Star game and receipt of the Most Improved Player award attest to his sustained performance on the court. George’s career in the NBA serves as an example of a player who has improved his skills over time and won praise for his commitment to the game. His effect on the game goes beyond numbers as he makes his stamp on the league, elevating him to the status of one of the NBA’s elite players.
7. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is a special and exciting player in the NBA thanks to his ability to record a triple-double. His outstanding all-around play has consistently placed him among the league leaders in points, rebounds, and assists. Although Westbrook’s tenacity and determination are undeniable, he has yet to win a championship ring.
NBA fans were mesmerised by Russell Westbrook as he displayed his special combination of offensive, defensive, and playmaking skills. His playing style is characterised by his never-ending vigour and fierce spirit of competition. In his ongoing pursuit of a title, Westbrook has played for a number of organisations, most recently the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers. Westbrook’s efforts, whether he’s running a fast break, pounding the boards, or making crucial shots, are crucial to his team’s success.
Russ has a remarkable 15-season career under his belt and has worn the jerseys of five different organisations, most notably the OKC Thunder. His noteworthy career averages of 22.4 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.3 rebounds across 1,094 regular-season games serve as a testament to his efforts on the court. Having played in nine All-Star games and winning the coveted MVP title in 2017, Westbrook has distinguished himself as one of the league’s top players thanks to his exceptional skill.
A recognised figure in the basketball world, Russell Westbrook’s influence on the game goes beyond his statistical success to include his toughness and unequalled competitiveness. His tenure in the NBA has left him with a lasting legacy that is highlighted by his astounding flexibility and a wide range of individual honours that have further cemented his place in the annals of the sport’s history.
8. Chris Paul
Chris Paul has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best point guards in NBA history. He is a sought-after asset for many teams thanks to his court vision, basketball IQ, and leadership. In the NBA Finals of 2021 with the Phoenix Suns, Paul’s quest for a title came agonisingly near, but an untimely injury derailed his ascent.
Paul continues to be a top playmaker and floor general despite his advanced age, offering crucial advice to the Warriors club for the next season. His tenacity and vision are crucial to Golden State’s hopes of winning the championship.
Over the course of his historic 18-season career, NBA player Chris Paul has represented five organisations, including the Clippers and Hornets. In 1,214 regular-season games, he has participated, and during that time, he has maintained impressive averages of 17.9 points, 9.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 steals. Because he was chosen for 12 All-Star games and won the prestigious Rookie of the Year award, Paul has a well-deserved reputation as a strong and versatile point guard.
9. DeMar DeRozan
Notably during his time with the Toronto Raptors, DeMar DeRozan has been a scoring machine throughout his career. He has been an All-Star on a regular basis thanks to his versatility in scoring, particularly with his mid-range game.
Since joining the Chicago Bulls recently, DeRozan has opened a new chapter in his career. He is now committed to supporting his team’s championship hopes. DeRozan’s scoring ability and work attitude make him a crucial component of the Bulls’ hopes, despite the difficulties on the road.
DeRozan, a 14-year NBA veteran, has had a big influence on the floor while wearing the jerseys of the Chicago Bulls, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Toronto Raptors. DeRozan has continuously produced outstanding numbers during the course of his great career and won several important awards.
DeMar has demonstrated his scoring power throughout his stellar career, averaging 21.0 points per game over the course of his 1,031 regular-season games. DeRozan has demonstrated that he is a valuable player in addition to scoring points, as seen by his 4.4 rebounds per game. He has also demonstrated strong playmaking abilities, putting down 4.0 assists on average each game.
10. Derrick Rose
The career of Derrick Rose has been likened to a rollercoaster. Rose’s career has been littered with failures and comebacks, from becoming the youngest player to win the league MVP award with the Chicago Bulls to sustaining several life-altering injuries. Rose’s passion for the sport has remained unwavering despite undergoing several operations and recuperation.
For the Memphis Grizzlies, he presently acts as a mentor and seasoned presence, offering important leadership and sporadic clutch plays. Even if Rose’s chances of winning a title are slim, his tenacity and dedication continue to serve as an example for both players and spectators.
Derrick Rose has established himself as a force to be reckoned with thanks to his excellent skill set demonstrated in his 699 regular-season games. Rose, who scores 17.7 points on average each game, is a potent danger who can change the course of a game. His 5.3 assists per game are more evidence of his ability to generate opportunities for his teammates and demonstrate his playmaking abilities.
These are the top 10 players right now without an NBA championship. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
