Who’s Your Favorite Player To Have Never Won a Ring?
Did KG already reach his peak?With at least a decade in the League under their respective belts, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are now four wins away from winning their first NBA championships…or four losses away from adding another painful piece to their ring-less resumes. If this version of the Boston Celtics doesn’t claim a ‘chip in their short window of opportunity, Garnett, Pierce and Allen will join the long list of NBA greats who were never able to reach the game’s highest accomplishment: one that includes Elgin Baylor, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, and Dominique Wilkins, among others.
By all accounts, Garnett is the one active ring-less player in the NBA who people — even many of his opponents — most want to see win a championship. Chalk it up to his outward passion for the game and visible anguish he endures after losing, but it almost seems unfair that KG hasn’t experienced the same feeling of being the best that guys like Melvin Ely, James White and Samaki Walker have been able to experience.
Who is your all-time favorite player that didn’t (or hasn’t yet) won a championship? Who have you felt the most empathy for when they retired ring-less or have continued their career to this point without a ring?
June 5th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
DO says:
tmac - i don’t care that he hasn’t won a ring, i just want to see him get to the 2nd round
June 5th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
johnsacrimoni says:
This is a tough one but I’d have to go with my boy Charles. Charles is in my opinion one of the most talented and unique players in NBA history; too bad he had so many off-court problems (conditioning, drinking, brawling, gambling-still tame compared to the heat-packing players of today). Runner-up Ewing because he carried the Knicks on his back for 15 years.
June 5th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Detroit Dave says:
1 Barry Sanders
2 KG
3 Iverson
4 Wilkens
5 Pierce
6 C Webb
7 G Hill
8 Zo
9 Barkley
June 5th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Remy Nguyen says:
Patrick Ewing! Jordan and Hakeem. However, the two culprits are: John Starks and Pat Riley.
Starks for gunning on every single possession and Riley for not benching him.
June 5th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
DO says:
I agree with Detroit Dave.
Barry Sanders derserved to win it.
June 5th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Veljko says:
C-Webb!!!
He was perfectly built for a PF, had a great charisma, and is great person. For 3-4 years, Kings were a JOY to watch, particularly because of him (todey we use the “can do it all” phrase WAY to much, but CWEBB was C-O-M-P-L-E-T-E package : strenght, quickness, post play, rebounding, great hands, shouting touch…and he delivered!!!) Things came to an end, but… to bad he couldn’t flash that smile on the championship pedestal. I’m happy ’cause DIME followed him even through the later years, thats way you rock
June 5th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Austin Burton says:
I was really worried Gary Payton wouldn’t get a ring, which is why I was elated when the Heat won it in ‘06. For that I’m in gratitude to D-Wade and the refs.
I wish Reggie Miller could have gotten a ring. For that I have to blame Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace, Ron Artest, John Green, Kobe, Shaq and Jordan.
As far as other sports, Ken Griffey Jr.
June 5th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Eric says:
I know he became laughable towards the end of his career, but growing up I was the hugest Shawn Kemp fan, and I wanted him to win a ring with the Sonics so bad. He was one of the most talented players in the league, and if it wasn’t for Jordan, he would probably have one. On that same squad it would have been nice to see The Glove get one too (I know he won with the Heat, but I mean win one when he was actually a factor).
June 5th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
shake&bake says:
Definitely Nique, so talented and so fun to watch. I know it’s early in his career but I hope Lebron gets some talent around him so he can win a couple. And since I’m from the Chi, I’m going to throw in every cubs player who has played for them since 1908.
June 5th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Ross says:
I agree with Barry Sanders, too.
I always thought John Stockton deserved a ring, as well as Jerry Sloan (not so much Malone though, after his Lakers gig).
June 5th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
one66soul says:
The Human Highlight Film
The Answer
June 5th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
one66soul says:
DIME ask which players you HATE won a ring and which players your proud didn’t win a ring…lmao
HATE - KOBE
LMAO @ The Mailman
June 5th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
one66soul says:
BE A FATHER TO YOUR CHILDREN MAILMAN..
June 5th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
rob stewart says:
I gotta go with Allen Iverson aka “Bubba Chuck”. Not only has he given all of his heart to the game but he has sacrificed so much of his frail, undersized, and worn out body to the game. He put the worst Finals team ever on his back and they actually beat L.A.(think Shaq and Kobe) on the road! He has given all that he is to the game and more. I doubt he’ll ever have another real shot at a ring but he deserves one. He has proven to me that sometimes a ring is just a shiney thing you put on your finger. Real marks of greatness are worn inside your heart.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
shake&bake says:
In terms of hate: I hate the Ostertag even played in the Finals twice. That’s too close for that ogre.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
one66soul says:
HAte that the LAKERS & SPURS ROBERT HORRY WON THE CHIP but THE ROCKETS HORRY WAS COOL
June 5th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
one66soul says:
HATE THE PORTLAND SQUAD WITH DREX, SABONIS, BUCK WILLIAMS, JEROME KERSEY, TERRY PORTER NEVER WON THE CHIP
June 5th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
jimmhumm says:
Barkley, Ewing, Mason sr. , Malone, Stockton, Starks, Reggie Miller, A.I. still in the L and KG. I hate to see the spurs or detroit win. Them jokers are boring. Big shot Bob and Mr. Bigshot Billups can kiss my Grits.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Austin Burton says:
The Pistons and Spurs are boring, but you wanted to see Ewing/Mason/Starks win a title with those Knicks?
June 5th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
doc says:
All Sixers,Eagles,Phillies,and Flyers who was the shit and stuck with bums.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
D.H. says:
Iverson, Stockton, KG, Barkley, Nash (gimmie a break I’m from BC).
June 5th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
ML says:
Charles you in Baby Barkley.
Nique
Reggie Miller
KG
AI
T-Mac
June 5th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Prof. TX says:
Barkley should have won one, would help alot of people’s view of his career as a whole. Sure, he’s popular now, but alot of people who just think he’s funny don’t know how skilled he really was.
I’d like to see McGrady at least get to play for one, he’s only got a few more seasons as a star before looking at back-up or role-player status.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
tealish says:
@ML: Why don’t we worry about advancing past the first round for you boy Mac first, k?
June 5th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Reed Ewing Frazier says:
PAT EWING all day everyday!!!
Knicks UP!! all the rest down!!
June 5th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Myrie says:
Patrick Ewing!!
No doubt about it.
I can write here until 2009 why I wanted to see P-Ew win a chip.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Big Freeze says:
Brian Scalabrini
June 5th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Damon says:
reggie, iverson, rayray, the sac-town team from 2002 and JO(he is still my fav. player). JO and reggie would have been in good position in 2005, but then ron had to “talk” to someone on the stands. 19.11.2004…
June 5th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
ML says:
Yeah he will get out of the 1st round. When him and Yao stay healthy.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Chuck...Haters come in all fashions and forms so bear arms says:
I would have to say AI and Reggie Miller deserved it the most.
Those dudes LITERALLY carried their teams on their back. I would have to say it was those two that stand out in my mind the most at least for my generation. I’m sure their are other greats or up and coming greats I’ve missed
June 5th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
yallallreadyknow says:
drazen petrovic
charles barkley
dominique wilkins
patrick ewing
reggie miller
shawn kemp
arvydis sabonis
i wanted to put karl malone, but he was in the finals 3 times. cant feel bad for a dude who actually got 3 chances. same for johnny stockton. 2 chances and had homecourt once. cant feel bad.
derrick coleman
chris webber
sam perkins (big smooth)
kevin johnson
tim hardaway
chris mullin
allen iverson
jason kidd
antonio mcdyess
bernard king
mark jackson
kevin duckworth
terry porter
anfernee hardway…
…hmmm..scrath that…i dont care about penny
mark price
larry nance
brad dauhgerty
kenny anderson
jerry sloan (the coach; not the player)
in no particular order for the above
sorry, but i got no finals love for:
penny hardaway, grant hill, john stockton, steve nash,
June 5th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
DaPro says:
C-Webb
Jesus
KG
Sir Charles
AI
Nique
JKidd
T-Mac
Just to name a few but damn near everybody on this list played or plays their azz off
June 5th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Lee says:
DOMONIQUE WILKINS …. Dam hawks for trading him when they had the best record in the East. THAT WAS THEIR YEAR !!!
June 5th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Brado says:
John Stockton…..but I would have wanted him to win it without Malone.
George Mureson….then we could have seen him in more commercials than just the snickers one…”smells like cabbage”
Clyde the Glide…..classic dude.
Shawn Kemp….before the downslide, maybe it could have saved him.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Chuck...Haters come in all fashions and forms so bear arms says:
@yallallreadyknow
Derrick COleman???? Are you Serious!!!
You just down glenn robinson and wished Derrick Coleman to win a chip!
eh, man crack kills! Stay off that sh*t!!
June 5th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Myrie says:
@ Austin #19—-
The Detroit Pistons are NOT boring.
As for my beloved NYK, the mid 90s Knicks team was one of the best Knick teams ever. They embodied the grit of NY and the emotion of the people of this city.
Patrick Ewing–The Leader. The face. The Go To Man
Charles Oakley–The Workhorse. Represents the NY’ers who are blue collar and downright HARD working
Anthony Mason–Represents the CRAZYness in NY’ers. And also the physical toughness.
John Starks–Represented the FIGHT in NY’ers. The heart and passion. The will and desire. the LOVE.
Derek Harper–the vocal general.
Pat Riley—The slickness of the NY business man. flashy suit, well groomed, NY style donald trump of the sidelines
..damn. how can you label that NY team boring or question wanting to see them win? They challanged the Bulls to the max everytime.
And those NY Knicks gave the NBA respectable rivalries in the 1990s (vs Bulls, Heat and Pacers)
June 5th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Daily boy says:
Patrick Ewing, I used to rock those EWING 33 Back when I was in Middle School(95-96).
Also Jason Kidd he’s been there so many times he’s the Jim Kelley of the NBA..
June 5th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
CHEE says:
TMAC: NOT HIS FAULT HE IS ALWAYS ON THE UNDERDOG TEAMS OR KEY GUYS KEEP GETTING HURT (I.E. YAO OR GRANT HILL). PUT THIS GUY ON CELTS INSTEAD OF CELTS AND THEY BE EVEN BETTER.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Kobeef says:
LeBron James…just a hunch.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
yallallreadyknow says:
chuck
derrick coleman was nice. if you like rasheed wallace, know that derrick coleman came before him
you prolly not old enough to know much about DC
.and who said anything about glenn robinson?..he was just a pure bum
throw billy owens on that list too. along with chris gatling
June 5th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Chuck...Haters come in all fashions and forms so bear arms says:
@yallallreadyknow
I liked DC’s game, but dude was always a SUPER distraction to his squads with all the stuff he used to get into. Was he a beast on the court? Yes! Did he have work ethic issues? Yes! Was he selfish player at times? Yes! Dude really never lived up to his potential.
I used to watch dude when I was little kid, and he was nice, just a knucklehead.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Chuck...Haters come in all fashions and forms so bear arms says:
@yallallreadyknow
yeah you said glenn was a bum, on the other side when you compared Melo to him.
Glenn averaged 20 and 6 for like 8 years! Dude was a scoring machine.
Glen ain’t deserve no chip though! but he wasn’t no bum!
June 5th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
doc says:
If thats the 2nd best Knick team ever I feel sorry for yall.I’d rather be a Sixer fan all day.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Prof. TX says:
Why are some of you listing players like Olajuwon and Drexler as guys that never won a ring?
Are there so few Rocket fans around that people don’t remember back-to-back titles? Or are some of you just really that young?
June 5th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
doc says:
Prof Somebody said Drexler in Portland.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Lee says:
Chris Mullin, Kemp, Penny. Jeff van Gundy for holding onto Mouning leg during THAT brawl !!!
And Clyde won a ring with The Dream.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Austin Burton says:
@Myrie — I was responding to post #18, the guy who said he wanted to see the 1990’s Knicks win a chip but then turned around and called the Pistons and Spurs boring. I don’t thik Detroit or San Antone is boring.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Reed Ewing Frazier says:
@ Myrie I couldn’t say it any better about H.O.F center PATRICK EWING and the KNICKS of that era.
@ doc Hate is the new love thanks!!
@yallallreadyknow and chuck you both made good points
@ Prof TX Shit slim I had to school some youngins the other day that Sam Cassell already has two rings these cats swear up and down he was trying to chase a ring with Boston(lol)
KNICKS UP!! all the rest down!!
June 5th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
SayItAintSo says:
Brandon Roy…dude is my favorite player and doesn’t have a chip. That counts right? Haha.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Fresh says:
- Barkley
- Ewing
- Iverson
- R. Miller
- Malone
- G. Hill
- Kidd
June 5th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Smush Parker says:
Tariq Abdul-Wahad,
Dajuan Wagner,
Jay Williams,
Allen Iverson
Anfernee Hardaway
Tracy McGrady
Clyde Drexler
June 5th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Agent Zero says:
Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison & Deshawn Stevenson
June 5th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
DaPro says:
To all the NYC catz, I know NY had a crazy run and some memorable series against my Bulls but fam it wasn’t a rivalry
We won everytime with the exception being the year MJ retired and Hue Hollins made a bs call against Scottie on Hubert Davis in ECSF
I liked the NYC teams but we owned you
June 5th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
The Middle Finger Wave says:
Dikembe “Mt Mutombo” !
June 5th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
nick says:
reggie, mailman and t-mac.
not the most talent player but as a raps fan alvin williams put his heart and body into everygame like it was his last. he played till his body broke down and could not play no more. he deserved a ring, he is the reason the raptors have advanced past the first round. not that wimp vince carter.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Chuck...Haters come in all fashions and forms so bear arms says:
@Reed Ewing frazier
I’m a be real wit you! The knicks may come up next year.
Stephon Marbury has an expiring contract worth $20 mil. That’s super attractive. A team could get $20 mil freed up and may be able to get rid of a player they may not want and that the knicks may need. And the No. 6 pick. I think Mayo would be a good pickup, Dude is sick to me and back court of Crawford and Mayo would be a problem with a D’Antoni system! Robinson would have to be the backup because of his height. Them boys randolph and Curry need to step up! they TOO TALENTED to be playing the way they are now. If they step up, you may have something to cheer about next year.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
SvCat says:
As soon as Dallas trades Nobitchski I would like to see J-Kidd and JT win a chip…I’d rather see Nash & Amare win one…maybe soon as they start playing some “d”.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Reed Ewing Frazier says:
@ Chuck good points but I’m not getting my hopes up but I have patience(lol)
@DaPro Refresh my memory did the Bulls sweep a series or blow us out by a lot of points because that is the only way you can own a team. We had some good battles you came out the victor but the Bulls didn’t own the Knicks and never will. Don’t blame a call Scottie had some bitchassness that series(lol) Respect to the Bulls of that era though!
KNICKS UP! all the rest down!!
June 5th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
DaPro says:
Reed fam you know that was a bs call, the League even reviewed the call and said it was bogus
I respect the hell out of the Knicks cause they pushed the Bulls to the limit but we kicked ya’ll azz LOL
Hell if that’s the case me and my mom had some rivalries, sure she kicked my azz and punished me throughout my adolescent years but it was always close and we had some good battles but she didn’t own me either!! LMAO
June 5th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Mike says:
Tim Hardaway. Man, he was nice in the day. Mean crossover, several seasons avg 20 10, career 17ppg 8 and change asst’s, 2.8 to/gm. As a rookie I think he led his team in scoring, as they led the league in scoring.
June 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
CHEE says:
MY FAVE BACKCOURT: JOHN STOCKTON AND JEFF HORNACEK…
I BLAME TWO PEEP MAILMAN(HIS UNCLUTCHNESS) AND AIR JORDAN.
JORDAN IS THE REASON WHY STOCKTON, EWING, BARKLEY, KEMP, AND OHTER GREATS DON’T HAVE RINGS.
June 5th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
sans says:
The Chuckster–he’s my role model for speaking my mind all the damn time.
June 5th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
MaMba says:
John Stockton and Kevin Johnson
June 5th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Sam I Am says:
@ Post 52 (Agent Zero) …
Gilbert is that you???
June 5th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
AY says:
eddie jones is my all-time fav. LJ (gran-mama) was a great one. Thunder Dan, i have the poster where mj stuck a fadeaway in his face, i wish he got one. Buck Williams and Sabonis… i think that’s it for me.
June 5th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Agent Zero says:
Yes and Im going to go for 50 in the clinching game. Write it down.
June 5th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Remy Nguyen says:
What about those Cleveland squads, Michael Jordan annual whipping team.
Craig Ehlo. Damien Wilkins. John Starks — Jordan-Stopper.
There was one Jordan-stopper –Joe Dumars, well for a little bit.
June 5th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
doc says:
Nick I like th Al Will love thats whats up.
June 5th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
THE FAN says:
What about spreewell? c-webb, mark price? stockton? miller? Mashburn? active list deron, boozer, baron davis, Answer, hill?
June 5th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
babyboi says:
luther head
June 5th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Kudabeen says:
Good call on Barry Sanders Dave… I really never cared about football as much sense he walked away. That’s why to this day I know championships are about organizations and not individual players. There are no mistakes that Celtics, Lakers, modern patriots, modern Spurs, Sox, etc are known as Champions. They made smart and decisive sacrifices, which enabled the players to do the same.
As far as basketball I would go with KG, AI, and Barkley…
Barkley, because the way his career ended…
AI because people will always under value his accomplishments until he gets the ring, then probably do it still after.
KG because of the reasons Austin described, but also because his rep as being 100 all the time with people… His foundation has done some monumental things, but he (just like on the court) doesn’t make it about himself, but still performs at a higher level than given credit…
June 5th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Reed Ewing Frazier says:
@DaPro We have to agree to disagree(lol)
@THE FAN second that on Sprewell
June 5th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Dagomar says:
I hope Lebron wins a whole bunch before he’s done.
But I think KG is probably the best player to never win a ring. Others: Stockton, Kidd, Payton, Ewing, Malone, Tmac, Dirk, Reggie Miller, Allen Iverson, Dominique, Barkley, Nash . . . the long, sad list of worthy players goes on and on.
June 5th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Dagomar says:
Nevermind, I take back Payton (for a second I forgot about his Heat stint). Substitute Webber for him.
June 5th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
JHov says:
MY MAIN MAN..PENNY HARDAWAY(in my best Ahmad Rashad voice)..Damn knees! If only Shaq hadn’t been sniffing Hakeem jock the whole series! Larry Johnson, Nique, Kevin Johnson, Kemp, KG..I hope he wins one but not this year! LakeShow in 6
June 5th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
HARD WHITE says:
Stephon Marbury!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
He gon get one though so im not trippin
June 5th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
rod says:
larry johnson and anthony mason
June 5th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
steve says:
Jason Kidd. Hands Down. If Kenyon Martin didn’t get a “flu”, and missed game 5 in ‘03, Mr Trip Dub would be rockin’ a ring and still be in jersey.
June 5th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Dennis Castro says:
That 00-01 Sixer team wasn’t the worst in Finals history. They could actually play D and losing George Lynch, as weird as it is to say, was huge.
Last years Cavs team was worse.
June 5th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Jah says:
Shawn Kemp…!
June 5th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
seatownsports says:
shawn kemp, tracy mcgrady, and ray allen
June 5th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
daquest?on a.k.a Heavy Artillery says:
ALLEN IVERSONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
June 6th, 2008 at 5:07 am
karan says:
patrick ewing, AI, KG
June 6th, 2008 at 8:06 am
JA says:
Ah Barry Sanders. His retirement made me stop watching football.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:45 am
word says:
dominique
June 6th, 2008 at 11:03 am
hahns says:
best thing about these celts is that if they win, they’ll all have won a chip while playing headlining role on the team.
guys like mitch richmond who come along for the ride dont really deserve a chip. but big 3 are all contributing in big ways
June 7th, 2008 at 1:04 am
JOB33 says:
1. the Bills- 0-4 in 4 straight years..killin me smalls!
2. Barry Sanders- never bitched about those sorry Lions teams
3. KG (and essentially Ray and P-Dos) but like Dimemag said..gotta root for KG. no one plays with as much passion
4. Iverson- straight soldier…
5. Barkley- greatest to never win it..?
6. nash- always entertainin, even if he’s soft on
7. ‘Nique
8. Stockton- i hated Karl Malone, especially during the finals
9. Shawn Kemp
10. Robert WHorry- Oh wait..nevermind
June 7th, 2008 at 1:06 am
JOB33 says:
maybe i was a little prejudice towards some of the ol’ timers, but c’mon..do you really foresee LBJ not winning a championship?