1. Charles Barkley
Barkley is most known for his rebounding, but he was an efficient scorer and an underrated passer. Over a ten year span from 1986 to 1996, Barkley averaged 24.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists, while shooting 54.1% from the field. He’s also one of only four players on this list to win an MVP award.
2. Karl Malone
A staggering number of the guys on this list can blame Michael Jordan for their inclusion. Malone is the poster child of that group. His Jazz lost two straight NBA Finals to Jordan’s Bulls in the late ‘90s. The Mailman finished 0-3 in the Finals after the Lakers were nearly swept by the Pistons in 2004. Malone also missed out on the NBA’s career scoring record, finishing 1,459 points short of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s mark.
3. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook will continue his climb up this list if he continues to churn out triple-doubles like a machine. The big question is whether he will ever get himself off the list. His time with Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City could be coming to an end soon with both players heading for free agency in the next two years.
4. Patrick Ewing
Ewing played in just one NBA Final — he missed the Knicks’ 1999 run with an injury — and it was a massive disappointment. New York lost to the Rockets in seven games, during which Ewing averaged 18.9 points on 36.3% shooting.
5. Allen Iverson
Iverson never got an opportunity to play with another superstar during his prime, and it’s a shame. He dragged that 76ers team to the Finals in 2000, and even won them a game, with Theo Ratliff finishing second on the team in scoring. He should get a ring for that accomplishment alone.
6. Chris Paul
It’s astonishing that Paul has never made it to a conference final in his career. As far as the point guard position goes, CP3 might be the perfect player. He shares the basketball, can score anytime he wants and is the best defensive point guard in the league. It will be a shame if Paul doesn’t win a ring.
7. Tracy McGrady
McGrady had a short prime, but it was so, so good. He averaged 26.9 points, 6.6 boards and 5.4 assists from 2001 to 2007 … and did not win a single playoff series during that time. He nearly grabbed a ring sitting on San Antonio’s bench in 2013. Then Ray Allen intervened.
8. Reggie Miller
He’s the greatest clutch shooter in the history of the league. So instead of lamenting over Miller’s ringless career, let’s watch him score eight points in nine seconds to beat the Knicks.
9. Steve Nash
There are only two players on this list with multiple MVP trophies, and Nash is one of them. His Suns team were fun to watch, but had the worst luck in the playoffs: Joe Johnson’s injury in 2005 and Amar’e Stoudemire’s suspension in 2007 derailed championship-caliber teams.
10. Vince Carter
We’ll end up looking back on Carter’s career as a disappointment, but he’s quietly landed himself in the top-30 on the all-time scoring list. He never really came close to a title, getting to teams like the Nets, Mavericks and Suns after their championship windows had already shut.
If you think some other LEGEND needs to be on the list, comment!