[B-dizzle97Participant]

 I think you could argue a few players that are the greatest to never win a ring. The few i consider is Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, and John Stockton. You could make cases for all 4 but i think the greatest player of those 4 is Allen Iverson. He redefined the game and is pound for pound the greatest player ever. Its a shame he never won a ring. What do you guys think?

[abyers22Participant]

I know he’s not the greatest to never win a ring, but Elgin Baylor deserves to be in the discussion. He was a 10-time first team all NBA member and averaged 27 points and 13 rebounds for his career. He was a key member of those great lakers teams that just couldn’t get over the hump against the Celtics. In nearly any other era he would’ve been a champion, but he was a victim of circumstance and often overshadowed by the other greats of his day, but Elgin deserves his due

[dcaseParticipant]

 Completely agree.  People often forget how great Elgin Baylor was.  The sad thing for Elgin is that he retired 9 games into the 71-72 season……..the Lakers ended up winning the championship that season.

[dcaseParticipant]

 Completely agree.  People often forget how great Elgin Baylor was.  The sad thing for Elgin is that he retired 9 games into the 71-72 season……..the Lakers ended up winning the championship that season.

[abyers22Participant]

I know he’s not the greatest to never win a ring, but Elgin Baylor deserves to be in the discussion. He was a 10-time first team all NBA member and averaged 27 points and 13 rebounds for his career. He was a key member of those great lakers teams that just couldn’t get over the hump against the Celtics. In nearly any other era he would’ve been a champion, but he was a victim of circumstance and often overshadowed by the other greats of his day, but Elgin deserves his due

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Karl Malone and John Stockton… nuff said

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Karl Malone and John Stockton… nuff said

[Captain LParticipant]

 When you look at Stockton & Malones stats and that they are considered by many as a top 1 or 2 in their position it is hard to believe they didn’t win a championship but a guy named Jordan had a little to do with that.  IMO  Malone and Stockton are the best to not win a championship!!!!!!!!!

[Captain LParticipant]

 When you look at Stockton & Malones stats and that they are considered by many as a top 1 or 2 in their position it is hard to believe they didn’t win a championship but a guy named Jordan had a little to do with that.  IMO  Malone and Stockton are the best to not win a championship!!!!!!!!!

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I think this speaks to how special the Jordan era was.  Sure there is some recency bias as I am sure there alot ofolder great players who never got it done.  

But Ewing, Barkley, Malone, Stockton and even Reggie Miller never got one because of the Jordan era Bulls.  How they don’t have the upmost resentment for that guy is impressive .

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I think this speaks to how special the Jordan era was.  Sure there is some recency bias as I am sure there alot ofolder great players who never got it done.  

But Ewing, Barkley, Malone, Stockton and even Reggie Miller never got one because of the Jordan era Bulls.  How they don’t have the upmost resentment for that guy is impressive .

 

[Arc12345Participant]

I might have to take Sir Charles Barkley. He’s at the VERY least in the conversation. But Elgin Baylor, Iverson, Malone, Ewing, and Stockton are definitely up there as well.

No one played harder and was more physical than Barkley. The man was not afraid to bang, and simply embraced it.

  

[Arc12345Participant]

I might have to take Sir Charles Barkley. He’s at the VERY least in the conversation. But Elgin Baylor, Iverson, Malone, Ewing, and Stockton are definitely up there as well.

No one played harder and was more physical than Barkley. The man was not afraid to bang, and simply embraced it.

  

[CobraParticipant]

 Barkley has to be up there.

[CobraParticipant]

 Barkley has to be up there.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Really doesnt get the credit he deserves anymore, but I would say Steve Nash. Yes defensively he wasnt the greatest BUT in basketball a point guard can get away with that because they get everyone else rolling and playing confident and energized on BOTH sides of the floor.  Steve Nash got his teammmates rolling. Magic was like that too. Also, you might never see again a guy who can pass and shoot like Nash again, so dont take that for granted either.

[Arc12345Participant]

 I’m just not a huge Nash guy. He has 2 MVP’s, but out of all the players mentioned so far, I think it’s no question he’s at the bottom of this list (even when looking at prime years).

Not here to have this argument, but those 2 MVP’s should be Kobe’s. If anything I would say Nash is overrated. Tremendous shooter, incredible passer, but I don’t know how much better he really is than Mark Price. Probably a much better passer though.

 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Out of pure dominance and talent yeah he’s at the bottom. However, you won’t ever find another person who makes his teammates better than Nash. Trust me, try to watch a playoff highlight of his, and it’s not a question he ran the game. You won’t see that from many other players.

It drives me nuts when people try to take away Nash’s MVPs. I’m a Lakers fan, and Kobe obviously could beat a team by himself but Nash got his teammates to up their game and help him win. When Nash came they won 33 MORE GAMES than they did the year before him! 33! WENT FROM 29 wins to 62 wins. And he was the only key addition! Kobe’s 05 team won just 34 games…

Price was good but Nash was running a power house western conference team for basically a whole decade. Prices Cavs were at the top for like 3 years, and he also had Lenny Wilkins who’s one of the best coaches ever.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Out of pure dominance and talent yeah he’s at the bottom. However, you won’t ever find another person who makes his teammates better than Nash. Trust me, try to watch a playoff highlight of his, and it’s not a question he ran the game. You won’t see that from many other players.

It drives me nuts when people try to take away Nash’s MVPs. I’m a Lakers fan, and Kobe obviously could beat a team by himself but Nash got his teammates to up their game and help him win. When Nash came they won 33 MORE GAMES than they did the year before him! 33! WENT FROM 29 wins to 62 wins. And he was the only key addition! Kobe’s 05 team won just 34 games…

Price was good but Nash was running a power house western conference team for basically a whole decade. Prices Cavs were at the top for like 3 years, and he also had Lenny Wilkins who’s one of the best coaches ever.

[YungmUNyParticipant]

I know Jason Kidd has a ring, but in terms of being able to find a person who makes their teammates better than Nash, you really don’t have to look that far, because Kidd did what Nash did but better in the same generation. Really, Kidd should have won the 2002 MVP for doing what Nash did a couple years later but with less talent and an incompetent coach.

[YungmUNyParticipant]

I know Jason Kidd has a ring, but in terms of being able to find a person who makes their teammates better than Nash, you really don’t have to look that far, because Kidd did what Nash did but better in the same generation. Really, Kidd should have won the 2002 MVP for doing what Nash did a couple years later but with less talent and an incompetent coach.

[Arc12345Participant]

 I’m just not a huge Nash guy. He has 2 MVP’s, but out of all the players mentioned so far, I think it’s no question he’s at the bottom of this list (even when looking at prime years).

Not here to have this argument, but those 2 MVP’s should be Kobe’s. If anything I would say Nash is overrated. Tremendous shooter, incredible passer, but I don’t know how much better he really is than Mark Price. Probably a much better passer though.

 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Really doesnt get the credit he deserves anymore, but I would say Steve Nash. Yes defensively he wasnt the greatest BUT in basketball a point guard can get away with that because they get everyone else rolling and playing confident and energized on BOTH sides of the floor.  Steve Nash got his teammmates rolling. Magic was like that too. Also, you might never see again a guy who can pass and shoot like Nash again, so dont take that for granted either.

[Arc12345Participant]

 I’m also a huge Chris Mullin fan. Dude could score. Sweet lefty J. Crafty.

[Arc12345Participant]

 I’m also a huge Chris Mullin fan. Dude could score. Sweet lefty J. Crafty.

[omphalosParticipant]

Gotta be Elgin Baylor for me.

Dude was special, putting up huge numbers and performing while being basically a part-time NBA player balancing his army training IIRC.

 

 

[omphalosParticipant]

Gotta be Elgin Baylor for me.

Dude was special, putting up huge numbers and performing while being basically a part-time NBA player balancing his army training IIRC.

 

 

[MaxjazzParticipant]

The Jazz would have at least two titles if they hadn’t run into the GOAT in two consecutive finals.
Stockton and Malone are in the top 2-3 in their positions all time!

[MaxjazzParticipant]

The Jazz would have at least two titles if they hadn’t run into the GOAT in two consecutive finals.
Stockton and Malone are in the top 2-3 in their positions all time!

[mjfan83Participant]

Just a couple thoughts; first Allen Iverson is no where near the player Barkley Malone Stockton or Nash was. Don’t get me wrong, AI was an impressive scorer for his stature but come on now. I really wonder if the posters here actually saw any of these players. Barkley is literally on another planet from AI. How ever you wanna measure it, Sir Charles completely destroyed great teams. Stockton vs AI? Come on now not even close. Stockton was a better leader a better shooter a better creator a better teammate a better defender; you get the picture. Malone? AI was a great scorer and the Mailman did it better and longer and went from a power player to a finesse mid Range guy and the numbers aren’t even close. This brings me to Nash; Mark Price? You gotta be kidding, they have in common that they are white and pgs and that’s it. Nash is arguably the greatest shooter in NBA history and man just watch the tapes; he is the reason Marion JoJo Amare were great his passing (aside from Magic) is unparalleled. Nash EASILY could have scored like AI as evidenced by the numerous 40 point playoff games he single handedly took over for the Suns. He may have been a less than average defensive player; but during his prime you could argue he was the greatest offensive player ever! AI is a no question hall of famer but if not for his personality would he even be hyped? Now.. I like all these players but to me, the most talented (greatest? I don’t know how we’re defining that) player to not win the ship is Barkley. Elgin comes in a close 2nd and a name I’d like to add: TMac. He didn’t have the killer mentality of an Iverson or Kobe; but man he was insane with the rock, lights out and people forget a vicious defender early in his career.

[mjfan83Participant]

Just a couple thoughts; first Allen Iverson is no where near the player Barkley Malone Stockton or Nash was. Don’t get me wrong, AI was an impressive scorer for his stature but come on now. I really wonder if the posters here actually saw any of these players. Barkley is literally on another planet from AI. How ever you wanna measure it, Sir Charles completely destroyed great teams. Stockton vs AI? Come on now not even close. Stockton was a better leader a better shooter a better creator a better teammate a better defender; you get the picture. Malone? AI was a great scorer and the Mailman did it better and longer and went from a power player to a finesse mid Range guy and the numbers aren’t even close. This brings me to Nash; Mark Price? You gotta be kidding, they have in common that they are white and pgs and that’s it. Nash is arguably the greatest shooter in NBA history and man just watch the tapes; he is the reason Marion JoJo Amare were great his passing (aside from Magic) is unparalleled. Nash EASILY could have scored like AI as evidenced by the numerous 40 point playoff games he single handedly took over for the Suns. He may have been a less than average defensive player; but during his prime you could argue he was the greatest offensive player ever! AI is a no question hall of famer but if not for his personality would he even be hyped? Now.. I like all these players but to me, the most talented (greatest? I don’t know how we’re defining that) player to not win the ship is Barkley. Elgin comes in a close 2nd and a name I’d like to add: TMac. He didn’t have the killer mentality of an Iverson or Kobe; but man he was insane with the rock, lights out and people forget a vicious defender early in his career.

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 but Iverson was a Remarkable athlete – a once in a generation talent & I have Never seen a player with more heart… Do you realize that at 5’11” & 160 lbs he averaged More free throw attempts per game than EVERY man who Ever played in the NBA except Shaq & Wilt & Shaq Barely beat him out – (look it up)… What does that mean? It means this man took a hellacious beating Every night driving to rim in the paint where the monsters battle & he never stopped b/c he was unstoppable – quickest player I have ever seen & tougher than old leather – his body was literally destroyed b/c men twice his size thumped him 10 tomes Every night & he would be so high in the air when he fell it was actually a sickening sound…. Iverson gets such a bad rap & especially now that we have analytics we know that No team had Ever won w/o a #2 AND a #3 scoring option – Iverson was alone… keep in mind that neither Jordan or Kobe ever won a Single playoff series w/o at least TWO hall of fame scoring options – two not one – not One playoff series did either win… Now that fact does not diminish the All Time Greatness of either Jordan or Kobe (two of the best of whoever played) but it should underscore just how great Iverson was… He took a team that was close to last in the NBA in scoring to the Finals & if it was a different year they may have won a Ring… So I say this with respect for your opinion but give Iverson another look & think about how he earned those points by sacrificing his body every night especially on that 2001 Sixers who really had no other scoring option – Dikembe Mutumbo & Aaron McKie both averaged about 11 points – can you imagine that a 5’11” 160 lbs combo guard dragged a team to the NBA Finals w/ the only other scoring option being Aaron McKie & Dikembe Mutumbo??? Iverson brought all the negative publicity on himself so he deserves all the critism he gets but at one point he was the Reigning MVP & the most popular basketball player in the country & he was absolutely an All Time Great… (Sorry for the long post)

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 but Iverson was a Remarkable athlete – a once in a generation talent & I have Never seen a player with more heart… Do you realize that at 5’11” & 160 lbs he averaged More free throw attempts per game than EVERY man who Ever played in the NBA except Shaq & Wilt & Shaq Barely beat him out – (look it up)… What does that mean? It means this man took a hellacious beating Every night driving to rim in the paint where the monsters battle & he never stopped b/c he was unstoppable – quickest player I have ever seen & tougher than old leather – his body was literally destroyed b/c men twice his size thumped him 10 tomes Every night & he would be so high in the air when he fell it was actually a sickening sound…. Iverson gets such a bad rap & especially now that we have analytics we know that No team had Ever won w/o a #2 AND a #3 scoring option – Iverson was alone… keep in mind that neither Jordan or Kobe ever won a Single playoff series w/o at least TWO hall of fame scoring options – two not one – not One playoff series did either win… Now that fact does not diminish the All Time Greatness of either Jordan or Kobe (two of the best of whoever played) but it should underscore just how great Iverson was… He took a team that was close to last in the NBA in scoring to the Finals & if it was a different year they may have won a Ring… So I say this with respect for your opinion but give Iverson another look & think about how he earned those points by sacrificing his body every night especially on that 2001 Sixers who really had no other scoring option – Dikembe Mutumbo & Aaron McKie both averaged about 11 points – can you imagine that a 5’11” 160 lbs combo guard dragged a team to the NBA Finals w/ the only other scoring option being Aaron McKie & Dikembe Mutumbo??? Iverson brought all the negative publicity on himself so he deserves all the critism he gets but at one point he was the Reigning MVP & the most popular basketball player in the country & he was absolutely an All Time Great… (Sorry for the long post)

[mjfan83Participant]

 I’d also like to add Bernard king Pistol Pete and the human highlight film, Mr Wilkens

[mjfan83Participant]

 I’d also like to add Bernard king Pistol Pete and the human highlight film, Mr Wilkens

[DolanCareParticipant]

 Malone is my pick. He would have gotten a ring in any other era, IMO. 

I often think about active players who we might have this discussion about. Like what if Chris Paul never wins it all. Either way he’s a HOFer but will probably make this sort of list 10 years from now. 

 

[DolanCareParticipant]

 Malone is my pick. He would have gotten a ring in any other era, IMO. 

I often think about active players who we might have this discussion about. Like what if Chris Paul never wins it all. Either way he’s a HOFer but will probably make this sort of list 10 years from now. 

 

[Sand]

 Steve Nash is the greatest offensive player in history. The stats back it up.

The points per 100 possessions during his time at phoenix and dallas were unheard of. I think his teams were miles out in front for 7 straight seasons.

Partly the system….but Nash kinda was the system. 

He gets my vote.

 

[Sand]

 Steve Nash is the greatest offensive player in history. The stats back it up.

The points per 100 possessions during his time at phoenix and dallas were unheard of. I think his teams were miles out in front for 7 straight seasons.

Partly the system….but Nash kinda was the system. 

He gets my vote.

 

[Arc12345Participant]

 Not partly the system, it was the system. Let’s come back to Earth about Nash. Again, he’s one of the best PG’s ever, but he’s definitely at the bottom of this list to me. I’m sorry, but Nash is not better than Iverson. I just can’t say that in my heart.

Everyone talks about how dominate he was, the stats, etc. but the guy never made it to the finals…that says a lot to me. How many players that were mentioned never made it to the finals? Pete Maravich, Chris Mullin, Dominique Wilkens, and Steve Nash? Not saying that’s the end all, but everyone talks about how dominate Nash’s teams were. They weren’t. Or they would’ve won. Or at least gotten to the finals.

I really like Mark Price, and I don’t consider it an insult to compare them. I’m honestly not sure who I’d pick between Price, Maravich, Nash, and Stockton but I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be Price and Nash…

[Arc12345Participant]

 Not partly the system, it was the system. Let’s come back to Earth about Nash. Again, he’s one of the best PG’s ever, but he’s definitely at the bottom of this list to me. I’m sorry, but Nash is not better than Iverson. I just can’t say that in my heart.

Everyone talks about how dominate he was, the stats, etc. but the guy never made it to the finals…that says a lot to me. How many players that were mentioned never made it to the finals? Pete Maravich, Chris Mullin, Dominique Wilkens, and Steve Nash? Not saying that’s the end all, but everyone talks about how dominate Nash’s teams were. They weren’t. Or they would’ve won. Or at least gotten to the finals.

I really like Mark Price, and I don’t consider it an insult to compare them. I’m honestly not sure who I’d pick between Price, Maravich, Nash, and Stockton but I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be Price and Nash…

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Finals appearances and what a player did in the finals is such an overrated stat. It’s all about what a player does against the elites of the elites, which is something eastern conference has not been able to contsitemtly produce, but Nash’s teams definitley have. If he made the finals, they would have beat any of the teams handily except Boston miami or Detroit. 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Finals appearances and what a player did in the finals is such an overrated stat. It’s all about what a player does against the elites of the elites, which is something eastern conference has not been able to contsitemtly produce, but Nash’s teams definitley have. If he made the finals, they would have beat any of the teams handily except Boston miami or Detroit. 

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

 Certainly Elgin.  No disrespect to the others, but what Elgin did is insane.  He just had the misfourtune of going up against the Celtics.

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

 Certainly Elgin.  No disrespect to the others, but what Elgin did is insane.  He just had the misfourtune of going up against the Celtics.

[BubbaChuckParticipant]

 ME (Bubba Chuck)

[BubbaChuckParticipant]

 ME (Bubba Chuck)

[BubbaChuckParticipant]

 ME (Bubba Chuck)

[BubbaChuckParticipant]

 ME (Bubba Chuck)

[HitsterParticipant]

All great choices by the guys above – Stockton, Nash, Miller, Malone, Ewing, Iverson all sprang to mind when I read the original topic.

Others I thought of then saw someone mentioned above was T-Mac so I’ll throw in Grant Hill instead.

 

[HitsterParticipant]

All great choices by the guys above – Stockton, Nash, Miller, Malone, Ewing, Iverson all sprang to mind when I read the original topic.

Others I thought of then saw someone mentioned above was T-Mac so I’ll throw in Grant Hill instead.

 

[DrivingDownTheStreetinmy64]

 Dam shame and Adam Morrison has a ring!!! 

[DrivingDownTheStreetinmy64]

 Dam shame and Adam Morrison has a ring!!! 

[machu46Participant]

I’d probably lean towards Stockton as my choice, but in terms of the Nash discussion, I think he was better than Iverson.  Could also throw a guy like Chris Paul in that discussion, but he’s still got some years left to try to win one.  I’d take Nash & CP3 over Iverson.  You could make a pretty good case that Nash was the best offensive PG of all-time when you consider that he was probably in the top 2 in passing ability while also being one of the greatest shooters of all-time and one of the most underrated finishers (consistently among the league best around the rim for guards).

[machu46Participant]

I’d probably lean towards Stockton as my choice, but in terms of the Nash discussion, I think he was better than Iverson.  Could also throw a guy like Chris Paul in that discussion, but he’s still got some years left to try to win one.  I’d take Nash & CP3 over Iverson.  You could make a pretty good case that Nash was the best offensive PG of all-time when you consider that he was probably in the top 2 in passing ability while also being one of the greatest shooters of all-time and one of the most underrated finishers (consistently among the league best around the rim for guards).

[Author]

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