Every player in the NBA dreams of winning a championship. It’s the ultimate success for a team. However, even the most talented ballers sometimes fall short of lifting the shiny Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Despite having careers filled with numerous posters, from-the-logo shots, and ankle breakers, some active NBA stars are still waiting for their chance to win a title. In this article, we'll look at the top basketball players without rings, their achievements, and the factors that have kept them from claiming the prize.
The NBA's Best Without a Championship
Among active NBA stars without a title, some surprising names stand out. Surprising because of their usual ability and impact on the court. These players have shaped the sport with their talent, but they remain part of the unlucky group of NBA players without a championship. Here's our list.
Chris Paul
Chris Paul | NBA.com
CP3 is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and he has built a career defined by leadership and basketball IQ. Over 18 seasons, he has averaged 17.9 points, 9.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds. Chris Paul’s contributions have transformed every team he’s played for, from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Phoenix Suns.
Paul came closest to a championship in 2021 when he led the Suns to the NBA Finals, only to fall short against the Milwaukee Bucks. Now playing for the San Antonio Spurs after a move from the Warriors, Paul continues to chase the ring, hoping his veteran experience will finally earn him the title he deserves.
James Harden
Another star on the list of top basketball players without rings, James Harden has revolutionized offensive basketball with his step-backs and scoring efficiency. He recently became number 2 on the all-time 3-point list, too, only just below Stephen Curry, who Harden jokingly remarked doesn't count. A former MVP and a 10-time All-Star, Harden has averaged 24.7 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.6 rebounds over 15 seasons.
Despite his strengths in the regular season, Harden has faced criticism for his playoff performances. Whether with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, or Philadelphia 76ers, Harden has fallen short in key moments. With his recent move to the Los Angeles Clippers, he’s still trying to overcome his postseason struggles and end his NBA championship drought.
Damian Lillard
Another one of the best shooters in the league, Damian Lillard has been one of the NBA’s most exciting players for a long time, spending over 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. In that period, he earned a reputation for delivering in high-pressure moments, with career averages of 25.2 points and 6.7 assists.
Damian Lillard | YT
Lillard's loyalty to Portland was commendable, but a lack of championship-caliber rosters hindered his chances at a title. Now with the Milwaukee Bucks, he’s teamed up with Giannis Antetokounmpo in probably his best opportunity to win a championship.
Joel Embiid
The 2023 MVP, Joel Embiid has become one of the most dominant big men in the modern NBA. Over 8 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid averaged 27.2 points and 11.2 rebounds. Despite his regular-season dominance, playoff success has been a problem, with the Sixers failing to advance past the second round during his tenure.
As one of the top stars with NBA championship droughts, Embiid would be looking to change that. As long as he stays healthy, keeps a hungry supporting cast, the Sixers’ could eventually break through in the postseason.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker has been a magnificent scorer in the NBA over the years | X via NBA History
Devin Booker’s scoring has been the foundation of the Phoenix Suns’ success in recent years. He's known for being able to score from all three levels, and has career averages of 23.9 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds.
He came close to a championship in 2021 when the Suns reached the Finals but fell to the Bucks. With Kevin Durant still performing, Booker has a strong chance to push his team back to the Finals and potentially claim the title.
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler has led the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals twice in four years (2020 and 2023). His playoff performances have actually been spectacular, elevating his game when it matters most. Over 12 seasons, Butler averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. However, the Heat have consistently fallen short in the Finals, failing to complement Butler's Jordan-esque playoffs spirit.
Paul George
You know him. A 6'8” Forward who moves like a Guard. The two-way veteran has been a critical piece for every team he’s played for, from the Indiana Pacers to the Los Angeles Clippers. With averages of 20.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 13-seasons, Paul George has consistently been one of the league’s best entertainers.
Injuries and tough playoff matchups have limited his success, but George’s talent is unmistakable. Now playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, he will be on a quest to end his championship drought.
Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook was a former NBA MVP winner | NBA.com
Russell Westbrook, the 2017 MVP, has made the triple-double in the modern NBA his own. Over 15 seasons, he averaged 22.4 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.3 rebounds, entertaining the league with his intensity and athleticism.
Westbrook has played for several teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Clippers. Now with the Denver Nuggets, he has a very good opportunity to contend for a title. Anyone does with a Jokic on their side.
DeMar DeRozan
Mid-range master DeMar DeRozan has been one of the league’s most consistent scorers. Over 14 seasons, DeRozan averaged 21.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
Although his tenure with the Raptors ended without a title, DeRozan’s move to the Chicago Bulls rejuvenated his career but still didn't end with the ring. With a recent move to the Sacramento Kings, DeRozan remains hopeful for a championship breakthrough.
Conclusion
That's our list featuring active NBA stars without a title to their name. From seasoned veterans like Chris Paul and James Harden to younger stars like Devin Booker, these active NBA players are still chasing the dream of becoming champions. With the 2024-25 season already running, time will tell whether one of these top basketball players without rings can finally end their NBA championship drought.