Hoops Habit
Fansided

50 greatest NBA players to never win a championship

By Maxwell Ogden

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 01: Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers expresses emotion after making a basket during their game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 1, 2005 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Bucks won 117-108 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 01: Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers expresses emotion after making a basket during their game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 1, 2005 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Bucks won 117-108 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Marques Johnson
Marques Johnson (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/ Getty Images) /

41. Marques Johnson

  • Years Active: 1977 to 1989
  • Teams Played For: Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors
  • Conference Finals Appearances: 2

Long before the likes of Grant Hill, LeBron James, and Scottie Pippen took on the mantle, Marques Johnson was labeled a, “Point forward.” Drafted in 1977 by the Milwaukee Bucks, the 6’7″ wing displayed the unique ability to run and facilitate an offense.

In turn, Johnson amassed an impressive list of accolades while helping Milwaukee play at a contending level throughout the first half of the 1980s

Johnson turned in averages of 19.5 points and 10.4 rebounds as a rookie, and erupted as a scorer in his sophomore season at 25.6 points per game. That would earn him the first of his five All-Star seasons, as well as his first of three All-NBA years.

Johnson made the All-NBA First Team in 1978-79, thus appearing alongside Hall of Fame frontcourt players such as Elvin Hayes and Moses Malone.

Far more impressive was the success that arrived in the 1980s, as he helped Milwaukee reach the 1983 and 1984 Eastern Conference Finals. Perhaps his most memorable postseason game was in 1983 when he recorded 33 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in a closeout game of Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics.

Milwaukee was a deep and talented team, but Johnson’s ability to both find the bottom of the net and create shots for his teammates was ahead of its time at his position.

The term, “Point forward,” is common today, but players like Johnson helped make it a possibility. For that, he deserves far more praise than he receives.