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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Tim Hardaway Sr.
Tim Hardaway Sr. (Photo credit should read RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images) /

34. Tim Hardaway Sr.

  • Years Active: 1989 to 2003
  • Teams Played For: Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers
  • Conference Finals Appearances: 1

Tim Hardaway has been at the heart of many debates pertaining to the Hall of Fame. Regardless of which side of the debate you land on, the fact it’s so commonly discussed should be instant proof that he belongs on the list of the 50 greatest players to never win a championship.

Whether he was changing the game with Run TMC, leading the Miami Heat to pre-Wade glory, or showing the world how to do a crossover without carrying, Hardaway was one of the true stars of his era.

He played 14 years in the NBA, amassing five All-NBA selections and an additional five All-Star Game appearances. His No. 10 jersey has been retired by the Miami Heat, which is due in large part to the success that the team experienced during its breakout 1996-97 campaign.

Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning took center stage as the Heat reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history, taking down the rival New York Knicks in a classic seven-game series along the way.

That’s especially impressive considering Hardaway’s career was nearly ended by an injury in 1992-93. The postseason success was nothing new, however, as he also helped the Golden State Warriors win a series in 1990-91.

Miami would win a second postseason series with Hardaway running point in 1999-00 over the Detroit Pistons, thus solidifying Hardaway as the best point guard in franchise history.

Although Hardaway never won a championship, he won in the Playoffs, found individual success in the regular season, and ranks in the top 20 all-time in assists (No. 18, 7,095). He also popularized the pull-up three-point shot in transition.

Imagine where the game would be without it.