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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Dave Bing
Dave Bing (Photo by Monica Morgan/Getty Images) /

29. Dave Bing

  • Years Active: 1966 to 1978
  • Teams Played For: Detroit Pistons, Washington Bullets, Boston Celtics
  • Scoring Titles: 1

In an era that was known for great big men, Dave Bing managed to reach the Hall of Fame by thriving as a point guard. A talented playmaker who could wow crowds with his ball-handling and passing, Bing was just as likely to take over a game without having to look anyone else’s way.

That combination of skills has come to define the modern generation of positionless point guards, which only enhances the legacy of a player who was appropriately named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Bing won Rookie of the Year in 1966-67 and secured the scoring title the very next season. In the process, he became the second guard in NBA history to win the NBA’s scoring title. The first: Max Zaslofsky in 1947-48 with 21.0 points per game, when the BAA had a 48-game season.

Fair perspective on Bing’s 27.1 per contest.

Bing also led Detroit to the Playoffs that season, thus ending a four-season drought. The team bowed out in the first round to Bill Russell and the Boston Celtics, but Bing helped the overmatched Pistons push Red Auerbach’s dynasty to six games.

Bing even scored 44 points in Game 6 in a last-ditch effort to save the Pistons’ season.

Detroit wouldn’t make it back again until 1973-74, but Bing offered a glimmer of hope for what is now one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises. That continued when he teamed with Bob Lanier to get the Pistons back to the Playoffs in ’74.

That ended yet another drought for a franchise that couldn’t seem to find its footing.

With three All-NBA selections, seven All-Star Game appearances, and three long-awaited postseason appearances, Bing makes one wonder what could’ve been on a better team.