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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“Pistol” Pete Maravich
“Pistol” Pete Maravich (Photo by Ross Lewis/Getty Images). /

28. Pete Maravich

  • Years Played: 1970 to 1980
  • Teams Played For: Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans / Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics
  • All-NBA: 4x (2x First Team, 2x Second Team)

Perhaps the most popular player from his time period, “Pistol” Pete Maravich is one of the few “old-timers” that younger fans almost unanimously praise. The LSU legend had his number retired by three different franchises in the NBA, set the standard for scoring at the NCAA level, and was named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Maravich may not have won a championship, but most agree that he was ahead of his time and something of a trailblazer for the generation of playmaking guards that has since followed.

Maravich led the Atlanta Hawks to the Playoffs in three of his four seasons with the team, which resulted in his No. 44 jersey being retired. He ultimately left Atlanta to play for the Jazz of New Orleans and Utah, winning the scoring title in 1977 to further pad his legacy as one of the most dynamic scorers the sport has ever seen.

Maravich also made received four All-NBA selections during his career, including two First Team appearances during his time with the Jazz.

In an era that wasn’t exactly known for efficient scoring from the guard positions, Maravich averaged 24.2 points on 44.1 percent shooting from the field for his career. He did so while playing before the popularization of the three-point shot, with the introduction of it in NBA circles not arriving until his final season in the Association.

For a player as skilled as any who came along during the 1970s, one can only imagine how many more points Pistol Pete would’ve been able to score with a three-point shot at his disposal.

Even without it, Maravich pieced together a career that is still discussed today.