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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Chris Mullin
Chris Mullin (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

24. Chris Mullin

  • Years Active: 1985 to 2001
  • Teams Played For: Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers
  • NBA Finals Appearances: 1

Some may roll their eyes at a statement of this nature, but Chris Mullin was perfectly equipped to thrive in the modern era. An absolute marksman from all over the floor, Mullin was ahead of his time as a do-it-all wing who could take over a game from beyond the arc.

Although Mullin never won an NBA championship, he was a member of the Dream Team and became one of the most respected players of his generation.

Mullin won two Olympic Gold Medals: First in 1984 and again in 1992. Although at the tail end of his career, he also helped the Indiana Pacers reach the NBA Finals as a locker room leader and three-point shooting specialist off the bench.

It was with the Golden State Warriors, however, that Mullin helped push the game towards its current trajectory.

Mullin, along with Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond, was one-third of the near-iconic Run TMC. The trio would set the stage for contemporary execution on the offensive end of the floor, with Mullin playing the small forward role that so many current stars have thrived in.

Golden State never made the leap to contender status, but Mullin was a revered talent who truly belonged with the all-timers on the Dream Team. An All-NBA First Team nod in 1992, when he averaged 25.6 points per game on .524/.366/.833, is firm proof.

Postseason victories over the Utah Jazz in 1987 and 1989, and the San Antonio Spurs in 1991 achieved the same effect.

Unfortunately, injuries struck when Mullin was at the height of his powers. Nevertheless, he played 16 successful years in the NBA and has the Dream Team selection to prove just how feared he was.

For one last piece of perspective: Between 1988 and 1993, Mullin averaged 25.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.9 steals on a .523/.354/.871 slash line.