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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Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport /

19. Tracy McGrady

  • Years Active: 1997 to 2013
  • Teams Played For: Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs
  • Scoring Titles: 2

Very few players have ever reached the level that Tracy McGrady was able to before the injuries ultimately deprived him of reaching his potential. He was one of the most feared scorers in NBA history, as well as an All-NBA mainstay across multiple teams and conferences.

A lack of postseason success is an asterisk in many fans’ minds, but McGrady’s ability and prowess should not be downplayed due to the lack of a ring—or an escape of the first round of the Playoffs.

McGrady won back-to-back scoring titles in 2002-03 and 2003-4. In the process, he joined a shortlist of players to go back-to-back with the accolade: George Mikan, Neil Johnston, Wilt Chamberlain, Bob McAdoo, George Gervin, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and James Harden.

McGrady was also selected to the All-NBA First Team in both 2001-02 and 2002-03 after leading the Orlando Magic out of the depths of despair and back into the postseason.

McGrady finished his career with seven All-NBA nods, seven All-Star Game appearances, a Most Improved Player award, and 50 postseason games played. Injuries prevented him from reaching 20,000 career points, but during his eight-year peak of 2000-01 through 2007-08, he averaged 26.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Furthermore, the late Kobe Bryant called McGrady to defend, per ESPN.

Injuries may have prevented McGrady from slamming the door shut on any skepticism surrounding his Hall of Fame status, but he is one of the greatest to never win a ring.