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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Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

18. Carmelo Anthony

  • Years Active: 2003 to Present
  • Teams Played For: Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers
  • Conference Finals Appearances: 1

In 2002-03, Carmelo Anthony completed what may be the greatest freshman season of the modern era by leading the Syracuse Orange to the only national championship in program history. A few months later, he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets and so began a revered NBA career.

One of the most respected people and players in the Association, Anthony has carved out a near 20-year career as a gifted scorer and heralded leader.

Anthony’s accolades are impressive enough for anyone to appreciate his greatness, with six All-NBA honors and 10 All-Star Game appearances. He also won the 2013 scoring title, and has a male basketball record three Olympic Gold Medals.

Having scored well over 25,000 career points, Anthony will comfortably enter the Hall of Fame and enjoy the perks that come with being a walking highlight reel.

It was the 2008-09 and 2012-13 seasons that define what made Anthony such a special player. During the former, he and Chauncey Billups led the Denver Nuggets to a classic Conference Finals showdown with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was Denver’s first appearance in the Conference Finals in 24 years.

In 2012-13, Anthony led the New York Knicks to the franchise’s only postseason series victory of the post-Ewing era. The 54 wins marked the franchise’s most since 1996-97, while the Conference Semifinals appearance broke a 13-year drought.

Considering the Knicks haven’t even reached the Playoffs since then, it’s fair to acknowledge as one of the best players of his generation.