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 Webber
Chris Webber Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport /

17. Chris Webber

  • Years Active: 1993 to 2008
  • Teams Played For: Golden State Warriors, Washington Bullets / Wizards, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons
  • Conference Finals Appearances: 2

Many have pondered what might have happened if the Orlando Magic had drafted Chris Webber instead of Penny Hardaway. It worked out quite well for Orlando in the end, but the foundation of the question is based around the premise of the Magic having an almost Duncan-Robinson level duo.

Whether or not it would’ve worked out that way, Webber is one of the all-time great, “What if?” players, due in large part to the fact we almost received the answer.

Webber carved out quite the career for himself despite the injuries. He was named All-NBA in five separate seasons, including the First Team nod he received for his signature 2000-01 season with the Sacramento Kings.

Webber averaged a career-high 27.1 points per game, as well as 11.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 2000-01. It was a tremendous display of what he may have been able to sustain if not for the injuries.

This set the stage for when the Sacramento Kings pushed the eventual NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers to seven games in the 2002 Western Conference Finals. It was also during a run by the Kings that would become something of a precursor for modern basketball.

Webber was the prototypical modern big, equipped with a unique blend of strength, agility, and skill. His passing was an invaluable skill from the high post, while his complete scoring arsenal made him a threat against any team that attempted to contain him.

Injuries robbed Webber of what could’ve been, but his influence on the game should not be downplayed.

He and the Kings are one of the ultimate, “If I had a basketball time machine,” units.