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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Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins (Photo by John Bazemore-Pool/Getty Images) /

12. Dominique Wilkins

  • Years Active: 1982 to 1999
  • Teams Played For: Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic
  • Scoring Titles: 1

Dominique Wilkins may not have won a championship, but the players who did have the battle scars to remember the challenges he gave them. The Human Highlight Film is known today as one of the most explosive and exciting players ever, but let it not be misunderstood.

Wilkins was an absolute force of nature as an overall player.

That’s exactly why Wilkins entered the 2020-21 NBA season at No. 13 all-time in career points scored with 26,668. He also ranks No. 14 all-time at 24.83 points per game

The icing on that point-flavored cake was when Wilkins won the NBA scoring title in 1985-86. It was one of his two seasons above 30 points per game, which should be perceived as a clear sign of his prowess in that area of the game.

He averaged upwards of 25 points per game in 10 different seasons and even checked in at 29.9 in 1992-93, when he was 33 years of age and just one year removed from rupturing his achilles tendon.

Wilkins was certainly a tremendous athlete, but it was his combination of all-time scoring prowess, longevity, and toughness that made him one of the most respected players of his generation.

Wilkins’ defining moment arrived in 1988, when he and the Atlanta Hawks pushed Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson and the Boston Celtics to seven games. Nique was incredible, even scoring 47 points in Game 7 and 40 in a pivotal Game 4 that tied the series at 2-2.

Boston would win the series, but Wilkins would make quite the statement against one of the 10 greatest players in NBA history.

Although he was never able to capture a championship, Wilkins was one of the biggest stars of what many consider to the Association’s greatest era. He was one of the easiest Hall of Fame inductees for fans, analysts, and players to agree upon.

A fan favorite and scoring machine.