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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45. Walt Bellamy

  • Years Active: 1961 to 1974
  • Teams Played For: Baltimore Bullets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Jazz
  • Conference Finals Appearances: 2

Walt Bellamy had one of the most incredibly productive rookie seasons in NBA history. He hit the ground running, to say the least, averaging 31.6 points, 19.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while playing for the then Chicago Packers.

The franchise that ultimately became the Washington Wizards would ride Bellamy’s abilities, as well as the presence of Gus Johnson, to its first-ever postseason appearance.

Bellamy not only led the then Baltimore Bullets to the Playoffs in 1963, but helped the team upset the St. Louis Hawks. He then helped Baltimore push Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and the Los Angeles Lakers to six games in the Eastern Division Finals.

Upon transitioning to playing for the Atlanta Hawks, Bellamy helped the team reach the Western Division Finals—once again coming close to an elusive championship.

It was admittedly difficult for Bellamy to accumulate accolades in an era that featured Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Nate Thurmond. Many would argue that he was one of the best players of the era, however, and the statistics support that statement.

Bellamy scored upwards of 20,000 career points and pulled down more than 14,000 career rebounds. Nearly 50 years after his retirement, he’s still top-15 all-time in rebounding.

Bellamy was tasked with an immeasurable responsibility when it came to winning in the era he played, but he produced consistently and established himself as a Hall of Fame inductee.