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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Buck Williams
Buck Williams (Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP/Getty Images) /

43. Buck Williams

  • Years Active: 1981 to 1998
  • Teams Played For: New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks
  • NBA Finals Appearances: 2

Buck Williams played 17 seasons in the NBA, filling a wide range of roles along the way. He was a tough and rugged player known for his commitment to defense and his willingness to make the unselfish play to help his team win.

That all began in 1981 when Williams made an instant impact and secured the Rookie of the Year award after leading the New Jersey Nets to a 20-win improvement.

Williams played a total of 108 playoff games in his career, which should tell you all you need to know about the type of basketball he played. He helped the Nets upset the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 1984 Playoffs, just one year after Julius Erving and Co. won the title.

It was one of five postseason appearances that Williams made with the Nets, which set the table for the success he experienced as a veteran leader with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Williams was the starting center for the Trail Blazers when they reached the 1990 NBA Finals, 1991 Western Conference Finals, and 1992 NBA Finals. Clyde Drexler was the star of the show on a deep Portland team, but Williams’ experience and leadership were instrumental to success.

It’s also worth noting that the Trail Blazers reached three consecutive Conference Finals and two NBA Finals in Williams’ first three seasons after losing in the first round the previous four.

With an All-NBA, three All-Star Game appearances, and four All-Defense nods, Williams put together a steady and productive career.