George Gervin, Charles Barkley: Ten NBA greats who retired without a Championship Ring (Part 1)
National Basketball Association or NBA in itself is a huge name and over the years it has produced numerous talents who have not only brought a lot of fame to the league, but have also contributed a lot in making basketball a global
sport.
All time great players like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Wilt Chamberlain are superb examples, who achieved a lot in their careers. However, the most significant and ultimate achievement in any player’s career
is to win the championship ring at least once in his career.
Not every brilliant player in the past, who had sparkling career statistics, was fortunate enough to win the championship ring and many had to retire with their ultimate dream unfulfilled. The list of the players, who haven’t won
a championship ring so far also, includes some current great players too. Miami Heat’s forward LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Chris Paul form the top core of the players, who are still without the game’s greatest prize.
Let us cast a sight on some of the greatest players in NBA who retired without winning a championship ring.
George Gervin
Gervin, who is also known as “the iceman”, is first among the list of players, who never won the championship ring. Gervin participated in both American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association. He was picked
up by the Phoenix Suns as the third overall pick in the draft back in 1974. Later he represented Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls in the NBA.
Gervin was named NBA All-Star on nine occasions, while in ABA; he was selected as All-Star thrice. In 1980, George won the Most Valuable Player award for an All-Star game and was also selected as NBA scoring champion from 1978-1980
and 1982. Gervin was a part of All-NBA First Team for five successive years and was also named in All-NBA Second Team twice.
Gervin scoring average in NBA was 26.2 points per game and he never dropped his scoring average below 14 points per game in both the leagues. Gervin is the most acclaimed shooting guard in the history of NBA and is among the 50
Greatest Players of All Time. However, he never got the ring as he never had anybody to watch his back.
Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley is second on the list of the greats without the ring. In his time, Barkley was considered among the most dominating power forwards of the league. He was nicknamed “The Round Mound of Rebound" and could out rebound
the likes of Shaquille O’ Neal, even late his career. Barkley was picked up by Philadelphia 76ers in 1984 as fifth overall. Besides the Sixers, Barkley also represented Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets.
The 6 ft 6 forward was selected as an NBA All-Star 11 times. He was named the NBA MVP for 1993 season and before that he won the MVP award in 1991 for a NBA All-Star game. Barkley was a member of the 1985 NBA All-Rookie first team
and got selected on five occasions in both All-NBA first and second team.
During his NBA career, Barkley scored at an average of 22.1 points, 11.70 rebounds 3.9 assists per game.
Barkley got the opportunity to appear in the NBA Finals once. However, unfortunately for him and Houston Rockets, they came up against a wrong team in the shape of the mighty Chicago Bulls, whose roster included the legendary Michael
Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Later in his career, Barkley became notorious for his aggressive attitude, but no buddy can deny that he was truly a great player.
Tags: