ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith recently criticized the New York Knicks for not showing interest in Kevin Durant. He spoke on ESPN’s “First Take” after news broke that the Phoenix Suns were open to trading Durant. Smith said, “Anybody that has a speck of knowledge about the game, you can’t justify not wanting KD on your squad.”

Durant, who is 36 years old, averaged 26.6 points per game last season and ranked sixth in NBA scoring. Even though he played well, the Suns had a disappointing season. Part of their problem was Bradley Beal’s large contract. Beal signed a five-year deal worth $251 million, which made it harder for the team to make changes.

With their options limited, the Suns are now reportedly trying to trade Durant. According to a report from Athlon Sports, Durant wants to leave Phoenix, and when you combine that with his age, it weakens the Suns’ position in trade talks.

Smith Blames James Dolan for Knicks’ Lack of Interest

Stephen A. Smith believes that Knicks owner James Dolan is the main reason the team is not pursuing Durant. On First Take, Smith said Dolan’s personal issues may have influenced the front office’s decision. He didn’t name specific events but referred to the behavior as “pettiness.”

Smith strongly suggested that Dolan’s personal feelings outweighed good basketball judgment. He implied that passing on a player of Durant’s skill level, especially one still producing at a high level, makes little sense unless personal motives are involved.

Smith Also Supports Mark Jackson as Head Coach

In the same First Take episode, Smith also supported Mark Jackson as the next head coach of the Knicks. Jackson coached the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2014. During his time there, he helped build the team that would later become champions.

Smith said that current Warriors coach Steve Kerr “piggybacked off of that,” meaning Kerr used the base Jackson created. Smith also pointed out that Jackson is from New York City and could be the kind of strong voice the team needs right now.

So far, the Knicks have not decided on hiring a new coach and Jackson is not officially in the running, but Smith thinks he would be a good fit for the job.

Kendrick Perkins Strongly Disagrees With Knicks’ Choice

Kendrick Perkins, another ESPN analyst and former NBA player, also criticized the Knicks for not going after Durant. On the same show, he said, “The Knicks are being disrespectful saying ‘no interest.’ Who the hell are you?” He added that the team has not won anything in 52 years and questioned how they could turn down “one of the greatest scorers to ever touch the damn basketball.”

Perkins compared Durant to Karl-Anthony Towns, whom the Knicks were reportedly considering in trade talks. According to Perkins, Durant is clearly the better player. Last season, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Towns averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Durant also had more blocks than Towns, even though he plays forward while Towns plays center.

Perkins said the Knicks might be favoring Towns because of personal relationships, not because he is a better player. He explained, “It’s not just about the business. It’s about the personal relationship with Karl-Anthony Towns.” He clarified that if the team cared only about improving, they would choose Durant instead.

Phoenix Suns May Lower Their Asking Price

While all of this is going on, the Phoenix Suns are trying to trade Kevin Durant. According to a report from the Arizona Republic, the Suns might have to lower what they’re asking in return.

The report says, “The Suns have ‘no leverage’ in part because of Durant’s age. And because he wants to start fresh elsewhere.”

The Suns want to make a trade before the NBA Draft on June 25–26. They hope to get draft picks as part of any deal. But because other teams know Durant wants to leave, they are not offering much.

Sources also said Durant would not be happy going back to Phoenix after the team already looked at trading him earlier this year. This means teams might wait to see if the Suns drop their demands.

Knicks and Heat Could Be Back in the Picture

Earlier this year, in February, the Knicks discussed a potential trade with the Suns for Durant. However, reports say the Suns were not excited about a deal that included Karl-Anthony Towns. After that, the Knicks stepped away from talks.

Now, if Phoenix lowers its asking price, the Knicks might come back, and the same goes for the Miami Heat. Durant reportedly wants to play in Miami, but the Heat may not have the best trade package.

Unless they include All-Star Tyler Herro, the Heat’s offer may not be enough, though they could make the deal stronger by adding Kel’el Ware, a young player that Phoenix is said to be interested in.

Other teams still in the mix include the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. Durant has shown interest in both teams. He reportedly turned down interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Coaching Search Gets More Complicated

As the trade talks continue, the Knicks are also dealing with problems in their coaching search: a top candidate has recently dropped out. The team has not said who it was, but this makes the search even harder.

The Knicks have had many coaches over the past years and little stability. Losing a leading candidate makes it tougher to bring in someone who can lead the team. This adds a ton of weight to the front office’s shoulders, especially with the season coming up and so many decisions still to be made.

Right now, there is no clear favorite for the coaching job. Smith continues to support Mark Jackson, but the team has not announced anything yet.

Weehawken High School, located at 53 Liberty Place, Weehawken, New Jersey, is recognizing multiple seniors from the Class of 2024 for being accepted to Ivy League and other highly selective universities. Students received admission offers from Harvard University, Yale University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, and Sorbonne Université in Paris.

Valedictorian Victoria Hole was accepted to both Harvard University and Yale University. She will attend Harvard University in the fall. Senior Hugo Holland was accepted to both Harvard University and Sorbonne Université. He will attend Sorbonne Université in Paris.

College Acceptances Reflect School Performance and Opportunities

Weehawken High School is the only high school in the Weehawken Public School District. It serves grades 7 through 12. The total enrollment for grades 9 through 12 is 372 students. According to U.S. News 2024 rankings, the school is ranked #3,561 in the National Rankings, #146 among New Jersey high schools, and #356 in the New York, NY metro area. The overall score is 79.83 out of 100.

The school has a graduation rate of 99%. The AP® participation rate is 56%, and 32% of students passed at least one AP® exam.

Subject proficiency based on New Jersey Student Learning Assessments is:

• Mathematics: 40%
• Reading: 38%
• Science: 28%

The College Readiness Index score is 38.2 out of 100.

Additional rankings include:

• College Readiness Index Rank: #2,416 nationally, #125 in New Jersey
• College Curriculum Breadth Index Rank: #3,081 (tie) nationally, #141 in New Jersey
• State Assessment Proficiency Rank: #10,244 (tie) nationally, #236 in New Jersey
• State Assessment Performance Rank: #8,419 nationally, #194 in New Jersey
• Graduation Rate Rank: #1,174 (tie) nationally, #35 (tie) in New Jersey

Student Demographics and Resources

The student body includes 59.5% minority enrollment. The racial and ethnic composition is:

• Hispanic: 46.7%
• White: 40.5%
• Asian: 5.3%
• Black: 5.1%
• Two or More Races: 1.9%
• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.4%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.2%

Enrollment by grade level:

• 9th Grade: 150 students
• 10th Grade: 112 students
• 11th Grade: 74 students
• 12th Grade: 36 students

42% of students are economically disadvantaged. 37% of students receive free lunch, and 5% receive reduced-price lunch.

There are 49 full-time equivalent teachers.

Weehawken High School is located in a large suburban setting. It is eligible for Title I funding, is not a charter school, and is not classified as a magnet school.

Institutional Context and Continuing Opportunities

The 2024 college acceptances clearly show the strong academic performance of students at Weehawken High School. The school continues to earn solid rankings on national and state tests, keeps a very high graduation rate, and encourages many students to take college-level classes.

The achievements of students like Victoria Hole, who will attend Harvard University, and Hugo Holland, who chose to study at Sorbonne Université in Paris, show how well the school prepares its students.

As of mid-June 2025, the New York Yankees continue to manage a substantial injury list with players sidelined across all areas of the roster. Several players are progressing through their respective recoveries, while others have experienced complications or face extended absences.

Here’s the Yankees’ current injury situation, including comments from manager Aaron Boone, rehab milestones, projected return dates, and all official transactions.

Giancarlo Stanton Returns, Goes 2-for-4 in Season Debut

Giancarlo Stanton returned to the Yankees’ lineup on June 16, 2025, after missing the entire season so far with tendinitis in both elbows. He was placed on the injured list on March 24 and made his comeback during a 1-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium.

Stanton went 2-for-4 with a double. In his first at-bat, he grounded out hard to third base with a 101.5 mph exit velocity. In the fourth inning, he hit a single past the shortstop into left field at 111.1 mph. He struck out in his third plate appearance on three straight knuckle curves from Jose Soriano. In his last at-bat, he doubled to left field off Kenley Jansen. Jasson Domínguez pinch-ran for him, but the Yankees didn’t score.

After the game, Stanton said, “Great to be back. Obviously wanted to win. But yeah, it’s good to be back out there.” He added that he’s still working on his timing at the plate and wants to focus on seeing pitches well, especially with fewer at-bats so far. He said the four rehab games with Double-A Somerset, including three in a row, helped him get ready.

Manager Aaron Boone said Stanton looked strong. “Thought he was great,” Boone said. “He smoked that grounder in his first at-bat, got a hit, and then smoked the double in the ninth. He looked really good.”

Boone also said Stanton moved well and has been seeing fastballs better lately during rehab. “Now it’s just about doing it every day and seeing how he bounces back,” he said.

Jake Cousins Scheduled for Tommy John Surgery

Right-handed pitcher Jake Cousins was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 27 due to a right forearm strain. He had been on a Minor League rehab assignment but was returned from it on June 11. On June 14, manager Aaron Boone said Cousins appeared to have a UCL injury and was “moving toward Tommy John surgery.” On June 18, it was confirmed that Cousins will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. He will miss the rest of the 2025 season and likely a portion of 2026 due to the standard 14–18 month recovery timeline.

Luis Gil Progressing Toward Live Batters After Lat Injury

Luis Gil, a right-handed pitcher, has been recovering from a right lat strain. He was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 24. According to Boone, on June 14, Gil is approximately 10 to 14 days away from facing live hitters. He began tossing from a bullpen mound on May 30, his first time since the injury. The team is targeting a return in late July or August, although no exact date has been set.

Luke Weaver Reports No Issues After Throwing Session

Right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 1) with a left hamstring strain. He received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to aid recovery. On June 14, Weaver threw a bullpen or live batting practice session and reported that his hamstring felt “great.” His rehab is progressing well. While a specific return date was not given, he remains on track for a June or July return.

Marcus Stroman Makes First Rehab Start with Double-A Somerset

Marcus Stroman, who was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 12 due to left knee inflammation, made his first rehab start for Double-A Somerset on June 11. In that outing, Stroman threw 3 1/3 innings, recorded 46 pitches, and struck out four batters. He recovered well the following day. Boone confirmed on June 12 that Stroman is being built up as a starter. No exact return date was given, but his recovery is progressing as expected.

Oswaldo Cabrera “Probably Unlikely” to Return in 2025

Third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 13 due to a fractured left ankle. He underwent surgery on May 15 to repair the fracture and ligament damage. On June 5, Boone said it’s “probably unlikely” that Cabrera will return during the 2025 season. Cabrera himself stated on June 5 that his recovery is going well. He is currently using a scooter and wearing a protective boot. He has not ruled out the possibility of returning this year, but no timeline has been established.

JT Brubaker Works Through Multi-Level Rehab Assignments

JT Brubaker, another right-handed pitcher, was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 24 with fractured ribs. His rehab began with High-A Hudson Valley on May 18. He then pitched for Double-A Somerset on May 23, going 2 2/3 innings with 2 runs, 1 earned run, 1 hit, and 3 walks. On May 29, Brubaker threw four scoreless innings with just one hit allowed for Somerset. His rehab was transferred to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on June 3. No estimated return date has been given.

Gerrit Cole Speaks About Recovery, Broadcast Role Planned

Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace pitcher, underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery on March 11 in Los Angeles. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache and involved a complete UCL reconstruction with an internal brace. He was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 22. On May 5, Cole said he expects to resume playing catch in August. He is planning on a 14-month recovery timeline, counting from the date of surgery. Cole also spoke to Jack Curry on June 12 and confirmed that he will appear in the YES Network broadcast booth this season. Cole stated that everything in his recovery is going well.

Chase Hampton Recovering from Tommy John Surgery

Chase Hampton, another right-handed pitcher, is recovering from Tommy John surgery. The surgery was previously reported with an expected return in May or June of 2026. This status was last updated on February 26. No new information has been provided since then.

Yankees Transactions: Roster Moves as of June 8 and June 12

On June 12, the Yankees:

• Recalled RHP Scott Effross from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
• Optioned LHP Brent Headrick to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

On June 8, the Yankees:

• Claimed INF CJ Alexander off waivers from the Oakland Athletics
• Optioned CJ Alexander to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

No additional roster changes have been officially reported since then.

On Thursday, June 13, 2025, the New York Rangers officially traded left wing Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. In return, the Rangers received 19-year-old center Carey Terrance and Anaheim’s 2025 third-round draft pick, No. 89 overall. As part of the deal, Anaheim also received the Rangers’ 2025 fourth-round pick, No. 104 overall. The Rangers did not retain any portion of Kreider’s $6.5 million average annual value (AAV) cap hit.

This trade was not sudden. Back in November 2024, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury sent a message to all 31 other NHL general managers, making it known that he was willing to trade core players, including Chris Kreider and defenseman Jacob Trouba. Trouba was traded to the Ducks in December 2024.

Although Kreider had Anaheim on his 15-team no-trade list, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, he waived it and agreed to the trade.

Kreider Ends 13-Year Career with Rangers After Injury-Plagued Season

Chris Kreider was drafted by the Rangers in the first round in 2009. He joined the team during the 2012 playoffs and went on to play 13 seasons in New York. In total, he played 883 regular-season games, scoring 326 goals, which ranks third in team history. He also tied the franchise record for most power-play goals with 116 and played in 123 playoff games—more than any other active Ranger.

Kreider also holds the franchise record for most goals scored in the playoffs. In 2021-22, he had a career-high 52 goals. Just last year, in Game 6 of the second round against the Carolina Hurricanes, he scored a hat trick to help the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in three years. After that game, fans left hats on his lawn in celebration.

This past season, however, Kreider struggled. He dealt with several health issues, including back spasms, an illness that caused vertigo, and a left hand injury that might need surgery. Because of these problems, he was limited to just 22 goals and eight assists in 68 games. The previous season, he had recorded 75 points.

When the season ended, Kreider said he still wanted to stay in New York. “This is home for me,” he said. “This is the organization that gave me the opportunity to live out my dreams. I’ve developed so many incredible relationships, and grown up, and spent so much time in this area, so obviously this is where I want to be.”

Despite that, the Rangers told Kreider and his representatives after the season that they planned to trade him. The team needed to free up cap space, and his departure helped increase their available funds from under $8.5 million to just under $15 million, according to PuckPedia.

Rangers Acquire Prospect Carey Terrance

The player the Rangers received, Carey Terrance, is a 19-year-old center who was drafted 59th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft. In the 2024–25 season, Terrance played for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He recorded 39 points in 45 games.

In January 2025, Scott Wheeler of The Athletic ranked Terrance as the 10th-best prospect in the Ducks’ system. In April 2025, Anaheim signed Terrance to a three-year entry-level contract. Wheeler wrote that Terrance showed “signs of creativity and vision,” but that his future NHL potential would depend on whether he could improve his playmaking skills.

The Rangers also gained $6.5 million in salary cap space by moving Kreider’s contract in full. Before the trade, they had under $8.5 million in available space. After the deal, that number rose to just under $15 million, according to PuckPedia.

Will Cuylle Expected to Stay After Breakout Season

Will Cuylle is a 23-year-old left winger and a restricted free agent. In the 2024–25 season, Cuylle scored 20 goals and recorded over 300 hits. He was one of the few standout players on the Rangers’ roster last season.

As of mid-June 2025, Cuylle does not have a new contract. Sources say a deal is not yet closed, but there is a belief that Cuylle wants to stay in New York. The timing of Kreider’s trade may have helped speed up negotiations, as the cap space created gives the Rangers more flexibility to reach an agreement.

Arthur Staple of The Athletic reported earlier that Cuylle was a top target for teams looking to make offer sheets. However, insiders now believe that he will re-sign with the Rangers.

K’Andre Miller Likely to Be Traded as Rangers Shift Defensive Focus

K’Andre Miller is also a restricted free agent and remains one of the most talked-about players on the Rangers’ offseason list. Miller, who is 25 years old and listed at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, had an up-and-down season.

Reports indicate that the Rangers are actively considering trading Miller. One reason is his inconsistent performance on the ice. Another is Chris Drury’s preference for defensemen who bring more physicality to the lineup. There is also reported off-ice frustration directed toward Miller inside the locker room.

According to sources, the Rangers are aware that Miller is likely to test unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027. They are trying to move him before that happens to get maximum return.

There’s also the possibility of an offer sheet. If another team offers Miller a contract worth between $4.68 million and $7.02 million per year, the Rangers would receive a first- and third-round pick in the 2026 draft if they choose not to match. But the team prefers a trade that brings in players who can help now.

The Rangers are exploring defensive options. Reports have linked them to UFA Vladislav Gavrikov. Gavrikov is 29 years old and would fill a need on the left side, but he could cost between $7 million and $8 million per year. A contract at that price would last into his mid-to-late 30s, which the Rangers may want to avoid after just shedding Kreider’s long-term deal.

Mika Zibanejad Expected to Stay Despite Kreider’s Departure

Another name that has come up in rumors is Mika Zibanejad. The 32-year-old center was very close with Kreider and has voiced concern in the past about how some teammates were treated. Still, two sources say Zibanejad is expected to remain with the team next season.

He has a no-movement clause and would only consider a very short list of teams if he were to leave. But right now, he seems focused on staying in New York with his family. The team is also helping him work through physical and mental challenges to prepare for next season.

Zibanejad was one of the players who wanted David Quinn—his former head coach—to return to the team. Quinn, who helped Zibanejad achieve his best scoring season in 2019–20 with 41 goals in 57 games, may now come back as an assistant under new head coach Mike Sullivan.

Rangers Considering Offer Sheets for Players Like JJ Peterka

For years, NHL general managers have avoided using offer sheets due to the fear of retaliation. But that may be changing. Inspired by St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong—who signed Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg from the Edmonton Oilers—Chris Drury is reportedly open to using offer sheets.

One name linked to the Rangers is JJ Peterka, a 22-year-old winger from the Buffalo Sabres who scored 68 points last season. According to “The Win Column,” Peterka’s next deal could be worth between $7 million and $7.5 million per year.

To complete an offer sheet for Peterka, the Rangers would need to give up their 2026 first-round pick, 2026 third-round pick, Brennan Othmann, and another prospect.

Buffalo has $23 million in cap space, meaning they could match the offer. But Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the Rangers “don’t seem all that bothered by the fact that people are linking them to offer sheets.”

Ducks Use Cap Room to Add Kreider and End Playoff Drought

From the Ducks’ point of view, the trade makes sense. Anaheim had over $38 million in cap space before the deal. GM Pat Verbeek said Kreider is “the type of player we were looking to add this offseason.” He praised Kreider’s speed, size, and ability to perform in big moments. He also said Kreider would help improve both of Anaheim’s special teams units.

The Ducks haven’t made the playoffs in seven years. With new head coach Joel Quenneville and more spending power approved by team owner Henry Samueli, the team is looking to compete now. Kreider’s 22 goals from last season would have tied for the team lead with Mason McTavish. Anaheim scored only 217 goals in total last season, ranking 30th out of 32 NHL teams.

Kreider joins a roster that already includes former Rangers teammates Jacob Trouba, Ryan Strome, and Frank Vatrano. The Ducks had been interested in Kreider for some time and became more serious after hiring Quenneville.

Winning a ring is seen as the goal in the NBA, but many legends proved you don’t need a title to be remembered. Some of the best NBA players ever were stars who scored at will, made their teammates better, or shut down opponents on defense, yet never won the one prize everyone wants: the Larry O’Brien Trophy. These players left their mark on the game, led their teams through tough battles, and gave fans unforgettable moments, even without a title.

Here’s a full look at the greatest NBA players who never won a championship, with their stats, careers, and the stories of how they came close but never quite reached the top.

1. Charles Barkley

Sir Charles may joke about analytics today, but the numbers absolutely loved him in his playing days. Barkley ranked no worse than third in every category used to build this list: career box plus/minus, wins over replacement, MVP shares, accolades, and playoff metrics. From 1985–86 to 1995–96, Barkley averaged at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists every single season, 11 straight years. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has more such seasons (12). Despite standing just 6’6″, Barkley led the league in 2-point percentage for five straight years and had a 114 adjusted true shooting percentage—14% above the league average.

He was a monster on the boards, possessing the best rebounding rate of any sub-6’6″ player in the three-point era. His low center of gravity, instincts, and incredible strength made him a terror in the paint. In 1993, he won MVP and carried the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals, only to be stopped by Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in six games. It was the closest he came to the summit.

2. Karl Malone

The “Mailman” delivered points and durability like few others. By the end of his 19-year career, Malone was first in free throws made, second in total points (now third), and second in minutes played. He ranked eighth in MVP shares, behind only legends like Jordan, LeBron, Kareem, Bird, Magic, Russell, and Shaq. He had 17 seasons scoring at least 20 points per game with over 500 minutes played—tied for most ever with LeBron and Kareem.

Malone formed one of the best duos in league history with John Stockton, playing 18 seasons together in Utah. They reached the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, but both times ran into Jordan’s Bulls. In 2004, a 40-year-old Malone joined Shaq and Kobe in L.A. for one last push but was derailed by injury and lost to the Pistons in the Finals. Malone averaged 25.0 points and 10.1 rebounds in the playoffs across his 19 postseason appearances, but the ring never came.

3. John Stockton

Statistically, Stockton might be the best point guard never to win a title. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in assists (15,806) and steals (3,265). Only four retired players have higher box plus/minus ratings than him: Jordan, Magic, Robinson, and Bird. In wins over replacement players, Stockton trails only LeBron and Jordan. From 1987–88 to 1996–97, he averaged 15.6 points, 12.8 assists, and 2.6 steals with a 61.9 true shooting percentage.

The Jazz, led by Stockton, had the league’s best-winning percentage and simple rating system during his prime. Yet, just like Malone, Stockton was blocked by Jordan. He made the playoffs every year of his 19-year career but never won the championship.

4. Tracy McGrady

McGrady’s 2002–03 season was legendary; he led the NBA with a 10.5 box plus/minus (20th-best ever), averaging 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.3 threes per game. That year, he was responsible for nearly all of Orlando’s success—the Magic were +3.2 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor and -9.8 without him. That same season, he produced 25.1 wins over replacement; the rest of the Magic’s roster totaled 0.8.

From 2000–01 to 2007–08, his 6.6 box plus/minus was behind only Kevin Garnett, LeBron, and Chris Paul. McGrady could score at all three levels and acted as a 6’8″ point-forward, but injuries and poor supporting casts kept him from reaching the Finals, though he came close as a bench player with the 2013 Spurs, who lost in seven to the Heat.

5. Allen Iverson

The Answer was perhaps the most electrifying player of his era. Over his first 10 seasons with Philadelphia, Iverson averaged 28.0 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.3 steals. He led the league in scoring four times and steals three times. During that span, he outscored the next six Sixers combined. He was never efficient, posting an above-average effective field goal percentage just once in 14 seasons, but he often had no choice but to carry the offense solo.

Iverson’s peak came in 2001 when he won MVP and led the 76ers to the Finals, stealing Game 1 from the Lakers with a 48-point masterpiece. Ultimately, he fell to Shaq and Kobe. Despite criticisms about his shot selection, AI’s teams were +0.6 with him and -2.6 without him.

6. Steve Nash

Few point guards have orchestrated offenses like Nash. The two-time MVP ran five of the top 11 offenses in NBA history (by relative offensive rating), including the 2004–05 Suns and the 2003–04 Mavericks. He led the league in assists five times and ranks fifth in total assists all-time. He’s also second in free-throw percentage and 11th in three-point percentage.

From 2004–05 to 2011–12, the Suns scored 116.4 points per 100 possessions with Nash on the floor and just 104.8 without him. Charles Barkley said of Nash, “He taught us that you can be great by making everyone else better.” Unfortunately, untimely injuries and bad luck (including the infamous 2007 suspension series vs. the Spurs) blocked his path to the Finals.

7. Patrick Ewing

Ewing was a model of consistency and power, especially from 1987–88 to 1996–97, during which he posted a 4.0 box plus/minus—only Robinson, Olajuwon, and Shaq were better among centers. He averaged 24 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks during that 10-year peak and made 11 All-Star appearances in total.

Ewing carried the Knicks to the 1994 Finals during Michael Jordan’s first retirement but lost to Hakeem Olajuwon’s Rockets in seven games. In a cruel twist, Jordan returned the next season, and Ewing’s chances never looked the same. Even with his dominant defense and mid-range game, Ewing never reached the mountaintop.

8. Reggie Miller

Reggie Miller was made for playoff drama. Though he never won a title, Reggie Miller’s legend is etched in NBA history because of iconic moments like his 8 points in 8.9 seconds against the Knicks, a sequence that instantly became one of the most shocking and clutch performances in playoff history. Over his career, he shot 39.5% from three when the league average was far lower. He attempted 37.1% of his shots from deep—more than twice the league average during his career.

In the playoffs, Miller elevated his production to 20.6 points per game across 144 contests while maintaining a 60.2% true shooting percentage. His most famous moment came in 1995 when he scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds to stun the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. In 2000, he led Indiana to its only NBA Finals appearance, averaging 24.3 points in the playoffs and 24.0 in the Finals, though they lost in six games to Shaq and Kobe’s Lakers. Miller’s jersey No. 31 was retired by the Pacers, and he was honored as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history.

9. Dominique Wilkins

From 1984–85 through 1993–94, Wilkins averaged 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He scored at least 25 points per game in 10 straight seasons. In Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals, he scored 47 points in a duel with Larry Bird, who called it “the best game I’ve ever played in, and the best game I’ve ever seen played.”

The Hawks lost 118–116. Wilkins led Atlanta to 10 playoff appearances but never advanced past the second round. He was a nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection. He finished his career with 26,668 points (currently top 15 all-time), and his scoring title came in 1985–86 when he averaged 30.3 points per game.

10. George Gervin

“The Iceman” was smooth, calm, and deadly. George Gervin averaged 26.2 points per game over his 10-year NBA career—the ninth-highest in league history. He won four scoring titles (1978, 1979, 1980, 1982) and averaged 28.7 points per game from 1976–77 to 1981–82. His effective field goal percentage during that stretch was 52.5%, while the league average was 48.1%.

Gervin’s scoring included smooth perimeter jumpers and his iconic finger roll, which became his trademark. He was a nine-time NBA All-Star and a seven-time All-NBA selection. Including ABA seasons, he made the playoffs 12 times but never reached the NBA Finals. His deepest run came in 1979 when the Spurs lost to the Washington Bullets in the Eastern Conference Finals. Gervin scored 20 or more points in 407 consecutive games, one of the longest streaks in league history.

Other All-Time Greats Who Never Got the Ring

11. Russell Westbrook: 122 playoff games, 2017 MVP, triple-double seasons, and one Finals trip with OKC. Despite early promise, he’s still searching with the Clippers.

12. Chris Paul: 149 playoff games, third all-time in assists and steals, one Finals run in 2021 with Phoenix. Injuries have often disrupted his runs.

13. Jimmy Butler: 119 playoff games, two Finals appearances with Miami (2020, 2023). His 2024 postseason ended in the play-in due to a knee injury.

14. Paul George: 114 playoff games. Led Indiana to two Conference Finals, but his LA stint has been marred by injuries.

15. Damian Lillard: 65 playoff games, 2019 Conference Finals run, two buzzer-beater series winners. The first season with Milwaukee ended in a first-round exit.

16. DeMar DeRozan: 63 playoff games. Repeatedly eliminated by LeBron’s Cavaliers. Traded from Toronto the year before they won a title.

17. Joel Embiid: 59 playoff games. 2023 MVP but has never reached the Conference Finals. Injuries and team instability have haunted Philly.

18. Devin Booker: 50 playoff games. Reached 2021 Finals in his first playoff appearance, but has since faced quick exits.

19. Yao Ming: 8 seasons, 4 playoff appearances. Injuries ruined his prime. Dominated when healthy, with 8 All-Star nods and 5 All-NBA selections.

20. Amar’e Stoudemire: 14 years, 10 playoff appearances. Led the Suns in scoring during the “Seven Seconds or Less” era.

21. Derrick Rose: Youngest MVP in NBA history. Knee injuries derailed a promising career. Never made the Finals.

22. Carmelo Anthony: 19 seasons, 13 playoff runs. Ten-time All-Star but only passed the second round once.

23. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway: Injuries limited what could’ve been a Hall of Fame career. Averaged 15.2 points and 5 assists.

24. Tim Hardaway: Five-time All-NBA selection. Helped lead Miami and Golden State but fell short in stacked East playoffs.

25. Grant Hill: Rookie of the Year, 5-time All-NBA. Multiple injuries shortened his prime, but he still lasted 18 seasons.

26. Pete Maravich: Averaged 24.2 points per game. Four playoff appearances. Dazzling scorer remembered for his flair and creativity.

27. James Harden: 166 playoff games, four Western Conference Finals, one NBA Finals appearance (2012), but no ring. His best years with Houston were stonewalled by Golden State. Currently with the Clippers.