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10 active NBA players who deserve to win a ring

10 active NBA players who deserve to win a ring

With Derrick Rose’s retirementthe youngest NBA MVP has become another solid player to finish his career without a championship. Winning an NBA title ultimately cements a player’s career. However, even some of the best players in the world fail to capture at least one. Here’s a look at 10 active NBA players who deserve to win a ring.

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San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) drives toward the basketball against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Chris Paul has been an elite point guard in the NBA for several seasons. Widely considered the Point God, CP3 is still capable of facilitating offense at an elite level. However, an NBA title continues to elude the All-Star guard, even though he has joined a string of contenders in recent years.

Even though he admitted abandon your quest for victory an NBA title, a Spurs teammate and Victor Wembanyama, reigning NBA rookie of the year is ready to wreak havoc in the NBA. Even though the window is narrow, I’m pretty sure Gregg Popovich and the Spurs’ new duo can still make things happen.

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) dribbles the ball during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena.
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

According to sources, James Harden is the leading active player in the NBA for most non-championship playoff games. Previously it was Al Horford until recently won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics. With Harden leading the way, the former NBA MVP is likely looking for ways to remove himself from the questionable list.

With the Los Angeles Clippers, Harden must be the team’s main contributor, especially with the departures of Paul George and Russell Westbrook to accompany an injured Kawhi Leonard. Not only will Harden aim to win his first NBA title, but he will also have to find a way to lift the Clippers curse.

Russell Westbrook

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Speaking of the Clippers, the championship chase hasn’t been successful for NBA triple-double machine Russell Westbrook. Since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook has never appeared in the NBA Finals, including disappointing stints with the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.

Now with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook puts himself in a strong position to win a title alongside three-time reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

Damien Lillard

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) passes the ball away from Chicago Bulls forward Kenneth Lofton Jr (34) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum.
Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

After productive seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard left NBA fans in awe with his clutch shooting during Dame Time. With several buzzer-beaters and game-winners in the playoffs, we can’t help but cheer for Lillard.

Although leaving the Blazers increased his title chances, it remains to be seen if his time with the Milwaukee Bucks can bear more fruit alongside NBA champion and two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Win the second tournament of the NBA Cup season It was a good start but it was not the ultimate goal.

Jimmy Butler

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives the ball up the court as Atlanta Hawks guard Vit Krejci (27) defends in the first half at Kaseya Center.
Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Jimmy Butler took the Miami Heat to two NBA Finals, marking the franchise’s first since the Big Three era. Butler’s impact in the playoffs was huge for the franchise, helping the team reach new heights. After two tries, any NBA fan would want to see Butler win at least one, especially with its championship window closing soon.

However, he will most likely have to win a title with another team, especially after asking to be traded and then the Heat then suspended Butler for seven games due to conduct detrimental to the team.

DeMar DeRozan

Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) drives over Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during the fourth quarter at Delta Center.
Rob Gray-Imagn Images

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Toronto Raptors fans will never forget DeMar DeRozan’s impact on the franchise. While he delivered some remarkable moments on the court, let’s also not forget that it was he who paved the way for a trade with Kawhi Leonard that led to the Raptors’ first championship banner.

Since then, DeRozan has been left on the outside looking in. An NBA title was elusive for DeRozan, but joining an up-and-coming Sacramento Kings team could change that this year.

Paul Georges

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena.
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

For several seasons, Paul George was a fan favorite in Indiana, given how he propelled the underdog team to several competitive playoffs. What’s more, George even pieced together a remarkable comeback journey after suffering a broken leg.

But since leaving the Pacers, George has failed to live up to expectations. He played poorly in the playoffs, leading to early exits. NOW with the Philadelphia 76ers, George teamed up with NBA MVP Joel Embiid in hopes of capturing an NBA title. However, the Sixers are off to a slow start in 2024-25 and are struggling to make the playoffs.

Mike Conley

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls forward Talen Horton-Tucker (22) during the first half at United Center.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Often overlooked and underrated, Mike Conley managed to make an All-Star appearance late in his career. However, it remains to be seen whether the four-time NBA Sportsmanship Award winner can also win an NBA championship.

He was close to a trip to the NBA Finals last year without Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Nonetheless, with Conley returning with the rising Wolves, a championship run is still possible, even if the team struggles to adjust after the game. Wolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to New York Knicks.

Smart Marcus

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center.
Jérôme Miron-Imagn Images

With the Boston Celtics taking banner #18 for the NBA Championship in 2024, Celtics fans probably have something to feel about Marcus Smart. Smart was a reliable two-way player for the Celtics for several seasons before trading him to the Memphis Grizzlies. So, Smart didn’t get to celebrate with his former Celtics teammates.

With the Grizzlies, Smart should be one of the stable veterans who will guide the team’s rising core. With Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. showing promise, the Grizzlies could be a championship contender as early as the 2024-25 season and are off to a strong start and are currently third in the Western Conference.

Luka Doncic

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden.
Peter Casey-Imagn Images

With Luka Doncic breaking records and still young, he is living up to his expectations as the next face of the NBA. However, an NBA championship still remains elusive for the Dallas Mavericks superstar. Considering it was pretty close in the 2024 NBA Finals, it’s only a matter of time before Doncic finally wins one.