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The NBA has seen some of the best players compete against each other over the years. The likes of legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Stephen Curry have been some of the most influential players in the league's history. They have won all laurels galore to cement their places as the best players in the game.
However, the modern game has seen a few other players who have made a huge impact. But an NBA championship has eluded them. On that note, here's a look at the top five active players yet to win a championship:
#5 Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony was drafted as the third overall pick in the 2003 draft. He put up tremendous numbers in the rookie season, and found himself in the All-Rookie first team. Melo averaged 21 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game to put the world at notice.
After succeeding in Denver, Melo moved to the New York Knicks, and produced some classic performances at the Madison Square Garden. He then moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but, things didn't work out during his lone season there.
Carmelo Anthony moved on to the Houston Rockets in 2018. However, they waived him off after just ten games. That was one of the lowest moments of his career, but the ten-time All-Star rose like a Phoenix, and found himself a home in Portland. He came off the bench for them, putting up some incredible performances to silence his doubters.
After 19 years in the league, Melo is now excited to join forces with his best friend, LeBron James. The 37-year-old is currently ranked tenth in the NBA's all-time scoring list. However, with the Lakers, he could climb further up the list.
But Melo's main goal this season is to win the NBA championship. After doing it all in the league, he is now determined to get his first ring, which could make him one of the bonafide legends of the NBA.
#4 Paul George
Paul George was picked tenth overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2010 draft. He had decent numbers in his rookie season, helping him get into the All-Rookie Second Team. However, his career took off during the 2012-13 season. He averaged 17.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game to be awarded the NBA's Most Improved Player.
He also showed up big for the Pacers in the playoffs. George was an instrumental figure that led the team to the Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. He averaged 19.2 points per game, making things extremely difficult for LeBron James and the Heat. George's brilliance continued into the following season too, as the Pacers once again squared up against the Heat in the Conference Finals.
PG averaged 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in the 2013-14 playoffs. However, his brilliance was not enough to stop the Heat, as they made their way past the Pacers in six games to reach the NBA finals. After six years in Indiana, George moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2018 to team up with Russell Westbrook.
Although George was sensational in both years, OKC failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs. He then decided to take his talents to the Los Angeles Clippers. After putting up a good regular-season campaign, George was all set to carry the stacked Clippers team to the Finals.
However, things didn't work well for him there, as he failed to deliver any big performances, which culminated in their exit in the second round. PG then made a strong comeback the following season. He was named an All-Star for the seventh time in his career, and once again starred for the Clippers, helping them finish fourth in the West.
George had some big performances in the NBA playoffs that led the Clippers to their first-ever Conference Finals in franchise history. Kawhi Leonard's absence didn't seem to hurt the Clippers as much as it was expected to, as PG fired on all cylinders.
Although the Clippers crashed out in the Conference Finals, Georges' performances were appreciated by all. Regarded as one of the best two-way players in the league, Paul George has everything to his name except an NBA championship. His stint with the Clippers looks promising, and if things go right, PG could end his career with an NBA championship.
#3 Chris Paul
Chris Paul was drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA draft. He showed his prowess in his very first season, winning the Rookie of the Year honors. After spending six years with the Hornets, Paul moved to Los Angeles to become part of the 'Lob City' Clippers.
He was a mainstay in the team alongside talents like JJ Redick, Blake Griffin, Matt Barnes and DeAndre Jordan. Although the team appeared on all the major highlight reels throughout their glory days, they failed to make it past the second round. CP3 then moved to the Houston Rockets, and formed a formidable backcourt with James Harden.
Despite several attempts, they failed to make any significant impact in the playoffs. He then decided to move to the OKC Thunder in 2019 and try his luck in taking the young team into the playoffs. Despite overwhelming odds, CP defied the odds and carried them into the postseason. The team lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round, but CP3's impressive performances were very well appreciated.
He then decided to take up another challenge and moved to the Phoenix Suns for the 2020-21 season. CP3 and Devin Booker formed a phenomenal backcourt to lead the Suns to their first NBA Finals since 1993. However, the team fell short against a strong Bucks team, which meant CP missef out on the chance to win his first NBA championship.
Chris Paul's stacked resume comprises all the top laurels in the game. However, an NBA championship is long overdue, especially after coming close in the 2020-21 season. He will be looking for another brilliant campaign, making a deep run to the playoffs and possibly win his first NBA championship.
#2 Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook started his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008. He formed a great team there with James Harden and Kevin Durant. The young team lit up the league, making several runs to the playoffs. Russell Westbrook was a stalwart in the team because of his unmatchable athleticism.
OKC lost the NBA Finals in 2012, but Russ and KD's performances were appreciated by all. The two tried to carry the Thunder to another NBA Finals, but fell short several times. That led KD to leave the team in 2016, and join the Golden State Warriors. Russ was left all alone, but that didn't stop him from achieving glory with OKC.
Westbrook was named the MVP in 2017, after he averaged triple-double figures for the season. He kept recording unreal statlines with OKC, but that didn't result in winning the NBA championship. After nine years in Oklahoma, Russ moved to the Houston Rockets.
He had another incredible regular season, but his failure to deliver in the postseason meant the Rockets got knocked out in the second round against the Lakers. Westbrook then made a bold decision to move to the Washington Wizards. Although he started slowly, Westbrook picked up the pace, and went on an incredible run during the regular season. He averaged a triple-double campaign for the fourth time in his career
Having won almost everything in his career, Westbrook moved to the LA Lakers during the offseason. He will hope to have an incredible year with them, and win his first NBA championship.
#1 James Harden
James Harden was picked third by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2003 NBA draft. He played behind Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, but slowly began showing glimpses of his brilliance. Harden had a breakout year during the 2011-12 season, averaging 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game to be announced the Sixth Man of the Year.
Harden played a big role in the team's run to the NBA Finals. However, he didn't have a great series against the Miami Heat. After three seasons, he moved to the Houston Rockets. He found himself a starting spot in the Rockets, and quickly became one of the best scorers in the league.
After eight years in Houston, Harden moved to the Brooklyn Nets to form a superteam with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. In his illustrious career, Harden has won MVP honors, and made nine All-Star games and six All-NBA First team appearances.
However, an NBA championship has been conspicuous by its absence, which has brought The Beard to the Nets. If things go right this season, the Nets could succeed in winning their first NBA championship.
Guess the Lakers players!
