Every year around this time, basketball fans all around the world send their votes for who they think should be named this year’s NBA All-Stars. It’s a tradition that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and is one of the most exciting events throughout the entire NBA calendar.
The All-Star roster consists of 24 of the league’s biggest stars. The highest vote-getters in each conference are named captains of the two teams and pick from a list of eight other starters. Aside from the starters, there are 14 reserves voted on by NBA coaches mid-season.
The first All-Star game was played in 1951 as the league was trying to boost public interest in the league. It immediately became a success and has been implemented over 70 times since. It’s a weekend-long event that also features other fun events by celebrities and players alike.
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Who Are the Best NBA All-Stars of All-Time?
Being named as an NBA All-Star is a tremendous honor for any player. It’s a testament to how their season is going, but also confirmation that their hard work and dedication isn’t going unnoticed – especially since votes come from the media, the fans, the players, and coaches.
Ever since 1951, there have been a number of players that have made a living as NBA All-Stars. They were consistently invited to the illustrious event and frequently played well when given the opportunity. They’re regarded as some of the best NBA All-Stars to ever play.
With that said, it’s crazy to think that there are 41 players to be named NBA All-Stars at least 10 times in their career and six to achieve the feat at least 15 times. Even then, you’re still leaving out a lot of high-quality players. Without further ado, let’s meet the best NBA All-Stars of all-time.
20. Bob Pettit
Bob Pettit was an 11-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 1955 and 1965. He holds the record for most NBA All-Star MVP awards with four, a record he holds with Kobe Bryant. He was named the MVP of the All-Star Game in 1956, 1958, 1959, and 1962.
Pettit was drafted second overall by the Milwaukee Hawks in 1954 and spent his entire 11-year career with the team. He was a two-time scoring champ, one-time rebounding champ, one-time NBA champion, 11-time All-NBA, two-time MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Hall of Fame player.
19. Bill Russell
Bill Russell was a 12-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 1958 and 1969. He won the All-Star MVP award during the 1962-63 season after putting up 19 points and 24 rebounds for the East. The MVP award was named after Russell between 1969 and 2020.
Russell was drafted second overall by the St. Louis Haws in 1956, but was traded to the Boston Celtics on draft day. He spent his entire 13-year career with the team and was an 11-time NBA champion, five-time MVP, four-time rebounding champ, and 11-time All-NBA player.
18. Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson was a 12-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 1961 and 1972. He was named the NBA All-Star MVP three times in his career, winning the award in 1961, 1964, and 1969. He has the most free throws made in a single All-Star game with 12.
Robertson was the first overall draft pick by the Cincinnati Royals in 1960 and spent the first 10 years of his career with the team before finishing his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was a one-time NBA champion, one-time MVP, 11-time All-NBA player, and six-time assists champ.
17. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson was a 12-time NBA All-Star, making the roster in 1980 and every season between 1982 and 1992 – though he missed the 1989 All-Star game. He holds the record for most assists in a single All-Star game (22) and was the All-Star MVP in 1990 and 1992.
Johnson was the first overall draft pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and spent his entire 13-year career with the franchise. He would’ve achieved much more if his career wasn’t cut short after an HIV diagnosis. He was a three-time MVP and a five-time NBA champion.
16. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is a 12-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 2010 and 2022, with the exception of 2020. He won his first All-Star MVP award in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but ended up winning it again in 2019 with the Golden State Warriors.
Durant was the second overall pick by the Seattle Supersonics in 2007 and has spent time with the Thunder, Warriors, and Brooklyn Nets since. He’s a four-time scoring champ, two-time NBA champion, Rookie of the Year, one-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP, and future Hall of Famer.
15. Larry Bird
Larry Bird was a 12-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every year between 1980 and 1988, and then between 1990 and 1992 – though he missed the 1991 and 1992 All-Star games. He was named the All-Star MVP once in his career during the 1981-82 season as a 25-year old.
Bird was sixth overall draft pick by the Boston Celtics in 1978 and spent his entire 13-year career with the franchise. He was a three-time NBA champion, three-time MVP, Rookie of the Year, two-time Finals MVP, three-time All-Defensive, 10-time All-NBA, and Hall of Fame player.
14. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade was a 13-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 2005 and 2016. He was also a special roster selection in 2019 and was named the All-Star MVP in 2010 during a game where he recorded an incredible 28 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, and 5 steals.
Wade was the fifth overall draft pick by the Miami Heat in 2003 and spent 15 of his 16 seasons with the team. He had stints with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers. He was a one-time scoring champ, three-time NBA champion, eight-time All-NBA, and one-time Finals MVP.
13. John Havlicek
John Havlicek was a 13-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 1966 and 1978. Although he never won an All-Star MVP award, he was a productive ASG player. He could’ve had as many as 16 appearances, but was snubbed his first three years in the league.
Havlicek was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the ninth overall draft pick in 1962 and spent his entire 16-year career with the franchise. He was an eight-time NBA champion, 11-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Defensive, and one-time Finals MVP. He was inducted into the HOF in 1984.
12. Bob Cousy
Bob Cousy was a 13-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 1951 and 1963 – his first 13 years in the league. He ended up winning the All-Star MVP award in 1954 (20 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists) and 1957 (10 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists).
Cousy was the fourth overall draft pick by the Tri-Cities Blackhawks in 1950, but never suited up for the team and spent the first 13 years of his career with the Boston Celtics. He retired ahead of the 1963 season and returned in 1969, but only played seven games before retiring for good.
11. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain was a 13-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 1960 and 1969, and then again between 1971 and 1973. He holds records for the most free throws attempted in a single All-Star game (16) and most career rebounds in All-Star games (197).
Chamberlain was drafted third overall by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959, also spending time with the San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He was a seven-time scoring champ, two-time NBA champion, Rookie of the Year, and four-time MVP.
10. Jerry West
Jerry West was a 14-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 1961 and 1974. During the 1972 All-Star Game, West was named the All-Star MVP after a performance that included 13 points, 6 rebounds, and five assists. His Western Conference won 112-110.
West was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall draft pick in 1960. He spent his entire 14-year career with the franchise and was a one-time scoring champ, one-time NBA champion, one-time assists champ, one-time Finals MVP, and Hall of Famer in 1980.
9. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki was a 14-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 2002 and 2012, as well as 2014, 2015 (replacement selection, and 2019 (special roster selection). He was as consistent as they come, though he never won an All-Star MVP award in those seasons.
Nowitzki was drafted ninth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998, but was traded to the Dallas Mavericks to begin his career. He retired with the team after a storied 21-year career. He was a one-time MVP, one-time NBA champion, one-time Finals MVP, and 12-time All-NBA player.
8. Karl Malone
Karl Malone was a 14-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 1988 and 1999, and then again between 2000 and 2002. He missed the 1990 and 2002 All-Star games, but was named the All-Star MVP in both 1989 and 1993 – which he shared with John Stockton.
Malone was the 13th overall draft pick by the Utah Jazz in 1985 and spent a majority of his 19-year career with the team. He was a 14-time All-NBA, four-time All-Defensive, two-time MVP player that was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. He was known as ‘The Mailman.’
7. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan was a 14-time NBA All-Star, making the roster between 1985 and 1993, between 1996 and 1998, and then again in 2002 and 2003. One of the greatest players in NBA history, Jordan was named the All-Star MVP three times in 1988, 1996, and 1998.
Jordan was drafted third overall by the Chicago Bulls in 1984 and spent a majority of his career with the franchise. He was a 10-time scoring champ, three-time steals champ, six-time NBA champion, Defensive Player of the Year, five-time MVP, and six-time NBA Finals MVP.
6. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal was a 15-time NBA All-Star, making the roster every season between 1993 and 1998, between 2000 and 2007, and then again in 2009 – though he missed the 1997, 2001, and 2002 games. He was named the All-Star MVP three times in 2000, 2004, and 2009.
O’Neal was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992, but also had memorable stints with the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. He was a two-time scoring champ, four-time NBA champion, Rookie of the Year, one-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, and Hall of Fame player.
5. Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett was a 15-time NBA All-Star, making the roster between 1997 and 1998, between 2000 and 2011, and then again in 2013. He was named the MVP of the 2003 NBA All-Star Game for a performance that included 37 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and one block.
Garnett was the fifth overall draft pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995, but also had memorable stints with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. During his 21-year career in the NBA, he was a one-time NBA champion, one-time MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year.
4. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan was a 15-time NBA All-Star, making the roster in 1998, between 2000 and 2011, and then again in 2013 and 2015. He shared the 2000 All-Star MVP award with Shaquille O’Neal, putting up 24 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, one block, and steal in the game.
Duncan was the first overall draft pick by the San Antonio Spurs in 1997 and spent his entire 19-year career with the franchise. He was a five-time NBA champion, 15-time All-NBA, 15-time All-Defensive, Rookie of the Year, three-time Finals MVP, two-time MVP, and Hall of Famer.
3. LeBron James
LeBron James is an 18-time NBA All-Star, which is tied for the second most all-time. He has made the roster every season since 2005, including the 2021-22 season. He has also been a team captain five years in a row, dating back to 2018. He has made a living in the All-Star game.
In fact, James holds the record for most career points, field goals made, field goals attempted, three-pointers made, and three-pointers ever attempted in the All-Star Game – though he also has the most turnovers. He was named All-Star MVP three times in 2006, 2008, and 2018.
2. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was an 18-time NBA All-Star, tied for second most all-time. He made the roster in 1998 and then every season between 2000 and 2016 – though he missed the 2010, 2014, and 2015 games. He was named All-Star MVP a record four times in 2002, 2007, 2009, and 2011.
Bryant was the 13th overall draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 out of high school, but was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent his entire 20-year career with the franchise and was a five-time NBA champion, one-time MVP, 12-time All-Defensive player.
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a 19-time NBA All-Star, the most all-time. He made the roster every season between 1970 and 1977, and then again between 1979 and 1989. He missed the 1973 game and was a replacement selection in 1989, though he was never named All-Star MVP.
Abdul-Jabbar was the first overall draft pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969, but also played for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a two-time scoring champ, six-time NBA champion, four-time blocks champ, six-time MVP, Rookie of the Year, and 11-time All-Defensive player in the NBA.
Who Are the 2021-22 NBA All-Stars?
The 2021-22 NBA All-Star Weekend will be the NBA’s 71st installment of the event. It is set to begin on Friday, February 18th with the Celebrity All-Star Game and Rising Stars Challenge. The Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest will take place on Saturday.
As for the NBA All-Star Game, that will take place on Sunday, February 20th. Although we’re still awaiting for the reserves to be announced, we do know that Kevin Durant and LeBron James will be this year’s captains. They were also the captains during last year’s NBA All-Star Game.
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We also know the rest of the starters from both conferences, which includes DeMar DeRozan, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Trae Young, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Andrew Wiggins, and Ja Morant. The All-Star reserves are set to be announced on February 3rd, 2022.
20 Basketball Stars Who Has the Most NBA Rings
There’s nothing more prestigious than winning an NBA championship, but have you ever wondered who has the most NBA rings of all-time? The names on that list might surprise you, especially considering none of them are active players and most of them were teammates.
The first championship series occurred in 1947 as the BAA Finalas and the first NBA Finals occurred in 1950. There have been 72 championship series in total since then, with the Minneapolis Lakers winning the inaugural NBA Finals series, as well as five of the first ten.
Throughout the history of the Finals, 19 different franchises have hoisted the ultimate prize. The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are the franchises who has the most NBA rings – they both have 17 championships. The Milwaukee Bucks are the most recent NBA Finals winners.
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So, Who Has the Most NBA Rings?
Several franchises have established themselves as all-time greats with the amount of championships they’ve won and others have yet to achieve the feat, but that’s not what we’re here to discuss today. Instead, we want to know who has the most NBA rings among players.
We all know how difficult it is to win an NBA championship because we see teams compete for the ultimate prize every single year, but most people get so caught up in the modern era that they don’t take the time to appreciate some of the greats that have come before the era today.
It might surprise you to learn that while LeBron James has the most NBA rings among active players at 4 championships, he doesn’t even land in the top-20 of who has the most NBA rings all-time. In fact, one player in particular won nearly three times as much as LeBron – crazy!
Honorable Mentions: George Mikan (5), Jim Pollard (5), Slater Martin (5), Larry Siegfried (5), Don Nelson (5), Michael Cooper (5)
20. Magic Johnson
Championships: 5 (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
Years Active: 1979-1996 (13 seasons)
Magic Johnson was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft and won his first championship with the team in 1980. He ended up winning five rings in a nine-year period with the Lakers before retiring in 1991 as a result of testing positive for HIV.
Johnson returned during the 1995-96 season, but only played 32 games before retiring again. He was a 12-time All-Star, four-time assists champ, two-time steals champ, 10-time All-NBA player, three-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, and was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2002.
19. Dennis Rodman
Championships: 5 (1989, 1990, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Years Active: 1986-2000 (14 seasons)
Dennis Rodman was a second round draft pick of the Detroit Pistons in 1986 and went on to become one of the greatest rebounders in NBA history. He won two championships with the Pistons in 1989 and 1990 before joining the Bulls in 1995 and winning three consecutive rings.
Rodman led the league in rebounding seven times in a row from 1991-1998, never averaging less than 14.9 rebounds per game in any season during that span. He finished his career with 13.1 rebounds per game in 991 games. He was also a two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
18. Ron Harper
Championships: 5 (1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001)
Years Active: 1986-2001 (15 seasons)
In the same 1986 draft that saw Rodman go to the Pistons in the second round, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Ron Harper with the eighth overall pick. The two would become teammates in Chicago in 1995 and won three consecutive championships together from 1996-1998.
Harper went on to win two more rings with the Lakers in the final two seasons of his career. He was a regular 20-point scorer up until he joined MJ and the Bulls in 1994. He was their starting center and took the backseat to MJ, Scottie, Rodman, and the rest of the dominant Bulls.
17. Steve Kerr
Championships: 5 (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003)
Years Active: 1988-2003 (15 seasons)
Steve Kerr was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1988 and spent time with the Cavaliers and Orlando Magic before landing with the Bulls in 1993. He was a member of the three-peat that included Rodman and Harper, but also won two rings with the Spurs in 1999 and 2003.
Although Kerr never had the level of individual success as some other basketball stars, he’s remembered as one of the better teammates in NBA history. He could hit a clutch shot when needed, played valuable minutes off the bench, and has also won three rings as a head coach.
16. Kobe Bryant
Championships: 5 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)
Years Active: 1996-2016 (20 seasons)
Kobe Bryant was the 13th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, but had his rights traded to the Lakers on draft day. He only averaged 7.6 points per game in 71 games his rookie season, but started to take the league by storm the following year and the rest is history.
Bryant led the Lakers to a three-peat from 2000-2002 and then a back-to-back in 2009 and 2010. He finished his career as an 18-time All-Star, two-time scoring champ, 15-time All-NBA player, 12-time All-Defensive player, one-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP, and Hall-of-Famer.
15. Derek Fisher
Championships: 5 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)
Years Active: 1996-2014 (18 seasons)
Speaking of Los Angeles Lakers’ legends, Derek Fisher was drafted 24th overall by the team in 1996 and spent a majority of his career alongside Kobe. In fact, he was a member of all five of Kobe’s championship runs, including the famous three-peat and back-to-back in 2009 and 2010.
Fisher also spent stints with the Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, and Dallas Mavericks. He averaged more than 10 points per game in seven different seasons, shot 37.4% from beyond the three-point line, and was as reliable as any other point guard in the NBA.
14. Tim Duncan
Championships: 5 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
Years Active: 1997-2016 (19 seasons)
Tim Duncan was drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 1997 NBA Draft and spent his entire 19-year career with the team. In that time, he won five championships – including one in three different decades (the ‘90s, the ‘00s, and the ‘10s). He had an incredible NBA career.
Duncan scored more than 20 points per game in nine of his first 10 seasons and scored more than 13 points per game in each of his first 18 seasons. He was a 15-time All-Star, 15-time All-Defensive player, two-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, and 1997-98 Rookie of the Year.
13. Bob Cousy
Championships: 6 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963)
Years Active: 1950-1970 (14 seasons)
Bob Cousy was drafted by the Tri-City Blackhawks with the fourth overall pick in the 1950 NBA Draft, but had his rights traded to the Boston Celtics. He spent the first 13 years of his career with the Celtics, winning six championships in that time frame – including five consecutive.
He retired in 1963, but returned during the 1969-70 season with the Cincinnati Royals. He only played seven games and retired for good after that. He was a 13-time All-Star, eight-time assists champ, one-time MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, and 12-time All-NBA player in his 14-year career.
12. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Championships: 6 (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
Years Active: 1969-1989 (20 seasons)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the first overall draft pick in the 1969 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He spent the first six years of his career with the team and won a championship in his second season. During the span, he averaged more than 30 points per game in four different seasons.
Abdul-Jabbar then joined the Lakers in 1975 and won five championships with them from 1980-1988. He was a 19-time All-Star, two-time scoring champ, four-time blocks champ, one-time rebounding champ, six-time MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Hall-of-Famer in 1995.
11. Scottie Pippen
Championships: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Years Active: 1987-2004 (17 seasons)
Scottie Pippen was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics with the fifth overall draft selection in 1987, but had his rights traded to the Chicago Bulls. He spent the first 11 years of his career with Chicago and was a member of both three-peats with MJ. He was a regular 20-point scorer.
Pippen played the final six years of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, and one more season with the Bulls. He was a seven-time All-Star, one-time steals champ, 10-time All-Defensive player, seven-time All-NBA player, and one-time All-Star MVP.
10. Michael Jordan
Championships: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Years Active: 1984-2003 (15 seasons)
We crack the top-10 with one of the greatest and most iconic players of all-time, Michael Jordan. He was the player that led the Bulls to six championships in eight years, including two three-peats. He’s the reason players like Rodman, Pippen, Kerr, and Harper are on this list.
Not many players have a resume like MJ. He was a 14-time All-Star, 10-time scoring champ, three-time steals champ, 11-time All-NBA player, nine-time All-Defensive player, one-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, five-time MVP, and six-time NBA Finals MVP.
9. Jim Loscutoff
Championships: 7 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964)
Years Active: 1955-1964 (9 seasons)
Jim Loscutoff is a name many people might not recognize, especially if you aren’t in-tune with the deep history of the game. He was drafted fourth overall by the Celtics and won seven rings in a nine-year span with the team, including six consecutive championships from 1959-1964.
Although Loscutoff wasn’t the go-to player on his team and he only averaged north of 10 points per game in one season, he was an integral part of the Celtics’ dynasty in the late-1950s and early-1960s. He was a quality rebounder and knew how to get the most out of his teammates.
8. Frank Ramsey
Championships: 7 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964)
Years Active: 1954-1964 (9 seasons)
Frank Ramsey was drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics just two years prior to the team drafting Loscutoff. Ramsey made his debut during the 1954 season and averaged 11.2 points per game, but didn’t play the following year due to military service in the United States Army.
He returned in 1956 and played the next eight seasons with the Celtics, winning seven championships in that span – all of which were with Loscutoff. During his nine-year career, Ramsey scored more than 15 points per game in five straight seasons and is a Hall-of-Famer.
7. Robert Horry
Championships: 7 (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007)
Years Active: 1992-2008 (16 seasons)
Robert Horry is the only player on this list that won a ring with three different teams – only three other players have done so in NBA history. He won two with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995, three straight with the Lakers from 2000-2002, and two with the Spurs in 2005 and 2007.
Horry only averaged north of 10 points per game in three different seasons – all within the first four years of his career. With that said, he was a regular role player and did a little bit of everything, which is why so many teams were able to utilize him to the fullest over his career.
6. Tom Heinsohn
Championships: 8 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965)
Years Active: 1956-1965 (9 seasons)
Tom Heinsohn was drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1956 NBA Draft and spent his entire nine-year career with the team. He won a championship his rookie season before helping the Celtics begin their infamous championship streak in 1959 and through the 1960s.
In his nine-year career, Heinsohn averaged more than 16 points per game in eight seasons and more than 20 points per game in three seasons. He averaged a double-double twice and was a regular rebounder for Boston, alongside the great Bill Russell. Heinsohn is highly underrated.
5. K.C. Jones
Championships: 8 (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966)
Years Active: 1958-1967 (9 seasons)
K.C. Jones was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 1956 NBA Draft. He officially joined the team in 1958 and won a championship his rookie season. He was then an integral member of seven straight championship runs with the Celtics from 1960-1966.
Jones played heavy minutes for the Celtics as the team’s starting point guard. While he never put up big numbers and never averaged in the double digits, he was a reliable player and one the Celtics were happy to have back in the day. That’s why they kept him around for so long.
4. Satch Sanders
Championships: 8 (1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
Years Active: 1960-1973 (13 seasons)
Tom ‘Satch’ Sanders was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the eighth overall pick in 1960. He spent his entire 13-year career with the team, winning seven-straight championships from 1961-1966 and eight total in a nine-year span. He retired four years after winning his last ring.
Sanders only averaged 5.3 points per game as a rookie, but averaged double-digit points in each of the next nine seasons. He rebounded well throughout his career, averaging 6.3 rebounds per game in 916 career games. He was inducted to the Hall-of-Fame in 2011.
3. John Havlicek
Championships: 8 (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976)
Years Active: 1962-1978 (16 seasons)
John Havlicek was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the ninth overall pick in 1962 and enjoyed an illustrious 16-year career with the team. He won a championship his rookie year as the Celtics were in the midst of a 8-year championship streak. Havlicek was there for six of them.
After Bill Russell and Sam Jones retired in 1969, Havlicek continued to dominate the NBA and helped lead them to two more rings in 1974 and 1976. He averaged more than 14.3 points per game in every season of his career, including more than 20 points per game in eight seasons.
2. Sam Jones
Championships: 10 (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
Years Active: 1957-1969 (12 seasons)
Sam Jones was drafted eighth overall by the Boston Celtics in 1957. He only scored 4.6 points per game his rookie year, but averaged 10.7 points per game his second season en route to his first championship. That was the start of eight-straight championships for him and the Celtics.
His stats continued to improve every year he spent in the league, eventually reaching a career-high 25.9 points per game during the 1964-65 season. He won two more championships with Boston in 1968 and 1969, bringing him one ring short of the player with the most titles.
1. Bill Russell
Championships: 11 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
Years Active: 1956-1969 (13 seasons)
Bill Russell was drafted second overall by the St. Louis Hawks in 1956, but had his rights traded to the Boston Celtics. It was a good move for the team, despite it receiving some criticism at the time due to Russell’s lack of offensive prowess. Of course, he proved everyone wrong.
Russell averaged double-digit points in all but one season – the lone season ending with 9.9 points per game. He led the league in rebounding five times, regularly played more than 40 minutes per game, was a five-time MVP, and won 11 championships in his 13-year career.
Who Has the Most NBA Rings Among Active Players?
A majority of the list of who has the most NBA rings can be attributed to four players – Bill Russell, John Havlicek, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant. If it weren’t for those four players, a majority of the 16 other players likely wouldn’t be on this list today. That’s how special they were.
With that said, it’s quite surprising not to see any active players on the list. LeBron James is the closest to joining the list with four titles right now. He can make his way on the list if he wins one more before retiring, which is 100% possible considering he always plays for a contender.
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Other active NBA players who has the most NBA rings are Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Udonis Haslem, Patrick McCaw, JaVale McGee, and Danny Green. Five players have two rings, including Kevin Durant, Rajon Rondo, and Kawhi Leonard.
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