Of all the awards and accolades one can receive, a majority of the greatest NBA players to ever live were after one thing and one thing only – an NBA championship. It’s the NBA’s crowning achievement and while many of the greats have won at least one ring, plenty of others don’t.
Winning a championship in the NBA is much easier said than done. A lot of things have to go right and even the greatest NBA players will need help. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson – all these players needed help.
Just think about it – not only do you need to get your team to the playoffs, which is an 82-game process, but you then need to make your way through four best-of-seven series against some of the other greatest NBA players in the league. At the end, only one can be crowned champion.
Who Are the Greatest NBA Players Without a Ring?
Winning a championship doesn’t make a player great – it makes a team great. There are a lot of players with a ring that never played a minute in the playoffs and, likewise, many of the greatest NBA players have never been crowned champion – some haven’t even made it to the Finals.
Tim Hardaway, Paul George, Shawn Kemp, Penny Hardaway, Yao Ming, Grant Hill, Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose, Bernard King, Amar’e Stoudemire, Larry Johnson – none of these players have won a ring – despite being some of the greatest NBA players of their generation.
And while the names above might surprise a lot of people, there are other NBA greats without a ring that might come as even more of a surprise – many of which are either Hall of Famers or future Hall of Famers. Without further ado, here are the greatest NBA players without a ring.
20. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic was a second round draft pick by the Denver Nuggets in 2014, but he didn’t make his debut until the 2015 season. His numbers have steadily improved since his rookie season, putting up 26.4 points and 10.8 rebounds in 2020 and 27.1 points and 13.8 rebounds last year.
Through 527 career games played, Jokic is averaging 19.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. He’s the two-time reigning MVP, becoming the first player to be drafted in the second round and win multiple MVPs – let alone winning back-to-back.
19. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook has been to the playoffs 11 times and the NBA Finals once during his 14-year career. He averages 24.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game in 111 playoff games played. He’s productive on the floor, but has never won a ring.
Westbrook is one of the most versatile basketball players of all-time. He can put up a triple double with ease and can blow the defense away with his explosiveness. His field goal shooting – short, mid, and long range – has steadily declined through the years, but he’s still Russ.
18. James Harden
James Harden has been to the playoffs 13 times and the NBA Finals once – doing so with Russell Westbrook while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 149 career playoff games, Harden is averaging 22.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game.
Harden is one of the best scorers this league has ever seen – he can put up points in a hurry and can do so in a variety of ways. His production has taken a hit with his growing age, but he’s now playing with Joel Embiid in Philly and it might be his best shot at finally winning a ring.
17. Chris Paul
Chris Paul has made the playoffs 14 times and the NBA Finals just once – doing so with the Phoenix Suns in 2020-21. In 142 career playoff games played, he’s averaging 20.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game. He’s a leader in the locker room.
Paul is one of the greatest passers in NBA history – leading the league in assists five times and doing so last year (10.8 assists) at 36 years old. He has been on several teams that should’ve won a ring, including the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns, but always came up short.
16. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is the last of the active players on this list. He has made it to the playoffs 13 times, but has never played a single game in the NBA Finals. In just 83 career playoff games, Melo is averaging 23.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game.
Anthony is a pure shooter that can create his own space and shoot over just about anyone. Now at the tail end of his career, his only real shot at winning a title before he retires is by joining a contender and playing a limited role – of course, a limited role for him is more than most players.
15. Chris Webber
Chris Webber has been to the playoffs 10 times with five different teams, but has never made it to the NBA Finals. In just 80 career playoff games played, Webber averaged 18.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He always played heavy minutes.
Despite never winning a championship, Webber was a five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA player, 1993-94 Rookie of the Year, and even led the league in rebounding in 1998-99. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021 after a far-too-long wait for C-Webb, AKA The Truth.
14. Vince Carter
Vince Carter made it to the playoffs 11 times with five different teams throughout his 22-year career. In 88 career playoff games played, he averaged 18.1 ponts, 5.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. He put up 29.6 points per game during the 2006 playoffs.
It surprises me that Carter never got his ring – not only was he an explosive player, but he had 22 years to accomplish it. Unfortunately, he was never really on the best team in the league and even when he got close to the Finals, he was still so far away. It’s okay, he’s not the only one.
13. Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady made the playoffs just nine times with five different teams and made the NBA Finals just once in his 16-year career. In just 50 career playoff games played, McGrady put up 22.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. He deserved a ring.
McGrady never got it, but he was still a seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA player, 2000-01 Most Improved Player of the Year, and even led the league in scoring twice (33.8 points per game in 2000-01 and 30.8 points per game in 2001-02). He’s now in the Hall of Fame.
12. Dikembe Mutombo
Dikembe Mutombo is one of the most-liked players in NBA history and while he made it to the playoffs 13 times and NBA FInals twice, the big man never won a ring. In 101 career playoff games played, he averaged 9.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game.
Mutombo stood 7’2’’ when basketball players didn’t come that tall. He was an eight-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA player, four-time Defensive Player of the Year, and six-time All-Defensive player. He led the league in blocks three times and rebounds twice before his HOF induction.
11. George Gervin
George Gervin made the playoffs 13 times in his 14-year career, mostly with the San Antonio Spurs, but never made it to the NBA Finals. In 84 career playoff games played, he put up 26.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game – coming off the bench.
Gervin is one of the most underrated and underappreciated players in NBA history. He’s a 12-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, and four-time scoring champion – despite playing off the bench most of his career. He was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.
10. Steve Nash
Steve Nash made it to the playoffs 12 times during his 18-year career, but failed to ever make it to the Finals – despite playing with Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, and Amar’e Stoudemire. In 120 playoff games played, he put up 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.
Nash is one of the greatest point guards to ever play, but now he’ll have to rely on his coaching skills if he ever wants to win a ring – which isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Either way, he’s an eight-time All-Star, two-time MVP, led the league in assists five times, and is a HOF player.
9. Pete Maravich
Pete Maravich, also known as Pistol Pete, made it to the playoffs just four times in his short 10-year career – never earning a trip to the NBA Finals. In 26 playoff games, he averaged 18.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game – but those numbers don’t tell the whole story.
Maravich didn’t play as long as other NBA stars, but he’s a Hall of Fame player regardless – being inducted in 1987. He was a five-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA player, one-time scoring champion (31.1 points) in 1976-77, and is a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
8. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing made the playoffs 14 times during his 17-year career and made it to the NBA Finals twice – meaning he had more than enough opportunity to win a ring. In 139 career playoff games played, he put up 20.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game.
Ewing is a New York Knicks’ legend spending 13 of his 14 years in the The Big Apple. He was an 11-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive player, 1985-86 Rookie of the Year, and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He was inducted into the HOF in 2008.
7. Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins made it to the playoffs 10 times during his 15-year career – mostly with the Atlanta Hawks – but failed to ever make it to the NBA Finals. In 56 career playoff games played, he averaged 25.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game.
Wilkins was a human highlight film. He was a nine-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA player, 1985-86 scoring champion, and one of the most impactful dunkers in NBA history. He was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 after what was a legendary career.
6. Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller made the playoffs 15 times during his legendary 18-year career – all of which with the Indiana Pacers – and even made the NBA Finals once. In 144 career playoff games played, he put up 20.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game.
Miller is one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history – likely No. 2 behind Stephen Curry. He was a five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA, and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 2012.
5. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson made the playoffs eight times with two different teams in his 14-year career – and even made an NBA Finals appearance. In 71 career playoff games played, he averaged 29.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game. He was unstoppable.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t ever enough to win a title. Still, he’s one of the most impactful players in NBA history as an 11-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA player, Rookie of the Year, MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, four-time scoring champion, and even led the NBA in steals three times.
4. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley is often made fun of during NBA on TNT for never having won an NBA title. He made the playoffs 13 times during his 16-year career, making one NBA Finals appearance. In 123 career playoff games played, he put up 23.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.
Barkley is one of the greatest rebounders in NBA history (11.7 per game in his career). He was an 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA player, 1992-93 MVP, All-Star MVP, and 1986-87 rebound champion. He was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 2006.
3. John Stockton
John Stockton made the playoffs 19 times in a row during his 19-year career and even made the NBA Finals twice – yet he still never won a ring. In 182 career playoff games played, he averaged 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 10.1 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game.
Stockton is one of the greatest passers the league has ever seen. He’s a 10-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, five-time All-Defensive player, and 1992-93 All-Star MVP. He led the league in assists nine times and steals twice, and is a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2. Karl Malone
Karl Malone made the playoffs 19 times in a row during his 19-year career – he was teammates with John Stockton for 18 years, always coming up short of a ring together. In 193 career playoff games, he put up 24.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.
Malone is one of the greatest big men in NBA history. He was a 14-time All-Star, 14-time All-NBA player, four-time All-Defensive player, two-time MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.
1. Elgin Baylor
Of all the players on this list, none had more opportunity at a ring than Elgin Baylor. He made the playoffs 12 times during his 14-year career, but it’s his eight NBA Finals without winning a title that blows me away – he averaged 27.0 points and 12.9 rebounds in 134 playoff games played.
Baylor is one of the greatest players to ever live. He was an 11-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA player, Rookie of the Year, All-Star MVP, and Hall of Famer. He averaged 27.4 ponts, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in his 14 years with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers.
Who Are the Greatest NBA Players With a Ring?
With the way the NBA is built today, not many teams have a shot at winning a championship – meaning there are a lot of good players that miss out on the opportunity. The NBA is extremely top-heavy and that’s why we see a lot of the same teams and players in the Finals every year.
Still, a majority of the greatest NBA players find a way to win when it matters most. LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tim Duncan have all won.
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There are also a lot of great players in today’s NBA that might retire without a ring – including DeMar DeRozan, Jimmy Butler, John Wall, Victor Oladipo, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum, Kawhi Leonard, Ja Morant, Devin Booker, and so much more.
20 of the Toughest NBA Players Right Now
NBA players are a unique, gifted, and talented breed, but the toughest NBA players are the ones that everyone wants to play with and no one wants to play against. They’re a valuable asset in the league today and are often difference makers on playoff- and championship-caliber teams.
The toughest NBA players are known for a lot of things, such as not missing games, playing a lot of hard-nosed minutes, physicality, strength, mental resilience, never taking a play off, bending but never breaking, defending well, sticking up for teammates, and much more.
In order to be considered one of the toughest NBA players in the league, you must hold a combination of those traits — if not all of them. You need to exemplify what it means to be tough every given night, that way you can instill that same level of toughness in your teammates.
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Who Are the Toughest NBA Players Right Now?
From a fan’s point of view, all NBA players are physically and mentally tough. While that’s true, there’s always a special group of players in the league that take it to another level. They’re not just considered the toughest NBA players by the fans, but by their teammates and opponents.
Every NBA team has a player known for their toughness — in fact, some teams have several. These players have a crucial role and responsibility, whether they’re starting or coming off the bench. They not only help set the tempo, but know how to get the most out of their teammates.
There are a lot of tough players in the league today, but the toughest NBA players stand out above the rest. As a way of showing our appreciation for their hard work, continued effort, and overall toughness let’s take a look at 20 of the toughest NBA players in the league right now.
20. Marcus Morris Sr.
Years: 2011-present (11 seasons)
Teams: Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks
Career Stats: 666 games, 26.9 minutes, 12.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.3 blocks per game
Championships: none yet
Marcus Morris Sr. was drafted 14th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2011, but has never spent more than three years with one team. While he’s not a feature player on the court, he’s known for his effort plays, cocky attitude, trash talk, and always sticking up for his teammates.
Morris has played for a number of great franchises and has played alongside some of the greatest players in the league. He’s still searching for his first championship, but he’ll likely get one before he retires. Every team wants him for his toughness, attitude, and work ethic.
19. Kawhi Leonard
Years: 2011-present (11 seasons)
Teams: San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers
Career Stats: 576 games, 31.3 minutes, 19.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.6 blocks per game
Championships: 2 (2014, 2019)
Kawhi Leonard is one of the superstars in the NBA today and is consistently in contention for a championship at the end of each season. While he’s not much of a vocal leader and isn’t very obnoxious on the floor, his quiet demeanor is just as intimidating — if not more — as others.
He’s one of the best defenders in the league, not many players are as mentally tough as him, and he plays hard every minute he spends on the court. If it weren’t for his ‘load management’ and constant injuries, he would definitely rank higher on our list of the toughest NBA players.
18. Trae Young
Years: 2018-present (4 seasons)
Teams: Atlanta Hawks
Career Stats: 211 games, 33.1 minutes, 24.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.2 blocks per game
Championships: none yet
Trae Young is just in his fourth season in the NBA, but he has already marked his territory with the Atlanta Hawks and established himself as one of the toughest NBA players right now. He loves pressure, isn’t afraid to express himself on the court, and doesn’t back down from anyone.
The NBA community got to see this on full display during the 2021 playoffs. He was viewed as one of the villains that everyone wanted to see fail, but he ignored the hate and put on an impressive playoff run. He never loses his confidence and knows how to get up when he falls.
17. Serge Ibaka
Years: 2009-present (12 seasons)
Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers
Career Stats: 849 games, 28.3 minutes, 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.4 steals, 2.0 blocks per game
Championships: 1 (2019)
Serge Ibaka has been one of the most dominating big men of his generation. He’s one of the better defenders down low, averaging 2.0 blocks per game in his career, and knows how to control the tempo of the game. You love him as a teammate, but hate him as an opponent.
He gets the job done on the floor, especially when his team needs it the most. He has averaged more than 12.6 points and 6.3 rebounds in each of the past nine seasons and contributed to the Raptors’ championship run in 2019 — along with Kawhi Leonard and another man on this list.
16. Julius Randle
Years: 2014-present (8 seasons)
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks
Career Stats: 453 games, 30.6 minutes, 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.5 blocks per game
Championships: none yet
Many people viewed Julius Randle as a disappointment after a mediocre four years with the Los Angeles Lakers. While he improved each season, he never quite lived up to his status as a No. 7 overall draft pick in 2014. Fortunately, he started finding himself after deciding to leave LA.
After spending one year with the New Orleans Pelicans, Randle has spent the past three years with the New York Knicks and has established himself as one of the toughest NBA Players today. He never stops hustling, fights for every possession, and isn’t afraid to play big minutes.
15. LeBron James
Years: 2003-present (19 seasons)
Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers
Career Stats: 1,316 games, 38.2 minutes, 27.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.8 blocks per game
Championships: 4 (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
LeBron James is one of the greatest players to ever step foot on a basketball court. He was the No. 1 draft pick in a star-studded 2003 NBA Draft and made an immediate impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers. He plays hard, he doesn’t give up, and he leaves it all on the court.
Since averaging 20.9 points per game his rookie season, James has averaged more than 25.0 points per game in 17 straight seasons. A true testament to his toughness came in 2016 when he helped lead the Cavaliers to their first NBA Championship after being down 3-1 in the series.
14. Kyle Lowry
Years: 2006-present (16 seasons)
Teams: Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets
Career Stats: 966 games, 31.8 minutes, 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.3 blocks per game
Championships: 1 (2019)
We’ve already mentioned Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka, but let’s talk about how tough Kyle Lowry is — especially for a point guard. He doesn’t mind a little contact, he’s not going to back down from any player, he’s always hustling on both ends of the court, and he’s very reliable.
During the Raptor’s championship run in 2019, Lowry averaged 15.0 points and 6.6 assists in 24 games. He also averaged 4.0 personal fouls per game during that run, which shows just how much he loves to be in the center of the action. He’s one of the hardest workers in the NBA.
13. Rajon Rondo
Years: 2006-present (16 seasons)
Teams: Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers
Career Stats: 922 games, 30.3 minutes, 10.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.1 blocks per game
Championships: 2 (2008, 2020)
Many people considered Rajon Rondo the odd man out when Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen teamed up in Boston. Instead, Rondo ended up turning their ‘Big Three’ into a ‘Big Four’ and became a crucial part of their success from 2007-2014 — including a title in 2008.
Since being traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2014, Rondo has played on seven different teams and has made a difference everywhere he has gone — eventually winning his second NBA title with the Lakers in 2020. He plays with an edge and knows how to come alive in the playoffs.
12. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Years: 2013-present (9 seasons)
Teams: Milwaukee Bucks
Career Stats: 597 games, 32.5 minutes, 21.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.3 blocks per game
Championships: 1 (2021)
They don’t call Giannis Antetokounmpo the ‘Greek Freak’ for nothing. He’s a freakish athlete that loves to push the boundaries, never takes a play off, and loves fighting for everything he earns. He has embraced the underdog mentality and gets a kick out of proving others wrong.
Giannis gradually improved in each of his first three seasons in the NBA. He took a big step in his fourth season, finishing the season with 22.9 points per game. Since then, he has averaged more than 26.9 points per game each season and recently won his first championship in 2021.
11. Dwight Howard
Years: 2004-present (18 seasons)
Teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards
Career Stats: 1,188 games, 32.5 minutes, 16.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.8 blocks per game
Championships: 1 (2020)
Dwight Howard entered the league as the Orlando Magic’s first overall draft pick in 2004. He immediately proved his value in the NBA, using his strength, athleticism, and fearless attitude to pulverize those that matched up against him. He was a force to be reckoned with every game.
He’s a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, five-time rebounding champ, two-time blocking champ, eight-time All-NBA player, and five-time All-Defensive player. Howard averaged more than 12.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game in each of his first 14 seasons in the league.
10. Jae Crowder
Years: 2012-present (10 seasons)
Teams: Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies
Career Stats: 674 games, 25.0 minutes, 9.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.3 blocks per game
Championships: none yet
Jae Crowder is one of those players that every coach wants on their roster and not just because he can hit three pointers with ease. He’s one of those hard-nosed players that gives 110% every second he spends on the court — something he demands from his teammates.
Crowder is currently playing on his seventh team in 10 seasons and he has proven to be one of the toughest NBA players in the league with each team he has played for. He stands up for his teammates, he makes the hustle plays look easy, and he’s an all-effort type of NBA player.
9. Chris Paul
Years: 2005-present (17 seasons)
Teams: New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets
Career Stats: 1,096 games, 34.6 minutes, 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 9.4 assists, 2.1 steals, 0.1 blocks per game
Championships: none yet
Chris Paul will go down as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history when he retires, which is crazy considering he has never won an NBA championship — despite coming close several times. He’s the perfect teammate and an excellent leader both on and off the court.
When Paul gets in his zone, he’s difficult to stop. On offense, he’s always getting his teammates involved and isn’t scared to take it down low. On defense, he’s a handful for any player and forces turnovers often. He’s due to win a championship and I have a feeling he’ll get one soon.
8. Patrick Beverley
Years: 2012-present (10 seasons)
Teams: Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves
Career Stats: 472 games, 27.6 minutes, 8.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.5 blocks per game
Championships: none yet
Patrick Beverley is one of the most unique and interesting players in NBA history. He has never been a feature player in this league and isn’t the most effective player on offense, but his defense is unparalleled in the NBA and he knows how to get in a player’s head during the game.
Beverley has made a career out of hustle plays and defensive stands. He’s not only one of the toughest NBA players each year, but he’s one of the most frustrating to match up with. There’s just something about the way he plays and the intensity he brings that can’t be matched.
7. Montrezl Harrell
Years: 2015-present (7 seasons)
Teams: Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards
Career Stats: 394 games, 21.4 minutes, 12.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.9 blocks per game
Championships: none yet
Montrezl Harrell is another hustle player that many people consider one of the toughest NBA players in the league right now. He never gives up on the play, doesn’t stop until the whistle, isn’t afraid to put his body on the line, and absorbs contact as well as any other player in the NBA.
While he’s never been a regular starter on any of the four teams he’s played for, he has always played an important and essential role off the bench. He won the Sixth Man of the Year award during the 2019-20 season and is consistently in the running for that award each season.
6. Russell Westbrook
Years: 2008-present (14 seasons)
Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers
Career Stats: 951 games, 34.7 minutes, 23.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.3 blocks per game
Championships: none yet
Russell Westbrook isn’t just one of the toughest NBA players in the league right now, but he’s one of the hardest-working players each and every night. He’s a player that leaves everything out on the basketball court — sometimes to a fault — and gives 110% effort 100% of the time.
While his efforts don’t always result in a victory, Wesbrook knows how to fill a stat sheet and understands what it takes to be great. He isn’t afraid of contact, loves the big moments, talks the talk, walks the walk, and does everything in-between. Not many players are as tough as Russ.
5. Marcus Smart
Years: 2014-present (8 seasons)
Teams: Boston Celtics
Career Stats: 455 games, 29.5 minutes, 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.4 blocks per game
Championships: none yet
Marcus Smart was drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 2014 and has spent his entire 8-year career with the team. He has become their vocal leader in the locker room and is highly respected among his teammates, despite not being the No. 1 or No. 2 option on the team.
He’s a hustle player that isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty once the ball is tipped. He wins the 50/50 balls, plays excellent defense every single night, and doesn’t hesitate to stand up for his teammates. He has a certain level of swag and attitude on the court, which every team needs.
4. Draymond Green
Years: 2012-present (10 seasons)
Teams: Golden State Warriors
Career Stats: 645 games, 28.5 minutes, 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.0 blocks per game
Championships: 3 (2015, 2017, 2018)
Draymond Green won’t score a lot, but he does everything else very well and is a vocal leader for a talented Golden State Warriors — a team that used to be even more talented. He helped turn the Warriors’ ‘Big Three’ into a ‘Big Four,’ similar to what Rajon Rondo did with the Celtics.
He’s a hard-nosed defender, doesn’t mind playing big minutes, hustles harder than anyone else on the court, frequently stands up for his teammates and himself, and isn’t scared to throw in a little trash talk. Green is a well-rounded player that will likely win another ring before he retires.
3. P.J. Tucker
Years: 2012-present (10 seasons)
Teams: Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks
Career Stats: 713 games, 29.1 minutes, 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.3 blocks per game
Championships: 1 (2021)
P.J. Tucker is one of the most tenacious and consistent defenders in the NBA right now. He does all the little things right and while his efforts don’t always show up on a stat sheet, they don’t go unnoticed by his coaches and teammates. He’s always making a difference out there.
Tucker is one of those players that every team wants — not just because of what he brings to the team, but the fact that they won’t have to worry about going against him during the season. He plays with intensity, he isn’t afraid to get at it, and is all-in on every play of every game.
2. Jimmy Butler
Years: 2011-present (11 seasons)
Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat
Career Stats: 640 games, 33.1 minutes. 17.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.5 blocks per game
Championships: none yet
Jimmy Butler isn’t afraid to talk that talk and it’s because he knows how to walk that walk. He carries himself well, he’s very confident in his ability, he demands a lot from himself and his teammates, he battles hard every night, isn’t afraid of the moment, and plays long minutes.
Butler knows how great he can be and he knows how great his teammates can be. You know what you’re going to get out of Jimmy Buckets and that’s 110% all-in effort 100% of the time. He showcased that effort in the Miami Heat’s 2020 NBA Finals run inside the Orlando bubble.
1. Steven Adams
Years: 2013-present (9 seasons)
Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies
Career Stats: 595 games, 26.9 minutes, 9.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.0 blocks per game
Championships: none yet
For two years in a row, Steven Adams has been rated as the toughest NBA player — according to the 2019-20 and 2020-21 NBA GM Survey, released by NBA.com. He received 32% of the votes in 2020-21, beating P.J. Tucker (25%), Jimmy Butler (14%), and Marcus Smart (14%).
Steven Adams is a beast down low and is always giving his all when on the court. He defends well, is difficult to defend against, and is a great teammate to have in the locker room. He doesn’t take anything from anyone and is essential to setting the tone early in games.
Who Are the Toughest NBA Players of All-Time?
You need to have a certain level of mental and physical toughness to make it in the NBA, but the toughest NBA players of all-time are on a completely different level. Their toughness goes far beyond what any other player can offer, which is why they can be so valuable to a team.
Throughout the 75-year history of the NBA, several players stand out above the rest when discussing the toughest NBA players of all-time. They embodied and exemplified what it meant to be tough, setting the bar for the toughest NBA players we get to witness in the NBA today.
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Some of the toughest NBA players of all-time include Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Metta Sandiford-Artest, Kevin Garnett, Tony Allen, Zach Randolph, Dennis Rodman, Charles Oakley, Shaquille O’Neal, Amar’e Stoudemire, Nate Thurmond, and Karl Malone.
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