The free-throw line has a way of stripping the game down to its essence. No crowd surge, no defensive scramble—just a silent exchange between routine and nerve. Certain players learned to turn that stillness into steady points.

As the league evolved, so did the craft. Pace quickened, spacing widened, yet the line remained untouched, a narrow stage where precision mattered more than power. Those who mastered it carried an edge that outlasted shifts in style.

Their totals didn’t build through spectacle, but through repetition—a rhythm formed over years of late-night practice and high-pressure moments. In tracing the all-time leaders, the history of the NBA’s quietest skill begins to surface.

Who holds the all-time record for total free throws?

When it comes to drawing fouls, getting to the line, and sinking free throws with consistency over a long career, Karl Malone stands above the rest. According to the NBA’s official historical records, he is the all-time leader in career free throws made — a staggering 9,787.

He cemented that place in history on March 24, 2001, during his time with the Utah Jazz, when he sank the free throw that pushed him past Moses Malone for the number-one spot.

Over a 19-year NBA career (1985–2004), his ability to consistently get to the line was a cornerstone of his scoring. He led the league in free throws made eight different seasons, and in attempts seven times.

Behind him on the all-time list are legends like Moses Malone, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. For example, Moses made 8,531 free throws in his career, as StatMuse reported.

But what the gap underscores is just how dominant Karl Malone was in his niche. The fact that no player in NBA history has yet approached 9,787 made free throws tells us a lot about his unique mixture of skill, opportunity and longevity.

The NBA all-time free-throw leaders

As debates about the GOAT in various positions, including the NBA‘s greatest of all time or their starting five, continue to captivate fans, Miller chose to focus on the power forward position. Having played 18 seasons with the Pacers, Miller faced some of the best players in NBA history, including Rodman.

When it comes to the debate over the GOAT in every position or even in NBA history, Miller’s comments often spark buzz. In this case, when discussing the greatest power forward of all time, Miller brought up a name that has nearly been forgotten: San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan, instead of Malone.

“People forget about Tim Duncan. Is he the greatest ever? He is the greatest power forward ever. Five rings, three MVPs, 10+ years as an All-Defensive player,” Miller said during an appearance on The Mark Jackson Show in 2024. “Who else are you naming with those records? Wilt? He only won two rings.”

Tim Duncan’s historic career

Spurs star is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the basketball court. Over his 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs, alongside legendary teammates like Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, Duncan built a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

A two-time MVP and a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Duncan’s numbers speak for themselves. He posted career averages of over 50% in shooting from the field, beyond the arc, and on two-point shots. His regular season scoring average stood at 19 points per game.

Duncan’s dominance extended to the playoffs, where he played in 215 games across 18 of his 19 seasons. He was named Finals MVP three times and posted an impressive 20.6 points per playoff game, along with 11.4 rebounds. He also maintained shooting percentages of more than 50% on both three-pointers and two-point field goals.

Miller’s legacy

Spending his entire career with a single franchise, Miller was more than a legend for the franchise. Drafted by the Pacers in 1987, he didn’t leave and stayed for 18 seasons, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise’s history. As he was one of the team’s legends, the Pacers decided to retire his jersey.

“If Michael Jordan ever would have called me and tried to sway me to come to Chicago, I would have told him to go [expletive] himself… I’ll be down to see you. I never came close to going anywhere else,” Miller said when asked about leaving the franchise, if the one and only Michael Jordan have called him.

However, Malone’s legacy extends beyond his on-court dominance. His opinions on the greatest players in NBA history have sparked debates over the years. Contrary to popular belief, Malone refuted claims that he had called Michael Jordan the greatest player of all time.

“Well, you say MJ is the best player you’ve ever seen. I didn’t say that,” Malone told Adam Fisher of Bleacher Report in 2010. “I don’t consider him the best player I’ve ever seen.”

Some might speculate that Malone’s comments stem from the sting of losing to Jordan’s Bulls in two consecutive Finals during the late 1990s. Yet, Malone’s criteria for evaluating greatness seem rooted in a different era. When discussing his pick for the GOAT, Malone leaned toward Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, two titans of the game’s early years. “It’s debatable that it could be Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell,” the 14-time All-Star said.

Malone’s unique perspective on greatness

Malone didn’t shy away from sharing his admiration for the players who shaped his career, both as teammates and opponents. “The best teammate/player I ever played with was John Stockton,” he said, highlighting the unparalleled chemistry he shared with the Jazz’s Hall of Fame point guard. Reflecting on his toughest matchups, Malone also praised Buck Williams and Maurice Lucas.

“They were the PF [power forwards] of that era, and I was just coming into that era,” Malone said. “To be able to play against those guys and learn from them as a rookie meant a lot.” When asked to construct his all-time starting five, Malone offered a lineup that surprisingly omitted Jordan:

Center: Wilt Chamberlain
Point Guard: John Stockton
Power Forward: LeBron James
Shooting Guard: Oscar Robertson
Small Forward: Scottie Pippen

Malone’s inclusion of Pippen raised eyebrows, but he provided a compelling defense of his choice.“Scottie Pippen led the team in every statistical category when he was there without Michael Jordan,” Malone said on The Dan Patrick Show.

Karl Malone and John Stockton: A legendary partnership

Few duos in NBA history have achieved the level of success and synergy that Karl Malone and John Stockton did during their nearly 20 years together with the Utah Jazz. Malone’s dominance as a scorer—amassing more than 36,000 points, earning two MVP awards, and making 14 All-Star appearances—was amplified by Stockton’s brilliance as a floor general.

Stockton, widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time, led the NBA in assists for nine consecutive seasons and holds the all-time record with over 15,000 assists, many of which ended in Malone’s hands.

For Malone, Stockton was more than a teammate; he was an extension of his own game. “The best teammate/player I ever played with was John Stockton,” Malone reiterated.

Their connection, particularly in the pick-and-roll, became the Jazz’s signature play and one of the most effective strategies in NBA history. Stockton’s discipline, leadership, and unselfish play allowed Malone to flourish, and together, they propelled the Jazz to the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, only to fall short against Michael Jordan’s Bulls.

Karl Malone’s career is a testament to sustained greatness, but his partnership with John Stockton underscores the importance of chemistry in building a lasting legacy. Though they never captured an elusive championship, their dominance, resilience, and mutual respect continue to inspire and serve as a benchmark for modern NBA duos.

Basketball is a game of dreams: epic nights, legendary plays and moments etched into the collective memory. Yet, in this narrative, not all heroes achieve the fairytale ending of lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy.

There are players who, despite dominating the court and becoming indispensable names in NBA history, never claimed a championship ring. But does a player’s legacy rest solely on winning a title?

Karl Malone, carrying his team through sheer strength and determination; Charles Barkley, redefining the power of the interior game with his unmistakable charisma; or Allen Iverson, leading us into a revolution of style.

Top 13 NBA players without a championship

Charles Barkley

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets
Achievements: 1993 MVP, 11-time All-Star, Hall of Fame inductee

Charles Barkley, known as “Sir Charles”, dominated the court as a power forward despite being undersized at 6’6″. His relentless rebounding, scoring, and outspoken personality made him a fan favorite.

His career highlight came in 1993 when he led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals, earning league MVP honors. However, Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls proved too formidable, defeating the Suns in six games. His influence extended beyond stats, as he became a cultural icon, both on and off the court.

Karl Malone

Teams: Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers
Achievements: 2-time MVP (1997, 1999), 14-time All-Star, 2-time NBA Finals runner-up

Nicknamed “The Mailman” for his consistency, Karl Malone ranks second on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 36,928 points. His pick-and-roll partnership with John Stockton was the cornerstone of the Utah Jazz’s success in the 1990s.

Despite back-to-back Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998, Malone’s Jazz fell to the Chicago Bulls. In a final attempt to win a title, he joined the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers in 2003-04 but faced defeat against the Detroit Pistons in the Finals.

John Stockton

Team: Utah Jazz
Achievements: All-time leader in assists (15,806) and steals (3,265), 10-time All-Star, Hall of Fame inductee

John Stockton epitomized the traditional point guard role with his unparalleled court vision and defensive tenacity. As the NBA’s all-time leader in assists and steals, his legacy is cemented in basketball history.

His synergy with Karl Malone made the Jazz perennial contenders, but like his teammate, Stockton’s championship dreams were dashed by Jordan’s Bulls in consecutive Finals appearances.

Allen Iverson

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, others
Achievements: 2001 MVP, 11-time All-Star, NBA Finals appearance (2001)

“The Answer” was a cultural phenomenon, known for his fearless scoring and swagger. Allen Iverson carried the 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals, delivering a memorable Game 1 victory against the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers with a 48-point performance.

Despite his efforts, the Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, claimed the series. His influence extended far beyond basketball, inspiring a generation with his unapologetic authenticity.

Patrick Ewing

Teams: New York Knicks, others
Achievements: 11-time All-Star, NBA Finals appearances (1994, 1999)

Patrick Ewing was the anchor of the New York Knicks throughout the 1990s, known for his dominant post play and shot-blocking prowess. He led the Knicks to the 1994 Finals, where they fell in seven games to the Houston Rockets.

In 1999, injuries sidelined him during the Finals, and the Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs. Despite the absence of a championship, he remains a symbol of grit and resilience in New York sports history.

Elgin Baylor

Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Achievements: 10-time All-NBA, 8-time NBA Finals runner-up

Elgin Baylor revolutionized the game with his athleticism and scoring ability, averaging 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game over his career. He reached the NBA Finals eight times with the Lakers but never won a championship.

His retirement early in the 1971-72 season marked an ironic twist, as the Lakers went on to win the title that year. Baylor’s contributions to the game remain immortalized, making him a pioneer of modern basketball.

Reggie Miller

Team: Indiana Pacers
Achievements: 5-time All-Star, NBA Finals appearance (2000)

Reggie Miller, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, built his reputation on clutch performances. Known for his rivalries with the New York Knicks, his heroics included iconic moments like his 8 points in 9 seconds during the 1995 playoffs.

He led the Pacers to the 2000 NBA Finals, but they fell to the Lakers. Miller’s loyalty to Indiana and his unparalleled three-point shooting define his legacy.

Steve Nash

Teams: Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, others
Achievements: 2-time MVP (2005, 2006), 8-time All-Star

Steve Nash orchestrated some of the most electrifying offenses in NBA history as the engine of the Phoenix Suns’ “Seven Seconds or Less” system. Renowned for his passing, shooting efficiency, and basketball IQ, Nash earned back-to-back MVP awards.

Despite multiple deep playoff runs, including several Conference Finals appearances, Nash never reached the NBA Finals. His influence on the modern game is evident in today’s fast-paced, three-point-heavy style.

Dominique Wilkins

Teams: Atlanta Hawks, others
Achievements: 9-time All-Star, legendary scorer and dunker

Nicknamed “The Human Highlight Film”, Dominique Wilkins dazzled fans with his explosive athleticism and scoring prowess. A nine-time All-Star, he was one of the most prolific scorers of the 1980s.

Despite his individual brilliance, his Hawks teams often fell short in the playoffs, never advancing to the Finals. Wilkins’ aerial artistry and fierce competitiveness remain hallmarks of his career.

Tracy McGrady

Teams: Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, others
Achievements: 7-time All-Star, 2-time scoring champion

Tracy McGrady, or “T-Mac”, was an offensive juggernaut capable of scoring from anywhere on the court. His most iconic moment came in 2004, when he scored 13 points in 33 seconds to secure a miraculous victory. Injuries often derailed his playoff hopes, and he never advanced past the Conference Finals. Nevertheless, his talent and highlight-reel plays remain unforgettable.

Carmelo Anthony

Teams: Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, others
Achievements: 10-time All-Star, prolific scorer

Carmelo Anthony’s scoring versatility made him one of the NBA’s most feared offensive players. He led the Nuggets and Knicks to playoff success but never reached the Finals. Anthony’s Olympic achievements and status as one of the game’s best pure scorers underscore his illustrious career.

Vince Carter

Teams: Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, others
Achievements: 8-time All-Star, revolutionized dunking

Vince Carter’s high-flying dunks and longevity earned him the nickname “Vinsanity”. His teams often fell short in the playoffs, but his impact on the game extends beyond titles. He inspired a generation of players with his aerial artistry and professionalism.

Pete Maravich

Teams: Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Jazz, Boston Celtics
Achievements: 5-time All-Star, offensive innovator

Pete Maravich, or “Pistol Pete”, was a basketball visionary known for his flashy ball-handling and creative scoring. His ability to mesmerize audiences with no-look passes and long-range shots was ahead of his time.

Despite playing for struggling teams and dealing with injuries, His influence on the game’s evolution is undeniable. His artistry on the court remains a benchmark for innovation in basketball.

When Bill Russell made his all-time high of 11 NBA Championship Rings, it seems easy to say, but it is even harder to do it. In fact, Russell isn’t even atthe top 10 list of players with most NBA career points of all time.

That pretty much summarizes that the hardest thing to do in a team sport like basketball is to win a championship. Therefore, here its a list of NBA players who have scored the most career-points, who could possibly be at the top 10 of that list, but have failed to clinch an NBA Champioship title.

NBARingless players with most career-points

This NBA players list was divided into two categories. The current NBA players with most career-points without an NBA Ring and the former players who have scored the most but couldn’t won an NBA Championship title.

1. Carmelo Anthony

One of the most respected players among the current NBAplayers and the NBA legends. Also, one of the most talented to ever have played the game. However, Anthony hasn’t been lucky enough to be part of a Championship-contender team. However, he holds the second place of most career points with28,289 points of all time without an NBA Ring.

2. Chris Paul

One of the future Hall-of-Famers of this list. The 33-year-old player has made it several times to the NBA Playoffs, but fell short the same amount. Although, he has pulled up20,936 points, he still needs a little bit more lucky to clinch his first-ever NBA title before he retires.

3. James Harden

One of the many players who are in need to prove they are capable of winning an NBA Championship is James Harden. The 32-year-old guard even lowered his salary to help the Philadelphia 76ers make a Championship-contender team for the upcoming season. He has pulled up23,477 points in his career without an NBA Ring, yet.

4. Russell Westbrook

A player who could have helped to build up a Championship-contender team but failed to do so. Russell Westbrook has the talent to carry a team to an NBA Playoffs, but needs the mentality to win it. The 33-year-old guard has pulled up23,298 points without winning an NBA Championship title.

5.Karl Malone

One of the most amazing players of All-Time has the top record of this list. Malone has pulled up36,928 points in his 19-season NBA Career. Although he made it only three times to the NBA Finals, he failed to clinch the NBA Championship Ring.

6. Dominique Wilkins

The 9-time NBA All-Star played for the Atlanta Hawks, LA Clippers, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic, however he couldn’t won an NBA Championship Ring. Wilkins pulled up26,668 points in his 16-season NBA Career without winning an NBA title.

7.Vince Carter

The 8-time NBA All-Star player accomplished many milestones during his 24-season NBA Career. In fact, he is the fourth All-Time player with most points in NBA history with25,728 points. The 1999 Rookie of Year wasn’t able to clinch one NBA Championship despite he played with 8 different NBA franchises.

8. Alex English

One of the most underrated players in the 80’s simply because he played with theMilwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers and theDenver Nuggets when they had no chance to win an NBA Championship. However, he was the top scorer of the 80’s with19,682 points. Overall, he made25,613 points in his 16-season NBA career.

Therefore, you can imagine thatthere are players whodidn’tmake it to this list because they didn’t playas many NBA Playoffs gamesas these other 6 players. For example, Steve Nash, Charles Barkley,andPatrick Ewing.

So, you can check out six of the top ten players who have playedin the NBA Playoffs but fell short on their journey to their first NBA Ring. Maybeif you are a huge NBA fan you can guess some of them, howevernot many of themyou thought would make it.

Ringless players with most games in the NBA Playoffs

This Ringless players list comprehends two parts. The firstthree players of it are current NBA players, while from 4 to 6 are former NBA Players. This is to show at least 6 of the top 10 players. The other four players are: Sam Perkins, Kyle Korver, George Hill and Charles Oakley.

1. James Harden

The Los Angeles-born playeralready was named the Most Valuable Player in the 2018 NBA Season, one of the most prestigious awards of the NBA. However, he hasn’t find his to way to the NBA Ringyet. Although, he is thecurrent NBA ringlessplayer with most gamesplayedwith149 games in the NBA Playoffs with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets, the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers.

2. Al Horford

Al Horford finally made it to the NBA Finals in the 2021-22 NBA Season. However, alongside the Boston Celtics, hefell shortto the Golden State Warriors. Therefore, he still has 147 games in the NBA Playoffs with 0 NBA Rings yet.

3. Chris Paul

Another huge player and future Hall-of-Famer, Chris Paul had the opportunity with the Phoenix Suns in the 2020-21 NBA Season. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks was too much for his side. Therefore, he still has 142 games without an NBA Ring yet.

4.Karl Malone

He is the player with most NBA Playoffs games played with 0 Rings. Undeserved as he is one of the most dominant players to ever play the game. He has played 193 games in his18-year NBA Careerfor theUtah Jazz and his one-season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

5.John Stockton

Another of the former players of this list is John Stockton. He played for theUtah Jazz through 18 straight seasons. He played182 games in the NBA Playoffs without winning an NBA Ring. He is the second player with most games in the postseason with 0 Rings.

6.Reggie Miller

Last but not least, Reggie Miller, the Indiana Pacers legend. One of the most iconic players for the NBA in the 90’s. He played for the Indiana franchise in 15 NBA Playoffs. He played a total of 144 games without winning an NBA Ring.

Being lucky, staying healthy, having a team that puts themin a position to succeed, are just some of the few things that have prevented some of the greatest players to ever do it from winning a ring.

That’s why today, we’re going to honor their legacies and talk about the 10 greatest NBA players who have never won a championship, perhaps the only stain on their otherwise perfect résumés.

Honorable Mention: Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose, Chris Mullin, George Gervin, Reggie Miller, Damian Lillard, George Yardley, Dominique Wilkins, Bob Lanier, Sidney Moncrief.

The Best NBA Players Who Have Never Won A Ring

10. Russell Westbrook

Career Stats: 23.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 8.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 43.7% FG
Accolades: 9x All-Star, 2x Scoring Champion, 3x Assists Champion, 9x All-NBA, All-Rookie, 2x All-Star MVP, MVP

We take Russell Westbrook for granted and normalize him averaging a triple-double but there’s nothing normal about that. He’s one of the most athletic players in NBA history, a fearless competitor, and a guy that could take every single player in the league one-on-one.

His decision-making is erratic at times but he’s never shied away from taking a big shot or taking matters into his own hands. He decided to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs even when Kevin Durant left, and hopefully, he’ll get a shot at winning a ring.

9. Patrick Ewing

Career Stats: 21.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.4 BPG, 50.4% FG
Accolades: Hall of Famer, 11x All-Star, 7x All-NBA, 3x All-Defensive, All-Rookie, Rookie of the Year

Patrick Ewing is one of the countless victims of the toughest Eastern Conference in NBA history. The Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, and – of course – Chicago Bulls prevented him from going the distance.

The one time he managed to get to the NBA Finals, the New York Knicks just couldn’t do anything to beat Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets. Still, Ewing will go down as the greatest player in franchise history.

8. Elgin Baylor

Career Stats: 27.4 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 4.3 APG, 43.1% FG
Accolades: Hall of Famer, 11x All-Star, 10x All-NBA, All-Star MVP, Rookie of the Year

Elgin Baylor is the unluckiest player in NBA history. He dominated in the regular season in an era when the league was ruled by Bill Russell and the Boston Celtics, who won the ring in 11 out of 13 seasons.

The Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t win the ring during Baylor’s tenure with the team. Nonetheless, hewas forced to retire early in the season due to a knee injury, just to watch him win the championship that very same year. That’s some tough luck.

7. Steve Nash

Career Stats: 14.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 8.5 APG, 1.4 3PG, 49.0% FG, 42.8% 3FG
Accolades: Hall of Famer, 8x All-Star, 5x Assists Champion, 7x All-NBA, 2x MVP

Steve Nash gets a lot of criticism for the MVP awards he won. Some people claim that his numbers were underwhelming and those awards should’ve been won by Shaquille O’Neal. Well, either those people don’t know about basketball or they didn’t watch him play.

Steve Nash was by far the best player in the most exciting team in the Association during that time. He was efficient (even joined the 50/40/90 club) and changed the way an offense was orchestratedback then. He was just incredibly talented and impactful.

6. Charles Barkley

Career Stats: 22.1 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 54.1% FG
Accolades: Hall of Famer, 11x All-Star, Rebounds Champion, 11x All-NBA, All-Rookie, All-Star MVP, MVP

Charles Barkley only made a couple of mistakes during his career: Winning an MVP, and making it to the NBA Finals. There, he faced an inspired Michael Jordan that was eager to prove that he was snubbed from the award.

Barkley’s Phoenix Suns lost in 6 games to Jordan’s Bulls and even though he continued to dominate at will despite being an undersized big man, he never got another chance to win the ultimate prize.

5. Karl Malone

Career Stats: 25.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 51.6% FG
Accolades: Hall of Famer, 14x All-Star, 14x All-NBA, 4x All-Defensive, All-Rookie, 2x All-Star MVP, 2x MVP

Karl Malone is yet another victim of Michael Jordan. He’s one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, a dominant two-way force that was going to get whatever he wanted in the paint and that could make grown men look like high schoolers.

The Mailman always delivered. Except when he had to cross paths with Jordan’s Bulls in the NBA Finals. The Utah Jazz lost at that stage in back-to-back seasons and Malone tried – unsuccessfully – to win a ring with the Lakers before retiring.

4. James Harden

Career Stats: 25.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 2.8 3PG, 44.4% FG
Accolades: 9x All-Star, 3x Scoring Champion, Assists Champion, 7x All-NBA, All-Rookie, MVP, Sixth Man of The Year

James Harden went from being the Sixth Man of the Year to an MVP and Scoring Champion in little-to-no time. He broke out as the most unstoppable scorer in the league with the Houston Rockets and is now looking to win his first ring.

Harden has had some tough luck in the postseason, either with subpar performances or injuries. He made it to the NBA Finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder but their lack of experience cost them the ring.

3. John Stockton

Career Stats: 13.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 10.5 APG, 2.2 SPG, 51.5% FG
Accolades: Hall of Famer, 10x All-Star, 9x Assists Champion, 2x Steals Champion, 11x All-NBA, 5x All-Defensive, All-Star MVP

John Stockton is considered by some as the greatest pure point guard of all time. He holds the records for most total assists and steals in NBA history and those will stand for a very, very long time.

Stockton was as smart and crafty as he was durable. He rarely missed a game and was the true definition of efficiency. As you may know by now, Michael Jordan kept him from winning a ring in back-to-back seasons.

2. Allen Iverson

Career Stats: 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 42.5% FG
Accolades: Hall of Famer, 11x All-Star, 4x Scoring Champion, 3x Steals Champion, 7x All-NBA, All-Rookie, 2x All-Star MVP, MVP, Rookie of the Year

Allen Iverson is perhaps the most talented player to never win a ring. People called him out for his work ethic but you could never say that he didn’t put in the work every single night out there.

Iverson was an offensive juggernaut that single-handedly led his Philadelphia 76ers to the playoffs. But the only time he carried them to the NBA Finals, he had to face Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

1. Chris Paul

Career Stats: 18.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 9.4 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1.4 3PG, 47.2% FG
Accolades: 11x All-Star, 4x Assists Champion, 6x Steals Champion, 10x All-NBA, 9x All-Defensive, All-Rookie, All-Star MVP, Rookie of the Year

Chris Paul had never made it to the Conference Finals until he joined the Phoenix Suns. He always got hurt, his team blew a lead, or he just had some bad luck. Also, David Stern vetoed his trade to join Kobe and the Lakers.

Even so, Paul is a sure candidate to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He’s been the best point guard in the NBA since he entered the league and his basketball IQ is one of the highest of all time. He’s the last true point guard.

Then again, there have been just three players in NBA history that have been able to top the 35,000 points-plateau throughout their career: LeBron James, Karl Malone, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Notably, neither of those players have been exactly solid three-point shooters, but their physical traits, durability, and versatility, made them unstoppable offensive juggernauts for nearly two decades. Today, we’re going to let you know a little more about them.

The Only Players To Score 35,000+ Career Points In NBA History

3. LeBron James – 35,017 Points (And Counting)

Once it’s all said and done, LeBron James will finish his career as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down despite being in his 18th season, and he could be leading the MVP race at 36 years old.

LeBron is the true definition of durability. While it’s not usual to see him play all 82 games in a season – mostly due to rest ahead of the playoffs – he’s rarely hurt and has been a 25+ points-per-game scorer throughout his entire career.

2. Karl Malone – 36,928 Points

Karl Malone doesn’t get enough recognition nowadays because of his issues off the court, and that’s fair. But talking merely in basketball terms, he’s one of the most dominant scorers to ever lace them up.

The Mailman always delivered. He had sweet footwork and could finish with both hands. While not the most gifted shooter, he had some range as well. However, his strength and athleticism were the main reasons why he scored nearly 37,000 points.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 38,387 Points

Scoring north of 38,000 points in the NBA is something not many people could even think about but Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wasn’t like most people. He was a bonafide winner and one of the most unguardable forces of nature.

His length, size, and skillsmade him a nightmare for opposing big men night in and night out. He never averaged under double-digits and rarely missed a game in his career. With 6 rings, 6 MVPs, and this record, it’s funny to me how he’s never mentioned in the GOAT debate. On a side note, it’s funny how the top-3 leading scorers in NBA history played for the Lakers at some point in their careers.

Williamson was held out for most of lastseason while getting his conditioning up and rehabbing his injured knee. He sat some back-to-backs and was on a strict minutes restriction, even when their season was on the line.

Now, Zion has a longer leash under coach Stan Van Gundybut the team continues to take it slowly with him. He’s clearly aspecial talent with MVP potential, so they won’t risk a career-jeopardizing injury so early on his journey as a professional.

Karl Malone Rips Zion Williamson For ‘Getting Tired’

Notably, Zion Williamson has looked gassed and tired from time to time, especially at the end of last season. Clearly, he still needs to make some strides and get in better shape to make the most of his potential and not risk injury, given his huge frame.

That’s why former Utah Jazz star Karl Malone took a shot at him, claiming that he shouldn’t be getting tired at 21-years-old, saying that he should be averaging roughly 40 minutes per game at this point:

“Zion needs to be averaging like 40 minutes per game… you’re a 21 year old kid… your a** shouldn’t be getting tired,” the legendary power forward said in an interview with the ‘Knucklehads’ Podcast.

What’s crazy is that Zion Williamson is actually averaging 32.8 minutes per game, while Karl Malone played just 30.0 minutes a night when he was his age. Still, he finished his career as the 2nd leading scorer in NBA history, so perhaps it’s too early to call out Zion just yet.