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The National Basketball Association (NBA) is filled with stars who, despite playing many seasons at the highest level, ended their careers without a championship ring. It serves as a notable blemish on the resumes of players worthy of the Hall of Fame. Illustrious figures like Elgin Baylor, George Gervin, Charles Barkley, Pat Ewing, Adrian Dantley, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Steve Nash, Tracy McGrady, Reggie Miller, Allen Iverson, and Dominique Wilkins, among others, left a lasting impact on the league but retired without winning a title.
As the new season kicks off on Tuesday, 22nd October, several veteran stars could join the ranks of those who never secured a championship if they fail to capitalize on what may be their last opportunity to win a ring. For players over 35, time is running short. With the realities of ageing, injuries, and uncertain futures looming, this could be their final chance to solidify their legacies with a title. These four future Hall of Famers find themselves in this critical position.
Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat) 13 NBA seasons
Jimmy Butler has proved to be the main pillar for the Miami Heat since his arrival. He led the Miami Heat to two NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023. He turned 35 on September 14th and his chances of winning a championship are slowly fading away. He has the player option to continue with the Heats for the 2025-26 season for $52.4 million.
Butler is a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA team member. He has also earned the nickname 'Playoff Jimmy' because of his impressive performances in the playoffs. But, his form saw a decline last season as he averaged 20.8 points. However, his defence and leadership stay strong for the Miami Heat.
James Harden (L.A Clippers) 15 NBA seasons
James Harden's career has been filled with individual achievements as he was named MVP in 2018, 3 times as top scorer in 2018, 2019 and 2020, 2 times as top assist in 2017 and 2023, 10 times All-Star or 6 times included in the best quintet of the league. But playing for 15 years with the personal milestones he has to his name, he still hasn't been able to win a single ring.
He has played for five teams in total such as Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers. He turned 35 in August and has a player option for the 2025-26 season for $36.3 million, but this could be his last chance for a championship. Last season he averaged 16.6 points (42.8% shooting from the field), had 8.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds.
Russell Westbrook (Denver Nuggets) 16 NBA seasons
Russell Westbrook has been one of the most athletic point guards the NBA has seen in the last 15 years. He recently signed with the Denver Nuggets and hopes to win the championship ring that has eluded him for the past 16 seasons. He has played for five other teams such as Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.
Denver Nuggets, the team led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, is tipped as one of the favourites for the title and this is where the luck can change for Westbrook in his pursuit of a ring. He will turn 36 on November 12 and has the player option for the 2025-26 season for $3.4 million.
He was named MVP of the season in 2017, was included in the best five of the league twice, had two top scorer awards in 2015 and 2017, was three times top assist of the tournament and participated in the All-Star nine times. Last season he averaged 11.1 points (27.3% t3), 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Chris Paul (San Antonio Spurs) 19 NBA seasons
Chris Paul turned 40 on May 6 and this may be his last season before he announces his retirement from the sport as he has no player option for the 2025-26 season. He has signed for San Antonio Spurs, a team which is not even in contention for the title. He will also serve as a mentor to Victor Wembanyama.
He has played for six other teams such as New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. He was named four times in the league's best five, five times in top assists, six times in steals and featured 12 times in the All-Star. Last season he credited 9.2 points and 6.8 assists.
