If there's one thing that all great NBA players want to validate their careers, it's a championship ring. Unfortunately for them, it's also one of the hardest prizes in sports to obtain, and many great players are left without them despite Hall of Fame careers.
Some of the greatest players in league history have had to rely on statistics and accolades to establish their legend. A lot of those players, especially on this list, have accomplishments that eclipse those of many players who do have rings.
It could be because of mediocre teammates, crippling injuries, or just because of Michael Jordan's existence, but even the greatest players of all time (e.g., Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing) never had a chance to hoist that  Larry O'Brien trophy. Obviously, though, they found other ways to shine.
Players like Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant make up the next generation of great ones still chasing their first ring, but they're still in their prime, which is why they've been excluded from this list. Many other great players have tried (and failed) to win a title before them; here are 25 NBA Veterans Who Deserved a Ring.Â