Top 10 Players Most Deserving of a Ring

Success in the National Basketball Association is largely defined by the accumulation of championship rings. Over a career a player can build an outstanding individual career, however without the inclusion of NBA titles his resume appears incomplete. Championships add to the lure and legacy of a player, and are viewed by many as the true measure of greatness. This is why we celebrate the Michaels, Magics, and Shaqs of the League; those who were able to achieve the highest level of success multiple times.

There are of course many excellent players who enjoyed illustrious careers but were never able to capture that often elusive ring. Some had the poor fate of playing in the Jordan era, while for others, all of the pieces never fell properly into place. Regardless of the reasoning, some players are truly worthy of a ring and that final cementing of their legacy.
Below is my list of the ten NBA players most deserving of a ring, in no particular order.

(Note: This list only includes championship-starved players that have been active since I began closely following the NBA, circa 1990.)

1. Karl Malone

2. Charles Barkley

3. Allen Iverson

4. John Stockton

5. Patrick Ewing

6. Reggie Miller

7. Gary Payton

8. Jason Kidd

9. Steve Nash

10. Dikembe Mutombo