NBA: The Best Players over the Last 20 Years Without a Title

They are household names, players we watched and drooled over with behind the back passes and between the leg dribbles.

They worked hard each season to get over the brink and played for team after team with the hope of getting that elusive title.

Now that Dirk Nowitzki got his, he cannot be linked to a special list of players who were some of the greatest ever but did not win an elusive championship.

This is a look at the best players to never win an NBA title.

Patrick Ewing

Elsa/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - MAY 28: Dwight Howard #12 and assistant coach Patrick Ewing of the Orlando Magic talk on the sideline against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 28, 2009

In 1985, he was the toast of New York and remained the biggest name in Gotham until he retired. But for all his greatness, he never won a championship.

Blame the architects of teams in MSG, but you cannot win with John Starks or Larry Johnson and not have other key components that are needed to fill gaps.

Ewing may be the best center who never got his championship.

Reggie Miller

Elsa/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 19: Reggie Miller #31 of the Indiana Pacers takes a shot as Ben Wallace #3 and Richard Hamilton #32 of the Detroit Pistons defend in Game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2005 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2005 at Conseco

Maybe the best jump shooter ever to play the game. Miller made the Pacers go. What he did against New York in the playoffs over the years was legendary.

Even with Rik Smits and Chuck Person as teammates, he could not will his team to a championship.

He is currently 14th on the all-time scoring list.

Dominique Wilkins

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

ATLANTA - FEBRUARY 8: Dominique Wilkins of the Atlanta Team looks on before the Jeep Hoop it Up Game during the 2003 NBA All Star weekend at Philips Arena on February 8, 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that

I am biased since he is my favorite player of all time, but 'Nique never won a title in any of his stops along the way in the NBA.

A scorer who did little else, he is 11th all time in points.

While Michael Jordan may be the best leaper to ever play in the NBA, I think Wilkins is he best dunker...PERIOD.

Charles Barkley

Mark Mainz/Getty Images

DENVER - FEBRUARY 18: Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and guest arrive at Kenny Smith's 2005 All-Star Party on February 18, 2005 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo By Mark Mainz/Getty Images)

He started in Philadelphia in the twilight of Dr. J's career, went to Phoenix and then to Houston, but never did he win a title.

"The Round Mound of Rebound" has to be the best character to ever play the game.

Karl Malone

George Frey/Getty Images

SALT LAKE CITY - FEBRUARY 13: Karl Malone gestures as he announces his retirement from playing NBA basketball on February 13, 2005 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Malone played 19 years in the NBA, 18 with the Utah Jazz and his last year wit

He left Utah and played with the Lakers to try and gain the elusive title, but with no luck. Malone is the best power forward to ever play the game and the second leading scorer of all-time.

When he left his tag-team partner, John Stockton, it was the day basketball died in Utah.

John Stockton

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 30: John Stockton #12 of the Utah Jazz exits the court in Game five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Sacramento Kings during the 2003 NBA Playoffs at Arco Arena on April 30, 2003 in Sacramento, California. The K

If he played today, he would still wear those awful short shorts.

Stockton was taken out of Gonzaga and everyone asked "who?" He quickly made them take notice.

Stockton to Malone was as pure as snow and as sleek as oil in a engine. It just worked to perfection.

It is unfortunate he never won a title.