WhatIf Sports: All-NBA No-Ring Team

John LorgeNov 14, 2008

The All-NBA No-Ring Team is hungry. For years these guys have been accused of not being good enough to get the job done, while lesser players have been praised for ridding the backs of loaded teams to titles.

After tryouts and interviews, with the help of Team President Pat Beach, the All-NBA No-Ring Team is ready to get what they've been waiting their whole lives for. We look forward to acquiring Allen Iverson, Jason Kidd, LeBron James, and Dirk Nowitzki in the future but for now here's the current lineup...

Starting Five

John Stockton, PG, Utah Jazz (1988-89)

17.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 13.6 APG, 3.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG, .538 FG%, .863 FT%

Stockton is the perfect distributing point guard for a team loaded with scorers. He is the NBA's All-Time steals and assists leader, and earned Olympic Gold Medals in 1992 and 1996.

George Gervin, SG, San Antonio Spurs (1979-80)

33.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.0 BPG, .528 FG%, .852 FT%

"The Iceman" is the coolest player to ever step on a basketball court. Gervin would elevate over defenders from the free-throw line and drop in a patented finger-roll over the outstretched arms of defenders.

Charles Barkley, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns (1992-93)

24.5 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG, .520 FG%, .765 FT%

"Sir Charles" is the outspoken "Round Mound of Rebound" that has landed in Dwyane Wade's and the No-Ring Team's five. Chuck was a do-it-all player, and although many remember him as a power forward, he will start as a small forward where he can exploit mismatches.

Karl Malone, PF, Utah Jazz (1989-90)

29.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG, .562 FG%, .762 FT%

"The Mailman" is a two-time MVP and recipient of the Stockton to Malone pick-an-roll. The NBA's second leading scorer of all-time brings strength down low and a soft jumper outside.

Patrick Ewing, C, New York Knicks (1989-90)

28.6 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 4.0 BPG, .551 FG%, .775 FT%

Ewing will solidify the No-Ring Team's defensive efforts with his imposing shot blocking and great defensive rebounding ability. Ewing is perfect for the starting role because he is a team-oriented big-man.

Bench

Dominique Wilkins, SF, Atlanta Hawks (1985-86)

30.3 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG, .468 FG%, .818 FT%

'Nique will bring electricity off the bench as the 6th man. He can come in for Malone, Barkley, or Gervin and pick up the pace of the game with his electrifying dunking ability.

Pete Maravich, PG, New Orleans Jazz (1976-77)

31.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG, .433 FG%, .835 FT%

"Pistol Pete" revolutionized basketball and he gives the team a new look when he comes in the game. His ball handling mystifies defenders and at 6'5" most will have trouble altering his quick shots.

Nate Thurmond, C/PF, San Francisco Warriors (1967-68)

20.5 PPG, 22.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, SPG N/A, BPG N/A, .411 FG%, .644 FT%

If the team isn't hitting the boards like coach wants, Thurmond will come in and set the tone. In 1974 "Nate the Great" (as Wilt Chamberlain used to say) recorded the NBA's first quadruple-double.

Alex English, SF, Denver Nuggets (1982-83)

28.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.5 BPG, .516 FG%, .829 FT%

English was loyal to his Denver Nuggets and gave them a decade of 20-plus point per game scoring. When English and Gervin are on the floor at the same time, it will be poetry in motion.

Reggie Miller, SG, Indiana Pacers (1993-94)

19.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG, .503 FG%, .908 F%

Miller has never been a big numbers guy, but his clutch and accurate shooting will always be remembered. Playing-time might be sparse for Miller on the No-Ring Team, but when it's late in the game and we're down by three, you know 31 will be licking his fingers.

Don Nelson, Coach, All-NBA No-Ring Team

Coach Nelson is the perfect fit for the No-Ring Team. He won a title as a player, but his knack for underdog teams has prevented him from going all the way as a coach. Our first instinct was to go with Jerry Sloan, especially because of Stockton and Malone, but there are too many superstar personalities on this roster. Don Nelson will lead us to glory.