NBA History: 5 Greatest players who deserved to win an NBA title but didn't

#2 Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley was an excellent player who did not win a championship

Charles Barkey is typically regarded as one of the best players of his era. The 6-foot-6 forward is an MVP winner, an 11-time All-Star (with three different teams), and a member of different All-NBA teams.

Barkley was a terrific rebound and a physical threat on the court. He did not mind playing physical, and if altercations arose, Barkley was up for the challenge. His outspoken personality and talent made him a well-known player. He accomplished great things, but sadly, he could not win a championship.

Barkley was the fifth pick of the 1984 draft. He was a part of a draft class that included Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, and John Stockton. Barkley was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played for eight years.

In his first year with the Sixers, he averaged 14 points and 8.6 rebounds. He played alongside veterans/legends Julius Erving and Moses Malone. As time progressed, he became the focal point of the Sixers.

The Sixers made the playoffs six times during Barkley's stint with them. They made the Conference finals in his rookie season but failed to make it past the second round after that.

Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1992. He went on to win the MVP in his first season and helped the Suns make the NBA Finals. Barkley averaged 25.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and a career-high 5.1 assists. The Suns had a great shot at winning the Finals but ran into Michael Jordan and the Bulls. The Bulls beat the Suns in a 4-2 series. After the 1992-93 season, Barkley and the Suns failed to reach the Finals again.

In 1996, the Houston Rockets acquired Barkley from the Suns. The Rockets placed him alongside Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon as Barkley hoped to win a championship. However, in his four years with them, the Rockets failed to make it past the Conference Finals.

Barkley's final season was the 1999-00 season, as he battled an injury to his left quadriceps tendon. He retired after that season and did not win a championship in his career.

The outspoken forward had a memorable career despite never winning a championship. If Barkley won a championship, he'd be held in ever-higher regard.