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

#1 Karl Malone

The Mailman did not win a championship in his 19-year career

Karl Malone had a spectacular career; he is a two-time MVP (in 1997 and 1999), a 14-time All-Star, and various All-NBA and All-Defensive teams. Malone is also second on the NBA's All-Time scoring list by scoring 36,928 points in his 19-year career. He scored more points Michael Jordan (ranked fourth), Wilt Chamberlain (seventh), and Oscar Robertson (12th). The only player with more points than Malone is Bucks/Lakers legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Malone was the 13th pick of the 1985 draft. The Jazz selected Malone, and he remained with them for most of his career.

During his time with the Jazz, Malone won two MVP awards and led them to the NBA Finals twice. In 1997, Malone won his first MVP by averaging 27.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.4 steals. He played every game in that season and managed to play at a high level each game.

The Utah Jazz reached the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history during his MVP season. But they lost to the Chicago Bulls as Michael Jordan won his fifth championship. The Jazz returned to the Finals the following year but once again lost to the Bulls.

Malone won his second MVP in 1999 after averaging 23.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals. The Jazz failed to reach the Finals that season as they lost in the second round of the playoffs.

After 18 years with the Jazz, Malone joined the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2003-04 season. He joined the Lakers, who had the duo of Shaq and Kobe in hopes of winning a championship. The duo won three straight championships from 2000-2002 and had the talent to win another. Malone joined them to win his first championship.

With the Lakers, Malone averaged 13.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. He dealt with a knee injury that somewhat hindered his performance, but he and the Lakers made it to the NBA Finals. But the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in a five-game series.

After a season with the Lakes, Malone became a free agent and later announced his retirement.

Malone was a one of a kind player. He and John Stockton made up one of the best duos in NBA history. Malone accomplished great things but could not get the championship he desired. Regardless, Malone was a great player.