30 best NBA players to never win a championship

21. Kevin Johnson

More contemporary NBA fans most likely know Kevin Johnson for his work as the mayor of Sacramento and his efforts to keep the Kings in the city. Before he was donning the duds of a politician, though, he was playing in the desert for the Phoenix Suns and establishing himself as both a terrific all-around player and someone who has since become a somewhat forgotten icon of the era as a point guard.

Originally drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the seventh-overall pick in 1987, Johnson was traded to the Suns during his rookie season and thrust into the starting role in Phoenix. That was an opportunity that he took full advantage of and a decision that the Suns most surely didn’t regret.

Over his first nine full seasons with the Suns, Johnson was productive at a fantastic level. The Cal Golden Bears product put up 19.8 points, 10 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game while shooting an impressive (for a point guard, especially) 49.7 percent from the field. Johnson was a force in ways that few players at his position at the time really were.

What’s more, Johnson also made sure to imprint his hand on many iconic moments in league history. Despite being just 6-foot-1, he could fly when he took off toward the rim and did so on numerous occasions. He was the perfect blend of skill and thrill and a player that should get the credit he deserves.