The best champions to never win NBA Finals MVP

23 April 2013: Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett (5) during game two of the first round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY The Knicks defeated the Celtics 87-71 to lead the series 2-0. (Photo by Rich Kane/Icon SMI/Corbis via Getty Images) /

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BOSTON – 1993: JR Reid #34 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots against the Boston Celtics circa 1993 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachussetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Kevin McHale

Overshadowed by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale was a hugely important part of the Celtics’ three championship teams in the 1980s. McHale featured a vast array of low post moves, seemingly always able to maneuver his way into finding an open look at the basket. He began his career as the Celtics’ sixth man, going on to win back to back Sixth Man of the Year awards in 1984 and 1985. Once McHale finally became a starter in the 1985-86 season, he averaged 23 points per game on 58 percent shooting over the next five years, including two seasons where he led the league in shooting percentage by making more than 60 percents of his shots. McHale came close to winning to Finals MVP in 1986 as he led the Celtics in scoring that series, but there was no arguing with Bird’s greatness as he nearly averaged a triple-double, leading the Celtics over the Rockets in six games, capping one of the greatest seasons ever.

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