NBA Players With Most Championships: Welcome to the exciting world of the NBA, where athleticism and strategy come together in the quest for the ultimate prize: the Larry O’Brien trophy. Over the years, certain players have become champions, leaving a mark on the league’s history.
Let’s explore the players with the most championships, understand their journeys, and find out who stands at the top of the basketball world. From Bill Russell’s determination to Michael Jordan’s Bulls dominating the scene, get ready for a journey through the stories of these legendary figures who have reached the pinnacle of basketball success.
List of NBA Players With Most Championships
| Player | No. of Championships | Seasons | Winning Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Russell | 11 | 13 | 85% |
| Sam Jones | 10 | 12 | 83% |
| Tom Heinsohn | 8 | 9 | 89% |
| K. C. Jones | 8 | 9 | 89% |
| Satch Sanders | 8 | 13 | 62% |
| John Havlicek | 8 | 16 | 50% |
| Jim Loscutoff | 7 | 9 | 78% |
| Frank Ramsey | 7 | 9 | 78% |
| Robert Horry | 7 | 16 | 44% |
| Bob Cousy | 6 | 14 | 43% |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 6 | 20 | 30% |
| Michael Jordan | 6 | 15 | 40% |
| Scottie Pippen | 6 | 17 | 35% |
NBA Players With Most Championships
So, basketball fans, get ready for a trip through the NBA’s history, discovering the tales that have forever etched these players into the basketball record books.
1. Bill Russell
- No. of championships: 11
- Seasons: 13
- Winning Percentage: 85%
Bill Russell, a legendary NBA player, tops the list for the most championships. Playing as a center for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969, he led the team to 11 NBA titles in 13 years. Russell is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players ever.
In the NBA, Russell’s defensive prowess and leadership were instrumental in the Celtics’ success. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches with a 7 feet 4 inches arm span, he excelled in shot-blocking and rebounding.
Russell made history as the first black NBA superstar. Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. After he died in 2022, the NBA retired Russell’s jersey number 6 league-wide, a unique tribute in NBA history.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Boston Celtics 11x (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969) |
2. Sam Jones
- No. of championships: 10
- Seasons: 12
- Winning Percentage: 83%
Sam Jones, a shooting guard for the Boston Celtics in the NBA, is a notable player with a total of 10 championships in his career. Renowned for his quickness and clutch shots, particularly in the NBA playoffs, Jones was a five-time NBA All-Star.
Jones, along with Russell and K. C. Jones, is one of only three Celtics to be part of each of the team’s eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966, showcasing his integral role in the Celtics’ dominant era.
Recognizing his contributions to the game, Jones is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His skill, especially in crucial moments, helped solidify his legacy as a key figure in the success of the Boston Celtics during their remarkable championship run.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Boston Celtics 10x (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969) |
3. Tom Heinsohn
- No. of championships: 8
- Seasons: 9
- Winning Percentage: 89%
Tom Heinsohn, a Celtics icon, secured 8 NBA championships in a career spanning six decades. He contributed as a player (1956–1965), and broadcaster for the Boston Celtics.
Heinsohn, nicknamed “Mr. Celtic” for being charming and devoted, played a special part in all 17 times the team won championships and reached the NBA Finals 21 times.
He got into the Hall of Fame as both a player and coach and was involved in creating the NBA Players Association. As a genuine Celtics legend, Heinsohn had a lasting impact on the team’s history.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Boston Celtics 8x (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965) |
3. K. C. Jones
- No. of championships: 8
- Seasons: 9
- Winning Percentage: 89%
K. C. Jones, celebrated for his time with the Boston Celtics, boasts a total of 8 championships in his remarkable career. His association with the Celtics earned him 11 NBA championships — eight as a player, one as an assistant coach, and two as a head coach.
As a player, Jones holds the distinction of being tied for third in the number of NBA championships won in a career. He stands alongside only two other NBA players with a perfect 8–0 record in the NBA Finals series.
Jones, breaking barriers, is the only African-American coach, aside from Bill Russell, to have secured multiple NBA championships. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989. K. C. Jones remains a significant figure in NBA history, celebrated for his success both on and off the court.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Boston Celtics 8x (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966) |
3. Satch Sanders
- No. of championships: 8
- Seasons: 13
- Winning Percentage: 62%
Satch Sanders, a power forward with the Boston Celtics in the NBA, achieved a total of 8 championships in his career. His entire professional career was dedicated to the Celtics. Sanders, known for his consistency and success, is tied for third in the number of NBA championships won.
A remarkable stat for Sanders is his perfect 8–0 record in the NBA Finals series, placing him among only three NBA players with such an accomplishment.
Recognizing his significant contributions to the sport, Sanders was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2011. His legacy as a player and coach solidifies his place in basketball history.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Boston Celtics 8x (1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969) |
3. John Havlicek
- No. of championships: 8
- Seasons: 16
- Winning Percentage: 50%
John Havlicek, a Celtics legend, secured 8 NBA championships during his entire career with the team. Known for his versatility, endurance, and game-changing steals, Havlicek was a 13-time NBA All-Star and a key player for the Celtics.
He played a crucial role in the team’s success, winning an NCAA championship in college and contributing to eight NBA titles with the Celtics.
Havlicek’s jersey number 17 was retired by the Celtics, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Boston Celtics 8x (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976) |
4. Jim Loscutoff
- No. of championships: 7
- Seasons: 9
- Winning Percentage: 78%
Jim Loscutoff, with a total of 7 championships in his career, played a crucial role for the Boston Celtics. In the 1957 NBA Finals, he made significant free throws in a double-overtime victory, contributing to the Celtics’ first NBA championship.
As a small forward, Loscutoff was known for his defensive prowess and strength, earning him nicknames like “Jungle Jim” and “Loscy.” His contributions, alongside Bill Russell, were integral to the defensive greatness of the 1960s Celtics.
Loscutoff declined to have his jersey number (18) retired, allowing for future Celtics to wear it. Instead, the Celtics honored him with a banner featuring his nickname “Loscy” among the retired number banners. The number was eventually retired in honor of another Celtics great, Dave Cowens.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Boston Celtics 7x (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964) |
4. Frank Ramsey
- No. of championships: 7
- Seasons: 9
- Winning Percentage: 78%
Frank Ramsey, a 6-3 forward/guard, achieved a total of 7 championships during his entire nine-year NBA career with the Boston Celtics from 1954 to 1964. He played a significant role in the early success of the Celtics dynasty.
Ramsey’s impact wasn’t limited to playing; he later served as the head coach for the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA during the 1970–1971 season.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Ramsey was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982, solidifying his place among basketball greats.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Boston Celtics 7x (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964) |
4. Robert Horry
- No. of championships: 7
- Seasons: 16
- Winning Percentage: 44%
Robert Horry, with a total of 7 championships in his 16-season NBA career, stands out as one of the most successful players in league history. Notably, he holds the record for the most championships won by a player who did not play for the Boston Celtics of the 1950s and 1960s.
Horry is a rare talent, being one of only four players to win NBA championships with three different teams—two with the Houston Rockets, three with the Los Angeles Lakers, and two with the San Antonio Spurs, all without a defeat in NBA Finals.
Recognized for his clutch performances, Horry earned the nickname “Big Shot Rob.” His ability to deliver in crucial moments has solidified his reputation as one of the greatest clutch performers and winners in NBA history.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Houston Rockets 2x (1994, 1995) |
| Los Angeles Lakers 3x (2000, 2001, 2002) |
| San Antonio Spurs 2x (2005, 2007) |
5. Bob Cousy
- No. of championships: 6
- Seasons: 14
- Winning Percentage: 43%
Bob Cousy, a Celtics legend, clinched 6 NBA championships during his tenure as a point guard from 1950 to 1963. Renowned as “The Houdini of the Hardwood,” Cousy was a 13-time NBA All-Star and the 1957 MVP. His exceptional ball-handling and passing skills revolutionized the game, leading the league in assists for eight consecutive seasons.
Beyond his playing career, Cousy coached both college and the NBA. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971, his No. 14 jersey was retired by the Celtics.
He earned numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019. Cousy’s impact endures as a pioneer and living legend in basketball history.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Boston Celtics 6x (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963) |
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- No. of championships: 6
- Seasons: 20
- Winning Percentage: 30%
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a basketball legend, clinched a total of 6 championships during his illustrious 20-season NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. As a record six-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), he became a 19-time NBA All-Star, 15-time All-NBA Team member, and an 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection.
Known for his signature skyhook shot, Abdul-Jabbar’s impact extended beyond scoring. He was a crucial part of six NBA championship teams as a player and two more as an assistant coach. Twice voted NBA Finals MVP, he’s widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
At the time of his 1989 retirement, Abdul-Jabbar held numerous NBA records, including career points, games played, and minutes. ESPN named him the greatest center of all time in 2007, the greatest college basketball player in 2008, and the second-best NBA player in 2016.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks 1x (1971) |
| Los Angeles Lakers 5x (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) |
5. Michael Jordan
- No. of championships: 6
- Seasons: 15
- Winning Percentage: 40%
Michael Jordan, a basketball legend, won 6 championships during his fifteen-season NBA career, primarily with the Chicago Bulls. Recognized as “Air Jordan,” he not only dominated the court but also became a global cultural icon, popularizing basketball worldwide.
Jordan’s achievements include six NBA Finals MVP awards, numerous scoring titles, and a legacy of individual records. Off the court, he excelled in endorsements, notably with the iconic Air Jordan sneakers. Post-retirement, Jordan became a team owner, initially with the Charlotte Hornets.
In 2016, he became the first billionaire player in NBA history, with a current net worth of $3 billion. Jordan’s enduring impact extends beyond sports, recognized by the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Chicago Bulls 6x (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) |
5. Scottie Pippen
- No. of championships: 6
- Seasons: 17
- Winning Percentage: 35%
Scottie Pippen, a basketball legend, secured 6 NBA championships in his 17-season career, mainly with the Chicago Bulls. Renowned as one of the greatest small forwards, Pippen played a pivotal role in the Bulls’ ’90s championship success, earning accolades like NBA All-Defensive First Team and NBA All-Star selections. His versatile skills contributed to the Top 10 Teams in NBA History in 1992 and 1996.
Pippen uniquely won NBA titles and Olympic gold medals in the same year twice (1992 and 1996) and was a key figure in the dominant “Dream Team.” Inducted into the Hall of Fame twice, Pippen’s legacy includes retired jersey number 33 with the Bulls and recognition by the University of Central Arkansas.
Off the court, he was married to Larsa Pippen and is the father of Scotty Pippen Jr.
| Championship Teams |
|---|
| Chicago Bulls 6x (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) |
