NBA Small Forwards With The Most Championships

Some of the greatest wing players in NBA history have won multiple championships, including Larry Bird with the Boston Celtics and LeBron James with three different teams. The following list includes the 34 small forwards who have won at least two NBA titles over their careers. 

8 Championships

John Havlicek, Satch Sanders

John Havlicek, easily one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, was a versatile small forward who spent his entire 16-year career with the Boston Celtics. With eight NBA championships to his name, Havlicek played a pivotal role in the Celtics dynasty during the 1960s and early 1970s. The forward was a 13-time NBA All-Star and an 11-time All-NBA selection. He remains the Celtics' all-time leading scorer and played a crucial role in some of the most memorable moments in NBA history, including his iconic steal in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals.

Tom "Satch" Sanders, a key contributor to the Boston Celtics' dynasty during the 1960s, was a versatile and defensive-minded small forward who played alongside legends like Bill Russell, John Havlicek, and Bob Cousy. Sanders' unselfish play, defensive prowess, and basketball IQ were instrumental in the Celtics' success. While not known for his scoring, Sanders' ability to guard multiple positions, make timely plays and contribute in various ways made him a valuable member of the Celtics' championship teams.

7 Championships

Jim Loscutoff

Jim Loscutoff was a small forward who spent his entire nine-year career with the Boston Celtics. While not known for his scoring, Loscutoff's toughness, defensive intensity, and team-first mentality made him a beloved and respected figure in Boston. He was often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best players and was willing to sacrifice his body for the greater good of the team. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Loscutoff solidified his resume with one of the greatest teams ever.

6 Championships

Scottie Pippen

Scottie Pippen, often regarded as one of the greatest small forwards and perimeter defenders in NBA history, was an integral part of the Chicago Bulls' dynasty alongside Michael Jordan during the 1990s. With six NBA championships to his name, Pippen's versatility, defensive prowess, and basketball IQ were instrumental in the Bulls' success. While he played alongside the likes of Michael Jordan, his importance to the Bulls' championship runs cannot be understated.

His championship pedigree, all-around skills, and contributions to the Bulls' storied history make him a legendary figure in Chicago and a deserving member of the exclusive list of small forwards with multiple NBA championships. Even if Jordan was the one winning all the Finals MVPs, he was never going to achieve this without Pippen’s help because the forward averaged 19.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game in his Finals appearances.

5 Championships

Don Nelson, Jim Pollard

Don Nelson, a versatile and innovative player-coach, enjoyed a successful playing career before transitioning into coaching, where he further cemented his legacy as one of the most creative minds in NBA history. As a player, Nelson won five NBA championships, providing crafty playmaking, basketball instincts, and an unorthodox style that often caught opponents off guard. After his playing career, Nelson went on to become one of the winningest coaches in NBA history, employing unconventional strategies and adapting to the evolving landscape of the game.

Jim Pollard, often referred to as "Jumping Jim," was a high-flying and dynamic small forward who played a pivotal role in the Minneapolis Lakers' dynasty during the early years of the NBA. With five NBA championships to his name, Pollard was ahead of his time, showcasing a blend of finesse and power that made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. He was a four-time All-Star and a key contributor on both ends of the floor, known for his high-flying dunks, smooth shooting stroke, and ability to elevate his game in crucial moments.

4 Championships

LeBron James, Jamaal Wilkes, Andre Iguodala, Gene Guarilia

The greatest small forward ever, LeBron James, has won four NBA championships with three different teams, showcasing his ability to elevate his game and lead his teams to success on the biggest stage. He won with the Heat in 2012 and 2013, the Cavaliers in 2016, and the Lakers in 2020. Averaging a career 28.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, James is one of the most iconic Finals performers in history.

Jamaal Wilkes, known for his smooth playing style and trademark "laser" jump shot, was a key contributor to multiple championship teams during his NBA career. With four NBA championships to his name, Wilkes' scoring ability, versatility, and basketball IQ were instrumental in the success of the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a three-time NBA All-Star and a reliable performer on both ends of the floor, known for his consistency and ability to make crucial plays in clutch situations.

Andre Iguodala carved out a successful NBA career with his all-around skills, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. With four NBA championships to his name, Iguodala's defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and championship experience have been invaluable to the success of the Golden State Warriors. While not always the focal point on offense, Iguodala's impact on the game goes beyond the box score, as evidenced by his Finals MVP performance in 2015, where he played a key role in limiting LeBron James' production and helping the Warriors capture the championship.

Gene Guarilia, a lesser-known figure compared to the other players on this list, was a solid contributor to the Boston Celtics dynasty during the 1960s. Guarilia's athleticism, rebounding ability, and team-first mentality were instrumental in the Celtics' success during a time when the team was stacked with Hall of Fame talent. He was a reliable performer who understood his role and executed it to perfection, providing valuable minutes off the bench and making timely contributions when called upon.

3 Championships

Larry Bird, James Worthy, Toni Kukoc, Bruce Bowen, Rick Fox, Devean George, James Jones, Willie Naulls, Jud Buechler

Larry Bird, a legendary small forward for the Boston Celtics, won three NBA championships during his illustrious career. Known for his sharpshooting, basketball IQ, and fierce competitiveness, Bird's impact on the game transcended statistics, making him one of the greatest players in NBA history. Bird averaged 23.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game in the Finals and ended up winning two Finals MVPs as well.

James Worthy, known as "Big Game James," was a key member of the "Showtime" Los Angeles Lakers. His athleticism, clutch performances, and ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage solidified his legacy as a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest Lakers of all time. Worthy ended up winning Finals MVP in the 1978-88 Finals by posting 22.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

Toni Kukoc, a versatile and skilled forward, became a legend with the Chicago Bulls. Known for his playmaking, shooting touch, and basketball IQ, Kukoc's international experience and unique skill set made him a valuable member of the Bulls' championship teams as a sixth man who ended up in the Hall of Fame.

Bruce Bowen, a defensive specialist, won three NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs. Known for his tenacious defense, corner three-point shooting, and ability to guard the opposing team's best players. Employing a mix of techniques such as getting under opponent’s skins and even bending the rules just enough, Bowen's contributions were instrumental in the Spurs' success.

Rick Fox, a versatile forward known for his athleticism and basketball IQ, won three NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. His ability to defend multiple positions, make timely shots, and contribute in various ways made him a valuable role player on the Lakers' championship teams. Devean George, a solid and dependable forward, also won three NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his defensive intensity, rebounding, and team-first mentality, George's contributions off the bench were crucial to the Lakers' success.

James Jones earned his rings as a role player with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. Known for his three-point shooting and veteran leadership, Jones' contributions as a floor spacer and locker room presence were valuable to his teams' championship runs.

Willie Naulls won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. A versatile forward known for his scoring and rebounding ability, Naulls' contributions helped solidify the Celtics' and Knicks' frontcourt rotations during the 1950s and 1960s.

Jud Buechler was a part of the Chicago Bulls during their second three-peat in the late 1990s. A role player known for his energy, hustle, and three-point shooting, Buechler's contributions off the bench were instrumental in the Bulls' championship success.

2 Championships

Bob Dandridge, Cedric Maxwell, Mark Aguirre, Scott Wedman, Bill Bradley, M.L. Carr, Billy Thompson, James Posey, Wally Walker, Mike McGee, Luke Walton, Lou Tsioropoulos, Jim Holstein, Adam Morrison, Ron Bonham

Bob Dandridge won two NBA championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Bullets. A versatile forward known for his scoring, defense, and clutch performances, Dandridge's contributions were crucial to both championship teams.

Cedric Maxwell won two NBA championships with the Boston Celtics led by Larry Bird. Known for his efficient scoring and clutch performances, Maxwell's contributions, especially in the 1981 NBA Finals, where he was named Finals MVP, were instrumental in the Celtics' success.

Mark Aguirre provided scoring ability and versatility. Aguirre's offensive prowess and basketball IQ were valuable assets to the Pistons' "Bad Boys" era. Over his career, the forward averaged 8.7 points and 4.7 rebounds over his Finals career but his role was sincerely important.

Scott Wedman won each of his NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. A reliable shooter and solid defender, Wedman's versatility and basketball IQ made him a valuable role player on both championship teams.

Bill Bradley won both his NBA championships with the New York Knicks. Known for his intelligent playmaking, shooting, and leadership, Bradley's contributions were vital to the Knicks' championship success in the early 1970s.

M.L. Carr won two NBA championships with the Boston Celtics. A defensive specialist and energetic player, Carr's hustle, and intensity off the bench were key factors in the Celtics' championship runs in the 1980s.

Billy Thompson's contributions off the bench were crucial to the Lakers' success in the late 1980s even if he was a role player without having as great of an impact as the stars on his team which included Magic Johnson and James Worthy.

James Posey was a part of championship-winning teams with the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. Known for his defensive versatility, three-point shooting, and veteran leadership, Posey's contributions were instrumental in both championship runs.

Wally Walker won his titles with the Portland Trail Blazers as a solid rebounder and team player, making his contributions off the bench valuable to the Blazers' championship success in the late 1970s. Mike McGee won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his scoring ability and perimeter shooting, McGee's contributions off the bench were key to the Lakers' success in the 1980s.

Luke Walton won two NBA championships as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers and later as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors. Walton even started with the Lakers during the post-Shaquille O’Neal years so he had a solid nine-year career with the Purple and Gold.

Known for his solid defense and rebounding, Lou Tsioropoulos' contributions were important to the Celtics' championship success in the 1950s. Jim Holstein won two NBA championships with the Minneapolis Lakers.

Adam Morrison won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers although his playing time was limited, and Ron Bonham won his championships with the Boston Celtics. A solid shooter and team player, Bonham's contributions off the bench were valuable to the Celtics' championship success in the 1960s.