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Some of the greatest power forwards in NBA history have won multiple championships, including Tim Duncan with the San Antonio Spurs and Draymond Green who has four rings with the Golden State Warriors. The following list includes the 31 power forwards who have won at least two NBA titles over their careers.
8 Championships
Tom Heinsohn
Tom Heinsohn is a legendary figure in NBA history, particularly as a power forward for the Boston Celtics during the late 1950s and 1960s. Heinsohn won all eight of his titles with the Celtics under the coaching of the iconic Red Auerbach. This partnership between Heinsohn and Auerbach was instrumental in establishing the Celtics as a powerhouse team in the NBA during the 1960s. Heinsohn’s ability to thrive in Auerbach’s system, which prioritized teamwork, defense, and unselfish play, was a key factor in the team’s sustained success.
In addition to his championships, Heinsohn was also a six-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team four times during his playing career. His accolades further underscore his status as one of the premier power forwards of his era. Heinsohn’s combination of skill, competitiveness, and basketball IQ made him a crucial part of the Celtics’ dynasty and earned him a well-deserved place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
7 Championships
Robert Horry
Robert Horry, often referred to as “Big Shot Rob,” was renowned for his clutch performances in the playoffs and his impressive collection of championship rings. Horry won seven NBA championships throughout his 16-year career, playing for several iconic teams including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs. His ability to come through in high-pressure situations and make crucial plays during championship runs has earned him a reputation as one of the most clutch players in NBA history.
His seven championships are spread out across two different decades (1990s and 2000s), highlighting his longevity and sustained excellence throughout his career. Horry’s knack for stepping up in crucial moments and delivering when it mattered most made him a beloved and respected figure among teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
5 Championships
Tim Duncan, Dennis Rodman
Tim Duncan spent his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs, where he became the cornerstone of the franchise’s sustained success. Duncan’s five championships with the Spurs (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) are a testament to his consistency, leadership, and all-around excellence on both ends of the court. He was known for his fundamentally sound play, high basketball IQ, and unselfishness, making him a beloved teammate and a respected opponent. Duncan’s ability to dominate games without flashy athleticism or highlight-reel plays further emphasizes his greatness as a player.
On the other hand, Dennis Rodman was a unique and enigmatic figure in the NBA, known for his ferocious rebounding, tenacious defense, and colorful off-court antics. Rodman won his five championships with the Detroit Pistons (1989, 1990) and the Chicago Bulls (1996, 1997, 1998), showcasing his ability to impact winning in different team environments. Despite not being a prolific scorer or a traditional star player, Rodman’s energy, hustle, and defensive intensity made him an invaluable contributor to championship-caliber teams. His uncanny ability to anticipate rebounds and disrupt opposing offenses earned him the nickname “The Worm” and established him as one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history.
4 Championships
Vern Mikkelsen, Draymond Green, Horace Grant, Kurt Rambis, John Salley
Vern Mikkelsen was a key member of the Minneapolis Lakers during the early years of the NBA, winning four championships in the 1950s. Known for his physicality and toughness, Mikkelsen was a dominant rebounder and scorer in the post, helping the Lakers establish themselves as one of the league’s premier teams during that era. The Hall of Famer also made six All-Star Teams and four All-NBA Team selections before his retirement.
Draymond Green has been a linchpin for the Golden State Warriors during their recent dynasty, winning championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. While not a prolific scorer, Green’s versatility, basketball IQ, and defensive prowess have been instrumental in the Warriors’ success. He is known for his ability to guard multiple positions, facilitate the offense, and make winning plays in crucial moments. Green’s intensity, leadership, and unselfishness make him a vital cog in the Warriors’ well-oiled machine.
Horace Grant won his four championships with two iconic teams, the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. Playing alongside Michael Jordan in Chicago and Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, Grant carved out a niche as a reliable two-way player who could score, rebound, and defend at a high level. His knack for coming up big in playoff games and his willingness to do the dirty work on the court made him a beloved teammate and a valuable contributor to championship teams.
Kurt Rambis and John Salley both experienced championship success with multiple teams during their careers. Rambis won four titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s, serving as a high-energy role player who provided toughness and hustle off the bench. His blue-collar approach and willingness to sacrifice for the team epitomized the Lakers’ championship ethos during that era.
John Salley, meanwhile, won championships with the Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing his ability to adapt to different team environments and contribute to winning cultures wherever he went.
3 Championships
Kevin McHale, A.C. Green, Paul Silas, Mitch Kupchak, Udonis Haslem, Dickey Simpkins
Kevin McHale is perhaps the most well-known among this group of power forwards with three championships, having won three with the Boston Celtics during the 1980s. McHale was a dominant post player known for his exceptional footwork, scoring ability, and defensive prowess. His partnership with Larry Bird and Robert Parish formed one of the most formidable frontcourts in NBA history, and the big man ended his career with seven All-Star Teams, six All-Defensive Team selections, and two Sixth Man of the Year awards.
A.C. Green won his three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in the late 1980s and early 2000s. Known for his durability and longevity, Green set an NBA record by playing in 1,192 consecutive games. His tenacity on the boards, defensive versatility, and ability to contribute in a variety of ways made him a valuable role player and a trusted teammate on championship-caliber teams.
Paul Silas was a key contributor to championship-winning teams in the 1970s and 1980s, winning titles with the Boston Celtics and the Seattle SuperSonics. Silas was renowned for his rebounding prowess, physicality, and leadership on the court. His blue-collar work ethic and willingness to do whatever was necessary to help his team win made him a beloved figure among teammates and fans alike.
Mitch Kupchak won two championships with the Washington Bullets in the 1970s. While not a star player, Kupchak was a solid contributor off the bench, providing rebounding, scoring, and veteran leadership to help his team achieve championship success. He was also a part of the Lakers championship team in the 1982 season.
Udonis Haslem has spent his entire career with the Miami Heat, winning championships in 2006, 2012, and 2013. Haslem is known for his toughness, physicality, and loyalty to the Heat organization. Despite not being a prolific scorer or a flashy player, his intangibles, leadership, and willingness to sacrifice for the team have made him a respected figure and a valuable locker-room presence throughout his career.
Lastly, Dickey Simpkins won three championships with the Chicago Bulls during their second three-peat in the late 1990s. Simpkins was a role player who provided energy, defense, and rebounding off the bench.
2 Championships
Pau Gasol, Dave DeBusschere, Bailey Howell, Lamar Odom, Otis Thorpe, Jack Coleman, Cliff Levingston, Mark Landsberger, Carl Herrera, Lew Hitch, Stanislav Medvedenko, Howie Schultz, John Thompson, Steve Kuberski, Josh Powell, Walt Davis
Pau Gasol is arguably the most accomplished player among this group, winning two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010. Gasol was a skilled and versatile big man known for his scoring ability, passing skills, and basketball IQ. His partnership with Kobe Bryant and contributions to the Lakers’ frontcourt played a pivotal role in their championship runs during the late 2000s.
Dave DeBusschere (8-time All-Star) and Bailey Howell (six-time All-Star) were both standout players during the 1960s and 1970s who won two championships each. DeBusschere won his titles with the New York Knicks, showcasing his toughness, defense, and all-around versatility as a power forward. Howell, on the other hand, won championships with the Boston Celtics and was known for his scoring prowess and ability to dominate in the post.
Lamar Odom won his two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010 alongside Pau Gasol. Odom was a versatile forward known for his ball-handling, passing, and rebounding skills. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game as a sixth man during his championship years gave the Lakers a secret weapon to use in the regular season and playoffs.
Otis Thorpe, Jack Coleman, Cliff Levingston, Mark Landsberger, Carl Herrera, and Lew Hitch all won two championships during their respective careers, serving as solid role players who provided rebounding, defense, and energy off the bench. While they may not have been the primary scoring options on their teams, their contributions were crucial in helping their teams achieve championship success. Thorpe especially was a part of the Rockets team that went back-to-back in 1994 and 1995.
Stanislav Medvedenko, Howie Schultz, John Thompson, Steve Kuberski, Josh Powell, and Walt Davis also won two championships each, showcasing their ability to contribute to winning cultures and championship teams in various roles. Whether it was providing scoring, rebounding, defense, or veteran leadership, each of these players played a part in their teams’ championship runs and should be recognized for their contributions as bench players.
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