Winning an NBA championship ring signifies reaching the peak of basketball success. Only a few teams, coaches, and players have amassed numerous rings, forever etching their names in basketball history. This article explores the players with the most NBA rings, the coaches who led their teams to multiple victories, and the franchises whose legacies are defined by championship triumphs.
Teams With the Most NBA Rings
The NBA has seen a few elite franchises dominate the championships over the years. These teams have established dynasties and left lasting marks on the league. Here’s a quick overview:
BOSTON CELTICS – Holding the record with 18 NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS, the Boston Celtics have been a dominant force since the league’s early days. Their era of dominance in the 1950s and 1960s, led by legends like BILL RUSSELL, allowed them to secure numerous titles, solidifying their place at the top.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS – Tied with the Celtics for the most NBA rings until recently, the Lakers have won 17 NBA TITLES. The team has boasted legendary players such as MAGIC JOHNSON, KOBE BRYANT, and SHAQUILLE O’NEAL. Their most recent titles came in 2020, led by LEBRON JAMES, adding to their historic achievements.
Coaches With the Most NBA Rings
Coaches play a pivotal role in orchestrating championship-winning teams, and some coaches have become synonymous with winning. Let’s look at the coaches with the most NBA rings:
PHIL JACKSON – Phil Jackson tops the list with 11 CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS as a coach, making him the most successful coach in NBA history. Jackson’s championships are spread across two iconic franchises: he won six with the CHICAGO BULLS (1991-1993, 1996-1998) alongside MICHAEL JORDAN, and five with the LOS ANGELES LAKERS (2000-2002, 2009, 2010) during the era of KOBE BRYANT and SHAQUILLE O’NEAL. Combined Rings – Jackson also has two rings as a player with the NEW YORK KNICKS, bringing his total ring count to 13, the highest number of rings by any individual as both player and coach. In a forthcoming article, “What NBA Coach Has The Most Rings?” we will explore the unique legacy of individuals who succeeded as both players and coaches, with a special focus on Jackson.
RED AUERBACH – The mastermind behind the Celtics’ dynasty in the 1950s and 1960s, Auerbach won NINE NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS as head coach of the BOSTON CELTICS. His contributions to the game and his strategic innovations made him one of the most respected figures in NBA history.
PAT RILEY – A Hall of Fame coach known for his successes with the LOS ANGELES LAKERS and MIAMI HEAT, Riley secured FIVE NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS as a coach. His leadership in guiding multiple franchises to victory has made him one of the most influential figures in NBA coaching history.
GREGG POPOVICH – As one of the most revered coaches in NBA history, Gregg Popovich has won FIVE NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS with the SAN ANTONIO SPURS (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014). Known for his emphasis on team-oriented play, defensive discipline, and his ability to adapt over decades, Popovich’s success with the Spurs created one of the longest-lasting dynasties in NBA history. His influence on the game goes beyond rings, as he’s also recognized for his role in developing players like TIM DUNCAN, MANU GINOBILI, and TONY PARKER, as well as revolutionizing the way the game is played through spacing and ball movement.
JOHN KUNDLA – One of the early greats in NBA coaching, John Kundla led the MINNEAPOLIS LAKERS to FIVE NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954), building one of the league’s first dynasties. With legendary players like GEORGE MIKAN, Kundla’s Lakers dominated in the pre-shot-clock era, setting a foundation for future NBA success and excellence. His coaching achievements with the Lakers remain a lasting legacy, representing an era when basketball was establishing itself as a major American sport.
STEVE KERR – While still active, GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS coach Steve Kerr has already won FOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS as a head coach. Kerr’s modern Warriors dynasty has been defined by their revolutionary three-point shooting and versatile playstyle, led by stars STEPHEN CURRY, KLAY THOMPSON, and DRAYMOND GREEN.
Players With the Most NBA Rings
In the NBA, a championship ring represents the pinnacle of a player’s career, and only a few players have multiple rings that symbolize their continuous success and dominance.
BILL RUSSELL – Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion with the BOSTON CELTICS, holds the record for the most rings by a player. Russell’s career from 1957 to 1969 was highlighted by his unparalleled shot-blocking ability, leadership, and defensive prowess. His championship years with the Celtics (1957, 1959-1966, 1968, and 1969) mark one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.
SAM JONES – A ten-time champion and Russell’s teammate on the Celtics, Sam Jones contributed immensely to Boston’s dominance during the 1960s. Known for his clutch shooting, Jones played a critical role in securing the Celtics’ dynasty.
JOHN HAVLICEK – Another key player for the Celtics, John Havlicek won EIGHT NBA TITLES and was known for his endurance, versatility, and relentless play on both ends of the floor.
TOM HEINSOHN – A true Boston Celtics legend, Tom Heinsohn won EIGHT NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS as a player (1957, 1959-1965) with the Celtics, adding to his legacy with two more titles as a coach. Known for his scoring, intensity, and competitive spirit, Heinsohn was a key offensive force for the Celtics during their dynasty years and contributed greatly to Boston’s dominance in the league.
K.C. JONES – A defensive stalwart and Bill Russell’s trusted teammate, K.C. Jones earned EIGHT NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS (1959-1966) as a player with the Celtics. Known for his tenacity on defense and leadership on the court, Jones played an essential role in the Celtics’ title runs. His winning ways continued into his coaching career, where he captured two more rings as head coach of the Celtics in the 1980s.
TOM “SATCH” SANDERS – Known for his exceptional defense and consistency, Tom “Satch” Sanders won EIGHT NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS (1961-1966, 1968, 1969) with the Celtics. His willingness to play tough defense and do the “dirty work” made him a valued teammate and a crucial part of Boston’s championship dynasty.
JIM LOSCUTOFF – A tough and physical presence on the court, Jim Loscutoff was a key defensive player who helped the Celtics secure SEVEN NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS (1957, 1959-1964). His dedication to defense and rebounding complemented Boston’s high-powered offense, and his contributions were instrumental to the Celtics’ early success.
FRANK RAMSEY – Known as one of the NBA’s first true “sixth men,” Frank Ramsey won SEVEN NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS (1957, 1959-1964) with the Celtics. Ramsey’s ability to come off the bench and provide scoring and energy set a precedent for future sixth men in the league. His versatility and clutch performances made him an invaluable asset to Boston’s dynasty.
ROBERT HORRY – With seven rings across three different teams, Robert Horry earned the nickname “Big Shot Rob” for his clutch shooting in critical playoff moments. Horry’s championships came with the HOUSTON ROCKETS, LOS ANGELES LAKERS, and SAN ANTONIO SPURS, making him one of the most decorated players who wasn’t a franchise superstar.
BOB COUSY – A pioneer of the point guard position, Bob Cousy won SIX NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS (1957, 1959-1963) with the Celtics. Known for his dazzling ball-handling and passing, Cousy revolutionized the game and became one of the league’s first superstars. His leadership and playmaking were central to the Celtics’ success and helped lay the groundwork for Boston’s dominance.
KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR – With six rings across a legendary career with the MILWAUKEE BUCKS and the LOS ANGELES LAKERS, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar left an indelible mark on the game. Known for his unstoppable skyhook and unmatched longevity, Kareem’s championships and scoring records are a testament to his place among the all-time greats.
MICHAEL JORDAN – Though he has “only” six rings, MICHAEL JORDAN is widely regarded as the greatest NBA player of all time. Leading the CHICAGO BULLS to two three-peats (1991-1993 and 1996-1998) under coach Phil Jackson, Jordan’s influence on the game and his iconic championships remain unmatched in terms of cultural impact.
SCOTTIE PIPPEN – Widely regarded as one of the best two-way players in NBA history, Scottie Pippen won SIX NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS with the CHICAGO BULLS (1991-1993, 1996-1998), playing alongside Michael Jordan. Pippen’s defensive skills, versatility, and ability to elevate his game in critical moments made him an essential piece of the Bulls’ two three-peats and cemented his legacy as a champion.
Active NBA Players With the Most Rings
While most of today’s NBA stars chase their first or second ring, a few active players have built impressive collections:
LEBRON JAMES – LeBron holds four championships: two with the MIAMI HEAT (2012, 2013), one with the CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (2016), and one with the LOS ANGELES LAKERS (2020). His combination of talent, durability, and versatility has kept him at the forefront of championship contention for nearly two decades.
STEPHEN CURRY, KLAY THOMPSON, DRAYMOND GREEN – The core trio of the GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS dynasty, Curry, Thompson, and Green each have four rings (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022). Their unique blend of skills and teamwork revolutionized the game, popularizing three-point shooting and small-ball lineups.
JAVALE MCGEE – Known for his role as a strong defender and rim protector, McGee has won three rings with the GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS and LOS ANGELES LAKERS.
KEVON LOONEY – Another Warriors player who has contributed to the team’s championships, Looney has won three rings alongside Curry, Thompson, and Green.
The Legacy of Championship Rings in NBA History
NBA championships signify much more than just titles; they symbolize the legacy, dedication, and impact that players, coaches, and franchises have had on the sport. For some, like CHARLES BARKLEY and KARL MALONE, greatness did not lead to a championship ring, but these players still left a lasting impact on the league. The NBA Finals, playoffs, and rings represent the culmination of skill, resilience, and strategy – the ultimate proof of excellence in basketball.
This exploration of NBA championships across teams, players, and coaches shows the greatness required to reach basketball’s pinnacle. Each era brings new contenders, but the achievements of these legendary players and coaches set standards that inspire future generations. From Bill Russell’s defensive dominance to Phil Jackson’s masterful coaching and Michael Jordan’s unwavering competitiveness, championship rings represent not only wins but the lasting influence of those who earn them. As the NBA evolves, the chase for rings continues, shaping legacies and fueling the dreams of players and fans alike.
Phil Jackson has the most rings as a coach with 11 titles.
HOW MANY RINGS DOES MICHAEL JORDAN HAVE?
Michael Jordan has six NBA championships, all with the Chicago Bulls.
SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Squad, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Squad, LLC also participates in affiliate programs with the NBA Store, ShareASale, Clickbank, CJ Affiliates and other sites. As an affiliate Squad, LLC earn from referring traffic, business and qualifying purchases.
