Introduction to NBA Championship Droughts
Last season, the Larry O’Brien trophy returned to Boston, a city that has won more NBA championships than any other. It was the 18th title for the Celtics, which is 18 more than many teams in the league. There are 10 NBA franchises that have never won an NBA championship, and as many as five of them will be competing in the first round of the playoffs that begin Saturday.
Background on Title-less Teams
Two of those teams — the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers — reached their respective conference finals last season. They were each attempting to become the fourth NBA team over the last decade to capture their first NBA championship — joining the 2022-23 Denver Nuggets, the 2018-19 Toronto Raptors and the 2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers.
Which Teams Have Never Won an NBA Championship?
There are 10 active NBA teams that have not yet won an NBA championship: the Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz. The Pacers, Clippers, Timberwolves, and Magic have secured their spot in the 2025 playoffs, and they could be joined by the Grizzlies if they win their play-in game on Friday.
Review of Each Team’s History
Perhaps you thought the Oklahoma City Thunder would be on this list. The Thunder, who had the best record in the league this season at 68-14, won the NBA championship in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics. Since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008, the team has not yet won a title but did reach the NBA Finals in 2012. As the NBA playoffs near, let’s look at each of the title-less teams and see how close each has come to winning that elusive championship:
Brooklyn Nets
Joined NBA: 1976
NBA Finals appearances: 2 (2002, 2003)
The Nets have not won a title since joining the NBA in 1976. But they did win two ABA titles!
Charlotte Hornets
Joined NBA: 1988
NBA Finals appearances: None
Neither the Hornets nor the Bobcats have won a title. In fact, they are one of two teams to have never advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs. Probably why Michael Jordan sold the team.
Indiana Pacers
Joined NBA: 1976
NBA Finals appearances: 1 (2000)
The Pacers, a three-time ABA champion, pushed a Los Angeles Lakers team led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant to six games in the 2000 Finals.
Los Angeles Clippers
Joined NBA: 1970
NBA Finals appearances: None
The Clippers’ postseason history is well documented, as is the organization’s past dysfunction. There’s even a television series about it. But the Clippers enter this season’s playoffs having won 18 of their last 21 games. Perhaps this is the year they finally reach their first NBA Finals?
Memphis Grizzlies
Joined NBA: 1995
NBA Finals appearances: None
The Grizzlies have more international relocations than NBA championships, having shifted from Vancouver to Memphis in 2001.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Joined NBA: 1989
NBA Finals appearances: None
The Timberwolves came within three wins of their first NBA Finals appearance last season after Anthony Edwards led the team to the Western Conference Finals.
New Orleans Pelicans
Joined NBA: 2002
NBA Finals appearances: None
The Pelicans, along with the Hornets, are the only teams in the league that have never reached the conference finals. Perhaps one day we’ll get the Pelicans-Hornets NBA Finals matchup we deserve.
Orlando Magic
Joined NBA: 1989
NBA Finals appearances: 2 (1995, 2009)
The Magic have made it to the Finals twice and lost both. But they will forever be the last team to eliminate Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, so there’s that.
Phoenix Suns
Joined NBA: 1968
NBA Finals appearances: 3 (1976, 1993, 2021)
The Suns have been two wins away from winning a title on three occasions, including in 2021 when they held a 2-0 series lead over the Milwaukee Bucks. They are the only current team in the league to have reached three NBA Finals without winning a championship.
Utah Jazz
Joined NBA: 1974
NBA Finals appearances: 2 (1997, 1998)
Thanks, Michael Jordan.
Teams That Have Never Been to the NBA Finals
Five current NBA franchises have still yet to play in the Finals with one team in the midst of a half-century drought.
- Los Angeles Clippers – 55 seasons
- Minnesota Timberwolves – 36 seasons
- Charlotte Hornets – 35 seasons
- Memphis Grizzlies – 30 seasons
- New Orleans Pelicans – 23 seasons
With Boston looking to end a 50-year franchise drought, Jalen Brunson’s health questionable for the Knicks and Luka Dončić making his Lakers playoff debut, here are the biggest storylines to watch entering the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while several teams have never won an NBA championship, each of these teams has its own unique history and has come close to winning a title at some point. Whether it’s the Brooklyn Nets, who have been to the NBA Finals but not won, or the Charlotte Hornets, who have never advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs, each team has its own story to tell. As the 2025 NBA playoffs approach, it will be interesting to see if any of these teams can break through and win their first championship.
FAQs
- Q: How many NBA teams have never won a championship?
A: There are 10 active NBA teams that have not yet won an NBA championship. - Q: Which teams have never been to the NBA Finals?
A: The Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans have never appeared in the NBA Finals. - Q: What is the longest drought without a championship?
A: The Los Angeles Clippers have the longest drought, having never won a championship in their 55-season history. - Q: Which team has been closest to winning a championship without doing so?
A: The Phoenix Suns have reached the NBA Finals three times without winning a championship, coming closest in 2021 when they held a 2-0 series lead over the Milwaukee Bucks.
