List of NBA franchise postseason droughts

Last updated

This is a list of National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise post-season appearance droughts. This list includes the all-time and the active consecutive non-playoffs. Aside from the NBA playoff appearance droughts, this list also includes droughts of series wins, appearances in the NBA Finals and NBA championship wins. The oldest franchise to never win the championship is the Suns (54 seasons), while the Royals/Kings and the Hawks have even longer championship droughts (71 and 64 seasons, respectively). Five franchises have never been to the NBA Finals, tied with the National Hockey League for the highest number among the major North American sports. [1] The oldest such team is the Braves/Clippers franchise (52 seasons); the Kings and the Hawks have appearance droughts that are even longer (71 and 61 seasons, respectively). The longest a franchise has gone without appearing in the playoffs at all is 16 seasons: the Kings franchise from 2006 to 2023.

Contents

Of the 20 franchises that have won an NBA championship, 7 have droughts of 38 seasons or more, which is to say that the past 40 championships have been shared among only 13 franchises: the Lakers (9), Bulls (6), Spurs (5), Warriors (4), Pistons (3), Celtics (3), Heat (3), Rockets (2), Mavericks (1), Cavaliers (1), Raptors (1), Bucks (1), and Nuggets (1). By contrast, the other three major North American sports have each had at least 18 franchises become champions over the same period of time. [2] [3]

Active droughts

NBA Playoffs appearance droughts

Appearance droughts updated through May 3, 2024.
Playoff picture at NBA.com [4]
^Longest drought in team history
†Tied for longest drought in team history
SeasonsTeamLast appearance
in NBA playoffs 		Reference
8 Charlotte Hornets ^ 2016 First Round [5]
5 Detroit Pistons 2019 First Round [6]
5 San Antonio Spurs ^ 2019 First Round [7]
4 Houston Rockets 2020 Western Semifinals [8]
3 Portland Trail Blazers 2021 First Round [9]
3 Washington Wizards 2021 First Round [10]
2 Utah Jazz 2022 First Round [11]
2 Toronto Raptors 2022 First Round [12]
2 Chicago Bulls 2022 First Round [13]
1 Atlanta Hawks 2023 First Round [14]
1 Brooklyn Nets 2023 First Round [15]
1 Memphis Grizzlies 2023 First Round [16]
1 Sacramento Kings 2023 First Round [17]
1 Golden State Warriors 2023 Western Semifinals [18]
2024 Playoff teams
0 Phoenix Suns 2024 First Round [19]
0 Los Angeles Lakers 2024 First Round [20]
0 New Orleans Pelicans 2024 First Round [21]
0 Miami Heat 2024 First Round [22]
0 Milwaukee Bucks 2024 First Round [23]
0 Philadelphia 76ers 2024 First Round [24]
0 Los Angeles Clippers 2024 First Round [25]
0 Orlando Magic 2024 First Round [26]
0 Cleveland Cavaliers 2024 Eastern Semifinals [27]
0 Oklahoma City Thunder 2024 Western Semifinals [28]
0 New York Knicks 2024 Eastern Semifinals [29]
0 Denver Nuggets 2024 Western Semifinals [30]
0 Indiana Pacers 2024 Eastern finals [31]
0 Minnesota Timberwolves 2024 Western finals [32]
0 Dallas Mavericks 2024 NBA finalist [33]
0 Boston Celtics 2024 NBA finals winners [34]

NBA Playoffs series win droughts

Droughts updated through April 2024.
Playoff picture at NBA.com [4]
^Longest drought in team history
♦Most consecutive series losses in team history
Current Playoff series loss streak
Seasons
since win		TeamLast series win
in NBA Playoffs		Losing
streak		Series losses – teamsRef
20 [a] Charlotte Hornets ^ 2002 Eastern First Round 4 ♦ 2002 New Jersey
2010 Orlando
2014 Miami
2016 Miami		 [5]
20 Sacramento Kings 2004 Western First Round 4 2004 Minnesota
2005 Seattle
2006 San Antonio
2023 Golden State		 [17]
16 Detroit Pistons 2008 Eastern Semifinals 4 2008 Boston
2009 Cleveland
2016 Cleveland
2019 Milwaukee		 [6]
14 Orlando Magic 2010 Eastern Semifinals 6 2010 Boston
2011 Atlanta
2012 Indiana
2019 Toronto
2020 Milwaukee
2024 Cleveland		 [26]
9 Chicago Bulls 2015 Eastern First Round 3 2015 Cleveland
2017 Boston
2022 Milwaukee		 [13]
7 Washington Wizards 2017 Eastern First Round 3 2017 Boston
2018 Toronto
2021 Philadelphia		 [10]
7 San Antonio Spurs 2017 Western Semifinals 3 2017 Golden State
2018 Golden State
2019 Denver		 [7]
6 New Orleans Pelicans 2018 Western First Round 3 2018 Golden State
2022 Phoenix
2024 Oklahoma City		 [21]
5 Portland Trail Blazers 2019 Western Semifinals 3 2019 Golden State
2020 L. A. Lakers
2021 Denver		 [9]
4 Toronto Raptors 2020 Eastern First Round 2 2020 Boston
2022 Philadelphia		 [12]
4 Houston Rockets 2020 Western First Round 1 2020 L. A. Lakers [8]
3 Utah Jazz 2021 Western First Round 2 2021 L. A. Clippers
2022 Dallas		 [11]
3 Brooklyn Nets 2021 Eastern First Round 3 2021 Milwaukee
2022 Boston
2023 Philadelphia		 [15]
3 Los Angeles Clippers 2021 Western Semifinals 3 2021 Phoenix
2023 Phoenix
2024 Dallas		 [25]
3 Atlanta Hawks 2021 Eastern Semifinals 3 2021 Milwaukee
2022 Miami
2023 Boston		 [14]
2 Milwaukee Bucks 2022 Eastern First Round 3 2022 Boston
2023 Miami
2024 Indiana		 [23]
2 Memphis Grizzlies 2022 Western First Round 2 2022 Golden State
2023 Los Angeles		 [16]
1 Philadelphia 76ers 2023 Eastern First Round 2 2023 Boston
2024 New York		 [24]
1 Phoenix Suns 2023 Western First Round 2 2023 Denver
2024 Minnesota		 [19]
1 Golden State Warriors 2023 Western First Round 1 2023 L.A. Lakers [18]
1 L.A. Lakers 2023 Western Semifinals 2 2023 Denver
2024 Denver		 [18]
1 Miami Heat 2023 Eastern Conference Finals 2 2023 Denver
2024 Boston		 [22]
2024 Playoff Series Winners
0 Cleveland Cavaliers 2024 Eastern First Round 1 2024 Boston [27]
0 Oklahoma City Thunder 2024 Western First Round 1 2024 Dallas [28]
0 New York Knicks 2024 Eastern First Round 1 2024 Indiana [18]
0 Denver Nuggets 2024 Western First Round 1 2024 Minnesota [30]
0 Indiana Pacers 2024 Eastern Semifinals 1 2024 Boston [31]
0 Minnesota Timberwolves 2024 Western Semifinals 1 2024 Dallas [32]
0 Dallas Mavericks 2024 Western Conference Finals 1 2024 Boston [33]
0 Boston Celtics 2024 NBA Finals 04-series win streak [34]

a Charlotte was also inactive for two years following the 2001–02 season.

NBA Conference Finals appearance droughts

^Longest drought in team history
SeasonsTeamLast appearance
in Conference Finals		ResultReference
45 Washington Wizards ^ [c] 1979 Won vs. San Antonio [10]
34 Charlotte Hornets ^Never (enfranchised 1988) — [5]
24 New York Knicks 2000 Lost vs. Indiana [29]
23 Philadelphia 76ers ^ 2001 Won vs. Milwaukee [24]
22 Sacramento Kings 2002 Lost vs. L.A. Lakers [17]
22 New Orleans Pelicans ^Never (enfranchised 2002) — [21]
21 Brooklyn Nets [d] 2003 Won vs. Detroit [15]
17 Utah Jazz 2007 Lost vs. San Antonio [11]
16 Detroit Pistons 2008 Lost vs. Boston [6]
14 Orlando Magic 2010 Lost vs. Boston [26]
13 Chicago Bulls 2011 Lost vs. Miami [13]
11 Memphis Grizzlies 2013 Lost vs. San Antonio [16]
8 Oklahoma City Thunder 2016 Lost vs. Golden State [28]
7 San Antonio Spurs 2017 Lost vs. Golden State [7]
6 Cleveland Cavaliers 2018 Won vs. Boston [27]
6 Houston Rockets 2018 Lost vs. Golden State [8]
5 Toronto Raptors 2019 Won vs. Milwaukee [12]
5 Portland Trail Blazers 2019 Lost vs. Golden State [9]
3 Phoenix Suns 2021 Won vs. L.A. Clippers [19]
3 Los Angeles Clippers 2021 Lost vs. Phoenix [25]
3 Milwaukee Bucks 2021 Won vs. Atlanta [23]
3 Atlanta Hawks 2021 Lost vs. Milwaukee [14]
2 Golden State Warriors 2022 Won vs. Dallas [18]
1 Denver Nuggets 2023 Won vs. L.A. Lakers [30]
1 Los Angeles Lakers 2023 Lost vs. Denver [20]
1 Miami Heat 2023 Won vs. Boston [22]
2024 Conference Finalists
0 Indiana Pacers 2024 Lost vs. Boston [31]
0 Boston Celtics 2024 Won vs. Indiana [34]
0 Minnesota Timberwolves 2024 Lost vs. Dallas [32]
0 Dallas Mavericks 2024 Won vs. Minnesota [33]

NBA Finals appearance droughts

SeasonsTeamLast appearance
in NBA Finals 		ResultReference
73 Sacramento Kings 1951 [a] Won vs. New York [17]
63 Atlanta Hawks 1961 [b] Lost vs. Boston [14]
54 Los Angeles Clippers Never (enfranchised 1970) — [25]
45 Washington Wizards [c] 1979 Lost vs. Seattle [10]
35 Minnesota Timberwolves Never (enfranchised 1989)— [32]
34 Charlotte Hornets Never (enfranchised (1988)— [5]
32 Portland Trail Blazers 1992 Lost vs. Chicago [9]
29 Houston Rockets 1995 Won vs. Orlando [8]
29 Memphis Grizzlies Never (enfranchised 1995)— [16]
26 Utah Jazz 1998 Lost vs. Chicago [11]
26 Chicago Bulls 1998 Won vs. Utah [13]
25 New York Knicks 1999 Lost vs. San Antonio [29]
24 Indiana Pacers 2000 Lost vs. L. A. Lakers [31]
23 Philadelphia 76ers 2001 Lost vs. L. A. Lakers [24]
22 New Orleans Pelicans Never (enfranchised 2002)— [21]
21 Brooklyn Nets [d] 2003 Lost vs. San Antonio [15]
19 Detroit Pistons 2005 Lost vs. San Antonio [6]
15 Orlando Magic 2009 Lost vs. L. A. Lakers [26]
12 Oklahoma City Thunder 2012 Lost vs. Miami [28]
10 San Antonio Spurs 2014 Won vs. Miami [7]
6 Cleveland Cavaliers 2018 Lost vs. Golden State [27]
5 Toronto Raptors 2019 Won vs. Golden State [12]
4 Los Angeles Lakers 2020 Won vs. Miami [20]
3 Milwaukee Bucks 2021 Won vs. Phoenix [23]
3 Phoenix Suns 2021 Lost vs. Milwaukee [19]
2 Golden State Warriors 2022 Won vs. Boston [18]
1 Denver Nuggets 2023 Won vs. Miami [30]
1 Miami Heat 2023 Lost vs. Denver [22]
2024 Finalists
0 Dallas Mavericks 2024 Lost vs. Boston [33]
0 Boston Celtics 2024 Won vs. Dallas [34]

NBA championship title droughts

SeasonsTeamLast NBA championshipReference
Walter A. Brown Trophy [c]
73 Sacramento Kings 1951 [a] [17]
66 Atlanta Hawks 1958 [b] [14]
56 Phoenix Suns Never (enfranchised 1968) [19]
54 Los Angeles Clippers Never (enfranchised 1970) [25]
51 New York Knicks 1973 [29]
50 Utah Jazz Never (enfranchised 1974) [11]
Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy
48 Brooklyn Nets Never (joined NBA in 1977) [15]
48 Indiana Pacers Never (joined NBA in 1977) [31]
47 Portland Trail Blazers 1977 [9]
46 Washington Wizards [d] 1978 [10]
45 Oklahoma City Thunder [e] 1979 [28]
41 Philadelphia 76ers 1983 [24]
35 Orlando Magic Never (enfranchised 1989) [26]
35 Minnesota Timberwolves Never (enfranchised 1990) [32]
34 Charlotte Hornets Never (enfranchised 1988) [5]
29 Houston Rockets 1995 [8]
29 Memphis Grizzlies Never (enfranchised 1995) [16]
26 Chicago Bulls 1998 [13]
22 New Orleans Pelicans Never (enfranchised 2002) [21]
20 Detroit Pistons 2004 [6]
13 Dallas Mavericks 2011 [33]
11 Miami Heat 2013 [33]
10 San Antonio Spurs 2014 [7]
8 Cleveland Cavaliers 2016 [27]
5 Toronto Raptors 2019 [12]
4 Los Angeles Lakers 2020 [20]
3 Milwaukee Bucks 2021 [23]
2 Golden State Warriors 2022 [18]
1 Denver Nuggets 2023 [30]
0 Boston Celtics 2024 [34]

All-time droughts

Closest approaches without winning

Updated through the 2024 playoffs.


Last team to leave list – Denver Nuggets 2023
TeamConference Quarter-Final appearancesConference Semi-Final appearancesConference Final appearancesNBA Final appearancesFewest wins short of NBA Championship
Brooklyn Nets 248222 wins short : 2003
Indiana Pacers 2811912 wins short : 2000
Phoenix Suns 33211032 wins short : 1976, 1993, 2021
Utah Jazz 3117622 wins short : 1997, 1998
Orlando Magic 175423 wins short : 2009
Los Angeles Clippers 18916 wins short : 2021
Minnesota Timberwolves 12226 wins short : 2004
Memphis Grizzlies 13418 wins short : 2013
New Orleans Pelicans 929 wins short : 2008
Charlotte Hornets 1049 wins short : 2001

Longest post-season droughts in team history

Updated through the 2023–24 season.

^Denotes active drought
TeamLongest streak with
no post-season appearances		Seasons
Sacramento Kings 2006–07 through 2021–22 16
Los Angeles Clippers 1976–77 through 1990–91 15
Minnesota Timberwolves 2004–05 through 2016–17 13
Golden State Warriors 1994–95 through 2005–06 12
Dallas Mavericks 1990–91 through 1999–2000 10
Phoenix Suns 2010–11 through 2019–20 10
Utah Jazz 1974–75 through 1982–83 9
Washington Wizards 1988–89 through 1995–96 8
Memphis Grizzlies 1995–96 through 2002–03 8
Denver Nuggets 1995–96 through 2002–03 8
Atlanta Hawks 1999–2000 through 2006–07 8
Charlotte Hornets ^ 2016–17 through 2023–24 8
New York Knicks 1959–60 through 1965–66
2013–14 through 2019–20 		7
Oklahoma City Thunder 1967–68 through 1973–74 7
Milwaukee Bucks 1991–92 through 1997–98 7
Philadelphia 76ers 1991–92 through 1997–98 7
Cleveland Cavaliers 1998–99 through 2004–05 7
Portland Trail Blazers 1970–71 through 1975–76 6
Detroit Pistons 1977–78 through 1982–83
2009–10 through 2014–15 		6
Boston Celtics 1995–96 through 2000–01 6
Chicago Bulls 1998–99 through 2003–04 6
Orlando Magic 2012–13 through 2017–18 6
Los Angeles Lakers 2013–14 through 2018–19 6
Houston Rockets 1969–70 through 1973–74 5
Indiana Pacers 1981–82 through 1985–86 5
Brooklyn Nets 1986–87 through 1990–91
2007–08 through 2011–12 		5
Toronto Raptors 2008–09 through 2012–13 5
San Antonio Spurs ^ 2019–20 through 2023–24 5
Miami Heat 1988–89 through 1990–91 3
New Orleans Pelicans 2004–05 through 2006–07
2011–12 through 2013–14
2018–19 through 2020–21 		3

Longest post-season series win droughts in team history

Updated through the 2023–24 season.

^Denotes active drought
TeamLongest streak with
no post-season series wins		Seasons
Los Angeles Clippers 1976–77 through 2004–05 29
Washington Wizards 1982–83 through 2003–04 22
Charlotte Hornets ^ 2004–05 through 2023–24 20
Sacramento Kings ^ 2004–05 through 2023–24 20
Minnesota Timberwolves 2004–05 through 2022–23 19
Indiana Pacers 1976–77 through 1992–93 17
Brooklyn Nets 1984–85 through 2000–01 17
Milwaukee Bucks 2001–02 through 2017–18 17
Detroit Pistons ^ 2008–09 through 2023–24 16
New York Knicks 1953–54 through 1967–68 15
Cleveland Cavaliers 1976–77 through 1990–91 15
Golden State Warriors 1991–92 through 2005–06 15
Memphis Grizzlies 1995–96 through 2009–10 15
Denver Nuggets 1994–95 through 2007–08 14
Toronto Raptors 2001–02 through 2014–15 14
Orlando Magic ^ 2010–11 through 2023–24 14
Portland Trail Blazers 2000–01 through 2012–13 13
Dallas Mavericks 1988–89 through 1999–2000 12
Houston Rockets 1997–98 through 2007–08 11
Phoenix Suns 2010–11 through 2019–20 10
Utah Jazz 1974–75 through 1982–83 9
Boston Celtics 1992–93 through 2000–01 9
Atlanta Hawks 1999–2000 through 2007–08 9
New Orleans Pelicans 2008–09 through 2016–17 9
Chicago Bulls ^ 2015–16 through 2023–24 9
Philadelphia 76ers 1968–69 through 1975–76
2003–04 through 2010–11 		8
Miami Heat 1988–89 through 1995–96 8
Oklahoma City Thunder 1967–68 through 1973–74
2016–17 through 2022–23 		7
Los Angeles Lakers 2012–13 through 2018–19 7
San Antonio Spurs ^ 2017–18 through 2023–24 7

Longest NBA Playoffs appearance droughts

Appearance droughts updated through the 2023–24 season.
^Denotes active drought
TeamStreak (seasons) NBA Playoffs
appearance droughts		Reference
Sacramento Kings 16 2006–2022 [17]
Buffalo Braves / San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers 15 1977–1991 [25]
Minnesota Timberwolves 13 2005–2017 [32]
Golden State Warriors 12 1995–2006 [18]
Dallas Mavericks 10 1991–2000 [33]
Phoenix Suns 10 2011–2020 [19]
New Orleans / Utah Jazz 9 1975–1983 [11]
Golden State Warriors 9 1978–1986 [18]
Sacramento Kings 9 1987–1995 [17]
Washington Bullets 8 1989–1996 [10]
Denver Nuggets 8 1996–2003 [30]
Vancouver / Memphis Grizzlies 8 1996–2003 [16]
Los Angeles Clippers 8 1998–2005 [25]
Atlanta Hawks 8 2000–2007 [14]
Charlotte Hornets ^8 2017–Present [5]

Longest Conference finals droughts

Appearance droughts updated through May 13, 2023. The current Conference Finals format was introduced in 1971.
^Denotes active drought
†Year the team joined the NBA
SeasonsTeamNBA Conference Finals
appearance droughts		Reference
50 Los Angeles Clippers [a] 1971 †– 2020 [25]
45 Washington Wizards ^ [b] 1980 – present [10]
44 Atlanta Hawks 1971 – 2014 [14]
38 Golden State Warriors 1977 – 2014 [18]
34 Charlotte Hornets ^ [c] 1989 †– present [5]
25 New Jersey Nets [d] 1977 †– 2001 [15]
24 New York Knicks ^ 2001 – present [29]
23 Denver Nuggets 1986 – 2008 [30]
23 Philadelphia 76ers ^ 2002 – present [24]
22 Sacramento Kings 2003 – present [17]
22 New Orleans Pelicans ^ 2003 † – present [21]
21 Brooklyn Nets ^ 2004 – present [15]
20 Toronto Raptors 1996 † – 2015 [12]
20 Sacramento Kings [e] 1982 – 2001 [17]

NBA Division Championship droughts

Updated through the 2023–24 season.

^Longest drought in team history
♦2023–24 Division Champion

Left click once on Seasons since win column heading then once on Division column heading
to show teams listed in order of division championships.

FranchiseMost recent titleDivisionSeasons since win
Charlotte Hornets ^None (enfranchised 1988–89) Southeast34
Minnesota Timberwolves ^ 2003–04 Northwest20
Brooklyn Nets 2005–06 Atlantic18
New Orleans Pelicans ^ 2007–08 Southwest16
Detroit Pistons 2007–08 Central16
Chicago Bulls 2011–12 Central12
New York Knicks 2012–13 Atlantic11
Indiana Pacers 2013–14 Central10
San Antonio Spurs 2016–17 Southwest7
Washington Wizards 2016–17 Southeast7
Cleveland Cavaliers 2017–18 Central6
Portland Trail Blazers 2017–18 Northwest6
Golden State Warriors 2018–19 Pacific5
Toronto Raptors 2019–20 Atlantic4
Los Angeles Lakers 2019–20 Pacific4
Houston Rockets 2019–20 Southwest4
Atlanta Hawks 2020–21 Southeast4
Philadelphia 76ers 2020–21 Atlantic3
Phoenix Suns 2021–22 Pacific2
Utah Jazz 2021–22 Northwest2
Sacramento Kings 2022–23 Pacific1
Memphis Grizzlies 2022–23 Southwest1
Miami Heat 2022-23 Southeast1
Denver Nuggets 2022–23 Northwest1
Boston Celtics ♦ 2023–24 Atlantic0–1
Milwaukee Bucks ♦ 2023–24 Central0–1
Orlando Magic ♦ 2023–24 Southeast0
Oklahoma City Thunder ♦ 2023–24 Northwest0
Los Angeles Clippers ♦ 2023–24 Pacific0
Dallas Mavericks ♦ 2023–24 Southwest0–1

Finals droughts

NBA Finals in which neither team had previously won a championship

In these instances, the matchup ensured that one team would win the first NBA championship in its history.

*Both Teams in 1st NBA Finals appearance
SeasonWonLostNumber of years until
loser's drought ended
2006* Miami Heat Dallas Mavericks 5
1978 Washington Bullets Seattle SuperSonics (OKC)1
1971* Milwaukee Bucks Baltimore Bullets (WAS) 7
1957* Boston Celtics St. Louis Hawks (ATL) 1
1955 Syracuse Nationals (PHI) Fort Wayne Pistons (DET)^34
1951* Rochester Royals (SAC)^ New York Knicks 19
1949* Minneapolis Lakers (LAL)^ Washington Capitols†folded 2 years later
1947* Philadelphia Warriors (GSW) Chicago Stags†folded 3 years later

NBA Finals in which neither franchise had won a championship in 20-plus seasons

Teams that had never won the NBA championship are included, even if they were less than 20 seasons old at the time.

SeasonWonDrought (seasons)LostDrought (seasons)
2021 Milwaukee Bucks 49 Phoenix Suns 52*
2015 Golden State Warriors 39 Cleveland Cavaliers 44*
2006 Miami Heat 17* Dallas Mavericks 25*
1999 San Antonio Spurs 22* New York Knicks 25
1994 Houston Rockets 26* New York Knicks 20
1978 Washington Bullets 16* Seattle SuperSonics 10*
1971 Milwaukee Bucks 2* Baltimore Bullets 9*
1957 Boston Celtics 10* St. Louis Hawks 7*
1955 Syracuse Nationals 5* Fort Wayne Pistons 6*
1951 Rochester Royals 2* New York Knicks 4*
1949* Minneapolis Lakers 0* Washington Capitols†2*
1947 Philadelphia Warriors 0* Chicago Stags†0*

Numbers marked with * indicates that the number is counted from either the franchise's first year in the NBA or the first year of the league (1946, then known as the BAA).

Teams awaiting their first NBA championship

This list includes teams within the current NBA that have never won an NBA championship—sorted by the number of seasons played in the NBA.

Last team to leave list – Denver Nuggets 2023
Total seasons
(NBA)		FranchiseLast NBA Finals
appearance
56 seasons Phoenix Suns (1969–present) 2021
54 seasons Los Angeles Clippers§ (1971–present)—
50 seasons Utah Jazz§ (1975–present) 1998
48 seasons Indiana Pacers‡ (1977–present) 2000
48 seasons Brooklyn Nets§‡ (1977–present) 2003
35 seasons Minnesota Timberwolves (1990–present)—
35 seasons Orlando Magic (1990–present) 2009
34 seasons Charlotte Hornets† (1989–2002; 2005–present)—
29 seasons Memphis Grizzlies§ (1996–present)—
22 seasons New Orleans Pelicans† (2003–present)—
Notes

Cities awaiting first NBA championship

Listed according to seasons waited. Current NBA cities/regions only.

Last city to leave list: Denver, 2023
CitySeasons waitedConference Title(s)NBA Team(s)
Phoenix 56 1976, 1993, 2021 Phoenix Suns (1969–present)
Atlanta 56None Atlanta Hawks (1969–present)
Indianapolis 48 2000 Indiana Pacers (1977–present)
Salt Lake City 45 1997, 1998 Utah Jazz (1980–present)
Sacramento 39None Sacramento Kings (1986–present)
Orlando 35 1995, 2009 Orlando Magic (1990–present)
Charlotte 34None Charlotte Hornets (1989–2002; 2015–present)
Charlotte Bobcats (2005–2014)
New Orleans 27None New Orleans Jazz (1974–1979)
New Orleans Hornets (2003–2013)
New Orleans Pelicans (2014–present)
Memphis 23None Memphis Grizzlies (2002–present)
Oklahoma City 18 2012 2 New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets seasons (2006–2007)
Oklahoma City Thunder seasons (2008–present)

NBA Championship droughts by division

DivisionLast NBA ChampionshipSeasons
Southeast Division 2013 — Heat 11
Southwest Division 2014 — Spurs 10
Central Division 2021 — Bucks 3
Pacific Division 2022 — Warriors 2
Northwest Division 2023 — Nuggets 1
Atlantic Division 2024 — Celtics 0

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indiana Pacers</span> American professional basketball team

The Indiana Pacers are an American professional basketball team based in Indianapolis. The Pacers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. The team was founded in 1967 as an original member of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and became a member of the NBA in 1976 as a result of the ABA–NBA merger. They play their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The team is named after the state of Indiana's history with the Indianapolis 500's pace cars and with the harness racing industry.

The NBA conference finals are the Eastern and Western Conference championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a major professional basketball league in North America. The NBA was founded in 1946 as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). The NBA adopted its current name at the start of the 1949–50 season when the BAA merged with the National Basketball League (NBL). The league currently consists of 30 teams, of which 29 are located in the United States and 1 in Canada. Each team plays 82 games in the regular season. After the regular season, eight teams from each of the league's two conferences qualify for the playoffs. At the end of the playoffs, the top two teams play each other in the conference finals, to determine the conference champions from each side, who then proceed to play in the NBA Finals. Trophies were given to each conference winner starting in 2001. In 2022, the league started naming an NBA Conference Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) for each conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2005 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 2005 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2004–05 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs defeating the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. Tim Duncan was named Finals MVP.

The 1998–99 NBA season was the 53rd season of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Due to a lockout, the season did not start until February 5, 1999, after a new six-year collective bargaining agreement was reached between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. All 29 teams played a shortened 50-game-per-team regular season schedule and the 16 teams who qualified for the playoffs played a full post-season schedule. That season's All-Star Game, which would have been held in Philadelphia, was also canceled. The season ended with the San Antonio Spurs winning the franchise's first NBA championship, beating the New York Knicks 4 games to 1 in the 1999 NBA Finals. This was the 50th season since the BAA and NBL had merged into the NBA.

William Edward Paultz is an American former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and in the now defunct American Basketball Association (ABA). Nicknamed "the Whopper", He was a 4-time ABA All-Star and led the ABA in blocks in 1976.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2002 NBA Finals</span> 2002 basketball championship series

The 2002 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) 2001–02 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The best-of-seven playoff was contested between the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers, and the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets. The Lakers swept the Nets, four games to none, to win the franchise's 14th NBA championship and third consecutive NBA championship. The 56th edition of the championship series was played between June 5 and 12 and was broadcast on NBC — the last NBA games broadcast on the network to date. Lakers coach Phil Jackson won his ninth ring, tying him with Red Auerbach for most all-time. During the series, he surpassed Pat Riley for most career playoffs wins with 156. Shaquille O'Neal of the Lakers was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the third consecutive year, after dominant performances averaging 36.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game.

The 2006 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat defeating the Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Dwyane Wade was named NBA Finals MVP.

The 1961 NBA World Championship Series was the championship series of the 1961 NBA Playoffs, which concluded the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1960–61 season. The best-of-seven series was played between the Western Division champion St. Louis Hawks and the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics. This was the fourth and final World Championship Series meeting between the two teams, and was the fifth meeting between teams from Boston and St. Louis for a major professional sports championship. It was also the Celtics' fifth straight trip to the championship series, and they won the series against the Hawks, 4–1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2003 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2002–03 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs defeating the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets, 4 games to 2, in the NBA Finals. Tim Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 NBA playoffs</span> Basketball competition

The 2004 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2003–04 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers four games to one in the NBA Finals. Chauncey Billups was named NBA Finals MVP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2002 NBA playoffs</span> Basketball competition

The 2002 NBA playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2001–02 season. This was the final postseason that held a best-of-5 first-round series; the 2003 NBA playoffs saw those series expand to a best-of-7 format. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets 4 games to 0 in the 2002 NBA Finals. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP for the third straight year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1999 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1999 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association’s 1998-99 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs defeating the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks 4 games to 1. Tim Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1984 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1984 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1983–84 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. Larry Bird was named NBA Finals MVP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1986 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1986 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1985–86 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Larry Bird was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time.

The 1979 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1978–79 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Seattle SuperSonics defeating the Eastern Conference champion Washington Bullets 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. The Sonics earned their only NBA title. Dennis Johnson was named NBA Finals MVP.

The 1976 ABA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the American Basketball Association's 1975–76 season. The tournament concluded with the New York Nets defeating the Denver Nuggets four games to two in the ABA Finals.

The 2022–23 Sacramento Kings season was the 78th season for the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and 39th season in the city of Sacramento. On April 11, 2022, the Sacramento Kings relieved interim head coach Alvin Gentry of his duties. Gentry was named interim head coach after the team fired Luke Walton in November 2021. On May 9, 2022, the Sacramento Kings hired Golden State Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown to become the Kings' new head coach. After the Seattle Mariners of MLB qualified for the Playoffs for the first time since 2001, the Kings entered this season with the longest active postseason drought in the four major North American sports with their last playoff appearance in 2006. Despite starting 0–4, they improved on their 30–52 record from last year by winning their 31st game on February 8, and won their first Pacific Division title since 2003, after putting an end to an NBA-record 16 season-long playoff drought. The longest active playoff drought in the four major North American Sports now belongs to the Buffalo Sabres of NHL and the New York Jets of NFL with each team missing the playoffs 12 years straight. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets now owned the longest playoffs drought in NBA with their last appearance in 2016, followed by the Detroit Pistons in 2nd for NBA playoffs drought with their last playoffs appearance in 2019, then tied for 3rd for playoffs drought in NBA, the Orlando Magic, the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs with each team last making the playoffs in 2020 at the NBA Bubble.

References

General
Specific
  1. ↑ Newberry, Paul (May 10, 2015). "NBA: NFL has most parity, NBA is most exclusive club when it comes to winning titles". Associated Press. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  2. ↑ Major League Baseball has 22 different franchises that have won championships and have droughts of less than 38 years; the National Football League has 18 such franchises, and the National Hockey League has 18 such franchises.
  3. ↑ Aldridge, David (June 6, 2015). "Warriors close in on title ... and keep NBA history afloat". NBA.com. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  4. 1 2 "NBA Advanced Stats–Playoff Picture". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Charlotte Hornets". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Detroit Pistons". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "San Antonio Spurs". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Houston Rockets". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "Portland Trail Blazers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Washington Wizards". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2012. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Utah Jazz". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Toronto Raptors". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 "Chicago Bulls". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Atlanta Hawks". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2009. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Brooklyn Nets". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Memphis Grizzlies". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Sacramento Kings". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Golden State Warriors". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Phoenix Suns". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  20. 1 2 3 4 "Los Angeles Lakers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "New Orleans Pelicans". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  22. 1 2 3 4 "Miami Heat". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 "Milwaukee Bucks". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Philadelphia 76ers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Los Angeles Clippers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 "Orlando Magic". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 "Cleveland Cavaliers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 "Oklahoma City Thunder". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 "New York Knicks". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Denver Nuggets". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  31. 1 2 3 4 5 "Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  32. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Minnesota Timberwolves". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  33. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Dallas Mavericks". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 "Boston Celtics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.