NBA
NBA teams that have never won a Championship
In the NBA's storied history, certain teams perennially chase the elusive dream of securing the coveted Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. Presently, 10 teams constitute an exclusive club still in relentless pursuit of their first NBA title, each with a unique narrative of near misses, unfortunate circumstances, and untapped potential.
The 10 NBA teams that have never won a Championship
In the illustrious history of the NBA, some franchises find themselves perennially chasing a dream that remains elusive—the dream of hoisting the coveted Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy.
As of now, there are 10 teams that make up an exclusive club still in pursuit of their first NBA championship. The journey is arduous, fraught with challenges from every angle, and each team bears a unique tale of near misses, unfortunate circumstances, and untapped potential.
Henceforth, here is a list of the 10 teams harbouring championship dreams, accompanied by succinct summaries outlining the reasons behind their elusive quest for NBA glory.
Brooklyn Nets
Total Finals Appearances: 2
Last Finals Appearance: 2003
The Brooklyn Nets, for instance, embarked on a star-studded journey with the trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, only to be thwarted by untimely injuries during their one full season together. Jason Kidd's tenure saw back-to-back Finals appearances, but the Nets' first opportunity at title contention slipped away with the sale of Julius Erving to the Sixers at the ABA-NBA merger.
Charlotte Hornets
Total Finals Appearances: 0
Last Finals Appearance: Never
The Charlotte Hornets, under the ownership of basketball legend Michael Jordan, have faced challenges in the draft and struggled to make a significant impact in the playoffs, leaving fans yearning for the glory days of Jordan's playing career.
Whether known as the Hornets or the Charlotte Bobcats, neither phase of the organisation’s history has made it to the NBA Finals nor won a championship. Furthermore, the franchise has only made the NBA Playoffs three times since its expansion into the Bobcat era in 2004, earning a lottery pick six times in the last seven years that they have drafted.
Indiana Pacers
Total Finals Appearances: 1
Last Finals Appearance: 2000
In Indiana, the Pacers, led by Reggie Miller and Rik Smits, couldn't overcome the dominance of Shaq and Kobe in the early 2000s. Despite Paul George's formidable presence in later years, championship aspirations seem distant for the Pacers.
LA Clippers
Total Finals Appearances: 0
Last Finals Appearance: Never
The LA Clippers, born in Buffalo and relocated from San Diego, earned the moniker "Robbed City" due to untimely injuries to key players like Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. The Clippers, perpetually overshadowed by their more successful counterparts, the Lakers, long for a taste of championship glory.
Today’s version of the Clippers has faced similar challenges, with injuries to star players Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
Orlando Magic
Total Finals Appearances: 2
Last Finals Appearance: 2009
Orlando Magic, blessed with dominant big men Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard, couldn't capitalise on their talents to secure a title. Both stars eventually found championship success elsewhere, leaving the Magic yearning for their first taste of glory.
Phoenix Suns
Total Finals Appearances: 3
Last Finals Appearance: 2021
The Phoenix Suns, perhaps facing the hardest luck, have witnessed multiple eras of contention fall short, from Charles Barkley's Suns to Steve Nash's. Most recently, Devin Booker’s Suns were unable to hold a 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Bucks and lost the NBA Finals to Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021.
However, with the addition of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal this season, the team will look to be in pole position to remove themselves off the non-title list.
Utah Jazz
Total Finals Appearances: 2
Last Finals Appearance: 1998
Utah Jazz, led by Karl Malone and John Stockton, were thwarted by the unstoppable force of Michael Jordan in the '90s, despite being one of the greatest NBA duos of all time. The Jazz made their last Finals appearance in 1998, which was also Jordan’s sixth NBA title, Finals MVP, and last championship of his career.
Today, lacking players of the same calibre, the Jazz face an uphill battle to re-enter the championship conversation.
Memphis Grizzlies
Total Finals Appearances: 0
Last Finals Appearance: Never
Memphis Grizzlies, formerly based in Vancouver, have watched Toronto claim a title before them. Showing regular season success, they have yet been able to adapt their playstyles to the fast pace of the NBA Playoffs, where every position counts.
Despite a promising stretch during the Grit-N-Grind era with players such as Marc Gasol, Tony Allen, and Mike Conley, they were never able to make it count in the postseason. Currently, the Grizzlies have yet to make a significant championship push with their active stars, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Total Finals Appearances: 0
Last Finals Appearance: Never
The Minnesota Timberwolves missed their chance with Kevin Garnett, who left the franchise to immediately win a championship with the Boston Celtics and have since endured a lengthy dry spell.
The recent acquisition of Rudy Gobert raises questions about whether it will end or prolong their years of championship drought.
New Orleans Pelicans
Total Finals Appearances: 0
Last Finals Appearance: Never
Finally, despite a relatively short existence, the New Orleans Pelicans squandered the Anthony Davis era and have faced an uphill battle to content for a championship thereafter.
As the Pelicans continue to grow with franchise cornerstones in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the team will continue to push toward developing their own culture and establishing a presence in the Western Conference.
Conclusion
For these 10 teams, the pursuit of an NBA championship remains an ongoing saga - journey defined by resilience, heartbreak, and the undying hope that one day, the odds will finally be in their favour.
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