List of NBA franchise postseason droughts

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Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates 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.

Of the 20 franchises that have won an NBA championship, 6 have droughts of 41 seasons or more, which is to say that the past 40 championships have been shared among only 14 franchises: the Lakers (8), Bulls (6), Spurs (5), Warriors (4), Pistons (3), Celtics (3), Heat (3), Rockets (2), Mavericks (1), Cavaliers (1), Raptors (1), Bucks (1), Nuggets (1), and Thunder (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 31, 2025.
Playoff picture at NBA.com.[4]
Play-in games do not count as a playoff game or series.
^ Longest drought in team history
† Tied for longest drought in team history
Seasons Team Last appearance
in NBA playoffs 		Reference
9 Charlotte Hornets ^ 2016 First Round [5]
6 San Antonio Spurs ^ 2019 First Round [6]
4 Portland Trail Blazers 2021 First Round [7]
4 Washington Wizards 2021 First Round [8]
3 Utah Jazz 2022 First Round [9]
3 Toronto Raptors 2022 First Round [10]
3 Chicago Bulls 2022 First Round [11]
2 Atlanta Hawks 2023 First Round [12]
2 Brooklyn Nets 2023 First Round [13]
2 Sacramento Kings 2023 First Round [14]
1 Phoenix Suns 2024 First Round [15]
1 New Orleans Pelicans 2024 First Round [16]
1 Philadelphia 76ers 2024 First Round [17]
1 Dallas Mavericks 2024 NBA Finals [18]
2025 Playoff teams
Script error: No such module "age". Milwaukee Bucks 2025 First Round [19]
Script error: No such module "age". Detroit Pistons 2025 First Round [20]
Script error: No such module "age". Orlando Magic 2025 First Round [21]
Script error: No such module "age". Miami Heat 2025 First Round [22]
Script error: No such module "age". Houston Rockets 2025 First Round [23]
Script error: No such module "age". Los Angeles Lakers 2025 First Round [24]
Script error: No such module "age". Los Angeles Clippers 2025 First Round [25]
Script error: No such module "age". Memphis Grizzlies 2025 First Round [26]
Script error: No such module "age". Cleveland Cavaliers 2025 Conference Semifinals [27]
Script error: No such module "age". Boston Celtics 2025 Conference Semifinals [28]
Script error: No such module "age". Denver Nuggets 2025 Conference Semifinals [29]
Script error: No such module "age". Golden State Warriors 2025 Conference Semifinals [30]
Script error: No such module "age". Minnesota Timberwolves 2025 Conference Finals [31]
Script error: No such module "age". New York Knicks 2025 Conference Finals [32]
Script error: No such module "age". Oklahoma City Thunder 2025 NBA Finals [33]
Script error: No such module "age". Indiana Pacers 2025 NBA Finals [34]

NBA Playoffs series win droughts

Droughts updated through June 22, 2025.
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 		Team Last series win
in NBA Playoffs 		Losing
streak 		Series losses – teams Ref
Script error: No such module "age".<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[a] Charlotte Hornets ^ 2002 Eastern First Round 4 ♦ 2002 New Jersey
2010 Orlando
2014 Miami
2016 Miami 		[5]
Script error: No such module "age". Sacramento Kings 2004 Western First Round 4 2004 Minnesota
2005 Seattle
2006 San Antonio
2023 Golden State 		[14]
Script error: No such module "age". Detroit Pistons 2008 Eastern Semifinals 5 2008 Boston
2009 Cleveland
2016 Cleveland
2019 Milwaukee
2025 New York 		[20]
Script error: No such module "age". Orlando Magic 2010 Eastern Semifinals 7 ♦ 2010 Boston
2011 Atlanta
2012 Indiana
2019 Toronto
2020 Milwaukee
2024 Cleveland
2025 Boston 		[21]
Script error: No such module "age". Chicago Bulls 2015 Eastern First Round 3 2015 Cleveland
2017 Boston
2022 Milwaukee 		[11]
Script error: No such module "age". Washington Wizards 2017 Eastern First Round 3 2017 Boston
2018 Toronto
2021 Philadelphia 		[8]
Script error: No such module "age". San Antonio Spurs 2017 Western Semifinals 3 2017 Golden State
2018 Golden State
2019 Denver 		[6]
Script error: No such module "age". New Orleans Pelicans 2018 Western First Round 3 2018 Golden State
2022 Phoenix
2024 Oklahoma City 		[16]
Script error: No such module "age". Portland Trail Blazers 2019 Western Semifinals 3 2019 Golden State
2020 L. A. Lakers
2021 Denver 		[7]
Script error: No such module "age". Toronto Raptors 2020 Eastern First Round 2 2020 Boston
2022 Philadelphia 		[10]
Script error: No such module "age". Houston Rockets 2020 Western First Round 2 2020 L. A. Lakers
2025 Golden State 		[23]
Script error: No such module "age". Utah Jazz 2021 Western First Round 2 2021 L. A. Clippers
2022 Dallas 		[9]
Script error: No such module "age". Brooklyn Nets 2021 Eastern First Round 3 2021 Milwaukee
2022 Boston
2023 Philadelphia 		[13]
Script error: No such module "age". Los Angeles Clippers 2021 Western Semifinals 4 2021 Phoenix
2023 Phoenix
2024 Dallas
2025 Denver 		[25]
Script error: No such module "age". Atlanta Hawks 2021 Eastern Semifinals 3 2021 Milwaukee
2022 Miami
2023 Boston 		[12]
Script error: No such module "age". Milwaukee Bucks 2022 Eastern First Round 4 2022 Boston
2023 Miami
2024 Indiana
2025 Indiana 		[19]
Script error: No such module "age". Memphis Grizzlies 2022 Western First Round 3 2022 Golden State
2023 Los Angeles
2025 Oklahoma City 		[26]
Script error: No such module "age". Philadelphia 76ers 2023 Eastern First Round 2 2023 Boston
2024 New York 		[17]
Script error: No such module "age". Phoenix Suns 2023 Western First Round 2 2023 Denver
2024 Minnesota 		[15]
Script error: No such module "age". Los Angeles Lakers 2023 Western Semifinals 3 2023 Denver
2024 Denver
2025 Minnesota 		[24]
Script error: No such module "age". Miami Heat 2023 Eastern Conference Finals 3 2023 Denver
2024 Boston
2025 Cleveland 		[22]
Script error: No such module "age". Dallas Mavericks 2024 Western Conference Finals 1 2024 Boston [18]
z 30002025 Playoff Series 0 Winners 3000 3000
Script error: No such module "age". Cleveland Cavaliers 2025 Eastern First Round 1 2025 Indiana [27]
Script error: No such module "age". Golden State Warriors 2025 Western First Round 1 2025 Minnesota [30]
Script error: No such module "age". Boston Celtics 2025 Eastern First Round 1 2025 New York [28]
Script error: No such module "age". Denver Nuggets 2025 Western First Round 1 2025 Oklahoma City [29]
Script error: No such module "age". Minnesota Timberwolves 2025 Western Semifinals 1 2025 Oklahoma City [31]
Script error: No such module "age". New York Knicks 2025 Eastern Semifinals 1 2025 Indiana [32]
Script error: No such module "age". Indiana Pacers 2025 Eastern Conference Finals 1 2025 Oklahoma City [34]
Script error: No such module "age". Oklahoma City Thunder 2025 NBA Finals 0 4-series win streak [33]

<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>a Charlotte was also inactive for two years following the Template:Nbay season.

NBA Conference Finals appearance droughts

^ Longest drought in team history
Seasons Team Last appearance
in Conference Finals 		Result Reference
Script error: No such module "age". Washington Wizards ^<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[c] 1979 Won vs. San Antonio [8]
Script error: No such module "age". Charlotte Hornets ^ 0Never (enfranchised 1988) [5]
Script error: No such module "age". Philadelphia 76ers ^ 2001 Won vs. Milwaukee [17]
Script error: No such module "age". Sacramento Kings 2002 Lost vs. L.A. Lakers [14]
Script error: No such module "age". New Orleans Pelicans ^ 0Never (enfranchised 2002) [16]
Script error: No such module "age". Brooklyn Nets <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[d] 2003 Won vs. Detroit [13]
Script error: No such module "age". Utah Jazz 2007 Lost vs. San Antonio [9]
Script error: No such module "age". Detroit Pistons 2008 Lost vs. Boston [20]
Script error: No such module "age". Orlando Magic 2010 Lost vs. Boston [21]
Script error: No such module "age". Chicago Bulls 2011 Lost vs. Miami [11]
Script error: No such module "age". Memphis Grizzlies 2013 Lost vs. San Antonio [26]
Script error: No such module "age". San Antonio Spurs 2017 Lost vs. Golden State [6]
Script error: No such module "age". Cleveland Cavaliers 2018 Won vs. Boston [27]
Script error: No such module "age". Houston Rockets 2018 Lost vs. Golden State [23]
Script error: No such module "age". Toronto Raptors 2019 Won vs. Milwaukee [10]
Script error: No such module "age". Portland Trail Blazers 2019 Lost vs. Golden State [7]
Script error: No such module "age". Phoenix Suns 2021 Won vs. L.A. Clippers [15]
Script error: No such module "age". Los Angeles Clippers 2021 Lost vs. Phoenix [25]
Script error: No such module "age". Milwaukee Bucks 2021 Won vs. Atlanta [19]
Script error: No such module "age". Atlanta Hawks 2021 Lost vs. Milwaukee [12]
Script error: No such module "age". Golden State Warriors 2022 Won vs. Dallas [30]
Script error: No such module "age". Denver Nuggets 2023 Won vs. L.A. Lakers [29]
Script error: No such module "age". Los Angeles Lakers 2023 Lost vs. Denver [24]
Script error: No such module "age". Miami Heat 2023 Won vs. Boston [22]
Script error: No such module "age". Boston Celtics 2024 Won vs. Indiana [28]
Script error: No such module "age". Dallas Mavericks 2024 Won vs. Minnesota [18]
.85 Z2025 Conference Finalists 2019.5 zzz
Script error: No such module "age". Indiana Pacers 2025 Won vs. New York [34]
Script error: No such module "age". New York Knicks 2025 Lost vs. Indiana [32]
Script error: No such module "age". Minnesota Timberwolves 2025 Lost vs. Oklahoma City [31]
Script error: No such module "age". Oklahoma City Thunder 2025 Won vs. Minnesota [33]

NBA Finals appearance droughts

Seasons Team Last appearance
in NBA Finals 		Result Reference
Script error: No such module "age". Sacramento Kings 1951<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[a] Won vs. New York [14]
Script error: No such module "age". Atlanta Hawks 1961<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[b] Lost vs. Boston [12]
Script error: No such module "age". Los Angeles Clippers 0Never (enfranchised 1970) [25]
Script error: No such module "age". Washington Wizards<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[c] 1979 Lost vs. Seattle [8]
Script error: No such module "age". Charlotte Hornets 0Never (enfranchised 1988) [5]
Script error: No such module "age". Minnesota Timberwolves 0Never (enfranchised 1989) [31]
Script error: No such module "age". Portland Trail Blazers 1992 Lost vs. Chicago [7]
Script error: No such module "age". Houston Rockets 1995 Won vs. Orlando [23]
Script error: No such module "age". Memphis Grizzlies 0Never (enfranchised 1995) [26]
Script error: No such module "age". Utah Jazz 1998 Lost vs. Chicago [9]
Script error: No such module "age". Chicago Bulls 1998 Won vs. Utah [11]
Script error: No such module "age". New York Knicks 1999 Lost vs. San Antonio [32]
Script error: No such module "age". Philadelphia 76ers 2001 Lost vs. L. A. Lakers [17]
Script error: No such module "age". New Orleans Pelicans 0Never (enfranchised 2002) [16]
Script error: No such module "age". Brooklyn Nets<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[d] 2003 Lost vs. San Antonio [13]
Script error: No such module "age". Detroit Pistons 2005 Lost vs. San Antonio [20]
Script error: No such module "age". Orlando Magic 2009 Lost vs. L. A. Lakers [21]
Script error: No such module "age". San Antonio Spurs 2014.52014 Won vs. Miami [6]
Script error: No such module "age". Cleveland Cavaliers 2018 Lost vs. Golden State [27]
Script error: No such module "age". Toronto Raptors 2019 Won vs. Golden State [10]
Script error: No such module "age". Los Angeles Lakers 2020 Won vs. Miami [24]
Script error: No such module "age". Milwaukee Bucks 2021 Won vs. Phoenix [19]
Script error: No such module "age". Phoenix Suns 2021 Lost vs. Milwaukee [15]
Script error: No such module "age". Golden State Warriors 2022 Won vs. Boston [30]
Script error: No such module "age". Denver Nuggets 02023 Won vs. Miami [29]
Script error: No such module "age". Miami Heat 02023 Lost vs. Denver [22]
Script error: No such module "age". Dallas Mavericks 2024 Lost vs. Boston [18]
Script error: No such module "age". Boston Celtics 2024 Won vs. Dallas [28]
0 Z2025 Finalists 2018.5 zzz
Script error: No such module "age". Oklahoma City Thunder 2025 Won vs. Indiana [33]
Script error: No such module "age". Indiana Pacers 2025 Lost vs. Oklahoma City [34]
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>a The Sacramento Kings last appeared in the 1951 NBA Finals as the Rochester Royals. Predates NBA-ABA merger.
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>b The Atlanta Hawks last appeared in the 1961 NBA Finals as the St. Louis Hawks. Predates NBA-ABA merger.
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>c The Washington Wizards last appeared in the 1979 Conference Finals and NBA Finals as the Washington Bullets.
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>d The Brooklyn Nets last appeared in the 2003 Conference Finals and NBA Finals as the New Jersey Nets.

NBA championship title droughts

Seasons Team Last NBA championship Reference
Walter A. Brown Trophy <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[c]
Script error: No such module "age". Sacramento Kings 1951<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[a] [14]
Script error: No such module "age". Atlanta Hawks 1958<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[b] [12]
Script error: No such module "age". Phoenix Suns 0Never (enfranchised 1968) [15]
Script error: No such module "age". Los Angeles Clippers 0Never (enfranchised 1970) [25]
Script error: No such module "age". New York Knicks 01973 [32]
Script error: No such module "age". Utah Jazz 0Never (enfranchised 1974) [9]
Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy
Script error: No such module "age". Brooklyn Nets 0Never (joined NBA in 1976) [13]
Script error: No such module "age". Indiana Pacers 0Never (joined NBA in 1976) [34]
Script error: No such module "age". Portland Trail Blazers 1977 [7]
Script error: No such module "age". Washington Wizards<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[d] 1978 [8]
Script error: No such module "age". Philadelphia 76ers 1983 [17]
Script error: No such module "age". Orlando Magic 0Never (enfranchised 1989) [21]
Script error: No such module "age". Minnesota Timberwolves 0Never (enfranchised 1989) [31]
Script error: No such module "age". Charlotte Hornets 0Never (enfranchised 1988) [5]
Script error: No such module "age". Houston Rockets 1995 [23]
Script error: No such module "age". Memphis Grizzlies 0Never (enfranchised 1995) [26]
Script error: No such module "age". Chicago Bulls 1998 [11]
Script error: No such module "age". New Orleans Pelicans 0Never (enfranchised 2002) [16]
Script error: No such module "age". Detroit Pistons 2004 [20]
Script error: No such module "age". Dallas Mavericks 2011 [18]
Script error: No such module "age". Miami Heat 2013 [18]
Script error: No such module "age". San Antonio Spurs 2014 [6]
Script error: No such module "age". Cleveland Cavaliers 2016 [27]
Script error: No such module "age". Toronto Raptors 2019 [10]
Script error: No such module "age". Los Angeles Lakers 2020 [24]
Script error: No such module "age". Milwaukee Bucks 2021 [19]
Script error: No such module "age". Golden State Warriors 2022 [30]
Script error: No such module "age". Denver Nuggets 2023 [29]
Script error: No such module "age". Boston Celtics 02024 [28]
Script error: No such module "age". Oklahoma City Thunder 2025 [33]
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>a The Sacramento Kings last won an NBA championship in 1951 as the Rochester Royals.
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>b The Atlanta Hawks last won an NBA championship in 1958 as the St. Louis Hawks.
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>c Predates the NBA-ABA merger.
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>d The Washington Wizards last won an NBA championship in 1978 as the Washington Bullets.

All-time droughts

NBA championship droughts

Template:Table alignment

Team Seasons Last title Drought Next title
Sacramento KingsTemplate:Efn-lr 74 Template:Nbafy Template:Nbay–present —
Atlanta HawksTemplate:Efn-lr 67 Template:Nbafy Template:Nbay–present —
Phoenix Suns 57 — Template:Nbay–present —
Los Angeles ClippersTemplate:Efn-lr 55 — Template:Nbay–present —
New York Knicks 51 Template:Nbafy Template:Nbay–present —
Utah JazzTemplate:Efn-lr 51 — Template:Nbay–present —
Brooklyn NetsTemplate:Efn-lr 49 — Template:Nbay–present —
Milwaukee Bucks 49 Template:Nbafy Template:Nbay–Template:Nbay Template:Nbafy
Indiana Pacers 48 — Template:Nbay–present —
Portland Trail Blazers 48 Template:Nbafy Template:Nbay–present —
Washington WizardsTemplate:Efn-lr 47 Template:Nbafy Template:Nbay–present —
Denver Nuggets 46 — Template:Nbay–Template:Nbay Template:Nbafy
Cleveland Cavaliers 45 — Template:Nbay–Template:Nbay Template:Nbafy
Oklahoma City ThunderTemplate:Efn-lr 45 Template:Nbafy Template:Nbay–Template:Nbay Template:Nbafy
Philadelphia 76ers 42 Template:Nbafy Template:Nbay–present —
Detroit PistonsTemplate:Efn-lr 40 — Template:Nbay–Template:Nbay Template:Nbafy
Golden State Warriors 39 Template:Nbafy Template:Nbay–Template:Nbay Template:Nbafy
Charlotte HornetsTemplate:Efn-lr 37Template:Efn-lr — Template:Nbay–present —
Minnesota Timberwolves 36 — Template:Nbay–present —
Orlando Magic 35 — Template:Nbay–present —
Dallas Mavericks 30 — Template:Nbay–Template:Nbay Template:Nbafy

Template:Notelist-lr

Closest approaches without winning

Updated through the 2025 NBA Finals.


Last team to leave list – Denver Nuggets 2023
Team Conference Quarter-Final appearances Conference Semi-Final appearances Conference Final appearances NBA Final appearances Fewest wins short of NBA Championship
Indiana Pacers 29 12 10 2 01 win short : 2025
Phoenix Suns 33 21 10 3 02 wins short : 1976, 1993, 2021
Utah Jazz 31 17 6 2 02 wins short : 1997, 1998
Brooklyn Nets 24 8 2 2 02 wins short : 2003
Orlando Magic 18 5 4 2 03 wins short : 2009
Los Angeles Clippers 19 9 1 6 wins short : 2021
Minnesota Timberwolves 13 3 3 06 wins short : 2004
Memphis Grizzlies 14 4 1 08 wins short : 2013
New Orleans Pelicans 9 2 9 wins short : 2008
Charlotte Hornets 10 4 9 wins short : 2001

Longest post-season droughts in team history

Updated through the 2024–25 season.

^ Denotes active drought
Team Longest streak with
no post-season appearances 		Seasons
Sacramento Kings Template:Nbats through 2021–22 16
Los Angeles Clippers 1976–77 through Template:Nbats 15
Minnesota Timberwolves Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 13
Golden State Warriors Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 12
Dallas Mavericks Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 10
Phoenix Suns Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 10
Utah Jazz 1974–75 through Template:Nbats 9
Charlotte Hornets ^ 2016–17 through 2024–25 9
Washington Wizards 1988–89 through 1995–96 8
Memphis Grizzlies Template:Nbay through Template:Nbats 8
Denver Nuggets Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 8
Atlanta Hawks Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 8
New York Knicks Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats
Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats		 7
Oklahoma City Thunder <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>^ Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 7
Milwaukee Bucks Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 7
Philadelphia 76ers Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 7
Cleveland Cavaliers Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 7
Portland Trail Blazers Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 6
Detroit Pistons Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats
Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats		 6
Boston Celtics Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 6
Chicago Bulls Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 6
Orlando Magic Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 6
Los Angeles Lakers Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 6
San Antonio Spurs ^ 2019–20 through 2024–25 6
Houston Rockets Template:Nbay through Template:Nbats 5
Indiana Pacers Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 5
Brooklyn Nets Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats
Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats		 5
Toronto Raptors Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 5
Miami Heat Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 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 2024–25 season.

^ Denotes active drought
Team Longest streak with
no post-season series wins 		Seasons
Los Angeles Clippers 1976–77 through Template:Nbats 29
Washington Wizards 1982–83 through Template:Nbats 22
Charlotte Hornets ^ Template:Nbats through 2024–25 21
Sacramento Kings ^ 2004–05 through Template:Nbats 21
Minnesota Timberwolves Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 19
Indiana Pacers Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 17
Brooklyn Nets Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 17
Milwaukee Bucks Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 17
Detroit Pistons ^ Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 16
New York Knicks Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 15
Cleveland Cavaliers Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 15
Golden State Warriors Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 15
Memphis Grizzlies Template:Nbay through Template:Nbats 15
Denver Nuggets Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 14
Toronto Raptors Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 14
Orlando Magic ^ Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 14
Portland Trail Blazers Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 13
Dallas Mavericks Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 12
Houston Rockets Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 11
Phoenix Suns Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 10
Chicago Bulls ^ Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 10
Utah Jazz 1974–75 through Template:Nbats 9
Boston Celtics Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 9
Atlanta Hawks Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 9
New Orleans Pelicans 2008–09 through 2016–17 9
Philadelphia 76ers Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats
Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 		8
Miami Heat Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 8
San Antonio Spurs ^ Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 8
Oklahoma City Thunder Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats
2016–17 through 2022–23 		7
Los Angeles Lakers Template:Nbats through Template:Nbats 7

Longest NBA Playoffs appearance droughts

Appearance droughts updated through the 2024–25 season.
^ Denotes active drought
Team Streak (seasons) NBA Playoffs
appearance droughts 		Reference
Sacramento Kings 16 2006–2022 [14]
Buffalo Braves / San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers 15 1977–1991 [25]
Minnesota Timberwolves 13 2005–2017 [31]
Golden State Warriors 12 1995–2006 [30]
Dallas Mavericks 10 1991–2000 [18]
Phoenix Suns 10 2011–2020 [15]
New Orleans / Utah Jazz 9 1975–1983 [9]
Golden State Warriors 9 1978–1986 [30]
Sacramento Kings 9 1987–1995 [14]
Charlotte Hornets ^ Script error: No such module "age". 2017–Present [5]
Washington Bullets 8 1989–1996 [8]
Denver Nuggets 8 1996–2003 [29]
Vancouver / Memphis Grizzlies 8 1996–2003 [26]
Los Angeles Clippers 8 1998–2005 [25]
Atlanta Hawks 8 2000–2007 [12]

Longest Conference finals droughts

Appearance droughts updated through May 16, 2025. The current Conference Finals format was introduced in 1971.
^ Denotes active drought
† Year the team joined the NBA
Seasons Team NBA Conference Finals
appearance droughts 		Reference
50 Los Angeles Clippers<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[a] 1971†–2020 [25]
Script error: No such module "age". Washington Wizards^<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[b] 1980–present [8]
44 Atlanta Hawks 1971–2014 [12]
38 Golden State Warriors 1977–2014 [30]
Script error: No such module "age". Charlotte Hornets^<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[c] 1989†–present [5]
25 New Jersey Nets<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[d] 1977†–2001 [13]
24 New York Knicks 2001–2024 [32]
Script error: No such module "age". Philadelphia 76ers^ 2002–present [17]
23 Denver Nuggets 1986–2008 [29]
Script error: No such module "age". Sacramento Kings 2003–present [14]
Script error: No such module "age". New Orleans Pelicans^ 2003†–present [16]
Script error: No such module "age". Brooklyn Nets^ 2004–present [13]
20 Toronto Raptors 1996†–2015 [10]
20 Sacramento Kings<templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>[e] 1982–2001 [14]
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>a Streak includes seasons as Buffalo Braves and San Diego Clippers.
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>b Team last qualified for the Conference Finals as Washington Bullets.
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>c Franchise inactive for two seasons between 2002 and 2004.
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>d Current Brooklyn Nets; includes one season as New York Nets.
  • <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>e Includes four seasons as Kansas City Kings.

NBA Division Championship droughts

Updated through the 2024–25 season.

^ Longest drought in team history
♦ 2024–25 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.

Franchise Most recent title Division Seasons since win
Charlotte Hornets ^ Script error: No such module "sort". (enfranchised 1988–89) Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Minnesota Timberwolves ^ 2003–04 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Brooklyn Nets 2005–06 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
New Orleans Pelicans ^ 2007–08 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Detroit Pistons 2007–08 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Chicago Bulls 2011–12 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
New York Knicks 2012–13 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Indiana Pacers 2013–14 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
San Antonio Spurs 2016–17 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Washington Wizards 2016–17 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Portland Trail Blazers 2017–18 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Golden State Warriors 2018–19 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Toronto Raptors 2019–20 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Atlanta Hawks 2020–21 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Philadelphia 76ers 2020–21 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Phoenix Suns 2021–22 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Utah Jazz 2021–22 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Sacramento Kings 2022–23 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Memphis Grizzlies 2022–23 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Miami Heat 2022–23 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Denver Nuggets 2022–23 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Milwaukee Bucks 2023–24 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Dallas Mavericks 2023–24 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Los Angeles Clippers 2023–24 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Boston Celtics ♦ 2024–25 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Cleveland Cavaliers ♦ 2024–25 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Orlando Magic ♦ 2024–25 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Oklahoma City Thunder ♦ 2024–25 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Los Angeles Lakers ♦ 2024–25 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".
Houston Rockets ♦ 2024–25 Script error: No such module "sort". Script error: No such module "age".

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
Season Won Lost Number 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
  • ^- Team had previously appeared in the National Basketball League finals before said league was merged for the NBA's formation.
  • †- Defunct franchise.
  • Abbreviation in parentheses – Current location of NBA franchise.

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.

The 2025 NBA Finals featured the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder; the last championship won by either team was in 1979.

Season Won Drought (seasons) Lost Drought (seasons)
2025 Oklahoma City Thunder Script error: No such module "age". Indiana Pacers Script error: No such module "age".*
2021 Milwaukee Bucks Script error: No such module "age". Phoenix Suns Script error: No such module "age".*
2015 Golden State Warriors Script error: No such module "age". Cleveland Cavaliers Script error: No such module "age".*
2006 Miami Heat Script error: No such module "age".* Dallas Mavericks Script error: No such module "age".*
1999 San Antonio Spurs Script error: No such module "age".* New York Knicks Script error: No such module "age".
1994 Houston Rockets Script error: No such module "age".* New York Knicks Script error: No such module "age".
1978 Washington Bullets Script error: No such module "age".* Seattle SuperSonics Script error: No such module "age".*
1971 Milwaukee Bucks Script error: No such module "age".* Baltimore Bullets Script error: No such module "age".*
1957 Boston Celtics Script error: No such module "age".* St. Louis Hawks Script error: No such module "age".*
1955 Syracuse Nationals Script error: No such module "age".* Fort Wayne Pistons Script error: No such module "age".*
1951 Rochester Royals Script error: No such module "age".* New York Knicks Script error: No such module "age".*
1949* Minneapolis Lakers Script error: No such module "age".* Washington Capitols† Script error: No such module "age".*
1947 Philadelphia Warriors Script error: No such module "age".* Chicago Stags† Script error: No such module "age".*

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).

  • †- Defunct franchise.

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) 		Franchise Last NBA Finals
appearance
Script error: No such module "age". seasons Phoenix Suns (1969–present) 2021
Script error: No such module "age". seasons Los Angeles Clippers§ (1971–present) —
Script error: No such module "age". seasons Utah Jazz§ (1975–present) 1998
Script error: No such module "age". seasons Indiana Pacers‡ (1977–present) 2025
Script error: No such module "age". seasons Brooklyn Nets§‡ (1977–present) 2003
Script error: No such module "age". seasons Minnesota Timberwolves (1990–present) —
Script error: No such module "age". seasons Orlando Magic (1990–present) 2009
Script error: No such module "age". seasons Charlotte Hornets† (1989–2002; 2005–present) —
Script error: No such module "age". seasons Memphis Grizzlies§ (1996–present) —
Script error: No such module "age". seasons New Orleans Pelicans† (2003–present) —
Notes
  • § NBA teams that have relocated from their original city(s).
  • † NBA teams that have re-branded to/from their original concept.
  • ‡ NBA teams that have won an ABA championship.

Cities awaiting first NBA championship

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

Last city to leave list: Oklahoma City, 2025
City Seasons waited Conference Title(s) NBA Team(s)
Phoenix Script error: No such module "age". 1976, 1993, 2021 Phoenix Suns (1969–present)
Atlanta Script error: No such module "age". None Atlanta Hawks (1969–present)
Indianapolis Script error: No such module "age". 2000, 2025 Indiana Pacers (1977–present)
Salt Lake City Script error: No such module "age". 1997, 1998 Utah Jazz (1980–present)
Sacramento Script error: No such module "age". None Sacramento Kings (1986–present)
Orlando Script error: No such module "age". 1995, 2009 Orlando Magic (1990–present)
Charlotte Script error: No such module "age". None Charlotte Hornets (1989–2002; 2015–present)
Charlotte Bobcats (2005–2014)
New Orleans Script error: No such module "age". None New Orleans Jazz (1974–1979)
New Orleans Hornets (2003–2013)
New Orleans Pelicans (2014–present)
Memphis Script error: No such module "age". None Memphis Grizzlies (2002–present)

NBA Championship droughts by division

Division Last NBA Championship Seasons
Southeast Division 2013 — Heat Script error: No such module "age".
Southwest Division 2014 — Spurs Script error: No such module "age".
Central Division 2021 — Bucks Script error: No such module "age".
Pacific Division 2022 — Warriors Script error: No such module "age".
Atlantic Division 2024 — Celtics Script error: No such module "age".
Northwest Division 2025 — Thunder Script error: No such module "age".

See also

Script error: No such module "Portal".

References

Specific

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  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. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ a b c d e f g Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ a b c d e f g Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ a b c d e f g Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ a b c d e f g Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ a b c d e f g h i Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ a b c d e f g Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ a b c d e f g h Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ a b c d e f g Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ a b c d e f g h Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

General

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  • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Navbox". Script error: No such module "Navbox".

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