Winning the NBA championship is clearly a daunting task that requires a balance of timing, location, and people, none of which is indispensable. Sometimes, luck is also one of the key factors in winning a championship.
Therefore, there are still ten teams that have never tasted the taste of a championship, some of which have never even won a division championship.
In the current situation, which of these ten teams can break the championship drought first?
10. Hornets (joined NBA in 2004)
The best record in team history: the second round of the playoffs
The Hornets were officially established in 2004, initially known as the Bobcats. After five seasons of training, they made their debut in the playoffs in 2010, ranking seventh in the Eastern Conference.
Under the leadership of Gerard Wallace and Steve Jackson, they were renamed the Hornets and inherited the history of the Hornets from 1988 to 2002.
However, despite having stars like Kenba Walker, they have only made it to the playoffs twice and have been eliminated in the first round each time.
Since Walker left in 2019, the team has been in the reconstruction stage. Although Ramelo Ball was selected, his performance did not meet expectations, and he is prone to injury. Currently, the prospect of the Hornets winning the championship is not optimistic.
9. Pelicans (joined NBA in 2002)
The best record in team history: the second round of the playoffs
The Pelicans, originally named Charlotte Hornets, moved to New Orleans in 2002, and as players such as Paul grew, they became a powerhouse in the West.
After being renamed Pelicans in 2013, they made it to the playoffs twice under the leadership of Anthony Davis, and even reached the Western Conference Finals in 2018, but ultimately failed to defeat the Cosmos.
In 2019, after Thick Eyebrow left, the Pelicans were in a rebuilding phase. Although they chose Zion Williamson, the team's strength is not yet sufficient to compete for the championship. Coupled with various objective factors, it will not be easy for the team to return to the playoffs in the coming years.
8. Nets (joined NBA in 1976)
Best record in team history: Eastern Championship
Compared to the Hornets and Pelicans, the Nets have some glorious moments.
Under Kidd's leadership, they have won the Eastern Conference championship twice.
However, since Kidd and others left, the Nets have once again fallen into a slump.
In 2019, the joining of Durant and Irving brought them back into people's sight, but due to injuries and other reasons, the Nets were unable to achieve their goal of winning the championship.
Nowadays, the Nets are undergoing reconstruction, and although they have many first round draft picks, they lack potential rookies, so the likelihood of the Nets winning the championship is currently low.
7. Jazz (joined NBA in 1974)
Best record in team history: Western Championship
The Jazz were their most glorious period in the 1990s, and the "Utah Twin Devils" composed of Marlon and Stockton became a top tier powerhouse in the West.
However, since the departure of Malone and Stockton, although the Jazz have been playing in the playoffs all year round, they have never been able to challenge the championship again.
In 2022, the Jazz announced a complete reconstruction, with Mitchell and Goebbels being used as trading chips. The team is currently working on a reconstruction phase, and it will not be easy to enter the playoffs again in the coming years.
6. Grizzlies (joined NBA in 1995)
Best record in team history: Western Conference Finals
After entering the NBA, the Grizzlies, despite having many star players, did not achieve their first playoff victory until 2011.
Under the leadership of Conley, Gasol, and Randolph, the Grizzlies became a top tier powerhouse in the West.
However, as the core players grew older, the Grizzlies later fell into difficulties and only found their direction again after selecting Morant.
But to win the championship, their lineup is currently not strong enough.
5. Sun (joined NBA in 1968)
Best record in team history: Western Championship
The Suns have reached the NBA Finals three times in their history, but have never won the championship.
They briefly led the Bucks in 2021, but were ultimately reversed.
The Suns introduced Durant and Bill last year, but their performance has declined this season, and they have been swept by young Timberwolves in the playoffs. The three players have incompatible playing styles, and they may disintegrate during the offseason.
4. Pacers (joined NBA in 1976)
Best record in team history: Eastern Championship
The Pacers, led by Reggie Miller, once reached the finals.
But since George left, the team has been in a rebuilding phase, and although Harris's outstanding performance has shown them hope, the team is still young and needs time to grow.
3. Magic (joined NBA in 1989)
Best record in team history: Eastern Championship
The Magic had achieved good results under the leadership of O'Neal and Howard, but with their departure, the Magic also fell back into a slump.
Although they have young players such as Banchello, it still takes time for them to compete for the championship.
2. Timberwolves (joined NBA in 1989)
Best record in team history: Western Conference Finals
The Timberwolves once made it to the Western Conference Finals under the leadership of Garnett, but then fell into a long reconstruction.
Nowadays, they have young players such as Edwards, and they are expected to compete for the championship this year, with great potential even if they fail.
1. Clippers (joined NBA in 1970)
Best record in team history: Western Conference Finals
The Clippers have made it to the playoffs multiple times in the past, but have never won a championship.
Although they reached the threshold for the Western Conference in 2021, they ultimately stopped in the first round this year due to injuries and other reasons.
The Clippers' lineup may change during the offseason, and their championship prospects remain uncertain.
Comments