The top 10 Longest Championship Droughts in NBA History

The top 10 Longest Championship Droughts in NBA History

The top 10 Longest Championship Droughts in NBA History

Photo by Pantozzi/NBAE/Getty Images

The NBA is a league filled historic teams, illustrious players, and moments that live on forever. However, some teams have been the exact opposite of successful. The time has been a curse and blessing for others, as long-suffering fans of some franchises have despaired from years-long NBA title droughts. Here, we look at the ten teams with the longest title droughts in NBA history and what factors led to such long struggles. We analyze where every team these days is and how they should be able to improve.

1. Sacramento Kings

  • Last Championship: 1951
  • Sports Championship Drought: 73-years

The Major Reasons Behind Drought

The Kings, then known as the Rochester Royals, won their only championship in 1951. Since then, the franchise has undergone several geographic and team name changes. The Kings have also experienced many managerial and ownership changes that made the team hard to root for, as some were bad roster decisions or coaching hires.

Current State and Outlook

The Kings, as they stand now, have shown signs of recovery in recent years, qualifying for the playoffs. A young core led by De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis provides hope that they may end their half-century-long wait soon.

2. Atlanta Hawks

  • Last Championship: 1958
  • Years Since Last Championship: 66 (1950)

The Major Reasons Behind Drought

The Hawks last won the championship as the St. Louis Hawks in 1958. Since moving to Atlanta, the franchise has had issues with star power and inconsistent playoff performances. Other, stronger powers in the Eastern Conference have long overshadowed the team.

Current State and Outlook

The franchise has made strides forward in recent years, thanks mostly to Trae Young's transformation into an outright star. They may still win a championship one day, but they need to surround him with a more all-around team.

3. Phoenix Suns

  • Last Championship: None

The Major Reasons Behind Drought

Their  drought, driven by frequent playoff near-misses and heavy competition from rival programs, includes the following significant factors. The 2020-21 season was a particularly hard loss as they had a good start in the Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks to go up two games, but couldn't get the job done in the end.

Current State and Outlook

That leaves plenty of room for the Suns, featuring stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, to compete in a title-chasing situation.

4. Los Angeles Clippers

  • Last Championship: None

The Major Reasons Behind Drought

The Clippers have been synonymous with bad front-office decision-making and losing in the playoffs. Even with the likes of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin in Lob City, they always fell comically short come playoff time.

Current State and Outlook

The Clippers, featuring Kawhi Leonard and James Haden, have a capable roster to compete. But health has been a major issue, and their collective ability to stay fit will be crucial in contending for the title.

5. New York Knicks

  • Last Championship: 1973
  • Last Title: 51 years

The Major Reasons Behind Drought

Ownership, questionable management decisions, and a carousel of coaching changes have all contributed to New York's longest championship drought. The Knicks have mostly failed to be competitive in the Eastern Conference until last season.

Current State and Outlook

The Knicks finally kept the playoffs in sight. They have their fair share of young talent in Jaylen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the rest of the Villanova boys, who fit their role as they look for a way back to championship contention.

6. Utah Jazz

  • Championships (Made Finals in 1997, 1998)
  • Last Championship: 1966-67 (50 years ago in the pre-NBA era)

The Major Reasons Behind Drought

The Jazz made the N.B.A. finals twice in 1997 and 1998 but were runners-up to Chicago both times. The team has been unable to do so since, floundering in the playoffs. Their championship hopes have floundered as they've struggled to lure in the top free agents.

Current State and Outlook

They're currently rebuilding and have a long way to go in being relevant in a tough Western Conference.

7. Brooklyn Nets

  • Last championship: Never (Made Finals in 2002, 2003)

The Major Reasons Behind Drought

The team has made the NBA Finals twice, but never to a title. The franchise has had highs and lows, including a huge rebuild and acquiring star players such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, etc. But injuries and chemistry issues have derailed their postseason paths.

Current State and Outlook

The Nets have a young roster. Like the Jazz, the Nets are currently rebuilding and are years away from title contention.

8. Indiana Pacers

  • Championships: none

The Major Reasons Behind Drought

Unfortunately, the Pacers have been less than successful, and while they've made it to an NBA Finals series in 2000, but they lost to LA Lakers. The team has certainly gone due to its ups and downs amid hefty roster changes and injuries compromising them in their historical playoff runs.

Current State and Outlook

Indiana is in transition with the new and exciting Tyrese Haliburton era. They might become a real threat in the East after a couple of years if they play their cards right.

9. Portland Trail Blazers

  • Last Championship: 1977
  • 46 years without a championship

The Major Reasons Behind Drought

The Trail Blazers have struggled to return to the championship games, which they appeared in twice in 1990 and, of course, that 1977 title. Injuries and strong competition in the Western Conference have frequently kept them at bay.

10. Washington Wizards

  • Last Championship: 1978
  • Last Title: 46 years

The Major Reasons Behind Drought

It was previously known as the Bullets, and last won a title in 1978. The team has been up and down since then, between caliper efforts on ice, ongoing specters of managerial incompetence, or unfamiliarity with promises of the postseason but little playoff action.

Current State and Outlook

The Wizards are in rebuilding mode, as they still have key young and veteran player pieces on the team. How well they can develop their young prospects will go a long way toward determining whether the championship curse is broken down the road.

The path to an NBA title is littered with obstacles. Over their storied histories, these teams have felt the pinnacles of professional basketball along high and low without ever winning it all. A few franchises look like they have hope and need to rebuild. Fans hope their team can find ways to navigate the reasons for these long championship droughts.


LATEST

  • NEWS
  • |
  • ARTICLES
  • |
  • VIDEOS
img_articles

Does Anthony Edwards have beef with Noah Lyles?

img_articles

Why did Dennis Schroder focus on his physique m...

img_articles

Meet Michelle Moyer, Trinity Rodman's mother

img_articles

Do DJ Rodman and Dennis Rodman talk to each other?

img_articles

Is Paul Pierce single?

img_articles

Richard Jefferson's 2024 net worth

img_articles

Richard Jefferson's relationship status

img_articles

How much does an NBA assistant coach make?

img_articles

Is Max Christie single?

img_articles

Allen Iverson was drunk during hilarious NBA 'p...

img_articles

Zion Williamson's current weight

img_articles

Why did Zion Williamson leave his agent?

img_articles

Why did Steve Nash leave the Mavericks?

img_articles

Jimmy Butler gets real on Derrick Rose & early ...

img_articles

Which NBA team has the best cheerleaders?

img_articles

Who do people think is the ugliest NBA player?

img_articles

Who are Ayesha Curry's parents?

img_articles

What is The Professor's net worth?

img_articles

What is D'Vontay Friga's net worth?

img_articles

What happened to Trey Jason Kidd?

img_articles

How much is Tristan Jass' net worth?

img_articles

Miesha Slayton's basketball influence on Kawhi ...

img_articles

How tough was the death of Darryl to Charles Ba...

img_articles

How being African-American affected Charles Bar...

img_articles

How much did Mac McClung make in the NBA?

img_articles

How many siblings does Michael Jordan have?

img_articles

How large is Shaq's hands?

img_articles

Victor Wembanyama's height at 14 years old

img_articles

How much did Jeff Teague earn in the NBA?

img_articles

Does Scottie Barnes have autism?

img_articles

The woman who claimed to be Shaquille O'Neal's ...

img_articles

Lauri Markkanen's undying life for disc golf

img_articles

Is Dennis Rodman gay?

img_articles

Phillip Harrison steps up as Shaquille O'Neal's...

img_articles

How big was Shaquille O'Neal when he was born?

img_articles

How many tattoos does Shaquille O'Neal have?

img_articles

Did Charissa Thompson and Jay Williams date?

img_articles

Why is Brandon Ingram's game-winner over Anfern...

img_articles

Michael Jordan donates $1 million in honor of H...

img_articles

Meet Marlen Davis, Anthony Davis' wife

img_articles

What has Pam Bryant been up to?

img_articles

Who is Jalen Brunson' mom? Meet Sandra Brunson

img_articles

What's new with LeBron James' mom, Gloria James?

img_articles

What is Purdue and Grizzlies star Zach Edey's e...

img_articles

What is Rajon Rondo's net worth?

img_articles

What is Ja Morant's net worth?

img_articles

Who is Myles Turner's girlfriend?

img_articles

How much is Rajon Rondo's net worth after retir...

img_articles

How much is Devin Booker's 2024 net worth?

img_articles

How many brothers does Nikola Jokic have?

FAN ARCH PODCAST NETWORK