10 Teams Still Searching for a NBA Championship: The Elusive NBA Finals Trophy
The overall achievement of NBA teams is measured by the championship title, which is still out of reach for some teams. Some teams have tried their best over and over again to clinch the NBA championship but have not won the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Among the 30 franchises in the NBA basketball, a third of them have not been able to taste a NBA championship victory. Take a look at these teams with no title to their name and discover how they were faring in their hunt for an NBA championship.
Teams Without an NBA Championship
Phoenix Suns
- Total NBA Finals Appearances: 3
- Last NBA Finals Appearance: 2021
The Sun is the oldest NBA franchise with no championship to its name since its admission into the league in 1968. They have placed second, and their best year finish was 2021 but have not nailed an NBA championship so far.
Orlando Magic
- Total NBA Finals Appearances: 2
- Last NBA Finals Appearance: 2009
The Magic have only appeared in NBA finals, twice – in 1995 and in 2009, but failed to win. They keep on rising & trying to capture that NBA championship title.
Brooklyn Nets
- Total NBA Finals Appearances: 2
- Last NBA Finals Appearance: 2003
The Nets were founded in New Jersey and performed as a team in the NBA’s Finals for two consecutive years in 2002-03 but failed to clinch the title. However, they are still in search of their first title now that they are playing in Brooklyn.
Utah Jazz
- Total NBA Finals Appearances: 2
- Last NBA Finals Appearance: 1998
Despite this, the team with the Jazz’s number one talents Karl Malone and John Stockton made it to the NBA finals in 1997 and 1998 but tragically, they were defeated by Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.
Indiana Pacers
- Total NBA Finals Appearances: 1
- Last NBA Finals Appearance: 2000
The Pacers only reached the Finals once in their history, in the 1999-2000 season, but they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. To this date, they have not been able to reach the stage of the finals.
Los Angeles Clippers
- Total NBA Finals Appearances: 0
Notably, the Clippers are yet to progress to the NBA Finals. Although the team has had some post-season appearances, they are one of the few teams who have never reached the NBA championship finals.
Memphis Grizzlies
- Total NBA Finals Appearances: 0
It is important to note that the Grizzlies were established in the year 1995 and have not been to the NBA championship finals. They have had many playoffs, but seem to have not captured a trophy up to date.
Charlotte Hornets
- Total NBA Finals Appearances: 0
The Hornets franchise started in 1988 and, to this date, they have not made any appearance in the NBA finals. These teams go in search of the route to their first title.
New Orleans Pelicans
- Total NBA Finals Appearances: 0
The Pelicans were established in 2002, and they have not been to the NBA finals yet, thus making this franchise one of the youngest teams in the NBA. It is assembling a young team with the expectation of having a bright future in control.
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Total NBA Finals Appearances: 0
The Timberwolves have had minimal success since their time in the NBA since joining the Association in 1989. They have yet to reach their first finals for a given season.
Teams with the Most NBA Championships
There are teams still struggling to claim their first trophy and there are teams with lots of triumphs on their back. Out of all teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics have claimed the same number of championships with 17 victories each. The Lakers’ recent triumph was in the 2020 “bubble” playoffs, while the Celtics last won in 2008. Here’s a look at the teams with the most NBA titles:
| Team | NBA Finals Wins | Last NBA Finals Win |
|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 17 | 2020 |
| Celtics | 17 | 2008 |
| Warriors | 7 | 2022 |
| Bulls | 6 | 1998 |
| Spurs | 5 | 2014 |
| Heat | 3 | 2013 |
| Pistons | 3 | 2004 |
| 76ers | 3 | 1983 |
| Bucks | 2 | 2021 |
| Rockets | 2 | 1995 |
| Knicks | 2 | 1973 |
| Nuggets | 1 | 2023 |
| Raptors | 1 | 2019 |
| Cavaliers | 1 | 2016 |
| Mavericks | 1 | 2011 |
| Thunder* | 1 | 1979 |
| Wizards | 1 | 1978 |
| Trail Blazers | 1 | 1977 |
| Hawks* | 1 | 1958 |
| Kings* | 1 | 1951 |
Note: The Thunder claimed the title with the previous identity of the Seattle SuperSonics. The Hawks were originally based in St. Louis and won their title while based there while the Kings originally known as the Rochester Royals won their title there as well.
Several teams are still in the quest to achieve the NBA championship. The ten franchises that have not won any title also believe in the dream and every season comes with fresh hope for the new change and achievement of the dream – to become NBA champions.
10 best teams that didn’t win a National Championship according to Fanbuzz:
1 – 2002 Miami
2 – 2005 USC
3 – 2009 Florida
4 – 2000 Miami
5 – 2011 LSU
6 – 1959 Ole Miss
7 – 1987 Florida State
8 – 1994 Penn State
9 – 2004 Auburn
10 – 2016 Alabama
— CFB Home (@CFBHome) July 24, 2019