List of NBA franchise post-season droughts - wikipedia List of NBA franchise post-season droughts 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 teams which have never made an NBA Playoffs appearance, an NBA Finals appearance and have never won an NBA championship are listed from the year they entered the league. Of the 30 current NBA franchises, 12 have never won the NBA championship. The oldest such franchise is the Suns ( 48 seasons ), while the Royals / Kings and the Hawks have even longer championship droughts ( 67 and 60 seasons, respectively ). Seven franchises have never been to the NBA Finals, the highest number among the major North American sports. The oldest such team is the Braves / Clippers franchise ( 45 seasons ) ; the Kings and the Hawks have appearance droughts that are even longer ( 65 and 58 seasons, respectively ). The longest a franchise has gone without appearing in the playoffs at all is 15 seasons : the Braves / Clippers franchise from 1977 to 1991. Of the 18 franchises that have won an NBA championship, 8 have droughts of 34 seasons or more, which is to say that the past 34 championships have been shared among only 10 franchises : the Lakers ( 8 ), the Bulls ( 6 ), the Spurs ( 5 ), the Celtics ( 3 ), the Pistons ( 3 ), the Heat ( 3 ), the Rockets ( 2 ), the Warriors ( 2 ), the Mavericks ( 1 ), and the Cavaliers ( 1 ). By contrast, the other three major North American sports have each had at least 15 franchises become champions over the same period of time. Contents 1 Active droughts 1.1 NBA Playoffs appearance droughts 1.2 NBA Playoffs series win droughts 1.3 NBA Division Championship droughts 1.4 NBA Conference Finals appearance droughts 1.5 NBA Finals appearance droughts 1.6 NBA championship title droughts 2 All - time droughts 2.1 Closest approaches without winning 2.2 Longest post-season droughts in team history 2.3 Longest NBA Playoffs appearance droughts 2.4 Longest Conference finals droughts 3 Finals droughts 3.1 NBA Finals in which neither team had previously won a championship 3.2 NBA Finals in which neither franchise had won a championship in 20 - plus seasons 4 Teams awaiting their first NBA championship 5 See also 6 References Active droughts NBA Playoffs appearance droughts Appearance droughts updated through April 9, 2018. Playoff picture at NBA.com Longest drought in team history Number of seasons include the 2017 - 18 season Seasons Team Last earned appearance in NBA playoffs Reference 14 Minnesota Timberwolves ^ 2004 Western Finals 12 Sacramento Kings ^ 2006 First Round 8 Phoenix Suns ^ 2010 Western Finals 6 Orlando Magic ^ 2012 First Round 5 Los Angeles Lakers ^ 2013 First Round 5 Denver Nuggets 2013 First Round 5 New York Knicks 2013 Eastern Semifinals Brooklyn Nets 2015 First Round Charlotte Hornets 2016 First Round Detroit Pistons 2016 First Round Dallas Mavericks 2016 First Round Chicago Bulls 2017 First Round Memphis Grizzlies 2017 First Round Atlanta Hawks 2017 First Round Los Angeles Clippers 2017 First Round 2018 Playoff teams -- Toronto Raptors 2018 First Round -- Boston Celtics 2018 First Round -- Cleveland Cavaliers 2018 First Round -- Philadelphia 76ers 2018 First Round -- Indiana Pacers 2018 First Round -- Miami Heat 2018 First Round -- Washington Wizards 2018 First Round -- Milwaukee Bucks 2018 First Round -- Houston Rockets 2018 First Round -- Golden State Warriors 2018 First Round -- Portland Trail Blazers 2018 First Round -- Utah Jazz 2018 First Round -- Oklahoma City Thunder 2018 First Round -- San Antonio Spurs 2018 First Round -- New Orleans Pelicans 2018 First Round NBA playoffs series win droughts Droughts updated through the 2017 finals. Playoff picture at NBA.com 0 ^ 0 Longest drought in team history 0 0 Most consecutive series losses in team history 0 † 0 Tied for Longest drought in team history Current Playoff series loss streak Team Last series win in NBA Playoffs Seasons since win Losing streak Series losses -- teams Ref Milwaukee Bucks ^ 2001 Eastern Semifinals 17 8 2001 Philadelphia 2003 New Jersey Nets 00 2004 Detroit 2006 Detroit 2010 Atlanta 2013 Miami 2015 Chicago 2017 Toronto Charlotte Hornets ^ 2002 Eastern First Round 14 4 2002 New Jersey Nets 2010 Orlando 2014 Miami 2016 Miami Sacramento Kings 2004 Western First Round 14 2004 Minnesota 2005 Seattle 2006 San Antonio Minnesota Timberwolves § 2004 Western Semifinals 14 2004 Los Angeles Lakers New Orleans Pelicans ^ 2008 Western First Round 10 4 2008 San Antonio 2009 Denver 2011 Los Angeles Lakers 2015 Golden State Detroit Pistons 2008 Eastern Semifinals 10 2008 Boston 2009 Cleveland 2016 Cleveland Denver Nuggets 2009 Western Semifinals 9 5 2009 Los Angeles Lakers 2010 Utah 2011 Oklahoma City 2012 Los Angeles Lakers 2013 Golden State Orlando Magic 2010 Eastern Semifinals 8 2010 Boston 2011 Atlanta 2012 Indiana Phoenix Suns 2010 Western Semifinals 8 2010 Los Angeles Lakers Dallas Mavericks 2011 Finals 7 4 2012 Oklahoma City 2014 San Antonio 2015 Houston 2016 Oklahoma City Philadelphia 76ers 2012 Eastern First Round 6 2012 Boston Los Angeles Lakers 2012 Western First Round 6 2012 Oklahoma City 2013 San Antonio New York Knicks 2013 Eastern First Round 5 2013 Indiana Brooklyn Nets 2014 Eastern First Round 2014 Miami 2015 Atlanta Indiana Pacers 2014 Eastern Semifinals 2014 Miami 2016 Toronto 2017 Cleveland Chicago Bulls 2015 Eastern First Round 2015 Cleveland 2017 Boston Memphis Grizzlies 2015 Western First Round 2015 Golden State 2016 San Antonio Spurs 2017 San Antonio Spurs Los Angeles Clippers 2015 Western First Round 2015 Houston 2016 Portland 2017 Utah Atlanta Hawks 2016 Eastern First Round 2016 Cleveland 2017 Washington Portland Trail Blazers 2016 Western First Round 2016 Golden State 2017 Golden State Miami Heat 2016 Eastern First Round 2016 Toronto Oklahoma City Thunder 2016 Western Semifinals 2016 Golden State 2017 Houston z 3000 2017 Playoff Series 0 Winners 3000 3000 Toronto Raptors 2017 Eastern First Round -- 2017 Cleveland Utah Jazz 2017 Western First Round -- 2017 Golden State Houston Rockets 2017 Western First Round -- 2017 San Antonio Washington Wizards 2017 Eastern First Round -- 2017 Boston San Antonio Spurs 2017 Western Semifinals -- 2017 Golden State Boston Celtics 2017 Eastern Semifinals -- 2017 Cleveland Cleveland Cavaliers 2017 Eastern Finals -- 2017 Golden State Golden State Warriors 2017 Finals -- 0 7000400000000000000 ♠ 4 series win streak Team Last series win in NBA Playoffs Seasons Since win Losing Streak Series Losses -- Teams Ref Charlotte was inactive for two years following the 2001 -- 02 season. NBA division championship droughts Updated through the April 9, 2018. 0 ^ 0 Longest drought in team history 0 0 2017 -- 18 Division Champion / 2016 -- 17 Defending 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 ^ 1 ! None East ! Southeast 28 Memphis Grizzlies ^ 1.1 ! None West ! Southwest 23 Philadelphia 76ers ^ 2000 -- 01 East ! Atlantic 17 Milwaukee Bucks ^ 2000 -- 01 East ! Central 17 Sacramento Kings 2002 -- 03 West ! Pacific 15 Minnesota Timberwolves 2003 -- 04 West ! Northwest 14 Brooklyn Nets 2005 -- 06 East ! Atlantic 12 Phoenix Suns 2006 -- 07 West ! Pacific 11 New Orleans Pelicans ^ 2007 -- 08 West ! Southwest 10 Detroit Pistons 2007 -- 08 East ! Central 10 Orlando Magic 2009 -- 10 East ! Southeast 8 Dallas Mavericks 2009 -- 10 West ! Southwest 8 Denver Nuggets 2009 -- 10 West ! Northwest 8 Los Angeles Lakers 2011 -- 12 West ! Pacific 6 Chicago Bulls 2011 -- 12 East ! Central 6 New York Knicks 2012 -- 13 East ! Atlantic 5 Indiana Pacers 2013 -- 14 East ! Central Los Angeles Clippers 2013 -- 14 West ! Pacific Portland Trail Blazers 2014 -- 15 West ! Northwest Atlanta Hawks 2014 -- 15 East ! Southeast Miami Heat 2015 -- 16 East ! Southeast Oklahoma City Thunder 2015 -- 16 West ! Northwest Boston Celtics 2016 -- 17 East ! Atlantic Washington Wizards 2016 -- 17 East ! Southeast -- Utah Jazz 2016 -- 17 West ! Northwest -- San Antonio Spurs 2016 -- 17 West ! Southwest Toronto Raptors 2017 -- 18 East ! Atlantic -- Cleveland Cavaliers 2017 -- 18 East ! Central -- Golden State Warriors 2017 -- 18 West ! Pacific -- Houston Rockets 2017 -- 18 West ! Southwest -- NBA Conference Finals appearance droughts Longest drought in team history † Tied for longest drought in team history Seasons Team Last appearance in Conference Finals Result Reference 48 Los Angeles Clippers ^ Never z -- 39 Washington Wizards ^ 1979 Won vs. San Antonio 28 Charlotte Hornets ^ Never z -- 18 Portland Trail Blazers ^ 2000 Lost vs. Los Angeles Lakers 18 New York Knicks 2000 Lost vs. Indiana 17 Milwaukee Bucks ^ 2001 Lost vs. Phil 0Lost vs. Philadelphia 0 17 Philadelphia 76ers ^ 2001 Won vs. Milwaukee 16 Sacramento Kings 2002 Lost vs. Los Angeles Lakers 16 New Orleans Pelicans ^ Never z -- 15 Brooklyn Nets 2003 Won vs. Detroit 14 Minnesota Timberwolves † Lost vs. Los Angeles Lakers 11 Utah Jazz 2007 Lost vs. San Antonio 10 Detroit Pistons 2008 Lost vs. Boston 9 Denver Nuggets 2009 Lost vs. Los Angeles Lakers 8 Orlando Magic Lost vs. Boston 8 Phoenix Suns Lost vs. Los Angeles Lakers 8 Los Angeles Lakers † Won vs. Phoenix 7 Chicago Bulls 2011 Lost vs. Miami 7 Dallas Mavericks 2011 Won vs. Oklahoma 0Won vs. Oklahoma City 0 5 Memphis Grizzlies 2013 Lost vs. San Antonio Miami Heat 2014 Won vs. Indiana Indiana Pacers 2014 Lost vs. Miami Atlanta Hawks 2015 Lost vs. Cleveland Houston Rockets 2015 Lost vs. Golden State Toronto Raptors 2016 Lost vs. Cleveland Oklahoma City Thunder 2016 Lost vs. Golden State. 85 Z2017 Conference Finalists 2016.5 zzz. 75 -- Boston Celtics 2017 Lost vs. Cleveland. 75 -- Cleveland Cavaliers 2017 Won vs. Boston. 75 -- Golden State Warriors 2017 Won vs. San Antonio -- San Antonio Spurs 2017 Lost vs. Golden State NBA Finals appearance droughts Seasons Team Last appearance in NBA Finals Result Reference 68 Sacramento Kings 1951 Won vs. New York 58 Atlanta Hawks 1961 Lost vs. Boston 48 Los Angeles Clippers Never yyyy -- 44 Milwaukee Bucks Lost vs. Boston 42 Denver Nuggets Never yyyy -- 39 Washington Wizards 1979 Lost vs. Seattle 29 Minnesota Timberwolves Never yyyy -- 28 Charlotte Hornets Never yyyy -- 26 Portland Trail Blazers 1992 Lost vs. Chicago 25 Phoenix Suns 1993 Lost vs. Chicago 23 Toronto Raptors Never yyyy -- 23 Houston Rockets 1995 Won vs. Orlando 23 Memphis Grizzlies Never yyyy -- 20 Utah Jazz 1998 Lost vs. Chicago 20 Chicago Bulls 1998 Won vs. Utah 19 New York Knicks 1999 Lost vs. San Antonio 18 Indiana Pacers 2000 Lost vs. Los Angeles Lakers 17 Philadelphia 76ers 2001 Lost vs. Los Angeles Lakers 16 New Orleans Pelicans Never yyyy -- 15 Brooklyn Nets 2003 Lost vs. San Antonio 13 Detroit Pistons 2005 Lost vs. San Antonio 9 Orlando Magic 2009 Lost vs. Los Angeles Lakers 8 Boston Celtics Lost vs. Los Angeles Lakers 8 Los Angeles Lakers Won vs. Boston 7 Dallas Mavericks 2011 Won vs. Miami 6 Oklahoma City Thunder 2012 Lost vs. Miami Miami Heat 2014.5 2014 Lost vs. San Antonio San Antonio Spurs 2014.5 2014 Won vs. Miami 0 Z2017 Finalists 2016.5 zzz -- Cleveland Cavaliers 2017 Lost vs. Golden State -- Golden State Warriors 2017 Won vs. Cleveland The Sacramento Kings last appeared in the 1951 NBA Finals as the Rochester Royals. The Atlanta Hawks last appeared in the 1961 NBA Finals as the St. Louis Hawks. The Washington Wizards last appeared in the 1979 Conference Finals and NBA Finals as the Washington Bullets. The Brooklyn Nets last appeared in the 2003 Conference Finals and NBA Finals as the New Jersey Nets. NBA championship title droughts Competing in 2018 playoffs Seasons Team Last NBA championship Reference 68 Sacramento Kings 1951 61 Atlanta Hawks 1958 50 Phoenix Suns Never 48 Los Angeles Clippers Never 47 Milwaukee Bucks 1971 45 New York Knicks 1973 44 Utah Jazz Never 42 Denver Nuggets Never 42 Brooklyn Nets Never 42 Indiana Pacers Never 41 Portland Trail Blazers 1977 40 Washington Wizards 1978 39 Oklahoma City Thunder 1979 35 Philadelphia 76ers 29 Orlando Magic Never 29 Minnesota Timberwolves Never 28 Charlotte Hornets Never 23 Houston Rockets 1995 23 Memphis Grizzlies Never 23 Toronto Raptors Never 20 Chicago Bulls 1998 16 New Orleans Pelicans Never 14 Detroit Pistons 10 Boston Celtics 2008 8 Los Angeles Lakers 7 Dallas Mavericks 2011 5 Miami Heat 2013 San Antonio Spurs 2014 Cleveland Cavaliers 2016. 25 Sam Defending 2015.5 NBA champion -- Golden State Warriors 2017 The Sacramento Kings last won an NBA championship in 1951 as the Rochester Royals. The Atlanta Hawks last won an NBA championship in 1958 as the St. Louis Hawks. The Washington Wizards last won an NBA championship in 1978 as the Washington Bullets. The Oklahoma City Thunder last won an NBA championship in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics. All - time droughts Closest approaches without winning Updated through April 9, 2018. Competing in 2018 playoffs Last team to leave list - Cleveland Cavaliers 2016 Team Conference Quarter - Final appearances Conference Semi-Final appearances Conference Final appearances NBA Final appearances Fewest wins short of NBA Championship Brooklyn Nets 19 7 02 wins short : 2003 Indiana Pacers 25 10 8 02 wins short : 2000 Phoenix Suns 26 18 9 02 wins short : 1976, 1993 Utah Jazz 27 15 6 02 wins short : 1997, 1998 Orlando Magic 14 5 03 wins short : 2009 Toronto Raptors 10 6 wins short : 2016 Minnesota Timberwolves 8 06 wins short : 2004 Denver Nuggets 22 8 06 wins short : 1978, 2009 Memphis Grizzlies 10 08 wins short : 2013 Los Angeles Clippers 11 7 9 wins short : 1975, 2006, 2015 New Orleans Pelicans 7 9 wins short : 2008 Charlotte Hornets 10 11 wins short : 2002 Longest post-season droughts in team history Updated through March 31, 2018. 0 ^ 0 Denotes active drought Team Longest streak with no post-season appearances Seasons Los Angeles Clippers 1976 -- 77 through 1990 -- 91 15 Minnesota Timberwolves ^ 2004 -- 05 through 2017 -- 18 14 Golden State Warriors 1994 -- 95 through 2005 -- 06 12 Sacramento Kings ^ 2006 -- 07 through 2017 -- 18 12 Dallas Mavericks 1990 -- 91 through 1999 -- 2000 10 Utah Jazz 1974 -- 75 through 1982 -- 83 9 Washington Wizards 1988 -- 89 through 1995 -- 96 8 Memphis Grizzlies 1995 -- 96 through 2002 -- 03 8 Denver Nuggets 1995 -- 96 through 2002 -- 03 8 Atlanta Hawks 1999 -- 2000 through 2006 -- 07 8 Phoenix Suns ^ 2010 -- 11 through 2017 -- 18 8 New York Knicks 1959 -- 60 through 1965 -- 66 7 Oklahoma City Thunder 1967 -- 68 through 1973 -- 74 7 Milwaukee Bucks 1991 -- 92 through 1997 -- 98 7 Philadelphia 76ers 1991 -- 92 through 1997 -- 98 7 Cleveland Cavaliers 1998 -- 99 through 2004 -- 05 7 Portland Trail Blazers 1970 -- 71 through 1975 -- 76 6 Detroit Pistons 1977 -- 78 through 1982 -- 83 2009 -- 10 through 2014 -- 15 6 Boston Celtics 1995 -- 96 through 2000 -- 01 6 Chicago Bulls 1998 -- 99 through 2003 -- 04 6 Orlando Magic ^ 2012 -- 13 through 2017 -- 18 6 Houston Rockets 1969 -- 70 through 1973 -- 74 5 Indiana Pacers 1981 -- 82 through 1985 -- 86 5 Brooklyn Nets 1986 -- 87 through 1990 -- 91 & 2007 -- 08 through 2011 -- 12 5 Charlotte Hornets ^ 2004 -- 05 through 2008 -- 09 5 Toronto Raptors ^ 2008 -- 09 through 2012 -- 13 5 Los Angeles Lakers ^ 2013 -- 14 through 2017 -- 18 5 Miami Heat 1988 -- 89 through 1990 -- 91 New Orleans Pelicans ^ 2004 -- 05 through 2006 -- 07 2011 -- 12 through 2013 -- 14 San Antonio Spurs 1983 -- 84 1986 -- 87 1988 -- 89 1996 -- 97 Team Longest streak with no post-season series wins Seasons Los Angeles Clippers 1976 -- 77 through 2004 -- 05 29 Washington Wizards 1982 -- 83 through 2003 -- 04 22 Sacramento Kings 1981 -- 82 through 1999 -- 2000 19 Indiana Pacers 1976 -- 77 through 1992 -- 93 17 Brooklyn Nets 1984 -- 85 through 2000 -- 01 17 Milwaukee Bucks ^ 2001 -- 02 through 2016 -- 17 16 New York Knicks 1953 -- 54 through 1967 -- 68 15 Cleveland Cavaliers 1976 -- 77 through 1990 -- 91 15 Golden State Warriors 1991 -- 92 through 2005 -- 06 15 Memphis Grizzlies 1995 -- 96 through 2009 -- 10 15 Minnesota Timberwolves 1989 -- 90 through 2002 -- 03 14 Denver Nuggets 1994 -- 95 through 2007 -- 08 14 Toronto Raptors 2001 -- 02 through 2014 -- 15 14 Charlotte Hornets ^ 2004 -- 05 through 2017 -- 18 14 Detroit Pistons 1962 -- 63 through 1974 -- 75 13 Portland Trail Blazers 2000 -- 01 through 2012 -- 13 13 Dallas Mavericks 1988 -- 89 through 1999 -- 2000 12 Orlando Magic 1996 -- 97 through 2006 -- 07 11 Houston Rockets 1997 -- 98 through 2007 -- 08 11 Utah Jazz 1974 -- 75 through 1982 -- 83 9 Boston Celtics 1992 -- 93 through 2000 -- 01 9 Atlanta Hawks 1999 -- 2000 through 2007 -- 08 9 New Orleans Pelicans ^ 2008 -- 09 through 2016 -- 17 9 Philadelphia 76ers 1968 -- 69 through 1975 -- 76 & 2003 -- 04 through 2010 -- 11 8 Miami Heat 1988 -- 89 through 1995 -- 96 8 Chicago Bulls 1998 -- 99 through 2005 -- 06 8 Phoenix Suns 2010 -- 11 through 2017 -- 18 8 Oklahoma City Thunder 1967 -- 68 through 1973 -- 74 7 San Antonio Spurs 1983 -- 84 through 1988 -- 89 6 Los Angeles Lakers ^ 2012 -- 13 through 2017 -- 18 6 Longest NBA playoffs appearance droughts Appearance droughts updated through March 17, 2018. Denotes active drought Streak Team NBA Playoffs appearance droughts Reference 7001150000000000000 ♠ 15 seasons Los Angeles Clippers 1977 -- 1991 7001130000000000000 ♠ 13 seasons Minnesota Timberwolves Minnesota Timberwolves ^ 2005 -- 2017 7001120000000000000 ♠ 12 seasons Golden State Warriors 1995 -- 2006 7001120000000000000 ♠ 12 seasons Sacramento Kings ^ 2007 -- 2018 7001100000000000000 ♠ 10 seasons Dallas Mavericks 1991 -- 2000 7000900000000000000 ♠ 9 seasons Utah Jazz 1975 -- 1983 7000900000000000000 ♠ 9 seasons Golden State Warriors 1978 -- 1986 7000900000000000000 ♠ 9 seasons Sacramento Kings 1987 -- 1995 7000800000000000000 ♠ 8 seasons Washington Bullets 1989 -- 1996 7000800000000000000 ♠ 8 seasons Denver Nuggets 1996 -- 2003 7000800000000000000 ♠ 8 seasons Memphis Grizzlies 1996 -- 2003 7000800000000000000 ♠ 8 seasons Los Angeles Clippers 1998 -- 2005 7000800000000000000 ♠ 8 seasons Atlanta Hawks 2000 -- 2007 7000800000000000000 ♠ 8 seasons Phoenix Suns 2010 -- 2018 Streak included Buffalo Braves 1977 -- 78 seasons, and San Diego Clippers 1979 -- 84 seasons. Streak included New Orleans Jazz 1975 -- 79 seasons. Streak included Vancouver Grizzlies 1996 -- 2001 seasons. Longest Conference Finals droughts Appearance droughts updated through the start of the 2018 playoffs. 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 Subsequent appearance in Conference Finals Reference 48 Los Angeles Clippers ^ 001971 0 -- 2018 Active drought 44 Atlanta Hawks 1971 -- 2014 2015 38 Golden State Warriors 1977 -- 2014 2015 38 Washington Wizards ^ 1980 -- 2017 Active drought 28 Charlotte Hornets ^ 001989 0 -- 2018 Active drought 25 New Jersey Nets 001977 0 -- 2001 2002 23 Denver Nuggets 1986 -- 2008 2009 20 Toronto Raptors 01996 -- 2015 2016 20 Sacramento Kings 1982 -- 2001 2002 Streak includes seasons as Buffalo Braves and San Diego Clippers. Team last qualified for the Conference Finals as Washington Bullets. Franchise inactive for two seasons between 2002 and 2004. Current Brooklyn Nets ; includes one season as New York Nets. Includes four seasons as Kansas City Kings. 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. 0 * 0 Both Teams in 1st NBA Finals appearance Season Won Lost Number of years till drought ended 2006 * Miami Heat Dallas Mavericks 5 1978 Washington Bullets Seattle SuperSonics ( OKC ) 1971 * Milwaukee Bucks Baltimore Bullets ( WSH ) 7 1957 * Boston Celtics St. Louis Hawks ( ATL ) 1955 Syracuse Nationals ( PHI ) Fort Wayne Pistons ( DET ) ^ 34 1951 * Rochester Royals ( SAC ) ^ New York Knicks 19 1949 * Minneapolis Lakers ( LAL ) ^ Washington Capitols † defunct 2 years later 1947 * Philadelphia Warriors ( GSW ) Chicago Stags † defunct 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. Season Won Drought ( seasons ) Lost Drought ( seasons ) 2015 Golden State Warriors 39 Cleveland Cavaliers 44 * 2006 Miami Heat 17 * Dallas Mavericks 25 * 1999 San Antonio Spurs 22 * New York Knicks 25 1994 Houston Rockets 26 * New York Knicks 20 1978 Washington Bullets 16 * Seattle SuperSonics 10 * 1971 Milwaukee Bucks 2 * Baltimore Bullets 9 * 1957 Boston Celtics 10 * St. Louis Hawks 7 * 1955 Syracuse Nationals 5 * Fort Wayne Pistons 6 * 1951 Rochester Royals 2 * New York Knicks 4 * 1949 * Minneapolis Lakers 0 * Washington Capitols 2 * 1947 Philadelphia Warriors 0 * Chicago Stags 0 * 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 ). 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 : Cleveland, 2016 Total seasons ( NBA ) Franchise Last NBA Finals appearance 7001500000000000000 ♠ 50 seasons Phoenix Suns ( 1968 -- 2018 ) 1993 7001480000000000000 ♠ 48 seasons Los Angeles Clippers § ( 1984 -- 2018 ) -- 7001440000000000000 ♠ 44 seasons Utah Jazz § ( 1979 -- 2018 ) 1998 7001420000000000000 ♠ 42 seasons Denver Nuggets ( 1976 -- 2018 ) -- 7001420000000000000 ♠ 42 seasons Indiana Pacers ‡ ( 1976 -- 2018 ) 2000 7001420000000000000 ♠ 42 seasons Brooklyn Nets § ‡ ( 2012 -- 2018 ) 2003 7001290000000000000 ♠ 29 seasons Minnesota Timberwolves ( 1989 -- 2018 ) -- 7001290000000000000 ♠ 29 seasons Orlando Magic ( 1989 -- 2018 ) 2009 7001280000000000000 ♠ 28 seasons Charlotte Hornets † ( 1988 -- 2002 ) ( 2014 -- 2018 ) -- 7001230000000000000 ♠ 23 seasons Toronto Raptors ( 1995 -- 2018 ) 7001230000000000000 ♠ 23 seasons Memphis Grizzlies § ( 2001 -- 2018 ) -- 7001160000000000000 ♠ 16 seasons New Orleans Pelicans † ( 2013 -- 2018 ) -- 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. See also National Basketball Association portal List of NBA franchise post-season streaks List of National Basketball Association longest losing streaks List of National Basketball Association longest winning streaks List of Major League Baseball ( MLB ) franchise post-season droughts List of National Football League ( NFL ) franchise post-season droughts List of National Hockey League ( NHL ) franchise post-season droughts List of Major League Soccer ( MLS ) club post-season droughts References General `` Team Index ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 11, 2009. Specific Jump up ^ Newberry, Paul ( May 10, 2015 ). `` NBA : NFL has most parity, NBA is most exclusive club when it comes to winning titles ''. Associated Press. Retrieved June 19, 2016. Jump up ^ Major League Baseball has 18 different franchises that have won championships and have droughts of less than 32 years ; the National Football League has 16 such franchises, and the National Hockey League has 15 such franchises. Jump up ^ Aldridge, David ( June 6, 2015 ). `` Warriors close in on title... and keep NBA history afloat ''. NBA.com. Retrieved June 19, 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Playoff picture ''. NBA.com. Retrieved March 18, 2018. ^ Jump up to : `` Minnesota Timberwolves ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Sacramento Kings ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Phoenix Suns ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Orlando Magic ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Los Angeles Lakers ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Denver Nuggets ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` New York Knicks ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Brooklyn Nets ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Charlotte Hornets ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Detroit Pistons ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Dallas Mavericks ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Chicago Bulls ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Memphis Grizzlies ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Atlanta Hawks ''. basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2009. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Los Angeles Clippers ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Toronto Raptors ''. basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Boston Celtics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Cleveland Cavaliers ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Philadelphia 76ers ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Indiana Pacers ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Miami Heat ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Washington Wizards ''. basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2012. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Milwaukee Bucks ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Houston Rockets ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Golden State Warriors ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Portland Trail Blazers ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Utah Jazz ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Oklahoma City Thunder ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` San Antonio Spurs ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` New Orleans Pelicans ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012. NBA playoffs List of playoff series Conference Finals Finals 60 Greatest Playoff Moments Game sevens Streaks Droughts Records Scoring Leaders Assists Leaders 3 Pt Leaders Rebound Leaders WNBA playoffs 1940s 1947 1948 1949 1950s 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960s 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970s 1970 1971 1972 1973 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980s 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990s 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000s 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010s 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 NBA season - by - season team history Eastern Conference Atlantic Boston Celtics Brooklyn Nets New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers Toronto Raptors Central Chicago Bulls Cleveland Cavaliers Detroit Pistons Indiana Pacers Milwaukee Bucks Southeast Atlanta Hawks Charlotte Hornets Miami Heat Orlando Magic Washington Wizards Western Conference Northwest Denver Nuggets Minnesota Timberwolves Oklahoma City Thunder Portland Trail Blazers Utah Jazz Pacific Golden State Warriors Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers Phoenix Suns Sacramento Kings Southwest Dallas Mavericks Houston Rockets Memphis Grizzlies New Orleans Pelicans San Antonio Spurs Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_NBA_franchise_post-season_droughts&oldid=835723397 '' Categories : National Basketball Association playoffs Playoff streaks National Basketball Association lists Hidden categories : Use mdy dates from December 2016 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Add links This page was last edited on 10 April 2018, at 11 : 31. 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Question: who has the longest playoff drought in the nba
Answer: Minnesota Timberwolves