The NBA has long been a theater of dynasties, legends, and championship parades.
Yet, while some franchises are weighed down by banners, others are still waiting for their first.
These are the teams whose histories are marked by near-misses, heartbreaks, or simply the absence of a Finals breakthrough.
Their stories capture the other side of the league: resilience, hope, and the eternal chase for glory.
Which NBA teams have never won a championship?
| Team | Finals Appearances | Closest Result | Notable Eras / Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | 3 (1976, 1993, 2021) | Lost to Celtics, Bulls, and Bucks | Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, Devin Booker, Chris Paul |
| Utah Jazz | 2 (1997, 1998) | Lost both to Chicago Bulls | Karl Malone, John Stockton |
| Brooklyn Nets | 2 (2002, 2003) | Lost to Lakers and Spurs | Jason Kidd era, later Durant–Irving–Harden |
| Orlando Magic | 2 (1995, 2009) | Lost to Rockets and Lakers | Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, Dwight Howard |
| Indiana Pacers | 1 (2000) | Lost to Lakers | Reggie Miller |
| Charlotte Hornets | 0 | Never reached Finals | Alonzo Mourning, Kemba Walker, LaMelo Ball |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 0 | Western Conference Finals 2004 | Kevin Garnett, Anthony Edwards |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 0 | Western Conference Finals 2013 | “Grit and Grind” era, Ja Morant |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 0 | Western Semifinals best run | Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson |
The unfinished story
Each of these franchises carries a different kind of burden.
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The Suns and Jazz have lived the heartbreak of reaching the Finals without tasting victory.
The Magic and Nets saw their golden opportunities slip away.
The Pacers, Timberwolves, Grizzlies, Hornets, and Pelicans are still waiting for that first Finals stage.
But history in the NBA is never static.
A single draft pick, a trade, or a breakout star can flip destiny.
For these teams, the chase continues — and the anticipation makes the dream of a first championship all the more powerful.
