Worst Franchises in NBA History
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the premier professional basketball league in the world, featuring some of the most talented and iconic athletes in sports. However, not all franchises have been created equal, and some have struggled to find success throughout their history. Here are some of the worst franchises in NBA history:
1. Charlotte Hornets (pre-2002)
The original Charlotte Hornets franchise was founded in 1988 as an expansion team. Despite having some talented players, such as Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning, the team struggled to find consistent success. They made the playoffs only twice in their 14 seasons in Charlotte, and they never advanced past the first round. The team relocated to New Orleans in 2002 and became the Pelicans.
2. Vancouver Grizzlies
The Vancouver Grizzlies were another expansion team that joined the NBA in 1995. Like the Hornets, the Grizzlies struggled to find success on the court. They made the playoffs only once in their six seasons in Vancouver, and they never won a playoff series. The team relocated to Memphis in 2001 and became the Grizzlies.
3. New Orleans Hornets (2002-2013)
After the original Charlotte Hornets relocated to New Orleans, the team struggled to find success in their new home. They made the playoffs only four times in their 11 seasons in New Orleans, and they never advanced past the second round. The team was renamed the Pelicans in 2013.
4. Seattle SuperSonics
The Seattle SuperSonics were one of the most successful franchises in the NBA during the 1970s and 1980s, winning the championship in 1979. However, the team struggled to maintain their success in the 1990s and 2000s. They made the playoffs only six times in their final 14 seasons in Seattle, and they never advanced past the second round. The team relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 and became the Thunder.
5. Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have been one of the most disappointing franchises in the NBA in recent years. They have not made the playoffs since 2006, and they have not won a playoff series since 2002. The team has struggled to find consistent success despite having some talented players, such as DeMarcus Cousins and Tyrese Haliburton.
6. Philadelphia 76ers (2013-2018)
The Philadelphia 76ers went through a period of extreme struggles from 2013 to 2018, known as "The Process." During this time, the team intentionally tanked their games in order to acquire high draft picks. The strategy eventually paid off, as the 76ers drafted Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, who have helped the team become a contender in recent years.
7. Brooklyn Nets (2012-2019)
The Brooklyn Nets have been one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NBA in recent years. They have made a number of questionable trades and signings, and they have struggled to find consistent success on the court. The team has not made the playoffs since 2019, and they have not won a playoff series since 2014.
8. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are one of the most iconic franchises in the NBA, but they have struggled to find success in recent years. They have not won a championship since 1973, and they have not made the NBA Finals since 1999. The Knicks have made a number of questionable decisions in recent years, and they have struggled to find a consistent identity on the court.
9. Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have been one of the most successful franchises in the NBA in recent years, but they have a long history of struggles. They have never won a championship, and they have only made the NBA Finals once. The Clippers have often been overshadowed by their more successful rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the most disappointing franchises in the NBA in recent years. They have not made the playoffs since 2018, and they have not won a playoff series since 2004. The Timberwolves have struggled to find consistent success despite having some talented players, such as Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards.
