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After 77 seasons, the NBA has grown to 30 teams and has been the leading basketball league throughout the world. Like any squad that comes to the NBA, the main objective is to deliver a championship. However, some teams have been lingering around for decades but never reached the NBA Finals in their franchise history.
5 NBA teams that have never reached the finals
#5. New Orleans Pelicans
Founded in 2002, the New Orleans Pelicans are the youngest on this list, having not reached the NBA Finals in 21 seasons. The best finish that this team has accomplished was a division championship back in 2008 when the team was still named the New Orleans Hornets, which had Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, David West and Peja Stojakovic.
#4. Memphis Grizzlies
Since coming to the league in 1995 as the Vancouver Grizzlies along with the Toronto Raptors, this team's best finish was two division titles in 2022 and 2023. The team's move to relocate to Memphis in 2001 has formed memorable rosters featuring a young Pau Gasol in the 2000s to the 'Grit and Grind' era in the 2010s.
Now, in the Ja Morant era, the future of the Memphis Grizzlies looks bright as the flashy guard has taken the league on notice that they are an up-and-coming team that could reach the league pinnacle.
#3. Charlotte Hornets
Created in 1988, the Charlotte Hornets made their mark in the league and became a memorable team in the early 90s, featuring Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson and Muggsy Bogues. Jamal Mashburn and Glen Rice also came to the team in the same decade but never got to sniff the East Finals.
Even under the ownership of Michael Jordan, the team struggled to form a competitive roster. In the LaMelo Ball era, there is an air of hope of building around their franchise player along with the new ownership.
#2. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minneapolis-based team has been existing in the league for 34 seasons but never got to enter the NBA Finals. From the Kevin Garnett and Kevin Love eras, this team has struggled to form competitive rosters throughout the decades. With Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, the future of this storied franchise is bright.
#1. LA Clippers
The oldest team that has not reached the NBA Finals title belongs to the LA Clippers, who have been in the league since 1970. After relocating from Buffalo to San Diego, this team settled in Los Angeles in 1984, making them neighbors with the LA Lakers.
Chris Paul managed to lead the team in good years during the 'Lob City' era. Now, having Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, along with the ownership of Steve Ballmer, this team should manage to break the spell soon.
