The NBA has seen its fair share of dynasties, Cinderella stories, and heartbreaking droughts. While teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers have collected rings like souvenirs in the last two decades, several historic franchises — once proud champions — have endured long, painful title droughts. Some of these teams haven’t hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy in decades. Others? They haven’t won at all. Let’s take a look at a few franchises whose fans are still waiting… and waiting… for that next taste of championship glory.
1. New York Knicks – Last Title: 1973 (52 years ago!)
One of the most iconic franchises in all of basketball — and located in the heart of Manhattan — the New York Knicks haven’t won a title since 1973. Yes, that’s over half a century ago. Despite having legendary players like Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, and now stars like Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have repeatedly fallen short. Their last Finals appearance came in 1999, when they lost to the Spurs. Since then? A whole lot of rebuilding, frustration, and playoff heartbreak.
2. Phoenix Suns – Never Won a Title
It’s almost hard to believe that with players like Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, and more recently, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns have never captured an NBA title. They came close in 1993 and again in 2021, but both times they ran into all-time greats (Michael Jordan and Giannis Antetokounmpo). Despite strong regular-season performances in recent years, the Suns still haven’t broken through. It’s been a long wait in the desert.
3. Indiana Pacers – Never Won an NBA Title
Although the Pacers have three ABA championships (pre-NBA merger), they have never won an NBA title. The closest they came was in 2000, when Reggie Miller led them to the Finals only to lose to the Lakers’ Kobe-Shaq duo. Since then, Indiana has had competitive teams — remember the Paul George era? — but they’ve never been able to reach the mountaintop.
4. Sacramento Kings – Last Title: 1951 (as Rochester Royals)
This one is truly wild. The Sacramento Kings franchise last won a championship in 1951, when they were the Rochester Royals. That’s a 74-year drought! The Kings have been through cities (Rochester → Cincinnati → Kansas City → Sacramento), rebuilds, and more coaching changes than fans can count. Their 2002 playoff run was infamous, losing to the Lakers in a highly controversial Western Conference Finals. As of today, they’re finally competitive again with stars like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis — but the title drought still looms large.
5. Atlanta Hawks – Last Title: 1958 (as St. Louis Hawks)
Another team with a forgotten past, the Hawks last won a championship when they were based in St. Louis in 1958. Since relocating to Atlanta, they’ve had memorable moments (Dominique Wilkins, the 2015 60-win team, and Trae Young’s 2021 playoff breakout), but none have led to a title. Atlanta fans are still waiting for that long-overdue banner to be raised in State Farm Arena.
Honorable Mentions:
- Minnesota Timberwolves – Never won a title and only recently had their best playoff run since the Kevin Garnett era.
- Los Angeles Clippers – Despite star power, they’ve never made it to the NBA Finals.
- Brooklyn Nets – Made two straight Finals in 2002 and 2003 but couldn’t seal the deal.
For fans of these teams, every season starts with hope — and often ends in heartbreak. But things can change quickly in the NBA. Just look at the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks, both of whom ended long droughts in recent years. Who’s next?
One thing’s for sure: when any of these long-suffering teams finally win it all, the celebration is going to be epic. 😮🏆
