78 years. That’s how long the NBA has been in business. And since then, every hooper has had only one dream. Every franchise chases just one goal. The Larry O’Brien trophy. Sure enough, several great teams have had the honor of lifting the iconic hardware and calling themselves Champions. However, ten unlucky franchises have never climbed the mountaintop, never held a parade in their city. Here’s the entire list:

Phoenix Suns

Over the years, the Suns have had multiple opportunities to win it all. Unfortunately, they have fallen short every time. Well, their first shot came in the 70s when they faced the mighty Celtics in the finals. But the series ended in only six games with the Cs on top. Then, there was another ray of hope nearly two decades later when Charles Barkley joined the team and led them to the 1993 finals in his very first season. But Michael Jordan shattered their dream by eliminating them in six games.

And their most recent opportunity to win their first title was just three years ago when Chris Paul and Devin Booker shocked everyone by leading them to the finals. But despite winning the first two games, the Suns lost to the Bucks, again in six games, extending their championship drought.

Utah Jazz

Just like the Suns, the Jazz can also blame MJ for not having even a single championship in their trophy cabinet. Well, they were the only team that faced the Jordan-led Bulls twice in the finals, that too in consecutive seasons. However, His Airness got the best of them on both occasions, ending the series in six games each time.

Unfortunately, they never made it to that stage before or since. And their team has been nowhere close to being title contenders as they have not made it past the second round in the last seventeen years. Therefore, they are highly unlikely to get off this list anytime soon.

Orlando Magic

Historically, the Magic have been very fortunate with their draft picks. Especially in the big man department. First, they got their hands on a young Shaquille O’Neal, who as expected, led them to the Finals. Moreover, it was during the two-year span when Jordan was on a hiatus and was trying his luck in baseball. A perfect opportunity for a new team to take over. However, the Magic blew their golden chance as they got swept by the Rockets.

Years later, they drafted Dwight Howard, another dominant big man. Lo and behold, they made it to the finals once again in 2009 but couldn’t get past a Kobe Bryant-led Lakers. And the franchise is still waiting for another shot at their first ring. But with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner on the rise, they could get that opportunity soon.

Indiana Pacers

Well, the Pacers have had great teams on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, they always fumble their opportunity towards the end. Sure enough, their golden era was when Reggie Miller was their superstar and he led them to five Conference Finals in just seven years. Although they put up a competitive fight every time, they were able to make it to the next stage only once, which is also their only finals appearance in franchise history. And they lost that series to the Lakers in six games.

Since then, they have reached the East Finals four times, but have somehow ended up getting eliminated by the eventual champions. Even this past season, they got swept by the Celtics, who ended up winning it all. But Tyrese Haliburton’s rise has surely given the city hope once again.

Brooklyn Nets

This is one franchise that has been far from being title contenders for many years. But there was a time when they came really close to winning it all. Before they switched their home base from New Jersey, they went to two straight finals in the early 2000s. Their leader? Jason Kidd along with other young stars. However, they were swept by the Shaq-Kobe duo the first time. And the second time, they were taken out by Gregg Popovic’s Spurs.

Since then, they have never made it past the second round. And despite briefly adding superstars like Kevin Durant and James Harden in recent years, their championship drought continues.

Charlotte Hornets

Well, now we have entered a new segment in this list. Until now, all the aforementioned teams got the opportunity to win it all at least once. But these next teams have never even made it to the finals. Even when they were known as the Bobcats, Charlotte had one of the most under accomplished franchises. And despite a bona fide champ like Michael Jordan becoming the owner, the situation remained more of the same.

And its hard to even remember the last time they won a playoff series. Despite having a superstar like LaMelo Ball to build around, their dream of winning a ring still seems far-fetched.

LA Clippers

Talking of unlucky, the Clippers might be the unluckiest of them all. Yes, they have the richest owner in the league. Yet they aren’t even the best team in their own city. Obviously, that title belongs to the Lakers, who have won seventeen championships. Meanwhile, Ballmer’s team has never even made it to the finals. And it was only four seasons ago that they reached their first conference finals. Yes, they have made several moves over the years hoping to achieve their dream. But luck has always been their biggest enemy.

Even this season, while they have Kawhi Leonard and James Harden as their veteran leaders, The Klaw has already been sidelined indefinitely because of his lingering knee injury. And that has been a problem ever since he joined the team.

New Orleans Pelicans

This is a franchise that has somehow always been stuck in the middle. A relatively new team created just over two decades ago, they have never been so bad that they become the laughing stock of the league. Meanwhile, they have never been good enough to compete for titles. In their brief history of existence, they have never made it past the second round.

Well, they had young stars like Anthony Davis in the past, but could never maximize their potential. But things could change soon. With stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, they could make some noise if they find their groove. And the addition of Dejounte Murray only makes them better.

Minnesota Timberwolves

If you had to bet on one team to get off this list, most of you would likely pick them. Well, that’s how good they have been recently. Surprisingly, their track record is very unusual because they have never made it past the first round except the two times that they reached all the way to the Conference Finals. Obviously, the first time was when they were led by Kevin Garnett twenty years ago.

And the second time was last season with Anthony Edwards and Co. However, they are yet to conquer the West. But with Ant-Man, Rudy Gobert and now Julius Randle, this might be the year when they finally become the last team standing.

Memphis Grizzlies

It was only eleven years ago that they made their maiden Conference Finals appearance. And unfortunately, they got swept by the Spurs in that series. Yes, there was a time when they had Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and Mike Conley, that people thought they could go the distance. However, a championship was never in their grasp. But ever since Ja Morant arrived, there has been a new wave in the city.

Before his injury, they made three straight playoff appearances. And now that he is finally at complete health along with stars like Jaren Jackson Jr., Marcus Smart, and Desmond Bane, they could get back to the title picture right away. Moreover, they have also added rookie Zach Edey who could turn things around immediately.

Out of all the franchises listed above, which one do you think will be the first to win their maiden championship?