Over the past decade or so, several fans have complained about the NBA’s lack of competitiveness. That’s because, more often than not, the same teams make it to the NBA Finals.
Dynasties, big markets, and even LeBron James have been to blame for this trend. And that’s why this offseason has come as a breath of fresh air for those who want to see a different champion.
Out of the 8 teams still standing in the playoffs, 5 have never won an NBA Championship, while the others haven’t won a ring in quite some time. Today, we’ll dig deeper into this.
Philadelphia 76ers – 1983
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the historically richest franchises around the NBA. They have a huge fanbase and have seen some of the greatest players in league history wear their jerseys. Sadly, they haven’t won a ring since Mo Cheeks, Moses Malone, and Dr. J did it back in 1983.
Now, Doc Rivers’ tough defense anchored by Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid is looking to make it back to the ultimate stage for the first time since Allen Iverson in 2001. Hopefully, to bring the title home this time.
Milwaukee Bucks – 1971
Do the names Oscar Robertson or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ring a bell? Well, the Milwaukee Bucks haven’t won a ring in so long, that the last time they made it to the NBA Finals (1974), Kareem was still known as Lew Alcindor.
It’s not a secret that the Bucks aren’t exactly the flashiest market around the league, so it was pretty nice to see Giannis Antetokounmpo deciding to stay with them anyway. With Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton next to him, their top-notch defense could lead the way for their second-ever championship.
Atlanta Hawks – 1958
The Atlanta Hawks have never won an NBA Championship in Atlanta. The last – and only time they did it – they were still playing in St. Louis, and they haven’t made it to the ultimate stage since 1961.
Trae Young wants to put an end to that drought. The up-and-coming Hawks are playing like a team that has nothing to lose and they’re embracing that spoiler/villain role. They’re fearless, can outshoot you, and play solid team defense, so don’t sleep on them.
Brooklyn Nets – Never
Even though the Brooklyn Nets do have a couple of championships (1974, and 1976) those came during their days in the ABA (American Basketball Association) so they don’t count for the NBA’s official records.
The Nets made it to the NBA Finals for the last time in 2003 but they couldn’t get past Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs. Now, they have the most overpowered offensive trio featuring Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, so they’re the clear-cut favorites to win the ring.
Los Angeles Clippers – Never
Historically, the Los Angeles Clippers haven’t exactly been a successful franchise. Like, at all. From their days in Buffalo or San Diego, they have more often than not lived in the shadow of the Los Angeles Lakers and near the bottom of the standings.
That’s why Kawhi Leonard could enter the GOAT conversation – according to some analysts – if he leads the Clippers to their very first NBA Finals berth, the same way he did with the Toronto Raptors. It’s going to be a tough road but the Clippers are deep and talented enough to pull it off.
Phoenix Suns – Never
The Phoenix Suns have never won an NBA Championship and they have two people to blame for that: Jo Jo White in 1976 and Michael Jordan in 1993, the only two times they have reached the NBA Finals.
The Suns have had a tough history with controversial calls and just bad luck in the playoffs during their best years in the NBA but now, they look like one of the strongest contenders out of the Western Conference. Chris Paul and Monty Williams have turned this team around and Devin Booker continues to improve as a scorer.
Utah Jazz – Never
Michael Jordan is loved and respected in all but one place in the whole world: Utah. He’s the reason why they didn’t win an NBA Championship in 1997 or 1998, losing to Jordan’s mythical Chicago Bulls.
Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert have the ultimate chance to finally get the job done this season. The Jazz are a well-coached team that plays selfless basketball, shares the ball, and plays team defense. They’re also one of the toughest teams to beat on their court.
Denver Nuggets – Never
Crazy as it may seem, the Denver Nuggets have never made it to the NBA Finals. They’ve had legendary players such as Alex English or Carmelo Anthony leading the way, but it seems like there’s always a better team.
That might as well change this year. They have the leading MVP candidate in Nikola Jokic and a young man that can go human-torch mode in the blink of an eye in Michael Porter Jr. Obviously, Jamal Murray’s injury took a toll on their chances but this team has proven that they can overcome adversity night in and night out.
