The NBA has been one of the most popular and exciting sports leagues in the world for decades. With its fast-paced action, high-flying dunks, and incredible athleticism, the NBA has captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the globe. However, not every team in the league has been able to achieve success on the court. In fact, over the last ten years, there have been a significant number of losing NBA teams that have struggled to find their footing and compete at a high level.
- Orlando Magic – 9 Seasons
- Sacramento Kings – 9 Seasons
- New York Knicks – 8 Seasons
- Detroit Pistons – 8 Seasons
- Los Angeles Lakers – 7 Seasons
- New Orleans Pelicans – 7 Seasons
- Charlotte Hornets – 7 Seasons
- Minnesota Timberwolves – 7 Seasons
- Phoenix Suns – 6 Seasons
- Washington Wizards – 5 Seasons
- Brooklyn Nets – 5 Seasons
- Chicago Bulls – 5 Seasons
- San Antonio Spurs – 4 Seasons
- Dallas Mavericks – 4 Seasons
- Denver Nuggets – 4 Seasons
- Cleveland Cavaliers – 4 Seasons
- Utah Jazz – 4 Seasons
- Philadelphia 76ers – 4 Seasons
- Indiana Pacers – 4 Seasons
- Atlanta Hawks – 4 Seasons
- Oklahoma City Thunder – 3 Seasons
- Houston Rockets – 3 Seasons
- Memphis Grizzlies – 3 Seasons
- Portland Trail Blazers – 3 Seasons
- Boston Celtics – 2 Seasons
- Miami Heat – 2 Seasons
- Milwaukee Bucks – 2 Seasons
- Toronto Raptors – 1 Season
- Golden State Warriors – 1 Season
- Los Angeles Clippers – 0 Seasons
During this time period, there have been a total of 30 NBA teams aiming to have winning seasons, or seasons that end with a record over .500. Amazingly, there have been a significant number of losses by various teams, with some franchises struggling more than others. In terms of the number of losing teams, the statistics are quite revealing.
Over the last ten years, there have been a total of 12 different NBA teams that have had losing records for at least half of the regular season games they played. This means that these teams won less than 41 of their 82 games each year on average, resulting in a losing record. Some of these teams have struggled more than others, with some franchises consistently finishing near the bottom of the league standings.
Despite the challenges faced by these losing teams, there have also been some bright spots over the last decade. Some teams have been able to turn their fortunes around and achieve success after a period of struggle, while others have remained competitive despite facing significant obstacles. As the NBA continues to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see which teams are able to rise to the top and which ones will continue to struggle. Without further ado, here are the number of losing seasons per franchise and it will yield some very interesting results.
Orlando Magic – 9 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 23-59
2014-15 NBA Season: 25-57
2015-16 NBA Season: 35-47
2016-17 NBA Season: 29-53
2017-18 NBA Season: 25-57
2018-19 NBA Season: 42-40
2019-20 NBA Season: 33-40
2020-21 NBA Season: 21-51
2021-22 NBA Season: 22-60
2022-23 NBA Season: 34-48
The Orlando Magic have had a tough time over the past decade, with a total of nine losing seasons. This is a significant number, and it speaks to the challenges that the team has faced in terms of player development, coaching, and overall performance. The Magic has had several different head coaches, each with their own approach and style. This can make it difficult for players to develop a sense of continuity and stability, which can be crucial for success in the NBA.
Another factor that may have contributed to the Magic’s losing record is their roster. While the team has had some talented players over the years, including Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, and Victor Oladipo but has struggled to retain their talent. Hopefully, Rookie of the Year winner Paolo Banchero can be the star the Magic need to start competing for the playoffs in the East.
Sacramento Kings – 9 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 28-54
2014-15 NBA Season: 29-53
2015-16 NBA Season: 33-49
2016-17 NBA Season: 32-50
2017-18 NBA Season: 27-55
2018-19 NBA Season: 39-43
2019-20 NBA Season: 31-41
2020-21 NBA Season: 31-41
2021-22 NBA Season: 30-52
2022-23 NBA Season: 48-34
The Sacramento Kings are another team with a total of nine losing seasons. This has been a frustrating period for the team and its fans, as they have struggled to find consistent success on the court. Despite some promising moments, the Kings have been unable to sustain any momentum and have often found themselves at the bottom of the standings year after year. Lack of talent and poor leadership from management has been the primary reason the Kings failed to make the playoffs since 2006 before this season.
Finally, the Kings are back on the map thanks to De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, as the duo guided Sacramento back into the playoffs and somehow captured the third seed in the Western Conference. Looking ahead, the Kings are building momentum with coach Mike Brown leading the way, and losing seasons could be a thing of the past.
New York Knicks – 8 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 37-45
2014-15 NBA Season: 17-65
2015-16 NBA Season: 32-50
2016-17 NBA Season: 31-51
2017-18 NBA Season: 29-53
2018-19 NBA Season: 17-65
2019-20 NBA Season: 21-45
2020-21 NBA Season: 41-31
2021-22 NBA Season: 37-45
2022-23 NBA Season: 47-35
The New York Knicks have struggled over the past decade, with a total of eight losing seasons. Despite having a loyal fan base and a rich history, the team has faced numerous challenges, including inconsistent management and player turnover. The Knicks have also struggled to attract top-tier talent, which has made it difficult for them to compete with other teams in the league. Not to mention, poor leadership has alienated a large part of the fanbase.
However, the team has shown signs of improvement in recent years, with a renewed focus on developing young talent and building a strong team culture. The rise of Julius Randle and head coach Tom Thibodeau have created two playoff teams already, and Jalen Brunson being the new point guard has elevated expectations. Knicks fans can take comfort in the fact that the team is moving in the right direction and has the potential to become a contender once again after making the second round of the playoffs this year.
Detroit Pistons – 8 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 29-53
2014-15 NBA Season: 32-50
2015-16 NBA Season: 44-38
2016-17 NBA Season: 37-45
2017-18 NBA Season: 39-43
2018-19 NBA Season: 41-41
2019-20 NBA Season: 20-46
2020-21 NBA Season: 20-52
2021-22 NBA Season: 23-59
2022-23 NBA Season: 17-65
The Detroit Pistons is another side that has struggled over the past decade, with a total of eight losing seasons. This has been a disappointing stretch for a team that has a rich history of success, including two NBA championships in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Pistons have had some bright spots during this time, including a playoff appearance in the 2015-2016 season, but overall they have struggled to find consistent success.
The team has gone through several coaching changes and roster overhauls in an attempt to turn things around, but so far, they have been unable to break out of their losing streak. It remains to be seen if the Pistons will be able to turn things around in the coming years and return to their winning ways with the likes of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, the new cornerstones of the franchise.
Los Angeles Lakers – 7 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 27-55
2014-15 NBA Season: 21-61
2015-16 NBA Season: 17-65
2016-17 NBA Season: 26-56
2017-18 NBA Season: 35-47
2018-19 NBA Season: 37-45
2019-20 NBA Season: 52-19
2020-21 NBA Season: 42-30
2021-22 NBA Season: 33-49
2022-23 NBA Season: 43-39
The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, have struggled over the past decade with a total of seven losing seasons. This is a surprising statistic for a team that has won 17 championships and has had some of the greatest players in NBA history, such as Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and recently LeBron James. The Lakers have had some ups and downs over the past decade, with injuries to key players and changes in the coaching staff.
However, they have also made some significant moves in recent years, such as acquiring LeBron James and Anthony Davis, which has helped them return to the playoffs twice over the past decade, winning the 2020 championship and making the Western Conference Finals in 2023. Seven seasons of finishing under .500 are truly terrible, but winning a championship might cover that up when looking back at history.
New Orleans Pelicans – 7 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 34-48
2014-15 NBA Season: 45-37
2015-16 NBA Season: 30-52
2016-17 NBA Season: 34-48
2017-18 NBA Season: 48-34
2018-19 NBA Season: 33-49
2019-20 NBA Season: 30-42
2020-21 NBA Season: 31-41
2021-22 NBA Season: 36-46
2022-23 NBA Season: 42-40
The New Orleans Pelicans franchise has had some bright moments that pale in comparison to the seven losing seasons over the last ten years. Despite having some talented players on their roster, the team has struggled to find consistent success on the court. Injuries have also played a role in their struggles, with key players missing significant time throughout the years including Anthony Davis earlier on and recently Zion Williamson.
Additionally, the team has gone through multiple coaching changes and front-office shakeups, which can disrupt team chemistry and hinder progress. However, the Pelicans have shown flashes of potential and have made some promising moves in recent years, such as drafting Zion Williamson and acquiring talented players like Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum. With the right leadership and development, the Pelicans have the potential to turn their fortunes around and become a competitive team in the NBA as soon as next year.
Charlotte Hornets – 7 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 43-39
2014-15 NBA Season: 33-49
2015-16 NBA Season: 48-34
2016-17 NBA Season: 36-46
2017-18 NBA Season: 36-46
2018-19 NBA Season: 39-43
2019-20 NBA Season: 23-42
2020-21 NBA Season: 33-39
2021-22 NBA Season: 43-49
2022-23 NBA Season: 27-55
The Charlotte Hornets have not been a winning side over the past decade because they have struggled to attract a star player. Kemba Walker was the man for a few years, but the team did not have much success, as evidenced by the team record. Of course, LaMelo Ball is the star of the show right now and he has done well by making an All-Star Team and winning Rookie of the Year.
With Michael Jordan out of Charlotte as majority owner, the team has important decisions to make in terms of building a winning side. We have already seen a potential path to building a dominant side in the East, but it will take heavy convincing in terms of trade talks to get a deal over the line. No doubt, Hornets fans are waiting patiently to see what happens following the GOAT’s exit from the franchise.
Minnesota Timberwolves – 7 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 40-42
2014-15 NBA Season: 16-66
2015-16 NBA Season: 29-53
2016-17 NBA Season: 31-51
2017-18 NBA Season: 47-35
2018-19 NBA Season: 36-46
2019-20 NBA Season: 19-45
2020-21 NBA Season: 23-49
2021-22 NBA Season: 46-36
2022-23 NBA Season: 42-40
The Minnesota Timberwolves have had almost zero success since Kevin Garnett led the team to the Western Conference Finals in the 2003-04 season, but they are actually in a decent spot right now as they have three All-Star-caliber players in Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert. Time will tell if that core will get the job done in terms of being a title contender although Towns could be the odd man out considering his own future.
Minnesota needs to find a way to get out of the first round of the playoffs and they might need to follow the New York Knicks’ path of splashing on a free agent or blockbuster trade to get it done. It is clear that Edwards is the key for the franchise moving forward, and considering how much they gave up for Gobert, the Frenchman might be as well. If moving Towns results in a star player or future assets, the franchise might have to consider that.
Phoenix Suns – 6 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 48-34
2014-15 NBA Season: 39-43
2015-16 NBA Season: 23-59
2016-17 NBA Season: 24-58
2017-18 NBA Season: 21-61
2018-19 NBA Season: 19-63
2019-20 NBA Season: 34-39
2020-21 NBA Season: 51-21
2021-22 NBA Season: 64-18
2022-23 NBA Season: 45-37
The Phoenix Suns have been through ups and downs over the last ten years, especially since they had to deal with a complete lack of talent. The addition of Devin Booker with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2015 Draft was a life-changer because he has become one of the best players in the league with three All-Star appearances. There might not be a more talented scorer from the guard position right now.
With Booker on the team and the eventual draft of Deandre Ayton, the Suns had a core to build on, which proved itself in the 2021 Finals following the addition of Chris Paul. The Kevin Durant trade has been massive as well, and the Suns are looking for any way to maximize the duo of Durant and Booker. If that isn’t enough, the Suns just added Bradley Beal which yet again makes Phoenix an instant favorite. With so many acquisitions in recent years, Phoenix must have a title to show for it in the near future.
Washington Wizards – 5 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 44-38
2014-15 NBA Season: 46-36
2015-16 NBA Season: 41-41
2016-17 NBA Season: 49-33
2017-18 NBA Season: 43-39
2018-19 NBA Season: 32-50
2019-20 NBA Season: 25-47
2020-21 NBA Season: 34-38
2021-22 NBA Season: 35-47
2022-23 NBA Season: 35-47
The Washington Wizards have had Bradley Beal over the past decade, but that’s about it. The shooting guard is one of the best offensive players in the world and has become a professional scorer in terms of creating his own offense. No doubt, the time for Washington to stop settling for mediocrity is here, which is why they have moved Beal to the Phoenix Suns. It does seem like tanking is the viable option as the Wizards do not have any other player worth mentioning right now.
Washington has not been a consistent team at all in terms of playoff appearances and the franchise was better off with a prime John Wall joining Bradley Beal in the backcourt. The Wizards should be looking to rank by all means going forward and that could mean more losing seasons are on the way. There might not be any other option at this point.
Brooklyn Nets – 5 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 44-38
2014-15 NBA Season: 38-44
2015-16 NBA Season: 21-61
2016-17 NBA Season: 20-62
2017-18 NBA Season: 28-54
2018-19 NBA Season: 42-40
2019-20 NBA Season: 35-37
2020-21 NBA Season: 48-24
2021-22 NBA Season: 44-38
2022-23 NBA Season: 45-37
How the Brooklyn Nets failed to get a championship out of a team that featured Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Ben Simmons at separate points is just shocking. This might come down more to the players than management since the stars failed to keep healthy and brought more drama than actual impact on the basketball court.
Regardless, the Nets had some strong seasons with Durant as the best player and have to start a new era with Mikal Bridges leading the way. The Nets have failed so spectacularly that fans are worried about what the future will yield, although Bridges and players of Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton’s talents are not that easy to find in the NBA. Hopefully, the Nets can get back to winning seasons.
Chicago Bulls – 5 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 48-34
2014-15 NBA Season: 50-32
2015-16 NBA Season: 42-40
2016-17 NBA Season: 41-41
2017-18 NBA Season: 27-55
2018-19 NBA Season: 22-60
2019-20 NBA Season: 22-43
2020-21 NBA Season: 31-41
2021-22 NBA Season: 46-36
2022-23 NBA Season: 40-42
The Chicago Bulls have done relatively well in recent seasons since acquiring Zach LaVine before the 2017-18 season and making him the franchise cornerstone. LaVine has answered the call by making two All-Star Teams, and he has been the constant while the team added DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic to try to create a contender in the Eastern Conference. While that hasn’t happened, multiple sub-.500 seasons can be considered a good sign.
However, it seems the Chicago Bulls could be rebuilding very soon because the star players are valuable trade assets right now, and going after future picks seems the best way forward. The Bulls don’t want to go back to losing, but being in the middle of the pack might be the worst position for NBA teams. Perhaps Chicago needs to find a way to add a true superstar for the first time since Derrick Rose became the NBA’s youngest-ever MVP.
San Antonio Spurs – 4 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 62-20
2014-15 NBA Season: 55-27
2015-16 NBA Season: 67-15
2016-17 NBA Season: 61-21
2017-18 NBA Season: 47-35
2018-19 NBA Season: 48-34
2019-20 NBA Season: 32-39
2020-21 NBA Season: 33-39
2021-22 NBA Season: 34-48
2022-23 NBA Season: 22-60
Gear up, San Antonio Spurs. After a few seasons of mediocrity, the Spurs could be getting close to contention following the certain draft choice of superstar French center Victor Wembanyama. The big man is exceptionally gifted as a scorer, rebounder, and defender and can follow in the steps of the great David Robinson and Tim Duncan. No doubt, Gregg Popovich will be itching to get his hands on Wembanyama to start the 2023-24 campaign, as he could be in for the long haul.
It is important to remember that the Spurs actually won the title in 2014 with Kawhi Leonard as the Finals MVP of the season and were forced into a quick rebuild following Leonard’s departure. The key for San Antonio is to find players who will be there to fit alongside Wembanyama for the long term, and that is one exciting project to follow for the organization and the fanbase.
Dallas Mavericks – 4 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 49-33
2014-15 NBA Season: 50-32
2015-16 NBA Season: 42-40
2016-17 NBA Season: 33-49
2017-18 NBA Season: 24-58
2018-19 NBA Season: 33-49
2019-20 NBA Season: 43-32
2020-21 NBA Season: 42-30
2021-22 NBA Season: 52-30
2022-23 NBA Season: 38-44
The Dallas Mavericks have Luka Doncic and that is enough to make them relevant in the Western Conference. However, the Mavericks want to achieve more than being a one-man show which is why they traded for superstar point guard Kyrie Irving and looking for ways to create a superteam with another All-Star coming on board potentially.
Dallas has been winning in recent seasons because of Luka’s presence, and that should be the norm going forward. Last season was an aberration because there is no way Doncic and Irving will be as bad as they were together next year. Dallas needs to surround the stars with another All-Star or players willing to play defense because the franchise probably won’t have the chance to have two elite stars of superstar caliber again.
Denver Nuggets – 4 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 36-46
2014-15 NBA Season: 30-52
2015-16 NBA Season: 33-49
2016-17 NBA Season: 40-42
2017-18 NBA Season: 46-36
2018-19 NBA Season: 54-28
2019-20 NBA Season: 46-27
2020-21 NBA Season: 47-25
2021-22 NBA Season: 48-34
2022-23 NBA Season: 53-29
The Denver Nuggets have been making brilliant moves over the past decade, including drafting Nikola Jokic No. 41 overall in the 2014 Draft, drafting Jamal Murray, No. 7 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, and deciding to trade Jusuf Nurkic to make space for the Serbian center who was coming up. With Mike Malone becoming head coach and the franchise slowly building a title-contending team, Denver has done it the right way.
The Nuggets were crowned the 2022-23 NBA champions and no other team deserved it this year. Denver finished 1st in the Western Conference in the regular season, had a two-time MVP who finished runner-up in his third straight season and made quick work of the Miami Heat in five games in the Finals. Denver had only had four losing seasons over the past decade and that is mainly attributed to the consistency of the franchise along with Jokic becoming an All-Star in the 2018-19 season.
Cleveland Cavaliers – 4 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 33-49
2014-15 NBA Season: 53-29
2015-16 NBA Season: 57-25
2016-17 NBA Season: 51-31
2017-18 NBA Season: 50-32
2018-19 NBA Season: 19-63
2019-20 NBA Season: 19-46
2020-21 NBA Season: 22-50
2021-22 NBA Season: 44-38
2022-23 NBA Season: 51-31
The Cleveland Cavaliers greatly benefited from LeBron James’ presence between the 2014-15 season and the 2017-18 season over the last decade. The King returned to Cleveland, made the Finals every year, and won the title in the 2015-16 season. James was the driving force behind the franchise and alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, the Cavaliers were the major force in the Eastern Conference year after year.
However, the Cavaliers struggled for the next three seasons after LeBron left Cleveland for the second time to go to the Los Angeles Lakers. There is a very bright future since the past two seasons have been winning campaigns thanks to Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, with Donovan Mitchell coming over this season. With four talented stars, Cleveland will have winning seasons for the foreseeable future and anything can happen in the East as a result.
Utah Jazz – 4 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 25-57
2014-15 NBA Season: 38-44
2015-16 NBA Season: 40-42
2016-17 NBA Season: 51-31
2017-18 NBA Season: 48-34
2018-19 NBA Season: 50-32
2019-20 NBA Season: 44-28
2020-21 NBA Season: 52-20
2021-22 NBA Season: 49-33
2022-23 NBA Season: 37-45
The Utah Jazz have been a stalwart in the Western Conference over the past decade, mainly thanks to the talented duo of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. The duo led the team to the playoffs over a handful of times even if they never got over the hump. As disappointing as they were in terms of championship success, the Jazz did enough to be a significant franchise that troubled teams on the court.
However, that era ended this year as both Mitchell and Gobert were traded while new franchise cornerstone Lauri Markkanen became a first-time All-Star by posting 25.6 PPG and 8.6 RPG on 49.9% FG, 39.1% 3-PT FG, and 87.5% FT. There is no doubt that Utah might have won at least the Gobert trade because four first-round picks for a defensive-minded center who cannot shoot is considered a fantastic deal in the modern NBA.
Philadelphia 76ers – 4 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 19-63
2014-15 NBA Season: 18-64
2015-16 NBA Season: 10-72
2016-17 NBA Season: 28-54
2017-18 NBA Season: 52-30
2018-19 NBA Season: 51-31
2019-20 NBA Season: 43-30
2020-21 NBA Season: 49-23
2021-22 NBA Season: 51-31
2022-23 NBA Season: 54-28
The Philadelphia 76ers have been on the winning side of the East ever since Joel Embiid broke through and became a bonafide superstar. A 6-time All-Star, Embiid has dominated the center position consistently and the team has been a title-contender over the past few seasons by pairing him with Ben Simmons and later James Harden.
Embiid is clearly a top-five player in the world when healthy and he has done nothing but improve his all-around game, which is why he was named league MVP this season. The 76ers will go as Embiid goes, which is why the franchise needs to continue adding players around him to succeed. If James Harden leaves without a replacement, the 76ers could be facing turbulent times.
Indiana Pacers – 4 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 56-26
2014-15 NBA Season: 38-44
2015-16 NBA Season: 45-37
2016-17 NBA Season: 42-40
2017-18 NBA Season: 48-34
2018-19 NBA Season: 48-34
2019-20 NBA Season: 45-28
2020-21 NBA Season: 34-38
2021-22 NBA Season: 25-57
2022-23 NBA Season: 35-47
Credit to the Indiana Pacers franchise that has remained relevant in recent seasons thanks to the likes of Paul George, Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, and now Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers are one of the best-run organizations in basketball because they want to remain consistently competitive by all means. Tanking is not in the franchise’s plans at all because they have Haliburton and some other nice pieces, including Benedict Mathurin.
Even so, the Pacers need to continue adding pieces to the roster to remain competitive in a talented Eastern Conference that features the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers. As long as Haliburton and Mathurin are kept for the long term, Indiana will be in a solid position to be successful and get above .500 again.
Atlanta Hawks – 4 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 38-44
2014-15 NBA Season: 60-22
2015-16 NBA Season: 48-34
2016-17 NBA Season: 43-39
2017-18 NBA Season: 24-58
2018-19 NBA Season: 29-53
2019-20 NBA Season: 20-47
2020-21 NBA Season: 41-31
2021-22 NBA Season: 43-39
2022-23 NBA Season: 41-41
The Atlanta Hawks have been an Eastern Conference playoff stalwart over the past decade because the core of Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap, and Al Horford was good enough to win a ton of games. Even if the Hawks were nowhere near a title contender, they were a playoff team that was in win-now mode. Of course, the Hawks took a different identity once Trae Young fell into their hands.
Trae Young has changed life in Atlanta in recent years because the team has had a winning record for the past three seasons. Young was drafted No. 5 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft and is one of the best offensive players in the world. Young’s career average of 25.5 PPG and 9.3 APG are exceptional, and he has a chance to get even better as he is only 24 years old.
Oklahoma City Thunder – 3 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 59-23
2014-15 NBA Season: 45-37
2015-16 NBA Season: 55-27
2016-17 NBA Season: 47-35
2017-18 NBA Season: 48-34
2018-19 NBA Season: 49-33
2019-20 NBA Season: 44-28
2020-21 NBA Season: 22-50
2021-22 NBA Season: 24-58
2022-23 NBA Season: 40-42
The Oklahoma City Thunder refuse to die in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were consistent performers for the franchise before Durant’s departure in 2017. Paul George was the new man in town alongside Russell Westbrook before they were both traded before the 2020 season. The Thunder had a few mediocre seasons before Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, acquired in the George trade, became a superstar.
Gilgeous-Alexander posted 31.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 5.5 APG this season while making his first All-NBA Team selection. Not to mention, the Thunder also have point guard Josh Giddey making a significant impact for the team (16.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 6.2 APG) along with the returning Chet Holmgren who was taken No. 2 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Houston Rockets – 3 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 54-28
2014-15 NBA Season: 56-26
2015-16 NBA Season: 41-41
2016-17 NBA Season: 55-27
2017-18 NBA Season: 65-17
2018-19 NBA Season: 53-29
2019-20 NBA Season: 44-28
2020-21 NBA Season: 17-55
2021-22 NBA Season: 20-62
2022-23 NBA Season: 22-60
Besides the past three seasons, which have been simply atrocious to watch on behalf of Houston Rockets fans, the franchise has been in great shape over the past decade. Obviously, the decision to trade for James Harden was one of the best moves in franchise history because The Beard became one of the greatest scorers of all time as the leader of the team. The Rockets tried to win around him, adding stars such as Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook, but they never usurped the dynasty Golden State Warriors.
The future is now the focus for the Rockets, who could welcome back James Harden if the Beard wants to end his career with the franchise that made him a star. Even if the Rockets don’t bring Harden back, young talents such as Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr have looked promising and a legitimate coach in Ime Udoka will bring out the best of them. Even if the Rockets are still a few seasons away from becoming a factor in the West, they should be in a decent spot going forward.
Memphis Grizzlies – 3 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 50-32
2014-15 NBA Season: 55-27
2015-16 NBA Season: 42-40
2016-17 NBA Season: 43-39
2017-18 NBA Season: 22-60
2018-19 NBA Season: 33-49
2019-20 NBA Season: 34-39
2020-21 NBA Season: 38-34
2021-22 NBA Season: 56-26
2022-23 NBA Season: 51-31
The Memphis Grizzlies had a great run with Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, and Zach Randolph before moving on from the “Grit-N-Grind” era and drafting star point guard Ja Morant with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The Grit-N-Grind era was fun to follow because the team did not have to manage egos, played hellacious defense, and made lives miserable for the opponent. However, it is certainly more fun to watch the modern version of the Memphis Grizzlies, regardless of Morant’s antics.
Morant has a chance to become the greatest player in the history of the Grizzlies due to his elite scoring ability, athleticism, and impact on the court. The explosive point guard might be dealing with what he calls mental struggles right now, but the franchise should be patient with the player’s immaturity because Jaren Jackson Jr and Desmond Bane are spectacular sidekicks for him. The future is bright in Memphis as long as Morant can mature quicker rather than later.
Portland Trail Blazers – 3 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 54-28
2014-15 NBA Season: 51-31
2015-16 NBA Season: 44-38
2016-17 NBA Season: 41-41
2017-18 NBA Season: 49-33
2018-19 NBA Season: 53-29
2019-20 NBA Season: 35-39
2020-21 NBA Season: 42-30
2021-22 NBA Season: 27-55
2022-23 NBA Season: 33-49
The name that gets associated with the Portland Trail Blazer is none other than Damian Lillard, one of the most offensively talented point guards of all time. Lillard was taken No. 6 overall in the 2012 NBA Draft and the rest is history. Barring some disappointing seasons which had to do with Lillard’s health, the Portland Trail Blazers have been a consistent team in the Western Conference. The highlight for them was making the Western Conference Finals in 2019, but they failed to get over the Golden State Warriors.
It might seem like Lillard is on his way out with teams such as Miami Heat interested in the superstar point guard. Even if Lillard leaves, he leaves behind a legacy of dominance and star power for a franchise that was looking for a replacement for Clyde Drexler of the 1990s. It will be a shame if Lillard leaves, but it seems like the likely scenario considering the team has not been able to win enough with the star leading the way.
Boston Celtics – 2 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 25-57
2014-15 NBA Season: 40-42
2015-16 NBA Season: 48-34
2016-17 NBA Season: 53-29
2017-18 NBA Season: 55-27
2018-19 NBA Season: 49-33
2019-20 NBA Season: 48-24
2020-21 NBA Season: 36-36
2021-22 NBA Season: 51-31
2022-23 NBA Season: 57-25
Even after the Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen era ended in Boston, the team quickly rebuilt the roster by going after Jaylen Brown with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and Jayson Tatum with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. The duo has slowly formed into one of the best duos in the league and the growth of Marcus Smart and the additions of Al Horford and Robert Williams has made the Celtics a legitimate title contender over the past two or three seasons.
The Celtics are clearly talented enough to win it all, with just immaturity issues on the court holding them back. They made the NBA Finals last season before coming one game away from doing it again this year, indications that the duo of Tatum and Brown should probably not be touched. Boston is still one of the best organizations in sports and expect them to find a way to keep the winning going for the foreseeable future.
Miami Heat – 2 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 54-28
2014-15 NBA Season: 37-45
2015-16 NBA Season: 48-34
2016-17 NBA Season: 41-41
2017-18 NBA Season: 44-38
2018-19 NBA Season: 39-43
2019-20 NBA Season: 44-29
2020-21 NBA Season: 40-32
2021-22 NBA Season: 53-29
2022-23 NBA Season: 44-38
The Miami Heat have been a consistent force in the Eastern Conference, as the LeBron James era ended before the 2015 season. Even if Miami could not win the 2014 championship, they held onto players such as Dwyane Wade and Hassan Whiteside for a little while before the Jimmy Butler era started. Acquiring Butler in the 2020 season was a genius move as the Heat made the NBA Finals with Bam Adebayo acting as a suitable sidekick.
The Heat had a distasteful ending to the 2021 campaign before coming one game away from making the Finals in 2022. This season, Miami made the Finals again in a losing effort to the favored Denver Nuggets. As great as Miami has been over the past decade, there is no doubt that they will be itching for a chance to acquire another star player to pair with Butler and Adebayo on the court to finally get over the hump.
Milwaukee Bucks – 2 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 15-67
2014-15 NBA Season: 41-41
2015-16 NBA Season: 33-49
2016-17 NBA Season: 42-40
2017-18 NBA Season: 44-38
2018-19 NBA Season: 60-22
2019-20 NBA Season: 56-17
2020-21 NBA Season: 46-26
2021-22 NBA Season: 51-31
2022-23 NBA Season: 58-24
The Milwaukee Bucks have been winning since arguably the best all-around player in the world, Giannis Antetokounmpo, became an All-Star. The Bucks are extremely fortunate to have taken Giannis with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft because he should’ve gone No. 1 overall if we knew what we know now. They slowly built around Giannis, giving Khris Middleton a chance to stay on the team, and eventually became a perfect sidekick to The Greek Freak. The final piece of the puzzle came in the 2021 season when the Bucks traded for Jrue Holiday.
The trio of Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday were talented enough on both ends of the court to get the job done in the 2021 Finals against the Phoenix Suns. With each playing his role, the stars were too much for the inconsistent Suns’ squad led by Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton. Thanks to Giannis’ superstar presence and excellent management, the Bucks have had an exceptional run over the past decade.
Toronto Raptors – 1 Season
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 48-34
2014-15 NBA Season: 49-33
2015-16 NBA Season: 56-26
2016-17 NBA Season: 51-31
2017-18 NBA Season: 59-23
2018-19 NBA Season: 58-24
2019-20 NBA Season: 53-19
2020-21 NBA Season: 27-45
2021-22 NBA Season: 48-34
2022-23 NBA Season: 41-41
The Toronto Raptors have had one of the best decades among all the teams in the NBA, and All-Star power has been the key. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry made the team very good in the regular season, even if they never had a chance to defeat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. A shrewd move to acquire superstar Kawhi Leonard from San Antonio in a swap deal with DeMar DeRozan proved to be a franchise-altering move on a historical level, however.
Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship as players such as Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol, Kyle Lowry, and Serge Ibaka all played critical roles. Leonard’s superstar presence was the most important factor, of course, but the depth and two-way play of the role players also played a pivotal role in the Raptors’ success. Even if Leonard left the following year, the Raptors have regrouped with some nice talent, including 2022 Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes.
Golden State Warriors – 1 Season
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 51-31
2014-15 NBA Season: 67-15
2015-16 NBA Season: 73-9
2016-17 NBA Season: 67-15
2017-18 NBA Season: 58-24
2018-19 NBA Season: 57-25
2019-20 NBA Season: 15-50
2020-21 NBA Season: 39-33
2021-22 NBA Season: 53-29
2022-23 NBA Season: 44-38
Is there any surprise that the Golden State Warriors appear with an incredible record over the past decade? With four NBA championships to their name, the Warriors have completely owned the past 10 years as they have had some of the game’s most talented players, including Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, and Andrew Wiggins. The core of Curry, Thompson, and Green will go down in history as one of the greatest trios of all time and the success speaks for itself.
It seems every player loves to play with the Warriors because of the team’s up-tempo style of play revolving around ball movement, floor-spacing, and switching on defense. That is why Kevin Durant went against all norms to join Golden State in free agency to win back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. No matter if some will argue that the Warriors have killed competition or not, there is no doubt they have owned the past decade in terms of success.
Los Angeles Clippers – 0 Seasons
Record In The Last 10 Years
2013-14 NBA Season: 57-25
2014-15 NBA Season: 56-26
2015-16 NBA Season: 53-29
2016-17 NBA Season: 51-31
2017-18 NBA Season: 42-40
2018-19 NBA Season: 48-34
2019-20 NBA Season: 49-23
2020-21 NBA Season: 47-25
2021-22 NBA Season: 42-40
2022-23 NBA Season: 44-38
That’s right Clippers fans, the franchise has not had a single losing season over the past 10 years. Somehow, though, that has not resulted in a single Finals appearance, even with the presence of elite stars such as Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. The Chris Paul stint known as “Lob City” was certainly entertaining to watch, but untimely injuries to the point guard and Blake Griffin killed the team’s championship chances.
The Clippers also made massive moves to acquire Kawhi Leonard and Paul George before the 2020 season, and heavy expectations fell on them to get the job done. However, the Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead against the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs, which ended their campaign. Since then, injuries to Leonard and George in separate circumstances have prevented any sort of success. With so many winning seasons over the past decade, it is about time the Clippers make a single Finals appearance because time could be running out.
