Having spent over a decade analyzing basketball at both collegiate and professional levels, I've always been fascinated by how different organizations handle the pursuit of championship glory. While we often celebrate the dynasties and repeat champions, there's something profoundly compelling about the franchises still chasing that elusive first title. As I reflect on Valdez's perspective about dealing with defeats despite winning at both college and pro levels, it strikes me how this mindset contrasts with organizations that have only known championship droughts.
Currently, 11 NBA franchises have never won a championship, which represents about 36% of the league. That's right - more than a third of the teams in the world's premier basketball league have never experienced the ultimate victory. The list includes some surprising names that have been around for decades, like the Phoenix Suns (established 1968), Utah Jazz (1974), and Indiana Pacers (1967 in ABA, 1976 in NBA). These aren't new franchises by any means - they've had generations of players, coaches, and fans hoping for that breakthrough moment. I've personally witnessed how these championship droughts create unique organizational cultures where the pursuit becomes part of the franchise's identity.
What many people don't realize is how close some of these teams have come. The Suns have made three NBA Finals appearances, most recently in 2021, while the Jazz had back-to-back Finals trips in the late 90s with Stockton and Malone. The Brooklyn Nets organization, dating back to their ABA days as the New York Nets, has never won an NBA championship despite having some of the game's biggest stars throughout their history. I've always had a soft spot for the Memphis Grizzlies - their "Grit and Grind" era was one of my favorite teams to watch, even though they never quite made it over the hump.
The newer franchises naturally dominate the recent additions to this list. The Charlotte Hornets (originally established 1988, though with a complicated history), Minnesota Timberwolves (1989), Toronto Raptors (1995), Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies (1995), and New Orleans Pelicans (2002 as Hornets) all continue their quest. Interestingly, the Raptors broke their drought in 2019, leaving the other four as the most recent expansion teams still seeking their first championship. I remember watching that Raptors championship run thinking how transformative it was for an entire nation's basketball culture.
What strikes me about these organizations is how they develop their own ways of measuring success when championships remain out of reach. Playoff appearances, division titles, and memorable playoff runs become the currency of hope. The Timberwolves' Kevin Garnett era, for instance, created some incredible basketball memories even without a championship payoff. The current Pelicans, with Zion Williamson, represent that eternal optimism that maybe this will be the year everything comes together.
Having studied championship teams extensively, I believe the psychological weight of never having won can become a tangible barrier. Organizations develop what I call "championship anxiety" - that palpable tension during crucial moments that seems to stem from decades of disappointment. It's why I admire franchises like the Milwaukee Bucks, who finally broke through in 2021 after 50 years, showing that these droughts can indeed end.
In my view, these championship-less franchises represent the beautiful struggle of professional sports. They remind us that for every dynasty, there are dozens of organizations fighting against history, against expectations, and against the sheer difficulty of winning it all. Their stories, though often framed as failures, actually represent the heart of competitive sports - the relentless pursuit of excellence despite repeated setbacks. As Valdez noted about handling defeats, these organizations demonstrate remarkable resilience year after year, season after season, keeping their fans hoping that maybe, just maybe, this will be their time.
