Top 5 Longest active playoff drought in NBA
Examining the Challenges Faced by NBA Teams with Long Playoff Droughts
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The Sacramento Kings have ended their 16-year playoff drought, and an emphatic victory sealed the deal. On Wednesday night, the Kings faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers, knowing a win would secure their spot in the playoffs. The first half was close, with the Kings leading by only four points at halftime. But in the second half, the Kings dominated, outscoring the Trail Blazers 70-34 and cruising to a 120-80 victory.
The Kings made history by reaching the playoffs for the first time since May 5, 2006, when they were knocked out in the Western Conference playoffs’ opening round by the San Antonio Spurs. This 16-year gap was both the longest active streak in the NBA and the longest in league history, surpassing the Los Angeles Clippers’ previous record of 15 years from 1977 to 1992.
But the Kings aren’t the only team celebrating the end of a playoff drought. The Cleveland Cavaliers clinched their first playoff spot since 2018 with a 108-91 win over the Houston Rockets.
For the Cavaliers, it’s been a modest postseason drought, but it’s still a significant accomplishment. The team had a rough few years after the departure of LeBron James, but this season, they’ve found their footing under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
The Cavaliers’ playoff berth is a testament to the team’s resilience and perseverance. Despite the challenges they faced in recent years, they kept pushing forward and never gave up on their goal of returning to the postseason.
As the playoffs approach, basketball fans worldwide will be watching closely to see how these two teams fare. For the Kings, it’s a chance to compensate for lost time and shows they belong among the NBA’s elite. For the Cavaliers, it’s a chance to prove they’re back on track and ready to contend again.
Related: Top 5 NBA most desired matchups in the 2023 NBA Playoffs
Five teams with the longest playoff drought in NBA history
As the NBA regular season draws to a close, several teams are battling for playoff spots. However, some franchises have struggled to make the postseason for multiple years. We will look at the top five most prolonged active playoff droughts in the NBA.
Charlotte Hornets Struggle to Break Playoff Drought – 7 Years
The Charlotte Hornets last made the playoffs in the 2015-2016 season, when the Miami Heat eliminated them in the first round. Since then, they have failed to qualify for the postseason for six straight years. This year, the Hornets are in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Led by All-Star guard LaMelo Ball and veteran forward Gordon Hayward, the team has shown significant improvement this season.
Despite their efforts, the Hornets are facing strong competition from other teams fighting for playoff positions, and their current position in the 14th place in the Eastern Conference confirms that they will not be making the playoffs this season, marking the seventh consecutive year that they have missed out.
San Antonio Spurs Look to Return to Playoff Contention – 4 Years
The San Antonio Spurs have been one of the most successful franchises in the history of the NBA, winning five championships in the past two decades. However, the team has struggled in recent years, failing to make the playoffs for the past three seasons.
Despite the impressive performances of young players such as Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and the leadership of Head Coach Gregg Popovich, the team currently finds themselves in 14th place in the Western Conference and have been eliminated from playoff contention. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the team has failed to make the playoffs.
Detroit Pistons Rebuilding for the Future – 4 Years
The Detroit Pistons have had a difficult few years, failing to make the playoffs for the past three seasons. Despite acquiring promising young talent such as Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham, as well as bringing in experienced player Bojan Bogdanovic from the Utah Jazz,
The team has been unable to improve its standing in the Eastern Conference. With a record of 16-60, the team is currently in last place and has been eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth consecutive year.
Houston Rockets Struggle After Rebuilding Year – 3 Years
The Houston Rockets have been a consistent playoff team, having qualified for the postseason in eight of the past nine seasons. However, they had a rebuilding year last season and failed to make it to the playoffs. Since trading away former MVP James Harden, the team has faced some challenges, but there are encouraging signs of progress, particularly with the emergence of promising young players such as Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
Despite currently occupying the bottom spot in the Western Conference and being out of playoff contention, the Rockets are focused on nurturing their young talent, hoping to regain their playoff form in the near future.
Indiana Pacers Aim to Make Deep Playoff Run -2 Years
In the last seven seasons, the Indiana Pacers have qualified for the playoffs five times but have been unable to progress beyond the first round on each occasion. Despite the team’s strong determination to make a deep playoff run this season, they have encountered a setback as they currently sit in the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
This leaves them outside the qualification zone for both the Playoffs and the Play-In Tournament. Despite the impressive contributions of their star players, Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner, the team has been unable to secure a postseason spot so far.
The Orlando Magic share a three-year playoff absence record with the Houston Rockets. Although they have been striving hard this season, they are currently positioned at the 13th spot in the Eastern Conference, which means they are out of contention for the playoffs and play-in tournament. These teams will continue to strive for success in the future and work to end their playoff droughts.
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