Which team has the longest active playoff drought in the NBA?

The Charlotte Hornets have exciting young talent and the No. 2 pick in this year’s NBA Draft, but does that mean the playoff drought is over?

With LaMelo Ball maturing and Miles Bridges potentially returning from suspension, is this the year it all turns around for the Hornets?

It’s been a seven-year drought for Charlotte Hornets

After enduring seven straight seasons without reaching the postseason, the Charlotte Hornets currently hold the record for the longest active NBA Playoff drought. Now, this is no record any team wants to hold. For context, the Charlotte Hornets’ last playoff game was against the Miami Heat on May 1, 2016, and they lost 106-73.

Although, Hornets fans shouldn’t worry. With the No. 2 pick in this year’s NBA Draft, they’re guaranteed a shot at getting a real difference-maker. Someone that can come in and make an impact immediately. Whether that’s Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller, fans will just have to wait and see. Hopefully, one of them can insert some energy and help bring the city and team back to postseason basketball.

In terms of playoff drought, behind the Hornets are the Detroit Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs. These two franchises, despite being great teams historically, both haven’t made the playoffs in four years.

If Hornets fans want to get excited about the future, they should look at Sacramento. The Sacramento Kings spent 16 seasons without making the playoffs between 2007 and 2023. This was the longest playoff drought of all time. (Keyword: was) As we know, that drought ended this year when the Kings made the playoffs and forced the reigning champs, the Golden State Warriors, into a seven-game showdown. Despite the Kings losing that series, you can’t really ask for more if you’re a Sacramento fan. You fought hard. Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox both got valuable postseason experience. Now, hopefully, Charlotte can take some inspiration from that.

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