1982-83 Houston Rockets (14–68) – Ranking near the bottom
The 1982–83 Houston Rockets stand as one of the NBA’s worst-performing teams, finishing with a dismal 14–68 record and missing the playoffs under coach Del Harris.
Led by aging stars like Elvin Hayes, the Rockets struggled defensively and offensively, ranking near the bottom in both points scored and allowed.
Their .171 winning percentage remains among the lowest in league history, marking the season as a low point for the franchise and a cautionary tale in NBA team-building.
2004-05 Atlanta Hawks (13-69) – One of the worst seasons in Hawks history.
The 2004–05 Atlanta Hawks delivered one of the worst seasons in NBA history, finishing 13–69 (.159) and missing the playoffs under coach Mike Woodson.
The team endured multiple losing streaks, including 13 and 14 games, and posted the league’s lowest winning percentage that year.
Josh Smith and Al Harrington led a struggling roster, but Atlanta’s offense and defense ranked near the bottom in efficiency and scoring.
This campaign remains a franchise low, symbolizing a challenging era for the Hawks and their fans.
1996-97 Boston Celtics (15-67) – A low point for the storied franchise.
The 1996–97 Boston Celtics, under coach M.L. Carr, endured a franchise-worst 15–67 record, missing the playoffs amid a rebuilding phase.
Led by rookie Antoine Walker and veterans like Rick Fox and David Wesley, the Celtics struggled defensively and offensively, ranking near the league’s bottom in points allowed and efficiency.
Despite Walker earning All-Rookie honors, the team’s lack of depth and cohesion resulted in a season marked by lengthy losing streaks and minimal success, highlighting the Celtics’ transition into a new era of struggle and development.
1995-96 Vancouver Grizzlies (15-67) – One of the worst records for an expansion team.
The 1995–96 Vancouver Grizzlies, as an NBA expansion team, struggled mightily, finishing with a 15–67 record: the league’s worst that season.
Under coach Brian Winters, the Grizzlies started 2–0 but quickly lost 19 straight, setting a then-record 23-game losing streak.
Key players like Greg Anthony and Lawrence Moten showed flashes, but the team lacked depth and consistency, ranking near the bottom in offense and defense.
Their performance marked a challenging beginning for Vancouver in the NBA, highlighting the difficulties expansion franchises face.
2015-16 Philadelphia 76ers (10-72) – Nearly matched the 76ers’ infamous 1973 record.
The 2015–16 Philadelphia 76ers, led by general manager Sam Hinkie’s “Process,” posted a franchise-worst 10–72 record, narrowly missing the NBA’s all-time loss record.
Despite the struggles, the team featured emerging talents like Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel, while Joel Embiid missed the entire season due to injury.
Their relentless rebuilding strategy culminated in the #1 overall pick in the 2016 draft (Ben Simmons), signaling a new era for the franchise.
The season became synonymous with patience and long-term planning in NBA circles.
1986-87 Los Angeles Clippers (12-70) – A historically bad season for the Clippers.
The 1986–87 Los Angeles Clippers endured one of the worst seasons in NBA history, finishing 12–70 under coach Don Chaney.
Led by center Benoit Benjamin and forward Michael Cage, the team struggled offensively and defensively, ranking near the bottom in most statistical categories.
Their record marked the franchise’s worst in Los Angeles, reflecting years of instability and poor management.
Despite flashes from young talent, the Clippers’ performance became synonymous with futility, setting a low benchmark for future rebuilding efforts.
1997-98 Denver Nuggets (11-71) – Tied for the second-worst full-season record.
The 1997–98 Denver Nuggets, under coach Dan Issel, endured one of the NBA’s worst seasons, finishing 11–71, which is the second-lowest win total in league history at the time.
Anchored by veterans like Antonio McDyess and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, the team struggled with injuries, roster instability, and poor defense, ranking at the bottom in points allowed.
Their record symbolized a nadir for the franchise, setting the stage for major rebuilding efforts and executive changes in the following years.
1992-93 Dallas Mavericks (11-71) – One of the worst full-season records, with only 11 wins.
The 1992–93 Dallas Mavericks, under coach Richie Adubato, suffered a franchise-worst 11–71 record, epitomizing a period of turmoil and transition.
Led by veteran Derek Harper and bolstered by rookie Jim Jackson (acquired with the fourth overall pick), Jackson’s contract dispute delayed his debut until late March, severely impacting team cohesion.
Despite strong individual efforts from Harper, Terry Davis, and Sean Rooks, the Mavericks struggled with injuries and roster instability, ranking near the league’s bottom in most statistical categories.
Their record remains one of the worst in NBA history, symbolizing a low point before future rebuilding efforts.
2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats (7-59) – Lowest winning percentage (.106) in a lockout-shortened season.
The 2011–12 Charlotte Bobcats, coached by Paul Silas, posted the worst winning percentage in NBA history at 7–59 (.106), surpassing even the 1972–73 Philadelphia 76ers.
Led by Gerald Henderson and Bismack Biyombo, the team struggled with offensive and defensive inefficiency, finishing with the league’s lowest offensive and defensive ratings.
They endured a 23-game losing streak and closed the season with 40 losses by 10+ points. This record remains a benchmark for futility, marking a low point before the franchise’s eventual rebranding and rebuilding.
1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers (9-73) – The worst single-season record in NBA history, losing 73 games.
The 1972–73 Philadelphia 76ers, coached by Roy Rubin, posted a historic 9–73 record, the worst in NBA history at the time, earning the nickname “Nine and 73-ers.”
Led by Fred Carter, Tom Van Arsdale, and Leroy Ellis, the team struggled with injuries, roster instability, and poor morale, losing 21 of their first 23 games.
Their record stood as the league’s benchmark for futility until the 2011–12 Bobcats, symbolizing a nadir for the franchise and a cautionary tale in NBA rebuilding.