The original Charlotte Hornets franchise joined the NBA scene in 1988 as an expansion team under the ownership of George Shinn. Competing in the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division, Hornets quickly became one of the fun teams of the 1990s.
Led by the star forward duo of Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning was complimented by the immensely popular shortest NBA player in NBA history — Muggsy Bogues as the Hornets made multiple playoff appearances throughout the decade.
Tragedy struck the franchise on January 12, 2000, when player Bobby Phills lost his life in a car accident in Charlotte, North Carolina. In honor of Phills' memory, the Hornets retired his jersey number, #13, making it the only retired jersey in the team's history. Over the years, the Hornets’ teal-colored jerseys have also become popular among fans.
In 2002, the team's popularity began to wane due to a lack of playoff success and mismanagement under owner George Shinn, who eventually relocated the franchise to New Orleans. Despite the departure of the Hornets, Charlotte's passion for basketball endured. In 2005, a new arena was constructed, and in 2004, a new NBA team emerged — Charlotte Bobcats.
Notably, during this era from 2004 to 2014, Charlotte native and one of the greatest NBA players ever, Michael Jordan assumed full ownership of the Charlotte franchise. Today, the Charlotte Hornet played its home games at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, led by rising stars such as LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
How many NBA championships have the Charlotte Hornets won?
The Charlotte Hornets are yet to win the NBA championship. The Hornets started playing in the NBA from the 1988-89 NBA season, and since then, they have made it to the NBA playoffs on just 10 occasions.
Out of those appearances, the Hornets advanced to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs on only four occasions: in 1993, 1998, 2001, and 2002. Despite these strong showings in the playoffs, the Hornets never progressed to the Eastern Conference Finals or Finals.
Charlotte Hornets NBA Finals Appearance History
In their 35 years of experience, the Charlotte Hornets have never made it to the NBA Finals. Their best NBA playoff performance is reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 1993, 1998, 2001, and 2002.
In 1993, led by “Big Momma” Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning, Hornets reached the NBA playoffs for the first time in their franchise history and went onto win their first-ever playoff series against the Boston Celtics in the first round.
However, their journey was cut short in the Eastern Conference Semifinals by the Patrick Ewing-led New York Knicks in five games. In 1998, the Hornets faced an unbeatable force of Chicago Bulls led by Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan as they lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The Hornets most notable playoff run came in 2001 when they were led by explosive point guard Baron Davis and great wing talents like Jamal Mashburn and Jamaal Magloire. In the first round, the Hornets swept the Miami Heat. In the 2001 East semis, Hornets faced the Milwaukee Bucks led by Ray Allen but they lost the series in a hard-fought seven games.
In 2002, the Hornets faced a similar fate, reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals after defeating the Orlando Magic in the first round. However, they were unable to overcome the Jason Kidd-led New Jersey Nets, who defeated them in five games.
What teams did the Charlotte Hornets lose the NBA Finals against?
The Charlotte Hornets have never made it to the NBA Finals. The Hornets are one of five NBA franchises who never won the conference title and reached the NBA finals. Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers are other four NBA teams that haven't reached the NBA finals besides Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte Hornets Last NBA Finals Appearance
The Charlotte Hornets have never made it to the NBA Finals.
FAQ's On Charlotte Hornets Finals Appearances
A. The Charlotte Hornets have never made it to the NBA Finals.
A. The Charlotte Hornets have never reached the NBA Finals.
A. The NBA Charlotte Hornets have zero championship rings.
A. These are the 10 NBA teams that have never won the NBA championship: Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz.
A. There are five NBA franchises that have never made it to the NBA Finals: Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans.
