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Longest NBA playoff droughts: How Hornets can snap record with win over Magic
TL;DR
The Charlotte Hornets can end the longest playoff drought in NBA history with a win over the Orlando Magic in the Play-In Tournament. They have struggled for years, despite having talented players like LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward.
Key points
- Charlotte Hornets have the longest playoff drought in NBA history.
- They last made the playoffs in 2016.
- A win against the Orlando Magic can end their drought.
Charlotte HornetsOrlando Magic
Longest NBA playoff droughts: How Hornets can snap record with win over Magic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Contention has evaded the Charlotte Hornets since the days of Kemba Walker.
Despite having some solid talent roll through North Carolina, from LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel to Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier, the Hornets have struggled to remain in playoff contention — until, all of a sudden, they've surged in the second half of the 2025-26 season.
Entering Friday's Play-In Tournament game against the Orlando Magic, all it will take is one Hornets win to break the longest playoff cold spell in the NBA.
Here's a look at the NBA's longest playoff drought and the last time the Hornets made the bracket.
MORE: The longest playoff droughts in sports, from the Jets to the Pirates
Longest NBA playoff droughts
Because Play-In Tournament berths are not considered a playoff appearance, the Hornets will have to officially make the 2025-26 first round to officially break their drought, which is the longest in the NBA.
Q&A
What is the longest NBA playoff drought?
The longest NBA playoff drought currently belongs to the Charlotte Hornets, who have not made the playoffs since 2016.
When did the Charlotte Hornets last make the playoffs?
The Charlotte Hornets last made the playoffs in 2016.
How can the Hornets snap their playoff drought?
The Hornets can snap their playoff drought by winning their upcoming Play-In Tournament game against the Orlando Magic.
