The Five Worst Teams in NBA History

As the 2009-10 NBA season begin to come to a close, the New Jersey Nets are staking their claim to be the worst team in NBA history. While they continue to make this push, let's see where the Nets rank with the Top Five Worst Teams in NBA History.

# 1 Worst NBA Team in NBA History

1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers / Record 9 - 73

This team remains the current record holder for the fewest wins in a NBA season and ranks at the top when it comes to the worst team in NBA history.

The 76ers were led by Fred Carter's offense and were able to average 104.1 points per game; their opponents had no problem scoring against them and averaged 116.2 points per game, which was the worst in the NBA.

Scoring was only part of their problem. Their opponents had the edge when it came to rebounds and assists to go along with a field goal percentage of .473 compared to the 76ers' .420.

To top it off, no one came to see this woeful team. The 76ers averaged around 4,460 fans for every home game.

# 2 Worst Team in NBA History

1997-98 Denver Nuggets / Record 11 - 71

The Nuggets led by a constantly changing group of players concluded their season with a horrific .134 winning percentage. During the season, the Nuggets averaged 89.0 points per game, which was ranked next to last in the NBA.

It did not help matters that they were unable to stop the opposition, who were able to score 100.8 points per game while shooting .471 from the field.

The Nuggets were inferior in every offensive category when compared to their opponents during the 1997-98 season. The team was well on their way to the worst record until they ended the season winning 6 of their 13 final games.

# 3 Worst Team in NBA History

1986-87 Los Angeles Clippers / Record 12 - 70

When the season started, things appeared to be headed in the right direction when they had 3 wins after their first six games and they appeared to have no problems putting up points.

The Clippers went on to win only 9 more game for the remainder of the NBA season. While the Clippers were able to put up 104.5 points per game, their opponents countered with 115.9 points per game.

The Clippers atrocious defense allowed the opposition to maintain a .513 shooting percentage while somehow forcing more turnovers than they gave up.

# 4 Worst Team in NBA History

2009-10 New Jersey Nets / Record 8 - 63

To say the Nets season began on a sour note would be an understatement. The Nets opened the 2009-10 season with 18 game losing streak that set the tone for the remainder of the season.

Even though the Nets have managed to post better offensive statistics in certain categories, the glaring need of this team has been with their defense. They are allowing their opponents to maintain a .482 shooting percentage and have been out rebounded in just about every game.

The Nets managed to earn the record for the worst start in NBA history and have a real chance of being the one NBA team with the fewest wins in the standard 82 game season.

* The Nets record is incomplete with 11 games to go.

# 5 Worst Team in NBA History

1996-97 Vancouver (Memphis) Grizzlies / Record 14 - 68

After completing their first season in the NBA, the Grizzlies took a step back the following season. The team finished worst season in the history of the club despite a coaching change that occurred midway through the season.

While fans saw an increase in their offensive production, the Grizzlies also allowed their opponents to score more points in 1996-97. Despite having a decent three point percentage, the Grizzlies found themselves losing their contests by an average of 10 points per game.

The Grizzlies were in the middle of a 1 - 25 swing when they decided to win two of their last three games to end the season on a high note.

Resources

NBA History
NBA Statistical Reference