The Brooklyn Nets’ 0–7 start was among the worst starts to an NBA season this century.
After playing out seven consecutive defeats to start the season, the 2025 Nets just beat the Pacers at the time of writing.
Believe it or not, 48 teams have started 0-7 or worse, with the Nets’ slow start not enough to crack the top 30 all-time list.
So which teams own the worst starts to an NBA season this century?
Philadelphia 76ers: 0–18 (2015–16)
Their 0–18 start tied the longest losing streak to open a season in NBA history, matching the New Jersey Nets.
It was a painful chapter in the franchise’s rebuilding project known as ‘The Process’.
Joel Embiid, who would later become the face of that rebuild, was sidelined all season with a foot injury.
The Sixers relied on rookies, journeymen, and D-League call-ups, and the results showed.
Philadelphia finally beat the Los Angeles Lakers in December and finished the season 10–72.
New Jersey Nets: 0–18 (2009–10)
The Nets opened the season with 18 straight defeats, a grim run that cost head coach Lawrence Frank his job after 16 losses.
Brook Lopez and Devin Harris were their lone bright spots, but injuries and poor depth made life hard.
The Nets finally broke through against the Charlotte Bobcats on December 4.
They finished 12–70 before relocating to Brooklyn two years later to draw a line under that dark chapter.
Philadelphia 76ers: 0–17 (2014–15)
One year earlier, the Sixers lost their first 17 games to set up another historic start the following season.
It was deep into ‘The Process’, with Nerlens Noel and K.J. McDaniels among the few developing pieces on a young roster.
Joel Embiid missed the entire campaign through injury, leaving Philadelphia short on talent and leadership.
They finally snapped the skid with a win over Minnesota in late November, finishing 18–64 by season’s end.
Memphis Grizzlies: 0–13 (2002–03)
The Grizzlies’ first full season in Memphis began with 13 straight losses and ended in another rebuild.
Pau Gasol led the team in scoring but couldn’t carry a roster short on experience or depth. Head coach Sidney Lowe was fired mid-streak and replaced by veteran Hubie Brown to calm the chaos. Memphis recovered slightly to finish 28–54 before making its first playoff appearance a year later.
Washington Wizards: 0–12 (2012–13)
The Wizards stumbled through a 12-game losing streak to start the 2012–13 season. John Wall missed the opening months with a knee injury, leaving the team without its floor general.
Without him, Washington ranked near the bottom in scoring and efficiency, losing most games by double digits. They recovered late, but a 29–53 record summed up a miserable campaign in the capital.
Toronto Raptors: 0–9 (2005–06)
Toronto’s 0–9 start brought an early end to any playoff ambitions before winter arrived. Chris Bosh led the way statistically, but the young core lacked consistency on both ends.
Coach Sam Mitchell’s future looked uncertain until the team found form in December. The Raptors improved enough to finish 27–55, but it was another missed season north of the border.
Atlanta Hawks: 0–9 (2005–06)
The Hawks mirrored Toronto’s struggles, opening their season with nine straight defeats. Their young roster, built around Joe Johnson and Al Harrington, couldn’t close out games or defend late leads.
Fans at Philips Arena grew restless as the rebuild stretched into another lost campaign. Atlanta eventually finished 26–56, extending its playoff drought to seven seasons.
Chicago Bulls: 0–9 (2004–05)
The Bulls’ 0–9 start looked like another lost year in the post-Jordan era, but this one turned around fast. Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, and Kirk Hinrich formed a new core that began to gel after weeks of frustration.
Chicago ripped off a mid-season surge to climb back into playoff contention. They finished 47–35 to reach the playoffs despite one of the worst starts to an NBA season in history.
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