Which NBA franchise will be the next to win its first championship?

With the Nuggets champions at last, there are eight NBA franchises that have yet to win either an ABA or NBA title. 

Denver was one of four ABA teams to begin play in 1967 and then join the NBA during the 1976-77 merger. But until this year, it had never reached the NBA Finals. A pair of ABA franchises -- the Pacers and the Nets -- combined for five titles in the defunct league but have never won an NBA title. San Antonio became the first former ABA franchise to win an NBA championship in 1999.

The Nuggets waited 56 years for their first league trophy, capping the five-game series against Miami with a 94-89 win on Monday.

Which franchise will follow Denver? Here's a look at the eight teams that have never won a championship, in order from least to most likely to win one in 2024. Odds are provided by Oddschecker as of Jun. 13.

8. Charlotte Hornets (+50000)

The Hornets have LaMelo Ball and not much else as the organization continues trying to build a winner in Charlotte. An NBA title appears light-years away. Fans shouldn't expect a scene like the one in Denver on Monday night anytime soon.

7. Orlando Magic (+50000)

Orlando is coming off a 34-48 season -- a 12-game improvement from its 2021-22 season -- and 2022 No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero is a star in the making. The Magic have reached two finals, once with Shaquille O'Neal in 1995 and again in 2009 with Dwight Howard. He's got big shoes to fill and while he might get there one day, some of these other franchises will probably get there first. 

6. Utah Jazz (+16000)

The Jazz parted with Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert in separate trades last offseason but were better than expected in 2022-23. A trove of future assets and young talents including Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton give Utah intriguing pieces as the franchise looks to quickly build itself back into a contender.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves (+6500)

Anthony Edwards turned a corner this season and looks every bit the part of a No. 1 overall pick, which he was in 2020. The pieces around him -- particularly Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns -- might not be the ones to help get the franchise over the hump, but with a couple tweaks to its roster, Minnesota could eventually win a championship.

4. New Orleans Pelicans (+3600)

The Pelicans championship window is directly tied to the health of stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. New Orleans will have a chance to compete for a title every year both are healthy and in their primes. At one point this season, the Pelicans threatened the Nuggets for the top overall seed in the Western Conference before injuries to Ingram and Williamson sunk the once-promising season. 

3. Memphis Grizzlies (+3000)

Ja Morant is likely facing a significant suspension for his second gun incident this year, and the punishment should be announced soon with the NBA Finals over. He'll likely return in time for the playoffs and the Grizzlies certainly have enough talent to compete for an NBA title. The only thing holding Memphis back is the team's immaturity. The young core will have to grow up this offseason to have a realistic shot of winning the title in 2024.

2. Los Angeles Clippers (+2300)

As long as Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are on the Clippers, they'll be a contender for an NBA title. It's hard to count on them being available considering their injury histories but their talent is undeniable. With some better luck, the Clippers could finally be the L.A. team hosting a championship parade. 

1. Phoenix Suns (+700)

The Suns have a great duo of their own with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. They were the only team to win two games against the Nuggets in the playoffs and with some improvements, could push Denver even further next year. Phoenix hired Frank Vogel, who won a title with the Lakers during the 2019-20 season, to help get the team over the hump. If an organization is going to follow Denver's lead and win its first championship next year, bet on it being Phoenix.