The lowest win total in NBA history is 7 wins, achieved by the 2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats.
The Charlotte Bobcats (now the Charlotte Hornets) concluded the lockout-shortened 2011-12 NBA season with a dismal 7-59 record, resulting in a historically low winning percentage of .106. This performance stands as the fewest wins recorded by any team in a single NBA season.
The Historic 2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats Season
The 2011-12 NBA season was impacted by a lockout, reducing the regular season from the traditional 82 games to just 66 games. Despite the shorter schedule, the Charlotte Bobcats struggled immensely throughout, failing to build any momentum. Their final record of 7 wins and 59 losses set a new benchmark for futility in professional basketball.
- Wins: 7
- Losses: 59
- Total Games: 66
- Winning Percentage: .106
This season is not only notable for the absolute lowest win total but also for the worst winning percentage in NBA history, regardless of season length.
Context: Lowest Win Totals vs. Lowest Winning Percentages
While the 2011-12 Bobcats hold the record for the fewest wins, it's important to consider the context of season length. Other teams have had low win totals in a full 82-game season, but their winning percentage might still be higher.
Here's a comparison of some of the lowest win totals and worst winning percentages in NBA history:
| Team | Season | Wins | Losses | Total Games | Winning Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Bobcats | 2011-12 | 7 | 59 | 66 | .106 | Fewest wins and worst % (lockout-shortened) |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 1972-73 | 9 | 73 | 82 | .110 | Fewest wins in a full 82-game season |
| Dallas Mavericks | 1992-93 | 11 | 71 | 82 | .134 | |
| Denver Nuggets | 1997-98 | 11 | 71 | 82 | .134 | |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 2010-11 | 19 | 63 | 82 | .232 | Notable for LeBron James' departure |
As seen, while the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers registered 9 wins, which is more than the Bobcats' 7, their season was 82 games long, making the Bobcats' 7-win season in just 66 games proportionally worse in terms of winning percentage. The 2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats' performance remains an unparalleled low point in NBA history.
