Frozen: when the NBA belt sat out the playoffs

13 seasons the belt holder missed the playoffs and carried the belt into the next season.

The belt only moves when its holder plays. When the holder's season ends early, the belt freezes: the champions get crowned in the playoffs, and the belt waits for next season. It has happened 13 times in NBA belt history.

Every frozen season, newest first

1. 2021–22: Sacramento Kings sat out the playoffs with the belt while Golden State Warriors won the title.
2. 2013–14: New York Knicks sat out the playoffs with the belt while San Antonio Spurs won the title.
3. 2002–03: Los Angeles Clippers sat out the playoffs with the belt while San Antonio Spurs won the title.
4. 1999–00: Denver Nuggets sat out the playoffs with the belt while Los Angeles Lakers won the title.
5. 1992–93: Minnesota Timberwolves sat out the playoffs with the belt while Chicago Bulls won the title.
6. 1988–89: Miami Heat sat out the playoffs with the belt while Detroit Pistons won the title.
7. 1987–88: New Jersey Nets sat out the playoffs with the belt while Los Angeles Lakers won the title.
8. 1978–79: San Diego Clippers sat out the playoffs with the belt while Seattle SuperSonics won the title.
9. 1976–77: Indiana Pacers sat out the playoffs with the belt while Portland Trail Blazers won the title.
10. 1973–74: Seattle SuperSonics sat out the playoffs with the belt while Boston Celtics won the title.
11. 1970–71: Boston Celtics sat out the playoffs with the belt while Milwaukee Bucks won the title.
12. 1963–64: Baltimore Bullets sat out the playoffs with the belt while Boston Celtics won the title.
13. 1953–54: Milwaukee Hawks sat out the playoffs with the belt while Minneapolis Lakers won the title.

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