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Close is never quite close enough when it comes to NBA titles.

Sealing the deal can elevate a club to legendary status. Failing to do so can mean the attachment of an unsightly asterisk that follows teams well beyond their final outing.

But greatness should never be defined solely by the presence (or lack) of a championship ring. Historically dominant squads can be undone by untimely injuries, costly miscues (by players, coaches or officials) or unfortunate matchups with slightly better clubs.

We have uncovered (and ranked) the seven best teams to never win the title by examining the key elements typically seen in champions: on-court dominance (regular-season and playoff series wins), two-way statistical success, star power and depth.

For clarity, we have excluded teams that sported crowns during their specific eras. The cores on our list disbanded without ever earning top honors.

The record books don't remember these teams as champions, but we're here to celebrate their greatness.