NBA Basketball: Mascots From Worst To Best

Staff Writer
Staff Writer
7 Min Read
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NBA’s mascots are known to add something unique to that taste of NBA action, from wowing fans at home to adding to the thrill of fans on the courtside. Mascots are even associated with some kind of good luck to the team, and pro-level teams aren’t left out in squeezing the charm out of them. However, not all mascots entice the fans. Some are simply awesome, while others are seen as a flop. Well, let us rank some of NBA’s mascots from worst to best.

#12. Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are a team graced by talents, and it is expected that they should have one of the best mascots in the game. Burnie dance moves look okay but fans are confused about what exactly Burnie is. Rumors say Burnie selection is inspired by the fireball in the Heat’s team logo. Burnie doesn’t seem to fit the billing of a high profile team as Miami.

NBA: Brooklyn Nets at Atlanta Hawks
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#11. Atlanta Hawks

For long, the Atlanta Hawks seemed to have hit the right button with the mascots. Wait, but what inspired the unnecessary shift? Choosing Harry the Hawk tallied well with the name of the team. However, the inspiration behind the red color hasn’t got on well with fans. Many are wondering why pick color red when hawks don’t even don red! What about the seriousness of Harry the hawk? Is it really fun for kids and fans? Well, the mascot has got to be one of the least appealing in the NBA.

#10. Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have Bango the Buck as their mascot. Bango the Buck has often hit the mascot headlines, at some point being the mascot of the year. The Cartoon Network has even voted it as the “Most Awesome Mascot”. With all these cute appearances, Bango the Buck is adored for being so daring and pulling high-flying dunks for about 250 appearances perennially.

#9. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves chose one of the most appealing NBA mascots in Crunch the Wolf. The backstory is rather interesting with the claim that Crunch the Wolf was born in a forest in Minnesota. He adored basketball and when the Minnesota Timberwolves arrived in town, Crunch the Wolf migrated towards the city. It is claimed that he lives in a den and when the deafening voices of Wolves’ fans charge the air, Crunch the Wolf gets lured from the target on to the games.

NBA: Finals-Golden State Warriors at Toronto Raptors
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#8. Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors has a red velociraptor mascot wearing basketball shoes as well as jerseys. The inspiring mascot hit high in dance face-off with a little girl back in 2016. The mascot lost that battle but it is one of the most entertaining in the NBA.

#7. Oklahoma City Thunder

For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Rumble the Bison seems to get plenty of aspects right. It even won the NBA Mascot of the year in 2009. Its characteristics from athletic to ferocity perfectly resemble the bison. It is a bit difficult to comprehend the relationship between thunder and a bison but rumor has it has some superpowers.

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Charlotte Hornets
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#6. Charlotte Hornets

Hugo the Hornet, Charlotte’s mascot, is a glorious mascot created by Cheryl Henson in 1988. In fact, the records speak volumes of its magnificence as it has scooped four NBA Mascot Slam Dunk Championship awards.

#5. Sacramento Kings

“Slamson the Lion” of the Sacramento Kings has plenty of endearing aspects. Perhaps choosing the lion ticked the boxes right because a lion itself is considered as the king of the jungle and so does Sacramento’s vision. Some question why the lion when Sacramento has lots of other animals. That’s a story for another day. For now, Slamson the lion is king.

#4. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have also been very creative with their mascots. Yes, “Lucky the Leprechaun” is a mascot that most fans find thrilling in the NBA. Although this half-man mascot is scary from the look, it is the acrobatic and other stunts that make it one of the best.

#3. San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs seem to have also made the right-click with “The Coyote.” This mascot dresses colorfully and is known for being the only mascot to do both basketball and donut dunks. A few who criticize this mascot point fingers at the eyes. All in all it is loved by many.

#2. New Orleans Pelicans

Pierre the Pelican, the New Orleans Pelicans’ mascot, brought in something unique into the game experience. Fans scared opponents to fear the birds and cautioned them against staring into the Pierre eyes for more than a second. It is a scary mascot but certainly up there with the best.

#1. Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls’ Benny the Bull is a fantastic entertainer. Most kids tend to fall in love with its elegant orange and pink colors. Perhaps the best thing this mascot has is the horns and unibrow. They are truly eye-catching, a feat that creates an excellent experience for the fans. It has to be arguably the best mascot in the NBA.

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