When it comes to NBA fandom, some teams inspire diehard loyalty, while others attract fans who hop on and off the hype train faster than a Russell Westbrook fast break.
Whether it’s due to star power, championship rings, or just trendy vibes, certain franchises seem to collect bandwagoners like Steph Curry collects three-pointers. Here’s our (tongue-in-cheek) ranking of the top 15 NBA teams with the most bandwagon fans.
15. New York Knicks
Wait, Knicks fans? Bandwagoners? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Sure, but every time this team even sniffs competence, a wave of fans pops out of nowhere, reminiscing about the glory days of Ewing and Starks like they’ve been there all along. Madison Square Garden’s aura draws casuals like moths to a flame, even if the team’s been stuck in rebuilding mode since Y2K.
14. Chicago Bulls
Nostalgia is a powerful drug, and the Bulls’ fan base still coasts on the golden glow of the Jordan years. Anytime they show even a glimmer of hope (hello, Derrick Rose MVP season), casual fans emerge from the woodwork to proclaim, “We’re back!” Spoiler: They’re usually not.
13. Toronto Raptors
Drake made this team cool, and the 2019 championship run took it to another level. But when Kawhi left, so did a chunk of those newly minted superfans. Still, the Raps remain trendy enough to reel in bandwagoners with a cool jersey and the hope of another underdog run.
12. Portland Trail Blazers
Dame Lillard’s loyalty earned them a loyal following, but there’s also a trendy contingent that loves Portland’s scrappy vibes and hipster energy. When the team is rolling, the Pacific Northwest seems to have more Blazers fans than coffee shops.
11. Houston Rockets
The James Harden era brought a flood of fans, many of whom vanished the moment he left for greener pastures (or so he thought). Now, with a promising crop of young talent, we might see some bandwagoners creeping back in. Just don’t ask them to name anyone on the roster yet.
10. Philadelphia 76ers
Trust the Process, or at least pretend to. Joel Embiid is a star, and the team’s dramatic highs and lows make them impossible to ignore. Bonus points for all the fans who suddenly became Sixers experts after the Harden trade (and then immediately left once he did).
9. Brooklyn Nets
It’s hard to ignore the Kyrie, KD, and Harden superteam experiment, even if it went up in flames and they all bounced. The Nets became the “sexy” team for a hot second, but their bandwagoners evaporated the moment things got messy — which happened a lot.
8. Los Angeles Clippers
For a franchise living in the Lakers’ shadow, the Clippers have managed to pull in plenty of bandwagoners thanks to the Kawhi and PG13 era. But when the playoff collapses hit, those fans seem to conveniently forget they were ever there.
7. Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker’s rise, the Chris Paul effect, and a Finals run in 2021 brought a surge of new fans to the desert. Whether most of them will stick around now that we’re in a post-CP3 world remains to be seen.
6. Miami Heat
The Heatles-era (LeBron, Wade, and Bosh) gave Miami its reputation as Bandwagon Central. Even now, with Jimmy Butler, the Heat attract fans who love a team with swagger, even if they’ve never set foot in South Beach. How will they feel once Butler leaves? Only time will tell.
5. Boston Celtics
One of the most storied franchises in NBA history, the Celtics always have a strong base. But let’s not ignore the legions of casual fans who jumped on during the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown renaissance and the 2024 NBA Championship run.
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4. Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncčić is box-office gold, and fans are lining up to watch his wizardry. Mavericks jerseys are flying off the shelves, and the franchise hasn’t seen this much buzz since Dirk hoisted the trophy in 2011.
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3. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are the bandwagon team, period. Whether it’s the Showtime Lakers, Kobe and Shaq, or LeBron and AD, they’re always a magnet for casual fans. Winning 17 championships doesn’t hurt either. Lakers bandwagoners span generations—just don’t ask them to name the starting five pre-LeBron.
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2. Golden State Warriors
The Splash Brothers changed the game and brought an avalanche of bandwagon fans along for the ride. Whether it’s Steph’s limitless range, Klay’s smooth shooting, or Draymond’s… well, antics, the Dubs have dominated the NBA and casual fans’ hearts for nearly a decade.
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1. San Antonio Spurs
Wait, Spurs? Seriously? Yup. With Victor Wembanyama’s arrival, the Spurs have gone from quietly rebuilding to the must-watch team of the future. Longtime fans might bristle at the newcomers, but hey, the more, the merrier. Just remember: Pop runs the show.
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