In the world of the NBA, fandom isn’t just about cheering for your team—it’s about making sure the other guys know exactly how much you don’t like them. Some fanbases take this to another level, turning their home arenas into verbal battlefields and social media into a 24/7 roast session.
Let’s take a look at the 15 most disrespectful NBA fanbases when it comes to opposing teams. Buckle up—it’s about to get spicy.
15. San Antonio Spurs
Generally, Spurs fans are known for their respectability. But don’t be fooled—mention Zaza Pachulia in 2017 or try to say Tim Duncan wasn’t the greatest power forward ever, and you’ll be met with an uncharacteristically savage response. They’re quiet, but when provoked, they let you have it.
14. Toronto Raptors
You’d think Canada’s lone NBA fanbase would be polite, but these fans have no chill when it comes to opposing teams. Whether it’s cheering an opponent’s injury (cough Kevin Durant cough) or flooding social media with “HE STAY” campaigns that totally worked on Kawhi, Raptors fans are more ruthless than they let on.
13. Portland Trail Blazers
A small market with a big chip on its shoulder. Blazers fans have been salty ever since MJ’s shrug, and if you bring up the fact that they picked Greg Oden over Kevin Durant, prepare for a lecture on injuries, bad luck, and how “this was the year” for the last 20 years.
12. Utah Jazz
Utah’s home crowd is infamous for its hostile environment, and opposing players have consistently called them out for crossing the line. The energy at Vivint Arena is suffocating for visiting teams, and on social media, Jazz fans defend their squad with an intensity that makes Salt Lake City feel like an NBA warzone.
11. Miami Heat
Heat fans take pettiness to an art form. They were the pioneers of the “we’re leaving early” meme in 2013, but don’t let that fool you—they’ll talk endless trash about your team, then pretend they didn’t care when things don’t go their way. Also, say anything bad about Dwyane Wade at your own risk.
10. Houston Rockets
Rockets fans believe James Harden never committed a travel and that their 2018 team should’ve won a ring if only Chris Paul’s hamstring had held up. If you even hint that their analytics-based approach was flawed, expect a flood of three-point percentage stats in your mentions.
9. New York Knicks
Nobody dishes out disrespect like a Knicks fan—especially to their own team. But when an opposing player dares to perform well at MSG? Instant villain. The crowd that once booed Kristaps Porzingis on draft night will turn on you faster than you can say, “Bing Bong.”
8. Phoenix Suns
Suns fans waited years to be relevant, and now that they are, they’re letting everyone know about it—aggressively. If you say anything negative about Devin Booker, expect 50 GIFs of him dropping 70 points (in a loss). Also, don’t bring up Luka Doncic… just don’t.
7. Memphis Grizzlies
Grit-and-Grind is dead, but the attitude remains. Memphis fans embody their city’s underdog energy and will remind you that “nobody wants to see them” in the playoffs. Say anything negative about Ja Morant and prepare to be ratioed into oblivion.
6. Golden State Warriors
Once the lovable underdogs, now the internet’s loudest dynasty. Warriors fans will call your team “poverty,” remind you of the “Strength in Numbers” era, and casually act like Kevin Durant never even played there. Say Steph Curry isn’t top 10 all-time and you’ll be hit with a dissertation on three-point shooting efficiency.
5. Chicago Bulls
Bulls fans have one simple rule: Michael Jordan is the GOAT, and any argument against it is invalid. Suggest that LeBron might be close? They’ll remind you of 6-0 in the Finals before you finish your sentence. Also, any playoff opponent is automatically the worst team in NBA history.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers fans are everywhere, and they will remind you of it. Every debate starts and ends with “17 rings” (even though five of them are technically from Minneapolis). They disrespect opponents simply by acting like no other franchise matters. Oh, and if you dare say Kobe wasn’t top five all-time? Good luck.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Philly fans boo their own players, so you can imagine how they treat opponents. They once chanted “F*** Trae Young” before he even touched the ball, and they’re still convinced The Process worked (despite, well, everything).
2. Dallas Mavericks
Mavs fans love two things: hyping up Luka Doncic and slandering every other superstar in the league. Unfortunately for them, they’ve lost Luka too. Not to mention, if you claim that Dirk Nowitzki’s lone ring might not be more impressive than multiple championships, prepare for a very angry thread explaining why you’re wrong.
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1. Boston Celtics
Historically elite? Absolutely. Humble about it? Not a chance. Celtics fans will remind you of their 18 championships every time they get the chance, even though most of them happened before their grandparents were born. And if you dare say LeBron owns their franchise? Chaos.
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