Ranking the 15 NBA Teams Most Likely to Get Booed

There’s nothing quite like an NBA crowd turning against a team. Whether it’s because of a flashy superstar, a history of dominance, or just a vibe that rubs people the wrong way, some franchises seem to attract boos like it’s part of their game plan.

From coast-to-coast villains to teams that just always seem to stir the pot, these squads are no strangers to hostile receptions. Some get booed for winning too much, others for talking too much, but either way, the noise is loud and unavoidable.

15. Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves
Openverse

The Wolves finally found their footing, but the trash talk arrived quicker than the trophies. Ant’s bravado and the team’s new swagger haven’t exactly made them fan favorites outside the Twin Cities.

14. Atlanta Hawks

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Atlanta Hawks
Openverse

Between the constant drama and playoff inconsistencies, the Hawks are easy targets. Trae Young’s villain arc only adds fuel to the boo-worthy fire.

13. New York Knicks

New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers 5.5.13
Openverse

Knicks fans boo their own team more than most away crowds do. But that doesn’t stop them from getting heat in other cities, thanks to the always-loud New York energy and inflated expectations.

12. Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings
Openverse

The “Light the Beam” celebration was fun—until it wasn’t. Some fans are already over the hype, especially when it’s paired with a bit too much chest-thumping for a team still proving itself.

11. Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns Courtside Center Jump
Openverse

The Suns went from lovable underdogs to flashy superteam real fast. Now, with big names and big personalities, they’ve landed squarely in the “love to hate” zone.

10. Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers
Openverse

Trust the Process… or get booed trying. Whether it’s fan frustration, playoff letdowns, or just Philly being Philly, the boos come early and often.

9. Chicago Bulls

Openverse

For a team that hasn’t been elite since the Jordan era, the Bulls still carry a certain arrogance. That mix of nostalgia and mediocrity can wear thin on neutral fans.

8. Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors
Openverse

Once the feel-good story of the league, the Warriors became everyone’s favorite villain real quick. The success, the celebrations, and Draymond’s antics make them a top target.

7. Memphis Grizzlies

 Memphis Grizzlies
Openverse

It only took one good season for the Grizzlies to start acting like the main characters. Ja Morant’s off-court headlines and the team’s constant chirping haven’t exactly endeared them to casual fans.

6. Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Flickr

The Clippers tried to become LA’s team and got boos instead. The load management, constant injuries, and lack of actual results make them an easy franchise to mock.

5. Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks team
Flickr

The Mavs are being booed by their own fans after trading away Luka! Combine that with Kyrie’s baggage and the boos start to make sense. Maybe Cooper Flagg will change things around.

4. Boston Celtics

Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics
Flickr

The Celtics are either loved or loudly hated—there’s no in-between. The legacy, the fans, and the constant contention make them prime boo material.

3. Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets Head Coach Jason Kidd and Team
Flickr

The superteam era left a bad taste in a lot of mouths, and people haven’t forgotten. Even now, the franchise feels like it’s still trying to buy credibility, and that doesn’t go over well.

2. Miami Heat

2013 NBA Champions - Miami Heat
Flickr

Heat Culture is impressive but also incredibly annoying if you’re not part of it. The smugness mixed with constant playoff upsets makes this team a common target for jeers.

Read More: Boo-Worthy but Brilliant: Ranking the 7 NHL Players Fans Loved to Hate

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Feb 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
Flickr

No team brings out louder boos than the Lakers. The rings, the stars, the fan base, and the never-ending spotlight ensure they get hated on in every arena not named Crypto.com.

Read More: NFL’s Most Despised Players: Icons of Controversy

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