Every NBA fan base has its glory days, but some fans can’t seem to move on. They treat every conversation like a history lesson, complete with vintage highlights, old banners, and references that stopped being relevant two decades ago.
These fan bases love to remind you of what used to be, even if the current state of their team doesn’t match the hype. Here are 10 NBA fan bases still clinging tightly to the past like it’s the fourth quarter of Game 7.
10. Atlanta Hawks
Hawks fans still talk about Dominique Wilkins like he just dunked last night. That one Eastern Conference Finals run was cool, but they still hang onto the throwback years for dear life.
9. Philadelphia 76ers
Sixers fans love to talk about their profound basketball legacy, even if most of it happened when shorts were still above the knees. The Process era might be recent, but the real nostalgia comes from Dr. J and Iverson.
8. New York Knicks
Knicks fans act like it’s still the ‘90s, with Patrick Ewing dominating and the Garden being the center of the universe. They’ll always remind you they’re a “storied franchise,” even if the trophy case has been untouched for decades.
7. Detroit Pistons
Pistons fans can’t mention their team without mentioning the Bad Boys or the 2004 squad. Even though they’re solid these days, the past is still elite in their minds.
6. Chicago Bulls
Bulls fans live in a permanent state of Jordan nostalgia. Every new player is compared to him, and every loss reminds him of how good things used to be.
5. Indiana Pacers
Pacers fans still treat the Reggie Miller era like it just ended. They’ll always mention when they nearly toppled the Knicks or how close they were in the early 2000s.
4. Boston Celtics
Celtics fans have a long history, and they ensure you never forget it. Whether it’s the 2008 team or the Bill Russell dynasty, the past is always part of the present conversation.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers fans have difficulty focusing on the present when they have so many banners to stare at. Whether it’s Magic, Kobe, or even the bubble title, they’ll let you know their legacy is unmatched.
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2. Portland Trail Blazers
Blazers fans love to talk about Clyde Drexler, the 1977 title, and every “almost” since. Even when things go sideways, the past is always there to soften the blow.
Read More: 10 Reasons Everyone Loves to Hate the Boston Celtics
1. Golden State Warriors
Yes, they’ve had recent success, but Warriors fans still talk about the 2015-2019 run like it’s ancient mythology. Even when the team struggles, there’s this overwhelming energy of “remember when we changed the game?”
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