Some NBA teams have fans who stick with them through thick and thin. Others? Well, their fanbases seem to expand overnight whenever a championship run is on the horizon.
Star players, championship banners, and viral moments can transform a team from an afterthought into a worldwide sensation—attracting waves of fans who may not have even known the team’s record a year ago. From legacy franchises to recent contenders, here’s our ranking of the 15 NBA teams with the most bandwagon fans.
15. New York Knicks – The Eternal Optimists
Knicks fans are loyal… but when the team shows even a flicker of life, a new wave of “lifelong supporters” suddenly emerges, reminiscing about the Patrick Ewing days like they were there. Madison Square Garden’s mystique keeps them relevant, even if their last championship was checks notes over 50 years ago.
14. Chicago Bulls – The Jordan Effect Lives On
The Bulls will always have fans, thanks to Michael Jordan’s legendary run in the ‘90s. But whenever the team shows a glimpse of potential (like Derrick Rose’s MVP season), there’s an influx of new fans yelling, “We’re back!” Spoiler: They’re usually not.
13. Toronto Raptors – The Drake Effect
Drake made the Raptors cool, and the 2019 championship cemented their status as Canada’s team. But when Kawhi Leonard left, so did a lot of those new fans. Still, the Raptors remain a trendy pick for casuals who want a mix of underdog grit and flashy vibes.
12. Portland Trail Blazers – The Hipster Pick
Portland fans pride themselves on being different, but let’s be real—Dame Lillard’s presence kept the Blazers relevant. Now that he’s gone, it’s an open question whether their devoted fanbase will remain… or if they were just here for the vibe.
11. Houston Rockets – Harden’s Fans Have Left the Building
During the James Harden era, Rockets jerseys were everywhere. But when he left, so did many of his biggest “fans.” With a young core on the rise, Houston might see a new wave of bandwagoners creeping back in—just don’t ask them to name more than two players yet.
10. Philadelphia 76ers – Trust the Process (Or Pretend You Did)
For years, “Trust the Process” was a badge of honor for diehard Sixers fans. But let’s not ignore the fans who only popped up after Joel Embiid became an MVP and immediately bounced once things got shaky. The hype fluctuates as much as their playoff hopes.
9. Brooklyn Nets – A Superteam That Never Was
The Nets had a brief moment of being the NBA’s “it” team with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Then… well, it all imploded. Those fans disappeared just as quickly as the superteam did, proving once again that Brooklyn’s hype was more borrowed than built.
8. Los Angeles Clippers – Almost Out of the Lakers’ Shadow
The Clippers attracted bandwagoners when Kawhi Leonard and Paul George arrived, finally giving the team legitimacy. But after multiple playoff collapses, it’s hard to find those same fans still repping their gear. The bandwagon is light these days.
7. Phoenix Suns – The Hottest Ticket in the Desert (For Now)
Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and a Finals run in 2021 brought in a wave of new Suns fans. The question is: Will they stick around now that the team is in a post-CP3 era? Phoenix has a long history of losing bandwagoners as quickly as they gain them.
6. Miami Heat – The South Beach Special
The “Heatles” era with LeBron, D-Wade, and Bosh made Miami the capital of bandwagon fandom. Even now, the Heat attract casual fans drawn to their swagger and playoff grit. But if Jimmy Butler leaves, expect some of those fans to mysteriously disappear.
5. Boston Celtics – A New Generation of Bandwagoners
Boston has one of the most passionate fanbases in the league—but let’s not pretend there wasn’t a massive influx of “lifelong” Celtics fans once Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown turned them into a contender again. A 2024 title run didn’t hurt, either.
4. Dallas Mavericks – Luka’s Global Takeover
Luka Dončić is must-watch TV, and with that comes a whole new wave of fans. The Mavericks haven’t been this relevant since Dirk Nowitzki hoisted the trophy in 2011, and Luka’s insane highlights ensure that bandwagon fans will continue to flock to Dallas.
3. Los Angeles Lakers – The Ultimate Bandwagon Destination
The Lakers might be the official home of bandwagon fans. Whether it was Showtime, the Shaq-Kobe era, or LeBron and AD bringing them back to the top, casual fans love hopping on when the team is rolling. Just don’t ask them to name a starter from the pre-LeBron days.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Ruthless Fanbases in Pro Sports
2. Golden State Warriors – The Splash Zone Effect
The Warriors redefined NBA basketball, and along the way, they picked up an army of bandwagon fans. From Steph Curry’s mind-blowing shooting to their dynasty run, the Dubs have owned the past decade—and their fanbase has grown accordingly. Some have stuck around, but plenty have already jumped ship now that their dominance is fading.
Read More: 15 Shocking Sports Trades That Tore Fanbases Apart
1. San Antonio Spurs – The Wemby Wave
The Spurs?! Seriously? Yes. With Victor Wembanyama’s arrival, the quiet, no-nonsense Spurs suddenly became the team to watch. After years of being a small-market franchise with a dedicated (but niche) fanbase, they’re now overflowing with “lifelong” fans who might not even know who Tim Duncan is.
Read More: 10 Reasons Everyone Hates the Boston Celtics
