The Most Beloved Basketball Team, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the basketball team you think is the most beloved!

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:21

In the heart of every avid sports fan is a deep-rooted loyalty to their favorite basketball teams, a loyalty that transcends mere geographic affiliation or fleeting winning streaks. This universal sentiment forms the very fabric of the sports community, binding fans in a shared, passionate debate about which team truly captures the hearts of the majority. Here, every fan’s opinion helps to shape the ongoing narrative of basketball supremacy. By casting a vote for the team that resonates most with you or simply enjoying the insights from other fans' preferences, you contribute to a living testament of sportsmanship and devotion. Engage with the collective passion and help decide which team stands as the most adored in the realm of basketball.

What Is the Most Beloved Basketball Team?

1

64
votes
Los Angeles Lakers

Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen

The Lakers have a rich history of success and have had some of the greatest players of all time on their roster, such as Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson. They have won a total of 17 championships, the second most in NBA history.
The Los Angeles Lakers is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They are one of the most successful and popular teams in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Founded: 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Home Arena: Staples Center

Team Colors: Purple and Gold

Championships: 17 NBA Championships

Conference Titles: 32 Western Conference Titles
Los Angeles Lakers in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most successful NBA team
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular sport team
- Position 7 of 10 in Most successful sports franchise
2

32
votes
Boston Celtics

Walter A. Brown

The Celtics have also had a great deal of success, winning 17 championships, tied with the Lakers for the most in NBA history. They have had some of the greatest players of all time, such as Bill Russell and Larry Bird.
The Boston Celtics is a professional basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They are one of the most successful and storied franchises in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Founded: 1946

Colors: Green, white

Home Arena: TD Garden

Championships: 17

Conference Titles: 21
Boston Celtics in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most successful NBA team
- Position 3 of 10 in Most successful sports franchise
3

27
votes
Tony · CC BY-SA 2.0

Chicago Bulls

Dick Klein

The Bulls had one of the greatest players of all time, Michael Jordan, who led them to six championships in the 1990s. They also had other great players such as Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.
The Chicago Bulls is a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are a member of the Central Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was created in 1966 and has since become one of the most iconic and successful franchises in NBA history.

Head coach: Billy Donovan

Colors: Red, black, and white

Home stadium: United Center

Championships: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)

Retired jerseys: 9 (including Michael Jordan's #23 and Scottie Pippen's #33)
Chicago Bulls in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most successful NBA team
- Position 6 of 10 in Most successful sports franchise
4

11
votes
Golden State Warriors

Peter Tyrrell

The Warriors have had a recent surge in popularity due to their success in recent years, winning three championships in four years. They have also had some of the greatest players of all time, such as Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.
The Golden State Warriors is a professional basketball team based in San Francisco, California. They are a member of the Western Conference's Pacific Division in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Founded: 1946

Team Colors: Royal blue, California golden yellow

Arena: Chase Center

Head Coach: Steve Kerr

Owner: Joe Lacob (majority owner)
Golden State Warriors in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most successful NBA team
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular sport team
5

13
votes
San Antonio Spurs

Peter Holt

The Spurs have had a great deal of success over the years, winning five championships. They have had some of the greatest players of all time, such as Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
The San Antonio Spurs is a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are a member of the Western Conference Southwest Division in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Established in: 1967

Home arena: AT&T Center

Head coach: Gregg Popovich

Number of NBA Championships: 5

Conference championships: 6
San Antonio Spurs in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most successful NBA team
- Position 10 of 10 in Most underrated NBA team
6

12
votes
Chris Green (Chrisg21090 at en.wikipedia) · Public domain

Miami Heat

The Heat have had a lot of success over the years, winning three championships. They have had some great players such as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Shaquille O'Neal.
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida. They are a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was established in 1988 and has since become one of the most beloved and successful franchises in the NBA.

Head coach: Erik Spoelstra

Owner: Micky Arison

Championships: 3 (2006, 2012, 2013)

Conference titles: 5 (2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)

Division titles: 13 (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2020)
Miami Heat in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most successful NBA team
7

3
votes
Andrés Nieto Porras from Palma de Mallorca, España · CC BY-SA 2.0

New York Knicks

Ned Irish

The Knicks have a large fan base despite not having won a championship since 1973. They have had some great players over the years, such as Patrick Ewing and Walt Frazier.
The New York Knicks is a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are a part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and compete in the league's Eastern Conference. The team was established in 1946 and has since become an iconic and beloved franchise in the basketball world.

Home City: New York City

Establishment Year: 1946

Conference: Eastern

Division: Atlantic

Arena: Madison Square Garden
New York Knicks in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular New York sports team
- Position 4 of 10 in Most underrated NBA team
- Position 10 of 10 in Most successful NBA team
8

9
votes
Original uploader was Hequalstohenry of en.wikipedia · Public domain

Houston Rockets

Robert Breitbard

The Rockets have won two championships and have had some great players such as Hakeem Olajuwon and Tracy McGrady. They have also had recent success with James Harden.
The Houston Rockets is a professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the Western Conference Southwest Division in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Established: 1967

Home Arena: Toyota Center

Championships: 2

Conference Titles: 4

Division Titles: 6
Houston Rockets in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most successful NBA team
9

11
votes
Philadelphia 76ers

Daniel Biasone

The 76ers have a long and storied history, having won three championships. They have had some great players over the years, such as Julius Erving and Allen Iverson.
The Philadelphia 76ers is a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are a member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and compete in the league's Eastern Conference Atlantic Division. The team was established in 1946 and has a rich history in the NBA.

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Established: 1946

Conference: Eastern

Division: Atlantic

Home Arena: Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia 76ers in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most successful NBA team
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular sports team in Pennsylvania
10

3
votes
Detroit Pistons

Fred Zollner

The Pistons have won three championships and have had some great players over the years, such as Isiah Thomas and Chauncey Billups. They are known for their tough, defensive style of play.
The Detroit Pistons is a professional basketball team based in Detroit, Michigan, USA. They are one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, known for their strong defense and physical style of play. The team has won three NBA championships, in 1989, 1990, and 2004, and has had several notable players throughout their history.

Founded: 1941

Conference: Eastern

Division: Central

Arena: Little Caesars Arena

Colors: Red, white, and blue
Detroit Pistons in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most successful NBA team

Missing your favorite basketball team?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beloved basketball team

Number of championships and overall team success

A team with more championships and successful seasons is likely to be more beloved by its fans and the larger sports community.
Iconic players and personalities

Teams with memorable and talented players often garner more love and support from fans, as these players create memorable moments and drive the team's success.
Team history and legacy

Teams with a rich history and strong legacy are often more beloved due to their continued success and recognition in the basketball world.
Exciting style of play

Teams that play an exciting brand of basketball, with fast-paced games and impressive skills, can attract more fans and become beloved more quickly.
Community impact and involvement

Teams that actively engage with their local communities and contribute positively through charitable events, youth programs, and other initiatives earn a special place in the hearts of their fans and communities.
Market size and media coverage

Teams in larger markets have more exposure through media coverage, which can lead to increased popularity and a higher beloved status. However, small-market teams with dedicated fan bases can also rank highly in beloved status.
Rivalries and storylines

A team with strong rivalries and intriguing storylines can add to fan engagement, potentially making the team more beloved.
Team culture and organization

A well-run team with a positive culture and strong organizational values can be more beloved by fans, as they can resonate with the team's philosophy and identify with their team's values.
Jerseys, logos, and branding

Well-designed and iconic team branding can play a significant role in the overall appeal and beloved status of a basketball team. Fans love to wear and show off their team's colors, logos, and jerseys.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beloved basketball team. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or team is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1480 views
185 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each team once every 24 hours. The rank of each team is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beloved basketball team

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world and has a huge following of fans. The sport has produced some of the most iconic moments in sports history and has given rise to some of the most beloved basketball teams of all time. From the Boston Celtics to the Los Angeles Lakers, basketball has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the culture of many countries. Fans of the sport are passionate about their favorite teams and players, and there is always a debate about which team is the best. In this article, we will explore the most beloved basketball teams of all time and try to determine which team has the most loyal and dedicated fans.