The Biggest Celebrity Fan From Every NBA Team

NBA fans are indeed the lifeblood of the league. Even in the off-season, when there is little to zero action, fans keep the energy going through social media and other avenues. Of course, there are the casual fans who seem to enjoy basketball but have zero clue on how to talk about or analyze it. Then there are your superfans who live and breathe their team and hang all of their significant life decisions on how that team is performing.

Then there are the celebrity fans. Some celebrities are casual fans who only seem to show up when their team is performing well or making a playoff run. Some celebrity fans simply claim the team in whatever state they were born in just for kicks with no real knowledge or care for the game of basketball. Today, we are talking about the real celebrity fans, the ones who would have no problem being in the trenches with the rest of us during a big game. If asked, those who could recite an entire thesis on their team’s history. The ones who live and breathe for their respective franchise.

Ladies and gentlemen, these are the biggest celebrity fans for each NBA team:

Atlanta Hawks – Migos

Chances are that if you have watched an Atlanta Hawks home game since 2018, the Atlanta-based rap group, Migos, or one of the three at least, has been in attendance. Migos and the Hawks have almost developed a partnership over the last 4 years, even celebrating group member Quavo’s birthday with a special “Quavo Night” this past March for the rapper’s birthday. This was the second “Quavo Night” since 2020. The trio could be seen traveling back and forth to home and road games during the spectacular 2021 Hawks playoff run to show their support as well, having no issue entering enemy territory to show their devotion to all things Atlanta.

Honorable Mentions: T.I., Young Jeezy

Boston Celtics – Matt Damon

Matt Damon loves everything about the city of Boston. The “Good Will Hunting” star has made it known throughout his career about his allegiance to all of the professional sports teams in the Boston/New England area. He perhaps loves none of them more than the Boston Celtics. Damon can be seen frequenting games regularly, even attending with another celebrity Celtics superfan, Mark Wahlberg. Damon’s proudest moment as a fan must have been in the 2008 NBA Finals when his Celtics took on the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Damon and Wahlberg were sitting courtside, yapping it up, which triggered the ultimate stare from Lakers Coach Phil Jackson. “It was a way to leave my mark on the rivalry,” Damon later said. They should be proud. It takes a whole lot to get the Zen Master riled up. Oh, and the fact that the Celtics won the title probably helps too.

Honorable Mentions: Mark Wahlberg, Ben Affleck, Donnie Wahlberg

Brooklyn Nets – Jay-Z

Jay-Z and the Brooklyn Nets are almost synonymous with each other at this point. You can even go as far as to say that Jay-Z played a major factor in facilitating the deal that sent the franchise to Brooklyn from New Jersey. Well, along with Mikhail Prokhorov’s unlimited checkbook. Jay even became a minority owner back in 2013 but had to sell his shares to launch Roc Nation Sports. Jay-Z can still be found supporting his team courtside, whether it’s a Tuesday Night in February or Game 7 of a playoff series. Jay-Z loves and lives for Brooklyn, and the Nets are undoubtedly a part of it.

Honorable Mention: David Beckham

Charlotte Hornets – J. Cole

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1097325379415564288

It is hard to pick a celebrity fan for the Hornets, considering that the greatest player of all time owns the team, and he would be the easy choice. However, today we are going to go with Charlotte-native and rapper J. Cole. Cole was invited to Hornets training camp and participated in October of 2019. Everyone knows that Cole loves to hoop and currently plays in the Canadian Basketball League for the Scarborough Shooting Stars. The Hornets were the first team to reach out to Cole after he announced that he was chasing his basketball dreams. How can you not show love for the team that claimed you as one of them?

Honorable Mention: Da Baby

Chicago Bulls – Barack Obama

Barack Obama’s love for the game is well-documented, having been dubbed famously “America’s First Basketball President” and the countless videos of him taking the court and shooting hoops. Go ahead and flex Bulls fans; the 44th President Of The United States is your biggest celebrity fan. The Chicago native made it abundantly clear during his presidency just how much he loves everything about the city, especially the Bulls. He was even included in the critically acclaimed documentary “The Last Dance” due to his longtime support for the team and Chicago roots. Even though Obama was last in office in 2016, it will take a lot to dethrone Obama’s spot atop the list as the Bulls’ biggest celebrity fan.

Honorable Mentions: Kanye West, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Murray, Miley Cyrus

Cleveland Cavaliers – Usher

It came as a shock to many when they saw Usher on the floor with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and the team celebrating their 2016 NBA championship. The even bigger shock was when we discovered that Usher owned a small part of the team dating way back to 2005. That is only 2 years into the legendary career of LeBron James! For anyone to invest $9 Million into a team and have gone through that many up, down, and sideways turns and continue to fiscally and emotionally support an organization is truly special. Usher may not be as present as other celebrity fans, but his commitment is undeniable.

Honorable Mentions: Drew Carey, Machine Gun Kelly

Dallas Mavericks – Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx has been a longtime supporter of both the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks. Even though the actor has never taken a role in any sort of basketball film, Foxx is still a passionate fan of the team. He even made an appearance in the 2018 All-Star Celebrity game on All-Star Weekend. He has been seen hanging out at Cowboys games with Mavs star Luka Doncic and his father, Sasa. Foxx has shot hoops during warmups with the team, been celebrated by their social media team, and sporting his Mavs gear for the world to see in public many times. Patrick Mahomes may be on this list in a few years as he seems to be a very new fan of the franchise, but for now, Foxx takes the spot.

Honorable Mention: Patrick Mahomes

Denver Nuggets – Trey Parker and Matt Stone

Trey Parker and Matt Stone have been Denver Nuggets fans since the two met at The University Of Colorado in the early 90s. The “South Park” creators frequently attend games courtside and play a large role in hyping up the crowd during home contests. Parker and Stone often reference the Nuggets and the NBA as a whole at points during “South Park” and while the show is edgy, the Nuggets loved the idea. They loved it so much that they even started using the show’s cartoon characters on the jumbotron in the Ball Arena. Parker and Stone may not be the most recognized or celebrated fans in the world, but I guarantee they don’t care either.

Honorable Mention: John Elway

Detroit Pistons – Eminem

We are all well aware of rapper Eminem’s strong ties and roots in the city of Detroit. Having grown up in 8 Mile, it was pretty easy for Eminem growing up to identify with the rough and rugged persona that coincides with the Detroit Pistons’ identity. After over 40 years in Auburn Hills, the Pistons moved the franchise back to the City Of Detroit, and it was Eminem who the team asked to aid in the celebration. Eminem opened up the Little Caesars Arena in 2017 with a sensational performance of his hit “Lose Yourself” much to the delight of Pistons fans in the crowd.

Honorable Mention: Kid Rock

Golden State Warriors – Jessica Alba

One of the more unknown things about actress Jessica Alba is her deep love for all things LA sports. Alba is a rarity these days when it comes to Warriors fans because she can claim her devotion to the team goes back to 2007, and the “We Believe” Warriors. She had a close connection with the team in those days as her husband was close friends with starting point guard Baron Davis. She has been a fan ever since and could be seen happily celebrating their recent title win in 2022 on her social media accounts.

Honorable Mentions: Manny Pacquiao, MC Hammer

Houston Rockets – Travis Scott

Way before he was a world-famous rapper, Travis Scott was a ball boy for the Houston Rockets when he was in high school. The Houston native has been around the team in one way or another since Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming was in town. H-Town loves him back as well, making him a team ambassador and even producing Scott’s personalized line of Rockets jerseys. In recent years, Scoot has held many concerts at Rockets games and continuously befriends the team’s key players, from James Harden to Jalen Green. When Scott bounces back from his recent issues, you can bet the Rockets will be there as a big part of it.

Honorable Mention: Beyonce

Indiana Pacers – Mike Epps

Do you know how hard it is to find a celebrity that proudly reps the Indiana Pacers? No one reps them harder than Indiana native Mike Epps. Epps should be labeled a superfan just for how much he shows up to his hometown Pacers’ games decked out head to toe in their logo. Epps is proud of his Indiana roots, and a big part of those roots is his love for the Indiana Pacers. He was recently quoted as saying, “Me and the Pacers go hand in hand when it comes to winning or losing. We are legendary in this game!”

Honorable Mention: David Letterman

Los Angeles Clippers – Billy Crystal

I don’t think there is a bigger Clippers fan in the world than Billy Crystal. Okay, maybe Clipper Darrell and Steve Ballmer, but Crystal is right there with them. Devotion is the only way to describe Crystal’s fandom, as he has been a loyal fan since the franchise’s days in San Diego. He said he chose the Clippers as his team because “I love a challenge and the building of a developing champion. It tastes much sweeter that way”. He has been through it all and is a season-to-season ticket holder through the best and worst of times. His faith in the franchise has never wavered, usually at the forefront of excitement courtside in the Staples Center whenever the red, white, and blue are rolled out.

Honorable Mentions: Anthony Anderson, Kadeem Hardison

Los Angeles Lakers – Jack Nicholson

There are a few things that are synonymous with LA. Hollywood, excruciating traffic jams, and Jack Nicholson courtside supporting the Lakers. Nicholson has been a Lakers fan since the 1970s and has become the franchise’s most loyal fan ever since. Nicholson’s animations on the sideline can only be considered a work of art from the Grammy-Award winner, and I’d like to argue it’s my favorite character he plays. Except it’s genuine, which is probably why he is so beloved by Laker Nation. Many big names support the Lakers. None does it better than Jack.

Honorable Mentions: Snoop Dogg, Denzel Washington, Rihanna

Memphis Grizzlies – Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake’s Grizzlies fandom has come into question before, but there is no denying his love for the organization. He was born and raised in Memphis and has vocally supported the team for over a decade. Oh, and I forgot to mention that he has been a minority owner of the team since 2012, just after the Grit and Grind era. He can be seen regularly sitting courtside or in his luxury box, supporting the team as well as using his large platform to show his support.

Honorable Mention: Jessica Biel

Miami Heat – DJ Khaled

In DJ Khaled’s own words, “I bleed Miami. It’s Miami Heat for life!”. Khaled is originally from New Orleans but has been a resident of Miami for years, and as big of a name in hip hop as he has, he is also a big name in the Miami culture as a whole. To be a part of the culture is to be a diehard fan of the Heat, and that he has been for a while now. Even when he isn’t courtside, he is repping the Heat with jerseys, hats, chains, you name it. No one loves Miami or the Heat possibly more than DJ Khaled.

Honorable Mentions: Rick Ross, Jimmy Buffet

Milwaukee Bucks – Aaron Rodgers

You haven’t lived until you see Aaron Rodgers chugging adult beverages at a Milwaukee Bucks game. Okay, I’m exaggerating, but it is a more than regular occurrence at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Rodgers wasn’t born in Wisconsin but has been an adamant supporter of the team since he was drafted to the Green Bay Packers in 2005. He can often be seen sitting courtside or sporting a Bucks hat in public. He also purchased a 1% stake in the team in 2018, making him the only active NFL player with an ownership stake in an NBA team.

Honorable Mentions: Sheryl Crow, Chance The Rapper

Minnesota Timberwolves – Alex Rodriguez

No one knows how long Alex Rodriguez has been a fan of the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he is now. Rodriguez and partner Mark Lore purchased a limited stake in the franchise this past year and will become controlling owners by 2024. A-Rod may not have been a lifelong Timberwolves fan, and it doesn’t matter. Nothing says you’re a fan like investing $750 million of your own money into a team that has had a rough history of playoff or overall success.

Honorable Mention: Craig Kilborn

New Orleans Pelicans – Lil Wayne

I want to be clear here. Lil Wayne has pledged his allegiance to many teams over the years, including the Lakers, Heat, and most recently, the Phoenix Suns, amid a Twitter war with Mavs owner Mark Cuban. The New Orleans-born superstar is the only celebrity to even somewhat support the Pelicans openly, so for that, he has to land here on our list. He has been in attendance at games, sitting courtside, mingling with players, and rocking Pelicans swag. Plus, they are building something special in New Orleans right now with Zion back healthy and the duo of Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, so it shouldn’t be surprising if we see Wayne more often at the Smoothie King Center.

Honorable Mention: Anthony Mackie

New York Knicks – Spike Lee

Spike Lee is probably the most iconic sports fan in history, let alone his presence in New York and Madison Square Garden. Spike Lee is the poster child for the New York sports fandom. He’s passionate, visibly emotional, and isn’t afraid to mix it up with the players with some high-stakes heckling a la Reggie Miller and Scottie Pippen. Moreso than the actual players on the team, Spike Lee is one of the first names you think of when the New York Knicks are brought up, much to the chagrin of Knicks owner James Dolan. There isn’t a celebrity fan or sports fan in the world like Spike.

Honorable Mentions: 50 Cent, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Woody Allen

Oklahoma City Thunder – Bill Hader

Bill Hader grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with no professional sports teams to hang his hat on. That all changed in 2008 when the Seattle SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. At the 2012 NBA Finals, SNL actor Bill Hader vowed to become the team’s Jack Nicholson-like superfan and be the energy behind the team’s ascent into greatness. While Hader has fallen considerably short of that promise, he still supports the team publicly and shows up to a game in between his busy schedule. Hader says of Oklahoma City, “ I love the atmosphere. It’s just like a college game where everyone is wearing the same gear and cheering for the same team. It’s great.”

Honorable Mention: Nas, Olivia Munn

Orlando Magic – Tiger Woods

Despite growing up a Lakers fan in California, Tiger Woods has pledged his alliance to the Orlando Magic as well. As a longtime resident of Orlando, Woods pledged his alliance to the Magic in 2008 when he became s season ticket holder with the team. This was when Dwight Howard was still in town, and they matched up against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in the series. Tiger seemed to lean his support toward the Magic in that series and pretty much up until Dwight Howard had moved on. The Magic have not made the playoffs since; thus, fewer and fewer appearances from Woods. Can the young core of Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner, and Paolo Banchero reel Tiger back in again?

Honorable Mention: Tamia, Kate Upton, Mickey

Philadelphia 76ers – Kevin Hart

I would like to give a shoutout to Will Smith and Meek Mill, who are both huge Philadelphia 76ers fans in their own right. None are more vocal and sometimes over the top than comedian Kevin Hart. Kevin Hart has become a staple at 76ers games while maintaining his loud and hilarious persona on the sidelines. Players like James Harden and Dwyane Wade have cited Hart as the reason for their late-game takeovers and big performances, saying fans only have him to blame. Regardless of his style and heckling, there is no doubt that Kevin Hart has become the 76ers biggest celebrity fan.

Honorable Mentions: Will Smith, Meek Mill

Phoenix Suns – Alice Cooper

Believe it or not, rocker Alice Cooper has been a Suns fan for over 50 years. The 74-year-old used to have courtside seats with the team and has been very vocal in his criticisms and celebrations of the team. He expressed his displeasure with the trade that sent Stephon Marbury to the Suns after the 2001 season and has actively tried to recruit both Charles Barkley and Dan Majerle to be the team’s next head coach. Although I assume, he’s pretty damn happy about the job Monty Williams is doing. As of 2008, his top 3 Suns players were Paul Westphal, Tom Chambers, and Kevin Johnson. Maybe that’s why Barkley didn’t put his hat in the ring?

Honorable Mention: David Spade

Portland Trail Blazers – Elizabeth Banks

The Portland Trail Blazers are still in need of a celebrity superfan, but for now, they have Elizabeth Banks. No offense to the actress, but she has even admitted in the past that she was never a big NBA fan until she married her husband in 2003. Her husband, Max Handelman, used to write for a Trail Blazers blog and some of his fandoms rubbed off on his wife. It is sort of a sad situation for Portland. They just need a celebrity fan like Damian Lillard, who refuses to run from the grind.

Honorable Mention: Fred Armisen, Nick Cannon

Sacramento Kings – Brie Larson

As much struggle as the Kings have faced in the past 20 years; they can at least claim Captain Marvel as a fan. Larson has been a fan since she was a little girl growing up In Sacramento. Her fandom never left her, even when she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career at a young age. After an Oscar win for her work in Room in 2016, Larson received congratulations from the team and couldn’t control her excitement. “The young child in me cannot handle this. Go Kings!!”. What’s cooler, being Captain Marvel or getting a shoutout from your favorite NBA team? Yeah, we know.

Honorable Mention: Hasan Minhaj, 

San Antonio Spurs – Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L Jackson is a huge Spurs fan, but you wouldn’t know it from the past few seasons. Jackson says his Spurs roots go back to when George Gervin was tearing it up or the team in the ABA and the NBA. He also showed his undying support during the dynasty years with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker, often using his social media as his own personal Spurs fan forum. Samuel L. Jackson hasn’t been as vocal lately, but he still does support the team. Although, after trading star guard Dejounte Murry, who knows if the Spurs still have Jackson’s loyalty?

Honorable Mention: Selena Gomez

Toronto Raptors – Drake

Drake is not just a Toronto Raptors superfan; he is a part of the entire Raptors culture. You can say he has helped build that culture along with Raptors President Masai Ujiri. Drake’s sideline antics can be borderline intolerable at times but as previously mentioned, it is a staple and a part of the Raptor’s new team culture. The Canadian-born rapper will of course, root for his friends who happen to be on other teams or make large not-so-smart wages on different events, but his love for Toronto and the Raptors will never die.

Honorable Mentions: Celine Dion. Richard Branson, Nav Bhatia

Utah Jazz – Macklemore

No one knows who is a fan of the Utah Jazz and who isn’t. Many people have been seen wearing the iconic throwback jerseys of John Stockon, Karl Malone, and even further back, Adrian Dantley. I honestly think people just like the jerseys. Nevertheless, rapper Macklemore has taken his Utah Jazz jersey-wearing to new heights. Macklemore started wearing jerseys back in 2010 as his music became more and more popular across the United States in 2013. Since then, he has been adopted by Jazz fans as their team’s official superfan, whether or not Macklemore confirmed it. Macklemore even sported an old Gordon Hayward Jazz jersey for a Rolling Stone spread he did in 2013 as well. With the looming rebuild coming in Utah, they sure could use a famous fan to step up and take the reigns to help it along with other fans. Here’s to hoping.

Honorable Mention: Mitt Romney

Washington Wizards – Wale

Our Community, Our History: @Wale is a Nigerian-American rapper-songwriter that rose to prominence in 2006.

He began his career incorporating elements of go-go in his music, and has released 7 albums to date.

Hear more about his story ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/3vkxkaimtT

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) February 25, 2022

Wale could probably be considered the biggest diehard fan on here over anyone else. Wale has done everything with the Wizards, from Sitting courtside to show his support to performing concerts at games to designing uniforms and merchandise with fellow rapper Kanye West. Wale was named a creative liaison for the team back in 2014 as well. Of all the celebrity fans, there may be none as loyal as Wale and certainly, none that go harder for the DMV and Washington D.C.

Honorable Mention: Wolf Blitzer, Dave Bautista 

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