A ranked list of all NBA mascots: Who is the best mascot in basketball?

A ranked list of all NBA mascots: Who is the best mascot in basketball?

Sospeter Itolondo
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:27 PM

Mascots are essential to the team as they help get the players and fans psyched up for the game. They are usually dressed in either team colours or as the team animal or signage. They are also regarded as a lucky charm from different cultures worldwide. Check out the best NBA mascots in the history of the sport right here.

Who is the highest-paid NBA mascot?
The Milwaukee Bucks mascot, Bango, dunks the ball during a time-out against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 16, 2022, at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Gary Dineen
Source: Getty Images

Over 26 mascots in the NBA keep the games lively by entertaining the fans. One of the most famous NBA mascots is Benny the Bull, the teddy for the Chicago Bulls for over 45 years. Read on to learn more about the NBA's best mascots.

Top 10 best NBA mascots

Most mascots are ranked according to their appearance and how they interact with their fans. Some teams do not have mascots others retired them as they did not come out as expected. So, here are the best NBA team mascots:

10. Slamson the Lion for the Sacramento Kings

Dubbed a fan favourite, Slamson is one of the most entertaining mascots. The 17th of March is a special day for Slamson and other teddies as they converge to celebrate his birthday every year. Slamson is golden in colour with black paws with a huge mane. He also wears a Sacramento Kings jersey.

best NBA mascots
Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson looks on during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings on January 23, 2023, at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Photo: Rocky Widner
Source: Getty Images

9. Pierre the Pelican for the New Orleans Pelicans

The teddy was redesigned in 2014, as its original design was scary. Pierre was established on the 30th of October 2013, with the fans choosing the name through an online poll. The Pelican is a yellow bird with blue stripes around the arms, eyes, and beak. It also features the New Orleans jersey.

best NBA team mascots
The New Orleans Pelicans, Pierre the Pelican, during the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 21, 2022, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana Photo: Ned Dishman
Source: Getty Images

8. Lucky the Leprechaun for the Boston Celtics

Boston is known for its Irish heritage, and Lucky manifests that. The teddy had been part of their logo for over 50 years before finally being actualised on the 29th of October 2003.

what are the NBA mascots
Lucky, the Boston Celtics Mascot excites fans for opening night at TD Garden before the game against the Toronto Raptors on October 22, 2021, at the TD Garden in Boston. Photo: Brian Babineau
Source: Getty Images

Lucky had a problem with Kyrie Irving, who stepped on him after the game. This got the Celtics players to support him against the legendary player. Lucky has a green half-coat with a white shirt, socks, and black shorts.

7. San Antonio Spurs' The Coyote

Named mascot of the year twice in 2014 and 2020, the San Antonio Spurs Coyote was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. The teddy has been in service of the team since 1983. The Coyote is known for its comedy and dancing routines paired with the team's dancers, the Silver Dancers.

most popular NBA mascots
The Coyote of the San Antonio Spurs entertains the crowd during a timeout in the game against the Golden State Warriors on January 13, 2023, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Photo: Michael Gonzales
Source: Getty Images

The Coyote is brown with green eyes and the Spurs' jersey. It also features hair the same colour as the Spurs' jersey.

6. GO the Gorilla from Phoenix Suns

GO the Gorilla is one of the most famous NBA mascots well known due to his comedy and routines. He is also the first-ever teddy to sign an endorsement deal which he signed with the Phoenix Streetwear brand Guest List. He debuted in 1980 and was among the debutants in the Mascots Hall of Fame in 2005.

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Mascto Go, the Gorilla of the Phoenix Suns, looks on during January 13, 2023, game at Vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Melissa Majchrzak
Source: Getty Images

GO is made in the natural Gorilla way with a Phoenix Suns jersey.

5. Hugo the Hornet for the Charlotte Hornets

This teddy is one of the most beautiful on the list and debuted in 1988. Hugo's name was selected by fans after more than 6000 of them were asked. Hugo won mascot of the year in 2007.

famous NBA mascots
Hugo, Hornets Mascot during the NBA Paris Game match between Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks on January 24, 2020, in Paris, France. Photo: Johnny Fidelin
Source: Getty Images

Hugo the Hornet is a blue mascot with purple stripes around the thorax area with antennae on the head and wings.

4. Bango the Buck for the Milwaukee Bucks

Named Mascot of the Year in 2010, Bango is among the most athletic teddies on the list. One of the most memorable moments is when Bango stood on the rim of a basket during an All-Star weekend in 2009. Unfortunately, he slipped and tore his ACL cutting his season short.

Top 10 best NBA mascots
Bango, the mascot of the Milwaukee Bucks, during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 21, 2022, at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Gary Dineen
Source: Getty Images

The name Bango was mentioned by an announcer for the Bucks named Eddie Doucette. He used the term to refer to the Bucks players whenever they scored long-range baskets.

3. Rocky the Mountain Lion for the Denver Nuggets

Rocky debuted on the 15th of December 1990 when he performed in the Ball Arena. He won Mascot of the Year in 2019, which is exemplary. The Mountain Lion is a yellow teddy with a white mouth and yellow paws. A Denver Nuggets jersey is also featured on the teddy.

NBA’s best mascot
Rocky, the Mountain Lion, hoists a baby in the second half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena on February 15, 2023, in Denver, Colorado. Photo: Grace Bradley
Source: Getty Images

2. The Raptor for Toronto Raptors

Debuting on the 3rd of November 1995, the Raptor is one of the most famous NBA mascots. He is well known for entertaining children with school visits and athletic performances. Unfortunately, he tore his Achilles tendon in one of the visits cutting short his 2013-2014 season.

best NBA mascots of all time
Big Raptor mascot during the Toronto Raptors v Chicago Bulls NBA regular season game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Photo: Anatoliy Cherkasov
Source: Getty Images

Raptor is generally a red velociraptor with some black parts, such as the lower of his head and the lower part of his tail. Robin Lopez once termed the Raptor one of the worst NBA mascots, with which many do not agree.

1. Benny the Bull for the Chicago Bulls

Who is the most famous NBA mascot? Dubbed the NBA's best mascot, Benny the Bull has been with the Bulls since 1969, competing in popularity with some of the game's legends. Benny is famous for dancing, aerobic flips and jumps. He is also used to doing dunking tricks. The mascot also throws popcorn at the fans who enjoy the practice.

who is the most famous NBA mascot
Benny the Bull takes part in a skit during the first half between the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks at United Center on December 14, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Michael Reeves
Source: Getty Images

He was named Mascot of the Year in 2015 and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. The teddy is red with thick black eyebrows and huge cute eyes. Benny always dons the Chicago Bulls jersey. He raps up our list of the best NBA mascots of all time.

Who is the best mascot in the NBA?

Benny the Bull is the best in the league. The mascot is known for exciting theatrics, athletics, and dances. One fan favourite is popcorn throwing. He is red and has thick black eyebrows with white horns.

Who is the highest-paid NBA mascot?

The highest-paid mascot is Rocky the Mountain Lion. The mascot belongs to the Denver Nuggets and takes home more than $600,000 a year. He takes home more than some athletes, which is incredible. The Rocket Bear takes home $250,000, the Hawk $200,000 and $200,000 for Benny the Bull.

Who is the best mascot in the NBA?
Benny the Bull, the first NBA mascot created in 1969, is now as popular as the Chicago Bulls themselves. Photo: Chris Sweda
Source: Getty Images

Who was the first NBA mascot?

Benny debuted in 1969. He has been representing the Chicago Bulls for more than 45 years. He was named the most popular mascot in sports in 2013, Mascot of the Year in 2015 and Hall of Famer in 2017.

Benny the Bull is always on top of the list of all NBA mascots. He is also one of the highest-paid mascots in the world, taking home more than some athletes. The highest-paid teddy in the NBA is Rocky the mountain lion, who takes home more than $600,000.

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Sospeter Itolondo
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