The Worst to Best NBA Fanbases (per Vegas Insider)
When it comes to NBA fandom, there’s no shortage of passion: but there’s also no shortage of drama, delusion, and despair. Every fanbase has its quirks, but some just can’t help themselves when it comes to negativity.
To find out who’s really going through it online, Vegas Insider analyzed over 1.3 million Reddit comments across all 30 NBA team subreddits. They ranked fanbases by the percentage of negative comments, giving us a brutally honest look at which fans are thriving, and which ones are barely hanging on.
Let’s break it down — from the most frustrated to the most chill.
🥇 1. Dallas Mavericks – The Meltdown Leaders (32.41% Negative Comments)
If you’ve been anywhere near r/Mavericks this year, this result won’t surprise you. Dallas fans are deep in crisis mode. After the shocking Luka Dončić trade to the Lakers and an 8% spike in ticket prices, the fanbase went into full revolt. Add in ownership drama under Miriam Adelson and whispers about relocating to Las Vegas, and you’ve got a perfect storm of rage.
Mavs fans topped the league in negativity and were near the top for profanity as well. They’re not just mad — they’re vocal, relentless, and very online.
🥈 2. Boston Celtics – Historical Flexers Turned Internet Warriors (31.73%)
Boston has 17 banners, and their fans will remind you — constantly. But despite their storied history, Celtics fans are among the most negative in the league. Maybe it’s the pressure. Maybe it’s the entitlement. Either way, they flood Reddit with rants after every missed free throw, coaching rotation, or perceived slight against Jayson Tatum.
Celtics Twitter is like a Harvard debate team with rage issues. They’re smart, loud, and absolutely exhausting.
🥉 3. Minnesota Timberwolves – Playoff Hype Meets Panic Attacks (31.52%)
Anthony Edwards’ rise has given Wolves fans something to believe in — but belief hasn’t made them any less anxious. Despite a strong season, the Timberwolves ranked third in negativity. Fans swing from “Ant is HIM” to “blow it all up” with dizzying speed.
Every playoff loss sends their subreddit into a tailspin. Every win triggers MVP hype. In short, it’s a team with new expectations and a fanbase still learning how to emotionally process them.
🧊 28. Portland Trail Blazers – Surprisingly Chill (22.27%)
Despite another rebuild year, Trail Blazers fans seem surprisingly at peace. With Damian Lillard finally gone, expectations are lower — and the anger that once filled their forums has cooled off. There’s a sense of cautious optimism, or maybe just emotional exhaustion. Either way, they’re not screaming anymore. Still, they show up and root hard for the next era.
🧊 30. San Antonio Spurs – Cool, Calm, and Wemby-Pilled (21.82%)
At the very bottom of the negativity rankings — and that’s a good thing — are the Spurs. Fans in San Antonio have embraced Victor Wembanyama like a basketball messiah. They’re patient, positive, and possibly still in shock that they landed him. Spurs Reddit is one of the most chill communities in the league — a rarity these days. It’s optimism without arrogance, and it’s refreshing.
🧠 Los Angeles Lakers – The NBA’s Main Characters (28.80%)
Lakers fans are everywhere — and they always think the spotlight belongs on them. With a mix of old-school Kobe loyalty and new-gen LeBron stans, the Lakers subreddit and Twitter are nonstop content. Every win sparks championship dreams. Every loss? Trade everyone.
They weren’t in the top five for negativity, but they bring volume. They criticize coaches, blame refs, and demand front office moves like they’re running the team. This isn’t just fandom — it’s theater.
🏆 Golden State Warriors – Still Chasing That Dynasty High (28.30%)
Warriors fans rode the Steph-Klay-Draymond wave hard — and now that the dynasty is slowing down, the mood has shifted. While not among the top negative fanbases, their expectations are still sky-high. When things don’t go perfectly, fans lash out: at Kerr’s rotations, at Wiseman’s development, or just random role players.
There’s a unique frustration in being used to greatness. The fanbase is passionate, proud, and not afraid to let it all out when the magic fades.
📊 What About the Rest?
Let’s quickly touch on the mid-tier and notable names from the Vegas Insider list:
- Memphis Grizzlies (30.94%) – Loud and loyal, but the Ja Morant controversies fueled some serious frustration.
- Philadelphia 76ers (30.60%) – Still trusting the process, still yelling online. No surprises here.
- New York Knicks (30.60%) – Peak emotional swings. One win = parade plans, one loss = panic mode.
- Milwaukee Bucks (29.82%) – Defending Giannis to the grave. Moderate negativity, heavy lecture energy.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (29.58%) – Still looking over their shoulder for LeBron. Nostalgic, but restless.
- Houston Rockets (29.43%) – Young core, growing pains, and not much patience left in the tank.
- Orlando Magic (29.24%) – Lowkey frustration from a team stuck in permanent rebuild.
- Phoenix Suns (28.90%) – Big expectations = big meltdowns when they underperform.
- Toronto Raptors (24.21%) – Quiet, but discontent is rising post-championship honeymoon.
- Washington Wizards (21.99%) – Too irrelevant to get mad. Indifference is their brand.
Final Thoughts
Being an NBA fan is never boring — especially online. Whether you’re posting memes, meltdown threads, or 3,000-word trade ideas, every fanbase brings something chaotic to the table.
But as Vegas Insider’s data shows, some fanbases are drowning in negativity, while others are just enjoying the ride.
Here’s to the madness — and maybe, just maybe, a few more positive Reddit threads next season.