Each NBA team has a unique relationship with their franchise players. Their legacies are usually tied to the things they did with the team and these players are cherished forever by the fanbase because of their contributions on and off the court.
In today’s list, we will name every NBA team’s most beloved franchise player throughout the history of their existence in the league. They don’t necessarily need to be the best, but we will base them on why they are still popular with their respective fanbases to this day.
Atlanta Hawks – Dominique Wilkins
Known as the “Human Highlight Film, Wilkins electrified the Hawks’ fanbase the moment he stepped on the NBA court. He spent 11 years with the team and brought them to near-title contention throughout the 1980s. His highlight dunks are still as widely celebrated today as it did before.
Boston Celtics – Bill Russell
It has been 50 years since Russell retired from the game, but the legacy he left behind was felt all around the league. He was a defensive pest and a rebounding monster for the Celtics, winning a record 11 championships throughout his career in Boston.
Brooklyn Nets – Jason Kidd
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After being relegated as the lesser team in New York for years, acquiring Kidd via trade thrust the lowly Nets into title contention in the early 2000s. He brought excitement to the fanbase for nearly a decade, which never happened before for the often struggling franchise.
Charlotte Hornets – Muggsy Bogues
At just 5’3”, Bouges still holds the title as the shortest NBA player in the history of the league. But don’t be deceived by his small stature as he was a defensive star in his time with the Hornets. Muggsy remains loved by the franchise as he gave hope to all the little guys who aspires to be an NBA player.
Chicago Bulls – Michael Jordan
Considered the GOAT, Michael’s status with Chicago is beyond the legendary status. He brought six championships for the team in the 1990s and helped popularize the league into a global showcase during his time with the Bulls.
Cleveland Cavaliers – LeBron James
There was a time when LeBron was the most hated man in Ohio but he redeemed himself by finally bringing home a championship in 2016. That lone title wiped away years of heartache for Cleveland and even though he left them again to pursue greener pastures in LA, it didn’t sting as hard as it once did for fans of the city.
Dallas Mavericks – Dirk Nowitzki
Nowitzki’s never once thought of jumping ship despite years of failure. His loyalty was finally rewarded when he steered the Mavs to a championship in 2011. Dirk is the Mavs’ greatest player and remains loved by the fanbase even after retirement.
Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic
Jokic’s recent string of successes catapulted his status as the most beloved sports figure in Denver. His laid-back personality despite being one of the most famous faces in the world endeared him to fans of the franchise.
Detroit Pistons – Ben Wallace
Big Ben’s rise from being an undrafted rookie into an All-star resonated with the working-class population in Detroit. Who could forget that deafening noise they play inside the arena after Wallace swats an opponent’s shot away from the rim?
Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry
Curry is the best shooter in the history of the league. He endeared fans around the world with his boyish looks and deadly accuracy from anywhere on the court. Curry is Golden State’s treasure and everybody in the city will fight for him any given day.
Houston Rockets – Hakeem Olajuwon
Not only was Olajuwon the greatest Rocket ever, he is still beloved by the fanbase to this day. Considered one of the greatest big men of all time, Olajuwon brought Houston a couple of championships in the mid-1990s.
Indiana Pacers – Reggie Miller
Miller captured the hearts of folks in Indiana due to his insane clutch genes that tormented teams on a nightly basis. He would have theoretically won a ring with the Pacers but a guy from Chicago foiled his plans for years.
Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin
Griffin made it cool to be a Clipper fan and catapulted the Clippers into title contention for a few years. He captured the hearts of their fans with his thunderous dunks and relentless energy on the court.
Los Angeles Lakers – Kobe Bryant
Bryant went from being a flamboyant teenager to a global icon throughout his time in a Laker uniform. Even though Kobe was embroiled in legal trouble before, he was still loved by the team because of his unwavering dedication to his craft. His legend grew even further after his untimely passing resulting from a helicopter crash in 2020.
Memphis Grizzlies – Zach Randolph
An infamous member of the so-called “Jail Blazers”, Randolph found a home in Memphis and guided them to multiple postseasons during the 2010s. He was a great player and a good role model throughout his career with the Grizzlies.
Miami Heat – Dwyane Wade
Right from the get-go, Wade’s star shined bright and Miami knew they had their franchise player in 2003. His legend grew after a masterful performance in the 2006 NBA finals which resulted in a championship for Miami. The guy even had a farewell tour in his last season in the league.
Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo
It’s hard for Bucks fans not to love the Greek Freak after be brought the team their second championship in franchise history — and their first since 1971. The two-time NBA MVP has such a lovable demeanor that even Milwaukee’s biggest haters can’t help but like the dude.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Kevin Garnett
KG’s tenacity on both ends of the court was amazing to see during his time in Minnesota. He was loved by the fans of the franchise for more than a decade and still does to this day. Garnett brought maybe the best years for the team and the Wolves fully embraced him as their beloved star.
New Orleans Pelicans – David West
West was severely underrated during his time with New Orleans. His no-nonsense approach at every game made him a fan favorite, and it also brought some successful seasons for the franchise.
New York Knicks – John Starks
There are many former Knicks players who are deserving of this spot, but John Starks was pretty popular and loved during his time with the Knicks in the 1990s. He worked his way to the top and delivered some memorable performances for the franchise back then.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Russell Westbrook
When Kevin Durant left OKC for Golden State, Westbrook elevated his game to keep the team relevant for a few more seasons. He was even rewarded the keys for the city after winning the MVP trophy in 2017.
Orlando Magic – Penny Hardaway
Orlando had a lot of great players, but nobody was loved more than Penny. His arrival was met with so much excitement for the then-young franchise and it’s safe to say that the 6’6” point guard played brilliantly during his time with the Magic.
Philadelphia 76ers – Allen Iverson
Iverson poured out his blood, sweat and tears for Philadelphia for years. He was playing like a heavyweight despite standing just a shade under 6 feet. Iverson was loved because of his passion and flair on the court.
Phoenix Suns – Steve Nash
Not much was expected when the Suns signed Nash as a free agent but the Canadian point guard was quickly embraced by the fanbase for anchoring the Suns’ seven seconds or less offense in his time in Phoenix.
Portland Trail Blazers – Bill Walton
With Lillard’s reputation getting hit due to his recent trade demand, Walton takes the crown again as Portland’s most beloved figure. He was named a league MVP in 1997 and also brought Portland’s only championship in that same year.
Sacramento Kings – Chris Webber
People may forget it, but Webber almost led the Kings to a championship a few decades ago if Kobe and Shaq weren’t in the way. Webber was loved in his time in Sacramento as he brought them to title contention in the early 2000s.
San Antonio Spurs – Tim Duncan
Duncan was a silent superstar who did his damage on the court against hapless opponents. His persona was well-liked in San Antonio and he did return the favor back by giving them five championships in three different decades.
Toronto Raptors – Vince Carter
Carter was once Toronto’s public enemy number one after his unceremonious exit from the team in 2004. However, after years of hate, he has reconciled with the franchise and remains one of the most loved figures in its history.
Utah Jazz – Karl Malone
Malone has drawn flak from fans due to his not-so-subtle decisions when he was younger but has remained popular and loved in Utah. Whenever they see Malone, they reminisce about the past glory he brought to the team for nearly two decades.
Washington Wizards – Bradley Beal
Despite being traded to the Suns recently, Washington holds no ill will against their former superstar. He stuck it out despite the team having an awful roster and never complained about his situation in a Wizards uniform.
