The summer is in the rear-view and October has officially marked the return of NBA basketball. Players and coaches are back in the team facilities, shoes are squeaking on the hardwood and basketballs are flying around 15,000-seat arenas as I type this.
More importantly, mascots are back!
As the season kicks off next week, it will be back to try to make each of the 82-plus games even more entertaining for fans. But today, none of that matters. We’re about to get real superficial as we take a look at each mascot and rank their appearance from worst to first.
Enjoy!
(Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports)
What is this?
(Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports)
Many fans adore this mascot, but I just can’t get into it. At all.
(Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
The word to describe Burnie is ‘random.’
(Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)
Nothing to get excited about. Yawn.
(Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)
I get the whole ‘Lion King’ concept. Still, very mediocre.
(Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports)
Basic. Good vibes around Minnesota for the T’Wolves, though.
(Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports)
In a league full of cool mascots, this one doesn’t stand out at all.
(Peter Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Scary as heck, in true grizzly bear form.
(Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports)
The name is better than the costume. C-level mascot.
(Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports)
I’m really not sure if I like this or hate it.
(Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)
It’s…fine.
(Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports)
Hey, a unique one! Bonus points for being one of a kind.
(David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)
Much better than Moon Dog. I actually kind of dig this mascot.
(Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports)
Not the greatest execution, but iconic nonetheless.
(Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports)
Franklin just fits the vibe of the arena. At least, from my seat he does.
(Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports)
Clutch City likes the bear and so do I.
(Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)
Now, we’re getting to the good stuff. A good-looking costume that actually matches the team name.
(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)
You throw some Jordans on your feet and you automatically get a little boost. Otherwise, a decent design but nothing special.
(Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)
Yeah, this is pretty sweet. From the colors to the head, Champ deserves some flowers.
(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
When I see Go, I always feel like I’m watching a Geico commercial from back in the day with one of those cavemen. This really shouldn’t be the Suns’ mascot, but at the same time, it is has to be
(Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
Somehow, this condor has become one of the most recognizable in the NBA, even though it has nothing to do with a clipper or the city of Los Angeles.
(Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
I can’t lie, this goofy thing is actually pretty cool.
(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
Rocky is elite and is compensated as such.
(Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports)
The dinosaur mascot has evolved over time but remains iconic in every way.
(Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports)
The Coyote doesn’t get the credit it deserves! I’m here to show respect for one of the best mascots we have ever seen.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See applicable operator site for its terms and conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21 or older to gamble.
.