10. Orlando Magic
Stuff the Magic Dragon
Stuff has been the mascot for the Orlando Magic, since they became a franchise in 1989-90 NBA season. He was designed based on the Philadelphia Phillies mascot the Phillie Phanatic. This mascot just screams ridiculousness, remember that song called “Puff the Magic Dragon”? I think the creators of both mascots had been smoking something a little more than that. You’d think the Orlando Magic might have a wizard as a mascot, with a wand that had a star on it. He has been a fan favorite for over 20 seasons.
9. Brooklyn Nets
BrooklyKnight
The Brooklyn Nets, formally the New Jersey Nets introduced a super hero as a mascot for the team. The name BrooklyKnight, on November 3, 2012. Now when you think of super heroes you mainly think of capes, spiders, and lanterns (and if you didn’t get reference to that, Superman, Spiderman, and Green Lantern). In his debut, the mascot was lowered down from the ceiling of the Barclay’s Center, with sparks and an introduction: “Here to defend Brooklyn..” Defend Brooklyn from what? Beyonce’s attire that evening? The mascot was co-created by Marvel Entertainment, and a comic book was released by Marvel as well to commemorate the introduction of the mascot. BrooklyKnight is a much better sighting than their logo at least.
8. Detroit Pistons
Hooper the Horse
Detroit Pistons, have a horse for their mascot. When I think of the Pistons, a horse isn’t really the first thing that comes to mind. The thought behind the mascot? A Piston is a component of an engine, and an engine produces horsepower, just like the team, and there you have it, a horse. He wasn’t always the beloved mascot of the Pistons; he was unveiled on November 1, 1996 replacing Sir Slam A Lot. He’s part of a flight crew as well which does gymnastic type dunking who was definitely a fan favorite.
7. Houston Rockets
Clutch the Rockets Bear
Clutch, was introduced on March 14, 1995, and was named after an informal nickname “Clutch City” that happened to be given to Houston after they won their first NBA Championship in 1993-94 season. Houston use to be known for their unpopular nickname “Choke City”. He was the 2005 NBA Mascot of the year, and was also inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. (Yes, there is a Hall of Fame for mascots)
Honestly, I don’t really see why anyone would want a teddy bear to be the mascot, that makes no sense to me. It’s like a polite version of “Ted”. A teddy bear running around decked out in a Houston Rockets jersey. I get that you wouldn’t be able to have person dressed up like a rocket, but a teddy bear?
6. Oklahoma City Thunder
Rumble the Bison
Rumble the Bison, the official mascot of the OKC Thunder and this mascot makes perfect sense. There is a true Native American tale that has been passed down for centuries, about Rumble. It was a bison, who was struck by lightning while saving his herd from a storm in the Arbuckle Mountains. He was transformed into a anthropomorphic, super powered bison, known as Rumble. Pretty epic story, and believable too. He was debuted on February 12, 2009, and awarded the Mascot of the Year that same year.
5. Boston Celtics
Lucky the Leprechaun
Oh boy! Remember when you were younger and you always saw those “Lucky Charms” commercials, and you wanted to be the leprechaun? Just me, and Damon Blust eh? Well if you take a look at the Celtics ever so awesome depiction of Irish culture, it’s the leprechaun. Small and feisty, with a ever so fitted vest. At least the Celtics have it right, I wouldn’t really want to mess with a Leprechaun, after seeing the motion picture named after the cultural legend. I always wanted to ask where his lucky charms were!
4. Vancouver Grizzlies/Memphis Grizzlies
Grizz
Grizz was born in Vancouver, Canada in 1995. Yes, at one point Canada had two basketball teams. They later moved to Memphis in 2001, where he is loved by fans, for his antics and acrobatics. He was a fixture within the organization, as he had been a part of every home game, until cancer sidelined him for the 2007-08 season. He was giving a standing ovation on the opening night of the 2008-09 season, he joined over 50 cancer survivors who celebrated his momentous occasion. Can’t really say anything bad about this mascot, other than fact he looks like a grizzly bear on steroids. I also didn’t realize that grizzly bears were grey, and they really need to find him an jersey that fits right.
3. New Orleans Hornets
Hugo the Hornet
Cheryl Henson, the daughter of Jim Henson who created the Muppets, designed Hugo the Hornet. He was formerly the mascot of the Charlotte Hornets until they moved to New Orleans. In 1989, the Hornets announced that they would end up keeping their name Hugo, even after the devastating damage of Hurricane Hugo. The mascot’s name replacements were the Hoser, and Hank. The design is cute, and reminds me of her dad’s work, the only thing though.. it reminds me of the aliens from that will Ferrell movie “Land of the Lost”. Hugo will be no longer after this season, as the Hornets have changed their name to the Pelicans.
2. Seattle SuperSonics
Squatch
Honestly, I hope the Sacramento Kings move to Seattle! I want this mascot back in the running, he’s awesome, a Sasquatch for a mascot! This mascot was killer, not only because it was a sweet design, but he attempted to even set a world record with a jump of 30 feet on inline skates over vechiles owned by Ray Allen and Robert Swift. He had a song written about him in 2007, by the band “Presidents of the United States of America”. He debuted in 1993, and retired when the team relocated in 2008 to OKC. The mascot’s performer is currently “Rumble”. Hopefully we will be seeing him come out of retirement, just like Michael Jordan did a few times, when (hopefully!!) the SuperSonics become one again.
1. Toronto Raptors
The Raptor
The Raptor is a fan favourite through all of Canada. He makes people laugh with his hilarious skits, and his match making skills. They have even introduced a mini raptor mascot. He has been the raptors mascot since the team formed in 1995. He is a red velociraptor, wearing basketball shoes, shorts, and a jersey with the number 95, as it was the year it was established, his name is dino, (dee-no). He’s loves to get the fans going, dress up, and donne an inflatable outfit in which it looks like he’s swallowing people whole.
