In a recent survey by The Athletic, current NBA players were asked to identify the teams with the worst fans. The results may surprise you. The Charlotte Hornets topped the list, with 15.2% of players voting in favor. It is important to note that “worst” is a subjective term, and many players have taken it as a reflection of low attendance or lack of enthusiasm.
Charlotte Hornets fans voted the worst in the NBA
There are plenty of heated debates on Twitter about which NBA teams have the worst fanbase, but according to players in the league, the Charlotte Hornets are the Charlotte Hornets.
The Spectrum Hornets Center has earned its unwanted reputation for only being 90% full this season, making it one of the lowest attendance rates in the NBA. The Hornets’ 27-55 record and injuries to LaMelo Ball may have contributed to fans losing interest in their season.
After the Hornets, the Detroit Pistons finished in second place with 11.1% of the vote in the game the athlete vote. One opposing player bluntly commented, “No one showed up.”
The Washington Wizards received 10.1% of the vote, finishing in third place, and one player described Capital One Stadium as “dead.”
Boston Celtic fans have been voted the fifth worst fans in the NBA
Some players in the survey focused on fan behavior rather than attendance. The Boston Celtics’ TD Garden, known for having the best crowd, was also ranked fifth for worst fans with 8.6% of the vote.
“It’s part of everything,” said an anonymous NBA player. “From harassment to racial stuff, of course. There are so many things they do.”
Other notable teams in the ranking include the Philadelphia 76ers (6.6%), New York Knicks (4%), Los Angeles Clippers (4%) and Los Angeles Lakers (2.5%). The Clippers and Lakers share the Crypto.com Arena as their home stadium, but the atmosphere varies depending on the home team. The players were asked to indicate which team game they were referring to when the arena was mentioned.
Survey results indicate that players do not necessarily despise Hornets fans but are disappointed by their lack of attendance. The same sentiment seems to apply to Pistons fans as well.
#philly He has the worst fans. NFL/NBA you name it
– against. (cssndraz) February 26, 2023
Surprisingly, the 76ers, known for their passionate fanbase, ranked lower than expected. However, this poll provides unique insight into NBA players’ perceptions of fanbases across the league and Charlotte Hornets fans are simply the worst according to them.