![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_10478835-e1665836786989.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
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, 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!
26
Lucky the Leprechaun - Boston Celtics
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_18338832.jpg)
What is this?
25
Rumble the Bison - Oklahoma City Thunder
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17184381-e1665610387902.jpg)
Many fans adore this mascot, but I just can’t get into it. At all.
24
Burnie - Miami Heat
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17053140.jpg)
The word to describe Burnie is ‘random.’
23
Hooper - Detroit Pistons
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_14003320.jpg)
Nothing to get excited about. Yawn.
22
Slamson the Lion - Sacramento Kings
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17404628.jpg)
I get the whole ‘Lion King” concept. Still, very mediocre.
21
Crunch the Wolf - Minnesota Timberwolves
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17518229.jpg)
Basic. Good vibes around Minnesota for the T’Wolves, though.
20
Blaze the Trail Cat - Portland Trail Blazers
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17673419.jpg)
In a league full of cool mascots, this one doesn’t stand out at all.
19
Grizz - Memphis Grizzlies
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17523542.jpg)
Scary as heck, in true grizzly bear form.
18
Bango the Buck - Milwaukee Backs
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17579978.jpg)
The name is better than the costume. C-level mascot.
17
Stuff the Magic Dragon - Orlando Magic
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17497058.jpg)
I’m really not sure if I like this or hate it.
16
Boomer - Indiana Pacers
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_12410708.jpg)
It’s…fine.
15
Pierre the Pelican - New Orleans Pelicans
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_18041080.jpg)
Hey, a unique one! Bonus points for being one of a kind.
14
Sir CC - Cleveland Cavaliers
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17910042.jpg)
Much better than Moon Dog. I actually kind of dig this mascot.
13
Jazz Bear - Utah Jazz
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_9780760.jpg)
Not the greatest execution, but iconic nonetheless.
12
Franklin - Philadelphia 76ers
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17523440.jpg)
Franklin just fits the vibe of the arena. At least, from my seat he does.
11
Clutch the Bear - Houston Rockets
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_12551045.jpg)
Clutch City likes the bear and so do I.
10
Harry the Hawk - Atlanta Hawks
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17877216.jpg)
Now, we’re getting to the good stuff. A good-looking costume that actually matches the team name.
9
Hugo the Hornet - Charlotte Hornets
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17028299.jpg)
You throw some Jordans on the feet and you automatically get a little boost. Otherwise, a decent design but nothing special.
8
Champ - Dallas Mavericks
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_14149244.jpg)
Yeah, this is pretty sweet. From the colors to the head, Champ deserves some flowers.
7
Go the Gorilla - Phoenix Suns
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17093204.jpg)
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 has to be.
6
Chuck the Condor - LA Clippers
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_16893972.jpg)
Somehow, this condor has become one of the more recognizable in the NBA, even though it has nothing to do with a clipper or the city of Los Angeles.
5
G-Wiz - Washington Wizards
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_10378250.jpg)
I can’t lie, this goofy thing is actually pretty cool.
4
Rocky the Mountain Lion - Denver Nuggets
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_17620909.jpg)
Rocky is elite and is compensated as such.
3
The Raptor - Toronto Raptors
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_10478835.jpg)
The dinosaur mascot has evolved over time but remains iconic in every way.
2
The Coyote - San Antonio Spurs
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_13639600.jpg)
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.
1
Benny the Bull - Chicago Bulls
![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2022/10/USATSI_11814082.jpg)
The cream of the crop. Benny the Bull is the standard for NBA mascots. He goes way back and his reign as the NBA mascot champ shouldn’t change going forward.