When you picture the NBA, you probably think of game-winners at the buzzer, unreal dunks, and courtside drama. But somewhere between the tip-off and the final whistle, there’s another player in the mix — one who never gets traded, never fouls out, and never stops working the crowd. We’re talking about NBA basketball mascots.
Yes, those furry, ridiculous, acrobatic, chaotic creatures that run around the arena like they own the place. While they may seem like sideshows, NBA teams’ mascots are anything but. They’re part of the game-day ritual. Part of the team’s personality. And for many fans — especially the youngest ones — they’re the main event.
Let’s take a closer look at eight of the most iconic NBA mascots, those who have turned their costumes into lasting legacies.
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Benny the Bull – Chicago Bulls
If NBA basketball mascots had a Hall of Fame, Benny would have his wing. He’s been with the Bulls since the ’60s (yes, really), but don’t let that vintage status fool you. Benny’s energy is unmatched — from launching t-shirts into the crowd to pulling off full-on dance numbers mid-game. He’s a prankster, a showman, and somehow always in the middle of the action. Bulls fans love him.
The Raptor – Toronto Raptors
The Raptor isn’t just a guy in a dinosaur suit. He’s a Toronto legend. Known for his entrances — sometimes from the ceiling, sometimes bursting through banners, and for constantly messing with players, refs, and security guards- the Raptor brings chaotic good energy to every game.
Rocky – Denver Nuggets
Rocky is more than a mascot — he’s a performer with legit skills. He’s made a name for himself with over-the-shoulder half-court shots, backflips, and jokes that land more often than not. Fans in Denver don’t just cheer for the team; they come to see what Rocky’s going to pull off next.
The Coyote – San Antonio Spurs
The Coyote might be the strangest among NBA basketball mascots in the league — and that’s saying something. His googly eyes, floppy ears, and offbeat sense of humor make him a favorite in San Antonio. He’s been with the Spurs since the early ’80s, and if you’ve seen him try to juggle, dance, or operate a homemade prop gone wrong, you know why fans still love him.
Hugo the Hornet – Charlotte Hornets
There’s something about Hugo that just works. Maybe it’s the way he blends agility and showmanship. Maybe it’s the oversized sneakers or the way he manages to keep the energy up, even during a blowout. Either way, Hugo is a mainstay in Charlotte — flipping, dancing, and doing his thing, whether it’s center court or at a school fundraiser.
Harry the Hawk – Atlanta Hawks
Harry’s got one move that makes him a must-watch: flight. He’s not afraid to launch off trampolines or swing down from the rafters. His aerial stunts are a Hawks tradition at this point. You know he’s going to give you a moment that makes you say, “Did he just do that?”
Blaze the Trail Cat – Portland Trail Blazers
Blaze may not be the most famous name on this list, but he’s earned his stripes in Portland. The cat-themed mascot mixes agility with a sharp sense of humor; one moment, he’s pulling off a dunk, and the next, he’s dressed like a pop star for a skit. He knows how to get a laugh, and more importantly, he knows how to keep a crowd locked.
Clutch the Bear – Houston Rockets
Clutch feels like the friendly neighbor who also happens to be a low-key athlete. He’s constantly reinventing his routines — one game he’s goofing off with a confetti cannon, the next he’s doing gymnastics across the court. Clutch also plays a huge role off the court, showing up at hospitals, schools, and Rockets community events year-round.
What Do NBA Mascots Do?
It’s easy to assume that NBA basketball mascots are just there to entertain — and sure, they do that — but they also serve a deeper purpose. They’re the emotional glue for a team’s fan base. When a team is getting crushed, the mascot is the one hyping up the crowd to stay loud. When momentum swings in your favor, the mascot rides the wave and keeps it going.
Players come and go. Rosters change. Coaches get fired. But mascots? They stay. And that consistency builds a weird, beautiful bond between the franchise and the fans, especially kids who grow up loving the mascot even before they can recognize all NBA team logos.
Do NBA Mascots Travel to Away Games?
Most of the time, NBA basketball mascots stay home. But for special occasions — playoff runs, rivalry games, NBA All-Star Weekend — you’ll sometimes spot them on the road, stirring up trouble and repping their city loud and proud. And in those moments, they’re more than just part of the entertainment — they’re part of the team’s competitive edge.
So next time you’re watching an NBA game, take a second to appreciate the one character who’s always in the middle of the madness, win or lose.
