Discover the most beloved player from each NBA team, celebrated for their skill, passion, and connection with fans that transcends the game.
The NBA, always a stage for popularity, particularly in today’s era dominated by social media, allows fans to closely follow the daily lives of their favorite stars both on and off the court. While standout performances, headline-making plays, and even unconventional fashion choices contribute to the popularity of NBA superstars, it’s clear that being adored goes beyond basketball prowess.
Notably, figures like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, despite their elite skills, often face criticism and negative perceptions globally, revealing that popularity hinges on factors beyond the game. Amazingly, some stars might hold the reputation of being loved and hated at the same time and we will see that shortly.
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A player’s likability extends beyond talent, with elements like personality and charisma playing pivotal roles. How players carry themselves and navigate their careers significantly impacts public opinion, making attitude a key determinant in earning respect or fostering criticism. Without further ado, here is the most loved player from every NBA team.
Atlanta Hawks – Dejounte Murray
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Trae Young gets a ton of criticism and while he clearly has a ton of fans, most people might like Dejounte Murray a little more. Murray is a product of the San Antonio Spurs so he plays hard on defense, makes the right plays, and is very unselfish. That means most fans won’t be unnerved by him and he is having a solid season posting 21.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game on 41.3% from three.
Boston Celtics – Jayson Tatum
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Jayson Tatum is one of the best offensive players in the world. He is averaging a monster 28.2 points per game this season and did so while displaying an array of jumpers, three-pointers, and at-the-basket finishes. Tatum gets it done time and time again with the Boston Celtics and he will be hungry to win the NBA title after yet another frustrating exit in the playoffs last season. Tatum is extremely skilled and his star power makes him a loveable player across the NBA, which is why he has a ton of expectations on his shoulders.
Brooklyn Nets – Mikal Bridges
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Mikal Bridges will continue to be liked because he has improved tremendously since arriving in Brooklyn. It is very likely that Bridges will be an All-Star this season because he is taking on a big scoring load and also competing on defense. Bridges averaged 23.5 PPG in the playoffs last season and his improvements have made him a very likable player across the league. Fans truly want to see Bridges become a first-time All-Star and he might get there if the Nets hold a .500 record at least.
Charlotte Hornets – Terry Rozier
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Terry Rozier competes hard every single play and fans love that more than anything. LaMelo Ball is the most exciting player to watch in Charlotte but he is probably more disliked than liked due to his polarizing fashion sense and unwavering confidence. Rozier keeps his head down and works hard, competes on defense, and fans love him for that. Until he gets traded or moved by the Hornets, he will get the most cheers on the team.
Chicago Bulls – DeMar DeRozan
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Most NBA fans love DeMar DeRozan. He is explosive at the rim, has a beautiful mid-range jumper, and is extremely clutch. DeMar made his 6th All-Star Team last year as he posted 24.5 PPG in the regular season and had exciting moves throughout the year. In an era where players don’t take many mid-range shots, watching DeMar back players down and utilize his patented spin jumper is a beautiful thing to watch. This season, DeMar might not make another All-Star Team but is still averaging 21.0 points per game on 45.0% from the field.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Darius Garland
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Donovan Mitchell is the best player on the team and highly respected but he places himself in the limelight far more than Darius Garland does. For whatever reason, Garland is often left alone from criticism and most fans are happy to see him grow his game. Already an All-Star, Garland can take that next step up to become one of the best point guards in the world someday because he has the potential to get there in due time.
Dallas Mavericks – Luka Doncic
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Luka is one of the most likable superstars in the NBA because he has everything going for him to be popular. For one, he is a foreign player entering a land ruled by North Americans. Despite that, Luka Doncic is an MVP player so soon and he has gathered respect from across the league with his play. Not to mention, the Slovenian truly enjoys playing the game. He is goofy when he celebrates and gets deeply hurt when he loses, things fans love to see. His elite skill also makes him a fan-favorite because he resembles Larry Bird in some ways.
Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic
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Endearing to fans, Nikola Jokic, despite his unassuming appearance, exerts an MVP-level impact on the game, a quality cherished by admirers. Off the court, Jokic’s down-to-earth demeanor contrasts sharply with his fierce competitiveness, making him a uniquely captivating figure. As a point-center with a humorous disposition, he manages to seamlessly blend an approachable personality with a dominating on-court presence, evident in his two MVP awards.
While Jokic is not immune to criticism, his extensive support base extends well beyond Denver, amplified by his recent NBA title and Finals MVP accolade, propelling him into the forefront of NBA conversations. Undoubtedly, Jokic has ascended to become one of the most beloved and talked-about players on a global scale within the NBA community.
Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham
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The days of the Chauncey Billups-led Detroit Pistons are long gone, as that team had five or six players who were highly respected and admired. These days, that isn’t the case. However, Cade Cunningham is a player who is impressing fans with his all-around play and improvement on both ends of the court. This season, Cade is averaging 21.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game as he looks to kickstart a new era in Detroit.
Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry
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His name says it all. The Baby-Faced Assassin, Stephen Curry is the best point guard in the NBA and he does it with a natural smile on his face. The way he changed the game makes him a fan favorite because we have never seen a player without incredible physical abilities dominate the game like Steph. He is also the best shooter in NBA history and the architect of four NBA championships for Golden State so that certainly helps him earn the love and respect from most of the NBA fanbase, especially of the younger audiences who look up to him.
Houston Rockets – Fred VanVleet
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Fred VanVleet is likable because he overcame some odds and became an All-Star when nobody expected much from him. The talented two-way guard was undrafted and did not gain any relevance until his third season when he won the NBA championship alongside Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, and Kyle Lowry. Since then, VanVleet has been consistent on both ends of the court and is a true winner at heart as he has helped change the culture with the Houston Rockets.
Indiana Pacers – Tyrese Haliburton
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The Indiana Pacers boast the dynamic playmaking prowess of Tyrese Haliburton, currently leading the team with an impressive 12.0 assists per game. Renowned for his exceptional court vision and decision-making, Haliburton stands out as one of the most efficient players in the NBA, showcasing an ability to orchestrate plays seamlessly while minimizing turnovers. Haliburton’s love for the game is palpable, and his unwavering dedication to continuous improvement sets a positive tone for the Pacers and their fanbase.
Los Angeles Clippers – Kawhi Leonard
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Kawhi Leonard receives a ton of criticism for failing to stay healthy, but he is far more likes than Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook without a doubt. Leonard competes at his own pace similar to how Michael Jordan used to play, and does not get too high or low during any game. We might never see a fully healthy Kawhi again and that is a shame, but he still has the support of most of the fan base. Hopefully, he can push to get a chance to win his third championship with his third team one day.
Los Angeles Lakers – LeBron James
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LeBron James is one of those rare players who are hated just as much as he is loved. Quite frankly, that comes down to his greatness. Many legends of the game had this same polarizing effect, from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Kobe Bryant. LeBron James is one of them because he loves the spotlight, does tend to create drama, and doesn’t mind flopping on the court or complaining at officials. This type of behavior lends itself to some hate, even if his fans are the staunchest supporters of him and the GOAT debate.
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Everyone loves watching Ja Morant, make no mistake about that. However, his behavior and current suspension have placed him in a negative light meaning Jaren Jackson Jr. is the most beloved player on the Grizzlies roster right now, closely followed by Desmond Bane. Jackson Jr is an imposing force on defense, can shoot the three, and plays hard every night even if he often gets criticized for being an average rebounder for his size.
Miami Heat – Jimmy Butler
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Everyone appreciates an underdog story, and Jimmy Butler embodies the narrative of a player who defied the odds to reach his current status. Beginning as a raw forward lacking offensive finesse, Butler’s journey to becoming the franchise player for the Miami Heat is a testament to his unwavering work ethic and dedication.
Now commanding a max contract, Butler, also known as “Playoff Jimmy,” not only solidifies his status as a bonafide NBA All-Star but transforms into a playoff superstar, exemplified by his remarkable performances in closing out the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks and overcoming the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, ultimately leading the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals for the second time in four years.
Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo
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The Greek Freak wants to be the best player in NBA history, and he is not shy about admitting it. But he goes about methodically reaching his goals, improving his game as he matures every season. Giannis Antetokounmpo went from a raw and athletic forward to one of the most dominant two-way players in the world. As a foreign player with humble beginnings, everyone wants to see Giannis succeed and his winning the championship in 2021 was a great day for most NBA fans.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards
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Anthony Edwards has quickly become the shining star for the Minnesota Timberwolves, capturing the hearts of fans with his undeniable talent and elite mentality. As a budding superstar, Edwards not only showcases a dominant scoring ability but also possesses superb athleticism that makes him a thrilling player to watch. What sets him apart is not just his on-court prowess but the palpable passion and determination he brings to every game. Fans are drawn to his competitive nature and that makes him heavily admired.
New Orleans Pelicans – Brandon Ingram
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In a scenario where Zion’s health concerns have led to some fan disapproval, Brandon Ingram has emerged as the beloved figure for the New Orleans Pelicans. Ingram’s commitment to fitness and consistent performance on the court has endeared him to fans who appreciate his reliability and dedication. As a fluid player with a captivating style, Ingram’s contested jumpers and dynamic moves draw admiration, creating a sense of excitement whenever he takes the floor.
New York Knicks – Jalen Brunson
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New York Knicks fans absolutely love Jalen Brunson. He has been an absolute star for them this season by posting 24.0 points and 6.2 assists per game while guiding the team to the second round of the playoffs alongside Julius Randle. Brunson plays extremely hard and the fact he isn’t on the Dallas Mavericks has meant the franchise has struggled while the Knicks look towards making the Eastern Conference Finals going forward. Hopefully, Brunson can become a first-time All-Star this year.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is another player who improved tremendously this season as a superstar scorer and all-around talent. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game and almost led the Oklahoma City Thunder into the playoffs last year. The guard is fast, explosive, and powerful when he attacks the rim and he is only getting better. In terms of popularity, very few entertain more than the former No. 11 overall pick and he is off to a great season posting 29.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game for the Thunder.
Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero
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The 2022-23 Rookie of the Year is the only player on the Orlando Magic that fans want to see. He is a confident scorer, has a grown man’s build at 21 years old, and just wants to score the ball to help his team win. Averaging 19.1 points per game this season, Banchero is a go-to scorer who will only get better with age and as his teammates improve their own production instead of settling for what they can do.
Philadelphia 76ers – Joel Embiid
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Okay, Joel Embiid is another player who is hated and loved at the same time. There is no in-between with Embiid because fans who dislike him will point to his flopping, beef with players, and Twitter persona. However, 76ers fans ride with Embiid no matter what and the fact that he won the MVP award last season shows that he has a vast range of fans across the league. The fact that Embiid is continuing his MVP dominance without James Harden is another reason why he might be more liked than ever right now.
Phoenix Suns – Bradley Beal
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Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are simply disliked, make no mistake about that. However, Bradley Beal is not on that level at all. He has a sweet offensive game, has improved dramatically since John Wall left the Washington Wizards in 2020, and is exciting to watch. Hopefully, Beal can stay healthy and continue impressing audiences with his high-scoring production and ability to stun defenders with his moves.
Portland Trail Blazers – Anfernee Simons
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Damian Lillard is gone, Deandre Ayton is not exactly admired, and the rest of the roster is not very impressive in production. Anfernee Simons is 24 years old and an explosive scorer when he gets it going and is posting 18.0 points per game on 33.3% from three. Simons is supposed to be one of the cornerstones for Portland going forward and the fact that Scoot Henderson is now in the G-League means he will be the most liked right now.
Sacramento Kings – De’Aaron Fox
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De’Aaron Fox is exciting to watch because he has a nice demeanor on the court and is extremely quick with the ball, similar to a young John Wall. Fox gets to the rim incredibly quickly and winning the Most Clutch Player of the Year award only adds to the player’s likability. Fox came through time and time again in the clutch and his improvements have made him an exceptional All-Star player for the underdog Sacramento Kings.
San Antonio Spurs – Victor Wembanyama
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Victor Wembanyama has swiftly become the most beloved player on the San Antonio Spurs and for good reason. As a rookie sensation, he entered the league with an unprecedented level of hype, drawing comparisons to none other than LeBron James. With an impressive stat line of 18.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, Wembanyama has not only solidified his status as a key contributor but has also played a pivotal role in transforming the Spurs into a competitive force. The Spurs’ resurgence can largely be attributed to Wembanyama’s presence, and fans are genuinely excited about the prospect of witnessing the 7’4″ phenom lead the team to the playoffs.
Toronto Raptors – Scottie Barnes
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Scottie Barnes has effortlessly become the darling of the Toronto Raptors, capturing the hearts of fans with his unexpected and rapid rise in the 2022 season, culminating in winning the Rookie of the Year award. What makes Barnes particularly beloved is not just his accolades but his on-court contributions, where he has seamlessly established himself as a go-to player for the Raptors. Averaging an impressive 19.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, Barnes not only demonstrates versatility but also a remarkable basketball IQ that extends beyond his years in the league.
Utah Jazz – Lauri Markkanen
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Lauri Markkanen’s meteoric rise from an unexpected All-Star last season to averaging an impressive 23.7 points per game this year has made him the unequivocal favorite among Utah Jazz fans. Beyond the statistics, Markkanen’s commitment to playing hard on both ends of the court and his humble character has forged a deep connection with the fanbase, who genuinely want to see him succeed. His success is not just a matter of personal achievements but a source of collective pride for Jazz enthusiasts, as Markkanen embodies the underdog narrative turned star player, creating an emotional bond that makes him the most beloved player on the Utah Jazz roster.
Washington Wizards – Tyus Jones
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In the midst of varying sentiments towards key players like Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole, Tyus Jones has emerged as the fan-favorite for the Washington Wizards. Known for his humility, relentless work ethic, and defensive prowess developed during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, Jones has cultivated an image of a hardworking and dedicated player. As the contrasting cornerstones face scrutiny, Jones’ likeability stems from his consistent and understated production.
