NBA Power Rankings: The 8 Most Devoted Fanbases in the NBA Right Now

In the world of basketball and sports in general, fans are considered to be the sixth man of the team; they are always there, they support the team in many ways and they are a huge part of the team.

Teams love playing in front of a huge crowd, especially when the crowd gets going. There are reasons why home court advantage is valued so highly, and the fanbase is a huge part of it.

If you take a look at the great teams throughout NBA history, most of them have had a dedicated fanbase backing them up the whole way, whether they won or lost.

The definition of dedicated may be looked at in many different ways, but there are two aspects of a dedicated fanbase: consistent attendance not correlating to success or failure and history; by history I mean reputation.

Among those fanbases there lie some of the craziest diehard fans, which in turn create a "magical" atmosphere; those moments when everyone is on their feet waving shirts, hitting their thunder sticks together and yelling at the top of their lungs, the moments every player lives for.

Reflecting back on the history of fanbases in the NBA, one comes to really appreciate how dedicated some of those fans are. For that reason, I will be listing "The Top Eight Most Devoted Fanbases in the NBA" in order from lesser to greater.

No. 8: Portland Trail Blazers (Rose Garden)

Any team that comes into the Rose Garden automatically feels the energy, whether the Blazers are doing well or not.

According to ESPN, the Blazers are third in the attendance average in the league as of now, behind the Cavaliers and Bulls, averaging 20,422 people per game.

The Blazers' fanbase has proved to be loyal. They have survived through the injuries of Sam Bowie and the rough times of the "Jail Blazers," and they are currently without the infamous Greg Oden and star Brandon Roy—yet their fans still attend at a high number game in and game out.

No. 7: Cleveland Cavaliers (Quicken Loans Arena)

When a hometown such as Akron, Ohio experiences the ultimate feeling of betrayal, the choice to either quit on a team or stay strong comes to mind.

For bandwagon Cleveland Cavaliers fans, the road ended as soon as LeBron infamously said, "I have decided to take my talents to South Beach." For those truly loyal, this proved to be news comparable to the burning of one's home. It's crazy that Cavaliers fans burned a "King's" jersey.

The Cavaliers are so far standing strong, sitting at the No. 2 spot in the attendance, averaging 20,562 people per game, which is an outrageous number for how well the Cavaliers are actually playing.

Considering the area of Ohio has suffered in the sports world for so long, the Cavaliers fanbase may be the one aspect of Akron, Ohio that is still something to fight for.

No. 6: Utah Jazz (Energy Solutions Arena)

Baby blue T's, booing former guard Derek Fisher and possibly one of the loudest fanbases in the NBA? These are what the Utah fanbase is known for, at least in recent times.

Historically, the Utah fanbase has been known for cheering on one of the greatest duos of all time in John Stockton and Karl Malone, but as of now, Utah fans have been cheering on a new breed of Jazz players in Deron Williams, Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko.

Being a good team historically, the Utah Jazz has had a tendency to have one of the strongest fanbases in the league year in and year out, but how are they doing right now?

Well, they are sitting at the seventh spot with an average attendance of 19,366 people per game, which is among the highest.

From Stockton-Malone to Williams and baby blue T's to throwback uniforms, whatever Utah fans may do, one thing has stayed constant, and that is the love for Utah Jazz basketball.

No. 5: Chicago Bulls (United Center)

Dating back to the glory days with the great MJ, the Bulls' fanbase has been nothing short of diehard.

It is no question that the success of the current team with Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and now Carlos Boozer has helped Bulls fans to cope with the now distant dream that was MJ, but there is no doubt in my mind that there will forever be a large number of crazy Bulls fans.

The Bulls are currently on top of the attendance chart, sitting with an average attendance of 21,459 people a game, which is hard to believe.

Some say it may have to do with season ticket holders who bought in advance for the coming of "King James," and some will say most are bandwagon fans. Nevertheless, the Bulls' fanbase has always proved to be among the strongest in the league.

No. 4: Golden State Warriors (Oracle Arena)

Among all of the fanbases in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors' fanbase surprises me the most. There really isn't a rich history comparable to some of the other strong fanbases, and in recent years there sure hasn't been much success, but one of the strong suits of this fanbase is its resiliency.

Oh the Bay Area, how feisty they are! Whether it be due to the Lakers dominating the state of California or the Warriors' level of play, Bay Area fans seem to be quite defensive, which really allows the Warriors' fanbase to thrive as one of the most loyal fanbases in the league today.

The Warriors are currently in the 11th spot in the attendance sheet, averaging 18,515 people per game, and it seems to be rising with the arrival of young Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis.

There may never be a day where I fully understand where Warriors fans are coming from, but they definitely deserve the utmost respect for standing up for their team in the good times and the bad.

No. 3: New York Knicks (Madison Square Garden)

Madison Square Garden has been host to countless legendary sporting events, mostly involving the game of basketball.

It is known to be the "most famous" basketball arena in the history of the game, and though some may never really understand its full importance, Knicks fans do.

The Knicks are currently sitting at the sixth spot on the attendance sheet, averaging 19,680 people per game. It has consistently been among the biggest fanbases, and with the addition of big man Amar'e Stoudemire, the atmosphere couldn't get much better.

As most of you already know, this building is full of so much history, and because of the history and importance of the organization, Knicks fans, especially Spike Lee, have been along for the joy ride from the very beginning and will continue to be for years to come.

No. 2: Boston Celtics (TD Garden)

When one wants to discuss a rich history of fans, Boston has to come to mind, alongside LA. The two may hate each other, but when mixed together they are like a match making contact with a gas station: The two usually end up in an explosion for the worse.

For all you Boston fans reading this, it may seem biased to put you guys as the No. 2 being "you know who," but the two are virtually like 1A and 1B, so don't sweat it.

The Boston Celtics are currently sitting at the 10th spot, averaging 18,624 people per game. For a team that is still title contender-worthy, the attendance seems low, but take my word—the TD Garden will always be loud no matter the size of the crowd.

No. 1: Los Angeles Lakers (Staples Center)

To no surprise the Lakers come in at the No. 1 spot among the most dedicated fanbases in the league today and in history.

There is no argument when it comes to the most dedicated fans. Laker fans have, of course, been through all sorts of teams and experiences, but those who truly bleed purple and gold know what it really takes to be a "true" fan.

The Lakers are currently sitting at the eighth spot in the league, averaging 18,997 people per game, which is respectable for a Laker team that has somewhat struggled in the early going of the season.

One aspect of the Laker fanbase that separates it from all of the other fanbases is the aspect of Hollywood celebrities. Jack Nicholson may be known for his great acting, but it comes also with his reputation of being the biggest Laker fan. Other Laker fans include Denzel Washington, Andy Garcia, Dyan Cannon, Ice Cube and many more.

As you can see, the list goes on, not only for celebrities, but for all diehard fans living in California or across the world. There is no doubt a history behind the Lakers' fanbase, and it will never die out or surrender to anyone as long as the NBA is around.