When it comes to celebrity sightings in the NBA, the usual suspects are the big-market teams - think courtside at Lakers games or the United Center packed with famous faces. But every now and then, the spotlight shifts to a smaller market. That was the case recently in Charlotte, where rapper DaBaby made headlines during the Hornets' NBA Cup matchup against the Chicago Bulls.
DaBaby, a Charlotte native by way of Cleveland, has long been a vocal supporter of the Hornets - and especially of LaMelo Ball. The two have built a friendship over the years, and DaBaby’s loyalty to the franchise runs deep. So when he showed up to the Spectrum Center for the final leg of the NBA Cup qualifiers, he wasn’t about to entertain any Bulls gear in his personal space.
In a moment that quickly went viral, DaBaby was approached by a fan wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey who asked for a photo. The rapper didn’t say no - but he did set one condition: lose the jersey.
The fan, clearly eager to get the shot, took it off on the spot. The result?
A group photo with DaBaby, minus the Bulls branding.
That kind of passion is something Hornets fans can relate to. The team hasn’t exactly been a headline-grabber this season, especially with trade rumors swirling around LaMelo Ball.
But on that night, they gave their hometown crowd something to cheer about. Charlotte edged out Chicago in a 123-116 win, with Ball contributing 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists - a well-rounded performance that reminded everyone of his impact when healthy and locked in.
Unfortunately for both squads, the win didn’t translate into a ticket to the semifinals of the NBA’s mid-season tournament. Despite a promising start to the season, the Bulls are now looking more like a team in transition. And the front office may be ready to shake things up.
There’s been chatter about Chicago targeting a player in the mold of Pascal Siakam - a versatile, two-way forward who could complement their rising young guard, Josh Giddey. Other reports have floated the idea of making a run at Anthony Davis, who’s currently suiting up for the Dallas Mavericks but has deep roots in the Windy City.
Whether those moves materialize or not, one thing is clear: the Bulls are evaluating their core, and the clock is ticking. They’ve shown flashes of promise, but the consistency just hasn’t been there. If the front office wants to build around Giddey and get serious about contending, changes could be on the horizon.
As for the Hornets, they may not be in the playoff picture just yet, but moments like this - a hometown star backing his team, a win over a bigger-market opponent, and a strong outing from their franchise player - give fans something to hold onto. In a league dominated by superteams and superstar drama, sometimes it’s the local pride that makes the biggest noise.