NBA mascot power rankings, best past and present

19. Franklin the Dog: Philadelphia 76ers

It’s hard not to feel for Franklin the Dog — named after Benjamin Franklin (I trust that I don’t need to explain to you who he is). The Philadelphia 76ers named him the official mascot after 86-ing his predecessor Hip-Hop to bring in a more likable talisman that could bring some good vibes to the fanbase. This was when the team was in “The Process”, so any good vibes were much-needed.

Their logic was sound. After all, who wouldn’t like a large blue dog adorned with a 76ers uniform — one of the best looking ones in the NBA? Well, we should know to never underestimate Philadelphia sports fans.

Despite being a mascot created by kids (read: the Sixers put together a focus group comprised of kids in which most of them thought a dog would make for a cool mascot), that hasn’t stopped some Sixers fans from calling for Franklin’s removal.

Seriously, someone took time out of their day to create a petition at Change.org to ask the “firing” of Franklin. And what, you may ask, did Franklin do to earn this? Apparently, he, or the man who portrays him, isn’t much of a Sixers fan:

"For two years now the Sixers have been cheered on by a mascot that does not support them. Franklin the dog is not a real Philly fan and has at one point talked negatively about the Sixers and Philadelphia in general. Franklin has caused much harm to many fans and destroys the game day experience for many. This cannot stand and Franklin the Dog must be fired."

So because a team employee isn’t a die-hard Sixers fan, he deserves to lose his job? Gee, why would he have any animus towards such a historically lovely fanbase? I think this tweet puts it best: