5 Unforgettable Moments NBA Superfans Met Their Idols

From chance encounters to dream-come-true interactions, it's a heartfelt moment when an NBA superfan gets the ultimate experience of meeting their favorite players in unforgettable ways.

Whether it was a courtside surprise, a heartfelt interaction, or a lifelong wish granted, these stories prove that the connection between fans and athletes goes beyond the game.

Here are just a few times a superfan got the opportunity to meet and interact with their favorite NBA player.

Nannie, a huge Boston Celtics fan, had the time of her life sitting courtside at a recent game and meeting the players thanks to her granddaughter's TikTok video.

"Hi Nannie, are you ready for your surprise?" she asked her grandmother as she was about to open a big box. Lacey pulled out a note and read it out loud. "Hi Lacey and Nannie, or should we say Coach Nannie? We loved watching your videos and hearing about Nannie's passion for all things basketball, but especially the Boston Celtics. So we want to make Nannie's dream a reality. Fanatics and the Boston Celtics are inviting you both to take part in a Celtics practice and then go to the game on Mach 18th against the Nets."

Nannie's excitement couldn't be contained, and Lacey said, "Your first Celtics game ever!"

Inside the box was an entire fit for Nannie, and her granddaughter got her a new pair of shoes for the occasion. She first met Jayson Tatum, and then Jalen Brown before meeting some other players at practice. The following day, they went to the game where she interacted with more players while sitting courtside.

After Grandma Kitty's granddaughter's TikTok video went viral, she grabbed the attention of Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry.

The viral TikTok grandma, 86, who lives in Mechanicville, New York, got to live out a dream come true when she got a personalized message from Curry, and then got the opportunity to meet him in person at a game in Brooklyn.

During her meeting with Curry, she showed him a card she got from her kids a few years ago that reads, "Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Thank you for teaching us to love God, each other, and Steph Curry." She also brought along the notebook where she documents his every move on the court to share with him.

After the memorable interaction between Curry and Grandma Kitty, the Warriors shared the moment on Instagram with a carousel of photos and videos documenting the exciting interaction.

"Grandma Kitty keeps a notebook tracking every game Stephen plays in so she can watch," the caption reads. "Tonight, she got to see No. 30 in person."

Indiana Pacers star player, Tyrese Haliburton has a superfan in Sally, who just celebrated her 92nd birthday!

In early March, the Pacers shared the interaction between Sally and Haliburton had at a game. They captioned the carousel of Instagram photos and videos, "Tyrese Haliburton making birthday wishes come true. Happy 92nd birthday, Sally!"

The photos prove she got her birthday wish, and didn't even have to blow out any candles to get it! Fans in the comment section loved seeing the interaction.

"So cute. Happy Birthday sweet lady," one viewer wrote in the comments. Another added, "I'm jealous of granny."

In May 2023, John Hao, one of the students injured during a shooting at Michigan State University, got the chance to meet a player that he idolizes - James Harden.

Harden shared a video on Instagram about what Hao went through and how he tried to help his recovery process. After reading Hao's story, Harden sent sneakers to Hao in the hospital, contributed to Hao's GoFundMe, and FaceTimed him to encourage him through his recovery.

After getting out of the hospital, Harden made sure to get Hao courtside at one of his games and meet him in person. Harden shared the interaction on his Instagram page, captioning the post, "John Hao… my good luck charm."

In January, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards brightened the day of a young superfan with cancer.

In the video shared on Instagram by Edwards, Luca brought a sign to the game that reads, "To Do: 1. Beat Cancer 2. Be the next MJ #23."

Edwards interacted with Luca, 6, autographed his sign, and took pictures with him. Luca gave Edwards a bracelet that he said he would continue to wear for "the rest of my career."

Luca got the opportunity to meet Edwards when he met social media influencer, Zachery Dereniowski, who goes by @mdmotivator. He asked Luca if he wanted $1000 cash or a mystery basketball. Luca chose the basketball. Dereniowski and Luca talked about his favorite basketball player being Michael Jordan and his dream to "become a famous basketball player." Luca was then given a card that said he was going to an NBA game to meet the players. Luca's dad explained that he has leukemia. MDMotivator's video can be seen here.

These are just a few of the many special interactions fans have had with their favorite NBA players. These short moments live on in fans' memories for a lifetime.

Have you met your favorite player? Want to share your story? Email me.