I have never followed the NBA or been a big fan of basketball, but I want to start watching and learning about the NBA. I’m excited to dive into the world of NBA basketball, and I understand the rules of basketball and everything but I am a complete newbie to the sport and a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of teams and players. I’m hoping you guys can help me make an informed choice on which team to support and start watching.
A little background: I’m a follower of European football, mainly FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC. But I would like to start watching the NBA more regularly. I’ve never followed the NBA before, but I’ve been hearing about it from friends, and I’m eager to get into the action. I live in Florida but I wouldn’t say that I have any geographic ties to a particular city, so I’m completely open to suggestions.
Here are a few things that might help you guide me in the right direction:
- Style of Play: I shouldn’t compare basketball to football/soccer, but I like watching teams that play fast-paced and have a unique playing style or philosophy (for lack of a better term).
- Players: I don’t want to be a bandwagon and just support players and teams that are just the most well-known.
- Team Culture and History: Preferably a team with maybe some history and a passionate fan base.
- Rivalries: A team with at least one big rival team.
- Up-and-Coming Teams: Like I said, I don’t want to be a bandwagon supporter, so maybe a team that’s kind of in the middle or close to playoffs aiming the win the league.
Always cheer for your local team. The only real exception is if you once lived somewhere else and already had a team.
Anything else is lame and just looks like you’re hopping on a bandwagon for some elite team or up and coming team.
Also, for all practical purposes, the local team is the one that’s going to be on tv 82 times a year for you, the one you can most easily go to games for, and the one that everybody is going to be cheering for around you. So why would you not just root for them?