The NBA continuously gains popularity as more Aussies make their way across the states in hopes of getting drafted. The most recent draftee is Benigo native Dyson Daniels, and preceding him was Josh Giddey. Both stars love the AFL, and most footy fans even have an NBA team they support.
The NBA's history shares a different story as the league learns the ins and outs of the sports business, and only five teams have won more than three championships in its history. It is exceptionally skewed in comparison to the VFL/AFL premiership storyline.
But if you're unsure of which team to support, or are just beginning to take an interest in the NBA, here is part one ultimate guide to knowing which NBA team you should support based on your AFL following.
3. Carlton Blues
Los Angeles Lakers
The Blues draw a likeness to the Lakers, the long history of winning and, in recent years, are facing more of a challenge. However, the Lakers experienced more luck with a championship win two years ago.
They both have passionate fans who tend to show up to games, making it hard to get a close seat. A slight difference is the cameos that appear more frequently at Lakers games than the Blues.
The recent finals attempt by the Blues has moved them closer to the similarities of the Lakers. The championships won are on par as the Blues have reached Everest 16 times, and the Lakers pip them to the top as they reach the summit 17 times.
The Blues' big two key forwards, Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, draw upon the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal era.
Fans can reflect on how similar the pairs can be compared in a few years. The truth will lie in the premiership success or not. These teams are very easy to hate.
They have a lot of history built upon success and have players rivals fans don't despise. When these teams are going well, and you aren't a part of that success, you don't want to buy into it.
The future of these teams will play out and determine if this comparison is relatable; however, history tends to repeat itself, so maybe some domination by Carlton and the Lakers is on the cards.
Amusing how Victorians assume that their little “rivalries” mean anything outside of Victoria…..
“…….Ask any AFL fan; if they don’t go for Collingwood, they hate them”…
No. Stuff and nonesense.
In WA:
the answer would be either the Dockers or the Eagles, and the hatred is real – not the superficial (and very dated) attitudes that date back to when the ‘wobbles were a successful club (.. before the moniker “colliwobbles” was “earned”)……
In SA:
Crows members know that port is simply filth…. port “tarps” are deluded as to the Crows…..
… and this is a hatred steeped in the existential crises that rocked SA footy. It’s not a “rivalry” – it’s hating the entity that tried to extinguish the game in our state (or a delusion of that)…..
Outside of Victoria – the ‘wobbles are no more than a over-pampered vic club that doesn’t have to play “away” games, has always a “soft fixture” and an inbuilt home-ground advantage come finals time …. as well as gifted sponsorship (and tv) advantages most clubs are not….
I understand there were crow supporters barracking for Geelong as the margin blew out during the Grand final, hoping that Port’s ignominious 2007 thrashing would not be surpassed.