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.

5. Essendon Bombers

Philadelphia 76ers

The Bombers have had almost as many in-house club problems the last decade as premierships in their history. It is the likeness of the Ben Simmons saga that Philadelphia experienced, these teams are way off base with the success side of the comparison, but their tales and fans are more similar than some may admit.

The Essendon fans are not the most sportsmanlike in the competition. The most recent incident is when they booed Collingwood star Scott Pendlebury on ANZAC Day a few years ago. Philly is not any better; in fact, they are worse.

Philly boo and shout at their own players at times. The whole of Philly is renowned for booing; even if it is out of love, it is still unsportsmanlike and a low blow to be on the receiving end of it.

The Dons have been in shambles all season, they were a significant letdown. They embarrassed their coach, didn't do their due diligence and have legends of the club calling them out for lying to the public.

TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during Game Five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on May 7, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

It sits with Ben Simmons ruining a championship chance and creating many enemies. Simmons was the number one hated person before he left Philly and is still hated by the franchise.

Suppose you enjoy watching your club go up in flames every other week; it's the right team for you. However, Philly has more recent success than Essendon, soย it may fill that void.

2 COMMENTS

  1. 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….

  2. 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.

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