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.
7. Geelong Cats
San Antonio Spurs
The greatest team of all, that is, according to the song. The recent success and continued greatness year after year are what the San Antonio Spurs franchise has experienced this century. Both clubs have had a consistent coach that brings them success, it is not always a championship, but it is happiness.
Gregg Popovich is the heart and soul of the Spurs team, as are Chris Scott and Joel Selwood.
Both teams had ageing rosters yet are continuing to make a statement and have consistently made finals across the past two decades. Geelong has made every final since 2004, apart from 2006 and 2015. The Spurs have also experienced this glory since 1990, making 29 out of 30 post-season opportunities.
The clubs' success in recent history is unparalleled, and many fans are envious of their continued success. They both experienced the success of winning three championships in five years, with Spurs in '03, '05 and '07 and Geelong taking the cake in '07, '09 and 2011.
The success had haters thinking their reign would be over, but the Spurs snapped back at that with a championship in 2014, as did Geelong this year. In 2022-2023 Geelong is bringing the same core back, while the Spurs are doing a full tear down and rebuild.
To have the success that both of these clubs experience, it is more than just their players and coach. It is the culture among the four walls and the ability to create that culture. Both systems are so well embedded into their club that they are designed to succeed.
Geelong's older list designed to get players with more experience has been criticised, but it works.
Geelong's recent acquisition in the trade period proves they will continue to be a powerhouse in the competition. The Spurs have fallen slightly from the pedestal, but it won't be long until they fight for the Championship again.
If you are looking to experience continued success and get a championship every so often, then the Spurs will consistently deliver and give you season-round happiness.
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.