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.
9. GWS Giants
Charlotte Hornets
The newest team in the competition may have more success than Gold Coast, but they had more hope for the future five years ago than they do now. They, as you might have guessed, are the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets joined the NBA in 2004; however, they were named the Bobcats, much more recent than the other league's franchises. It has proved a difficult time for them as they have managed to make the playoffs ten times in their time in the NBA.
They are currently the oldest North American franchise not to have won a division championship. Similarly to the Giants, who also have not reached glory yet, they have slightly more grace as they have been in the league for a shorter time.
Both teams have struggled to get wins on the board, with GWS having the worst percentage of any club in 2012 at 46.2% since 1901 and 1902 St Kilda. Charlotte had a lousy year in 2011-2012, too, as they won only 7 of 66 games and had an NBA record low of .106 winning percentage.
Even though their futures were looking positive ahead and after a few bad seasons and just missing out, you would think success is right around the corner. It isn't, unfortunately.
Both teams want to bring you positive news and excitement for a new season, but for this to happen, every other team around them needs to forget how to play. Even with problems inside the four walls, both teams have a chance to prove the critics wrong this coming season. If you want to cheer on an underdog all season where you think you might win but then lose, these are the teams for you.
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.