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 two of our ultimate guide to knowing which NBA team you should support based on your AFL following.
Chicago Bulls
The team that would be wishing to live in the past when they won their three premierships in 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is the same feeling that Chicago Bulls fans have with their Micheal Jordan era.
Micheal Jordan is arguably the greatest player of all time in the NBA. Yes, he wasn't the only reason they were able to create so much success but the season without him proved a challenge for the Bulls franchise.
While he may not have been on the field, Alastair Clarkson is Hawthorn's Micheal Jordan. His era from 2005-2021 brought success to the club and managed to create a dynasty as arguably this century's greatest side.
Hawthorn perhaps has the 'team' approach to their wins as they don't have the best player of all time, but they have some greats of the game that have blessed the club with their talent. Jason Dunstall, Leigh Matthews, Micheal Tuck and Luke Hodge are a few of the very decorated club players to have pulled on brown and gold.
Derrick Rose for the Bulls was the next best thing to happen to Chicago after Micheal Jordan. He was the youngest player to win the MVP in the 2010-2011 season; however, they lost to LeBron James and Miami Heat in the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals. That was a lost opportunity for the franchise as it was the closest they were to winning a championship with Rose.
Hawthorn's greatness before Clarkson came in the '80s. They made the Grand Final seven years in a row and won four times. Like the Bulls, their success won over fans from over the fence and brought even more eyes to the game.
Watching a team reach the top time after time is unique and keeps the fans in awe.
The Bulls and Hawks are going through a rougher patch and have a chance to be back to their full strength in no time. The Hawks' succession plan and the Bulls' up-and-coming talent are sure to have them back in contention in no time.
If you want a team with a rich, successful history and a bright future, the Hawks and Bulls will do it for you.
Milwaukee Bucks
Melbourne had been bad for a long time, but in recent years they pulled it together and made something unique and now have a team that will be fighting for greatness for a long time. It is the same for Milwaukee Bucks, but they haven't been as bad for as long.
Both teams won the 2021 title and broke a drought, Melbourne's being slightly longer. These teams have giants of the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo being a literal giant and Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver being stars and soon-to-be legends.
Their success is not just from the individuals; the grit and well-coached teams have brought success and allowed for solid performances in recent years. Both teams almost reached glory before 2021, but it was not meant to be.
The Bucks aren't as old as the Demons, who have been around since the beginning. They were established in 1969 and have been relatively successful with making playoffs but not winning them. They had managed to be successful when Melbourne was in a vast rut, but both teams appear to be on the path to similar future succession.
Their star players are young and have many years to give, which will likely see both respective teams back atop the table in no time.
These teams have their loyal fans since the beginning, and they also have bandwagoners who want to experience that winning feeling. Both franchises wish to have as many supporters as possible.
Giannis has secured back-to-back MVP wins, and Petracca or Oliver would have done the same if they weren't so busy taking votes off each other.
If you wish for success to be in your future ahead and to have a star you can idolise, the Bucks are the team to jump on board. However, just as it is with the Demons, there is a high probability that it may end in tears and flames.
Detroit Pistons
Yes, the Kangaroos can be compared to a team that has also had a lot of unsuccessful finals. Detroit Pistons, who have been in the NBA since 1958, have only won three titles.
North Melbourne was granted entry into the league in 1925 and has accrued four VFL/AFL premierships. Both teams have been relatively unsuccessful; however, they have had their respective star players along the journey.
Brent Harvey is the heart and soul of North Melbourne, as he broke the record for most games played in the history of the game. If the club couldn't celebrate wins, they could celebrate individual greatness.
The Pistons do not have the same calibre player, but Bob Lanier and Isaiah Thomas are arguably the Pistons' best players. Lanier's time was significantly shorter than Isaiah's, but both players severed a large portion of their time for the club.
Just like every good club, there is a rival that fuels the fire between fan bases. As Hawthorn and Essendon are to the Kangaroos, the Bulls are to the Pistons.
It came about when it was 'Jordan's Bulls' against the 'bad boy' Pistons. The constant losses to the Bulls fueled this rivalry and have added some spice to this suffering fan base.
Both fan bases will grow with their success if it comes.
If you want to drive the bandwagon for the future, now is your time to jump on. It will be a challenging few years, but these teams have a chance to be back fighting for glory. But it will be in time.
Toronto Raptors
The Power have a very decorated history, especially in the SANFL. Since they have joined the AFL, they compare to the likes of the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors' first season in the NBA was in 1996, similar to the Power, who joined the AFL in 1997. Both teams have claimed one title in their time in these leagues.
The Raptors were more successful more recently in 2019 compared to the Power's victory in 2004.
Port's long history has allowed its fan base to have deep enriched roots and has become a very polarising fan base. The start of every home game that has INXS wrapped around the stadium is either torture for some fans or exciting for others.
The Raptors fan bases are tamer but are just as passionate. Their recent success has become pure happiness, and it is almost infectious. It has put them on the map and made them a relevant team again.
It is the same story for Port. They were relevant in the early 2000s with their success, and then their unsuccessful years made them fade again.
However, their resurgence in recent years has put them back on the map, and rivalries have been reignited.
Both fan bases are protective, and some rivalries won't go away — the Showdown between the Crows and Power, and from the Raptor's point of view, they've also developed a rivalry with the 76ers.
The clutch shot made by Kawhi Leonard that bounced four times on the rim on the buzzer knocked the 76ers out of the playoffs.
After disappointing seasons, both teams have a chance to bounce back and use the roster to their full potential and make the most of trying to make another finals run. So stay awhile and hope the best for some success.
Golden State Warriors
The Tigers have achieved one of the more recent dynasties, as have the Golden State Warriors.
The Tigers' Grand Final victories in 2017, 2019 and 2020 are similar to that of the Warriors, who were victorious in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022 being their most recent title. The Tigers have a chance to follow that pattern and win in the coming years.
Both teams have had a similar trajectory, with their playoff wins becoming a breakaway and allowing for a drought to be broken.
These teams were in the quiet and were not as relevant compared to now, where they are some of the biggest fan bases in the league.
To no one's surprise, this comes from their superstars Steph Curry and Dustin Martin. Both players are in the top echelon of their respective games, and the accolades speak for themselves.
'Dusty' has won the Norm Smith Medal a record three times, and Curry has won the finals MVP once and league MVP twice. Dusty is one of the greatest players of our generation, and his contribution to the Richmond Football Club will be immortalised.
Curry is in a league of his own when it come to shooting. He has broken the record for most career threes, and once he retires, he will likely never have his record broken by anyone else.
Success comes with fans and haters. The Tigers and Warriors have become more disliked and hated as their success grows, and their players get better.
Jordan Poole and other up-and-comers on the Warriors are like Shai Bolton, who will be the next best players for these teams.
New York Knicks
The Saints have the longest drought in the AFL at 56 years and counting. Their only premiership was back in 1966, and it seems it'll be a while before there is another one on the horizon. This history is as bleak as the New York Knicks.
The Knicks have been around since 1951 and only claimed two Championship titles: in 1970 and 1973. They have one of the largest fan bases in the NBA, primarily due to being in New York, so they love to test their fan base of never being good enough, especially in recent years.
At the same time the Knicks, since the league was incorporated in 1946, the Boston Celtics have won 17 Championships.
The Saint are also testing their fans, giving them a hint of success over the past few years and a sniff of hope. It quickly flatlined as, in typical fashion, they lost some easy games.
Both fan bases have disappointment prepared ahead of time. It doesn't stop them from showing up, being optimistic and hoping for the best. They are almost too loyal for their own good.
There is hope ahead, and it isn't all darkness for these teams. They both currently have rosters that can at least bring some happiness to the fans.
If you are prepared to go down this road and take a ride, these teams will teach you how to stay loyal, even if you don't want to.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Swans do not have a similar Championship history to the Pelicans. Still, their rosters have a similar trajectory and will have the chance to be the next dynasty of each respective league.
These teams have a dominant offensive powerhouse in Lance 'Buddy' Franklin and Zion Williamson. They may have a significant age gap, but they play similar roles for their teams in their style of play.
Other young guns on their team, Chad Warner and Brandon Ingram, both have exciting futures. They will have similar game styles in their games of dominating possession and bringing the team to victory.
The young guns will be the money makers of their teams. Forget a retirement home, it is a kindergarten for the players on these teams.
They have much to learn and will be able to put their flare onto the game as no one has before. The coaches will grant creative licences, and it will be the young leaders bringing home the xhampionship rather than the elders.
CJ McCollum of the Pelicans and Luke Parker from the Swans will have moved on by the time these teams are mature and ready for glory. They are almost the father figures of these teams, and it will be a shame if they retire before they can join in on the success too.
The Pelicans and Swans have both captivated their fan bases, who live in a city competing for attention from the other sports. The Pelicans compete with the Saints in the NFL and the college of LSU, while the Swans rival the NRL.
These fans won't leave them high and dry and will continue to rock up even after a horrible loss.
If you want a bright future ahead and young players on the rise, look no further than the New Orlean Pelicans.
Dallas Mavericks
West Coast has been a very successful team since joining the AFL and is easily the most loved club when it comes to those out west. The same goes for the Dallas Mavericks, who joined the NBA in 1981.
West Coast has had a decorated history and won the cup in 1992, 1994, 2006 and 2018. Since 2018 their run to be premiers has been less eventful.
It is the same as Dallas, who won their one title in 2011, and it has been pretty uneventful for the franchise; however, the brand's new face, Luka Doncic, will be their only hope of bringing another Championship back to Dallas.
Both fanbases have had to farewell the icons of the clubs in recent times. The Eagles have farewelled Josh Kennedy, who fans and teammates will greatly miss.
Dirk Nowitzki left Dallas some time ago, but the fans are still in heartbreak, just as the Eagles will be with this loss of their favourite forward.
West Coast has had its fair share of close games, but nothing beats their rivalry between Sydney and, more recently, Collingwood.
Collingwood mostly hate West Coast after they narrowly lost in one of the greatest grand finals of the modern era.
The same goes for the Mavs and the Spurs, who have clashed over recent times in the playoffs. The cross-state rivals in Texas have caused heartbreak in fans as they lost to the Spurs in game six in 2003 of the playoffs and 2006. This series went to seven games, and two of the seven were decided in overtime.
Nothing beats a good rivalry, and both the Eagles and the Spurs will have more victories and disappointment to come.
Nonetheless, these teams have some success on their horizon and will likely be in contention soon.
The Mavericks are more likely to experience this before the Eagles, as they still have a lot of work to get over the season they just had.
If you want to watch someone put up crazy performances night after night, Doncic is your man, and Dallas is your team.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Bulldogs broke their everlasting premiership drought in 2016, as did the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both games were won in true style and had both worlds in a frenzy.
The Cavs broke a drought of not being successful until their golden son LeBron James returned to where it started and got the city their first Championship.
Other teams do rivalries, but the Cavs and Dogs hold grudges. The Dogs have been at it with GWS since they both became successful simultaneously. Little mind games that each team would play with each other to get an edge.
The bumps players would give out will stay hot for a while, as there will always be something new that comes to the table to feud about.
The Cavs have taken a different route and will keep grudges against their own. LeBron James gave them a championship and left them for the next best option. It is something that the fans won't forget or forgive until he comes back.
Moving forward, these teams are not just about the past but what their future can bring. The Dogs have a lot of work, considering they almost didn't make finals after being in the Grand Final last year. The Cavs need to be better than the previous season, which isn't that hard after they bottomed out after their 2016 victory.
There are glimpses of positives and negatives, but it can't be worse than the previous 50 years they just endured.
If you are in it for the long haul, the Cavs are your team. You don't know what is ahead, which could blow up the player's face. Close your eyes and enjoy the ride moment for these fan bases.