I have never followed the NBA or been a big fan of basketball, but I want to start watching and learning about the NBA. I’m excited to dive into the world of NBA basketball, and I understand the rules of basketball and everything but I am a complete newbie to the sport and a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of teams and players. I’m hoping you guys can help me make an informed choice on which team to support and start watching.

A little background: I’m a follower of European football, mainly FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC. But I would like to start watching the NBA more regularly. I’ve never followed the NBA before, but I’ve been hearing about it from friends, and I’m eager to get into the action. I live in Florida but I wouldn’t say that I have any geographic ties to a particular city, so I’m completely open to suggestions.

Here are a few things that might help you guide me in the right direction:

  1. Style of Play: I shouldn’t compare basketball to football/soccer, but I like watching teams that play fast-paced and have a unique playing style or philosophy (for lack of a better term).
  2. Players: I don’t want to be a bandwagon and just support players and teams that are just the most well-known.
  3. Team Culture and History: Preferably a team with maybe some history and a passionate fan base.
  4. Rivalries: A team with at least one big rival team.
  5. Up-and-Coming Teams: Like I said, I don’t want to be a bandwagon supporter, so maybe a team that’s kind of in the middle or close to playoffs aiming the win the league.
  • BeavshakBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Since you are in Florida, and want to consider local, the Orlando Magic are an up-and-coming franchise with some exciting young players. They aren’t a bandwagon team by any means, but they don’t exactly have a strong team culture (or history of winning, outside of some short eras).

    If you want culture, oh boy you’ve also got the Miami Heat there. “Heat culture” is an actual thing (sometimes mocked by other fans), but they do have a history of winning, have an absolute legend running the organization, and has probably the best head coach in the league (who I’d expect is a lifer there).

    Rivalries are tough… they don’t exist to a significant degree. The Lakers and the Celtics are the most “historic rival”, but that is more so between the fan bases than the teams themselves anymore.

    Honestly just start watching some games, and frequent this sub. See what players/teams start to interest you. There’s some great superstars and a lot of young talent in the league (and the team, player, and fanbase personalities vary wildly).