Wyndstryker
Member
Raptors
Since they're the only non-US team to follow =P (And doing quite well too)
Since they're the only non-US team to follow =P (And doing quite well too)
-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
US GAF - Suggest an NBA team to follow
- Thread starter cormack12
- Start date
- Status
Battersea Power Station
Member
Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers should be great to watch in the upcoming seasons, because you can follow their development from not so good to potentially great, but they're both eastern teams.
San Antonio Spurs have the NBA's best coach, and arguably the best teamwork.
Houston Rockets have one of the most creative scorers ever in James Harden, who's not like any other player in the league.
The Golden State Warriors have the best combination of three point shooters in probably ever, so if you like shot-makers you can follow them.
--------------------
As far as "risky" plays, it doesn't really exist in basketball the way it does with American football or Euro footy. In soccer of course one goal can be the game, so getting into a potentially disadvantageous situation in order to score one is a HUUUUGE risk. In the NFL any single touch down or field goal, again, can make all the difference in the world, so there is tremendous pressure on every play.
But in basketball, you take a risk, it doesn't work out, ok, you lose two points. No big deal for most of the game. It's much more about who can be disciplined for the longest period of time, which team can best adjust their speed, rhythm, and strategy to match their opponent's, and who can execute the highest percentage of plays. If you look at most NBA results, the difference in field goal percentage (which team is shooting better) the majority of the time is approximately equal to the difference in the final score.
Of course every now and again it comes down to shots made in the final 10 seconds or at the buzzer, but then every play is risky, even the "tried and true" ones.
San Antonio Spurs have the NBA's best coach, and arguably the best teamwork.
Houston Rockets have one of the most creative scorers ever in James Harden, who's not like any other player in the league.
The Golden State Warriors have the best combination of three point shooters in probably ever, so if you like shot-makers you can follow them.
--------------------
As far as "risky" plays, it doesn't really exist in basketball the way it does with American football or Euro footy. In soccer of course one goal can be the game, so getting into a potentially disadvantageous situation in order to score one is a HUUUUGE risk. In the NFL any single touch down or field goal, again, can make all the difference in the world, so there is tremendous pressure on every play.
But in basketball, you take a risk, it doesn't work out, ok, you lose two points. No big deal for most of the game. It's much more about who can be disciplined for the longest period of time, which team can best adjust their speed, rhythm, and strategy to match their opponent's, and who can execute the highest percentage of plays. If you look at most NBA results, the difference in field goal percentage (which team is shooting better) the majority of the time is approximately equal to the difference in the final score.
Of course every now and again it comes down to shots made in the final 10 seconds or at the buzzer, but then every play is risky, even the "tried and true" ones.
Makes me want to cry
Epsilon-delta
Banned
I'm sure Ewing secretly hates Jordan with a passion.
PK Strawstorm
Member
Gotta be the Beavers.
If I could only focus on one team for the remainder of this season it would be the OKC Thunder because Westbrook is on a tear, and every game matters more to them since they are fighting for a playoffs spot. And they have enough of a chance for winning the west.
Their closer in Ginobili is either a turnover or a highlight waiting to happen, very little in between for Manu
Their closer in Ginobili is either a turnover or a highlight waiting to happen, very little in between for Manu
Hypemaster
Member
You will not be disappointed with this team OP.
huh?
Dreams-Visions
Member
Warriors
Blazers
Spurs
Grizzlies
Hawks, Bulls and Blazers will only let you down in the playoffs like they do every year. Cavs are a year away and too up and down. Ain't nobody else about shit.
Blazers
Spurs
Grizzlies
Hawks, Bulls and Blazers will only let you down in the playoffs like they do every year. Cavs are a year away and too up and down. Ain't nobody else about shit.
Fenderputty
Banned
As long as he doesn't email the owner that is.
cubicle47b
Member
With that list, Golden State.
Hometown Warriors. They've finally turned it around and might just push past the second round this postseason. More disciplined with Steve Kerr coaching but have flashes of the old recklessness. Young group that will be in the conversation for years.
Mavericks have a great coach who keeps them competitive despite constant roster changes over the years. If they figure out how to fit Rondo in, keep him and other stars and find better backup bigs they will be a huge threat for years.
Mavericks have a great coach who keeps them competitive despite constant roster changes over the years. If they figure out how to fit Rondo in, keep him and other stars and find better backup bigs they will be a huge threat for years.
The Golden State Warriors is the clear answer here.Since opening my eyes to the wonders of Kodi and TV on demand, it finally gives me a chance to actually have the opportunity to follow NBA properly. So I'll give you a little bit of info and hopefully it will narrow my options down to pick a team to follow. I'm UK based for info so I could read wiki entries but I figure the knowledge from proper fans will be much better suited. Hoping to end up with a shortlist of 3 at most here
1. Of the places I've been and seen in the US, I definitely prefer the West Coast;
2. I don't want to just support the team that walks the title each year (if this actually is a thing in NBA);
3. I prefer teams that play to a decent technical level;
4. Like teams with a bit of heritage and history;
5. Always winning isn't important but I wanna follow someone that realistically challenges;
6. I prefer teams that take a chance on some improvised play now and again;
7. I like coaches who take a risk now and again, and are not afraid to try things rather than stick with 'tried and trusted'.
Fire away........that enough to make a suggestion?
1. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
2. Check. Haven't won a title since 1975.
3. The Warriors are the #1 shooting team in the NBA percentage wise, #1 in assists per game, are #2 in offensive efficiency, and have the top defense in the league.
4. This one is a bit iffy since it's been a while since the Warriors have been truly great. Though they have some all-time great past players like Wilt Chamberlain and multiple titles.
5. They have the best record in the Western conference, definitely a chance to contend this year and going forward.
6. Not as much improvising as some other less efficient teams, but they do have Steph Curry at point guard. One of the most exciting offensive players in the game and one of the greatest shooters of all time.
edit: to add onto the above, Klay Thompson can improvise on offense at times also. Just recently he went off in a third quarter in a game against the Kings and scored 37 points. The most points scored in a single quarter in NBA history.
7. Steve Kerr is a first year coach, so there isn't a whole lot of evidence as to whether or not he's willing to take risks. Though he did change the starting lineup from last year. Could be considered risky since it involved benching two former all-stars (and luckily it's worked out incredibly well).
Allforce
Member
Detroit Pistons!
They will rise again.
Plus they play a dope coin drop sound every time they make a free-throw at home
They will rise again.
Plus they play a dope coin drop sound every time they make a free-throw at home
Union Carbine
Member
And they're silly fun to watch.
This is the right answer for... reasons!
breakfuss
Member
Don't other teams have that? Pretty sure Atlanta uses something similar.
There are still risky strategies in basketball, like going small, and/or playing zone defense. Intentionally fouling(i.e. hack-a-Shaq) is another risky strategy.
You should really choose the Celtics (Kelly Olynyk is an artist!), but since this is your thread, we'll use your criteria and arrive at Golden State
They're on the west coast and though the team started in Philly, have been there 50+ years. They're fun to watch and (barring injuries) should be competitive in the playoffs for a while, though they're not going to just leisurely stroll to a championship anytime soon. It's their coach's first season; he won titles as a player and was once punched in the eye by Michael Jordan. Scrappy little fellow.
Downside here is bandwagon potential (as alr1ght pointed out). You'll surely hear it, but what do you care, you're asking GAF for input on an important decision, you're clearly not scared.
They're on the west coast and though the team started in Philly, have been there 50+ years. They're fun to watch and (barring injuries) should be competitive in the playoffs for a while, though they're not going to just leisurely stroll to a championship anytime soon. It's their coach's first season; he won titles as a player and was once punched in the eye by Michael Jordan. Scrappy little fellow.
Downside here is bandwagon potential (as alr1ght pointed out). You'll surely hear it, but what do you care, you're asking GAF for input on an important decision, you're clearly not scared.
this or the chicago bulls......Derrick Rose is the number 4th most popular world wide athlete and its been fun watching him get into his game and even change the aspects of it.
Plus Mirotic has been fun to watch.....if Thibs plays the damn guy
But warriors with Curry and Thomspon........dear god the most entertaining duo in the league, Curry's handles are just unfucking real.
The Interrobanger
Member
The Raptors are the closest thing to a UK team since Canada is still part of the commonwealth. Otherwise I'd say Portland or Golden State.
I say watch the Atlanta Hawks. They fit some of your criteria and I believe Coach Bud has a system in place that gives the team the strongest chance to be consistently competitive and entertaining for years to come like the Spurs were/are.
But I guess Golden State is probably the hottest thing right now and the clearest answer.
But I guess Golden State is probably the hottest thing right now and the clearest answer.
True.
But this is even truer.
Rose is a shell of himself. Westbrook is now vastly superior.
illmatic22
Banned
Get on the 76ers bandwagon while you still can.
Gully State
Member
Lakers...that way when they're good again, you have the credibility of having been a fan since Swaggy P.
True but watching him change his game has been the big eye opener. Hes starting to actually become a point guard and not attempt being a passing shooting guard. The bulls are insanely deep. He doesnt have to be even close to the number one option. In fact i think noah has been the worse player on that team by far this season. Thibs really needs to have Gasol rock center with gibson at power forward.
Andrew Korenchkin
Member
Phoenix Suns!
I'm a die hard Lakers fan, but yeah I can understand why people don't want to cheer for them.
I'm a die hard Lakers fan, but yeah I can understand why people don't want to cheer for them.
cormack12
Gold Member
Hopping off to bed soon I think but cheers for suggestions so far. Seems to be two ro three recurring names, but from what people have said Warriors seems to be a winner. I'll keep an eye on this thread and watch a few games from the more prominently mentioned teams over the next night or two and see what I pick up from that 
Cheers folks
Cheers folksMermandala
Member
Golden State bandwagon is full but no problem because they are far and away the chillest fans in the game. Cool vibes means they got infinite seats too.
BananasWithGuns
Member
I'm a Kings fan.
Therefore my advice is to not be a Kings fan.
Therefore my advice is to not be a Kings fan.
LA Lakers are probably your best bet. They are straight trash now, but they have bounced back multiple times over the decades. One of the most successful franchises in the league.
LA Clippers are super fun to watch right now, but they don't have much of a history. And who knows what'll happen to them in the next generation.
If you'd asked this question a few years back I'd say San Antonio Spurs (not really a "West Coat" team though) because they are so fundamentally sound and rock solid (don't believe people who say they are boring to watch). Unfortunately, they are at the dead end of their success, and it's unclear how they will be able to rebuild.
However, the nice thing about basketball is that it's easy to have multiple teams. Basketball seems less rivalry oriented than other sports. So follow a few if you have the time.
LA Clippers are super fun to watch right now, but they don't have much of a history. And who knows what'll happen to them in the next generation.
If you'd asked this question a few years back I'd say San Antonio Spurs (not really a "West Coat" team though) because they are so fundamentally sound and rock solid (don't believe people who say they are boring to watch). Unfortunately, they are at the dead end of their success, and it's unclear how they will be able to rebuild.
However, the nice thing about basketball is that it's easy to have multiple teams. Basketball seems less rivalry oriented than other sports. So follow a few if you have the time.
SocksAndShoes
Banned
Holy shit, this was going to be my post verbatim.
Seriously OP, don't be a Kings fan. It's not worth it.
CreeperBlocks
Banned
Raptors.
#wethenorth baby.
#wethenorth baby.
San Antonio Spurs Or LA Lakers.
FeenixRising
Banned
The Cavs, I mean .... They have Bron Bron
gutter_trash
Banned
Montrealer here, was a fan of Jordan during the 90s. Now that he co-owns the Hornets, I will fan them
It will be a cold day in hell that a Motnrealer would ever support a team from Toronto.
It will be a cold day in hell that a Motnrealer would ever support a team from Toronto.
entremet
Member
Um. They're like super close. Always have been. I think Ewing works for mike as an assistant coach.
- Status