Jaded Former NBA Fan Needs a New Team

I am a 1990s-era NBA fan. By that, I mean I have not cared for the NBA since Jordan left the second time around in the 1999-2000 season.

In the late 80’s I fell in love with the young Bulls team that eventually pulled off an amazing three-peat.

I loved to watch Jordan, Pippin, and Horace Grant on WGN.

I also enjoyed watching guys like James Worthy, Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, and, local-favorite, Dominique Wilkins.

My fandom was never really set in stone until 1992, when Shaquille O’Neal was drafted by the Orlando Magic. I became a big-time Magic fan. Coincidentally, Jordan retired the first time right around that same time.

I had tons of Shaq basketball cards, posters, and jerseys. I was all about Shaq and the Magic. When Jordan retired, the Magic finally had a shot at winning it all. I remember us losing to Houston in the Finals and being devastated.

Not long after that, I remember Shaq leaving my beloved Magic to sign a ridiculously large deal with the Lakers. I followed the Lakers a little bit, but ultimately the betrayal I felt as a 13-year old pushed me away from the NBA for quite a long time.

Sure, I watched as Jordan came back and won another three titles. I enjoyed watching great basketball.

But as far as “pulling” for a team—that was over with for me.

Sure, I followed the Atlanta Hawks a little, considering their proximity to my home. I liked Tim Duncan in college, so I also started watching the Spurs a bit. But it just wasn’t the same.

Lately, however, I have enjoyed watching the NBA Playoffs. I love seeing Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, and LeBron James in action.

I have enjoyed it so much that I am seriously considering becoming a fan again.

But I have a problem—I have been away from NBA fandom for so long that I don’t know who to pull for anymore.

So I have decided to let you, my readers and NBA diehards choose for me.

Here are my stipulations and considerations:

I place great value in star-power. I would like to pull for a team less than 500 miles away from my home. I love good coaching. I love good fundamental basketball. I prefer a team that is not great, but has plenty of youth and potential. Whichever team is chosen, I don’t want to be considered a bandwagon jumper or a frontrunner.

I have narrowed the field to seven teams.

Here are the teams I am considering and the pros and cons surrounding each:

Atlanta Hawks

Pros: They’re less than 100 miles from my home, so they’re the natural regional choice for me; it’s a prime time to become a Hawks fan now since they’re on the upswing.

Cons: Lack of star power—no disrespect to Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, or Al Horford, but they’re not selling out the Phillips Arena. They’re nowhere near the star quality or star potential of some of the best.

Orlando Magic

Pros: Dwight Howard=Star Power; part of the southern region; they’re young and have plenty of potential; I was a diehard fan back in the 90s.

Cons: Even though they’re still in my region, they’re well over 500 miles away; I don’t like Stan Van Gundy; I might be considered a bandwagon jumper considering they’re playing in the conference finals.

Indiana Pacers

Pros: Danny Granger is awesome; I was a huge Reggie Miller fan; The Colts are my favorite NFL team; they’re reasonably close to my region; I love the potential this team has.

Cons: They finished under .500 in 08-09; they play in the same division as the Cavs; it may be more than a year or two before they make the playoffs.

Charlotte Bobcats

Pros: My in-laws live near Charlotte, so I am a frequent visitor to the fine city; I was a big Ray Felton fan when he was at UNC; D.J. Augustin looks like a fine pro; I love the uniforms and mascot; No one would ever say I am a frontrunner; Larry Brown; Michael Jordan is part-owner.

Cons: Michael Jordan is a terrible owner; the Bobcats are a long way from contending. 

Chicago Bulls

Pros: Derrick Rose; I like Coach Del Negro; I was a fan as a young child; I loved that Celtics series and pulled for Chicago to win it; I love the young talent on that team.

Cons: Michael Jordan is too old to come back; Chicago is way out of my region; The Chicago-fan psyche is very different than most of the nation; I’m not a big Obama fan.

Memphis Grizzlies

Pros: Another great regional match for me; Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo are studs.

Cons: They won’t be winning for a while; I hate almost everything about the city of Memphis, especially the college team; Even Jerry West couldn’t turn this team around.

San Antonio Spurs

Pros: They have built a dynasty; Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan are two of my favorite players; Greg Popovich might be the best coach not named Phil Jackson in the NBA; I have pulled for them in the playoffs many times.

Cons: Texas is a long way from where I live; they’re beginning to decline; I want a team that hasn’t quite reached pinnacle but is on its way there; Duncan is getting old.

Obviously, according to my list, I am leaning toward Atlanta, Orlando, & Indiana; but I am willing to listen to any advice about any team on this list.

I have been away from the game for quite some time so I need some guidance.

Please vote early and often on my poll. Leave me comments as to which team(s) I should consider. Dispute my pros and cons. Rip me to shreds for even considering a column such as this. Just be honest.