What Makes Each NBA Team Distinctively Special?

Aaron Navarro by Correspondent Written on October 12, 2009

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SALT LAKE CITY - MAY 26:  The Utah Jazz mascot looks on during a break in the game against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs at the EnergySolutions Arena on May 26, 2007 in Salt Lake City, Ut
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Like humans, each NBA team has their own special type of DNA that makes their team special.

With this rule being stated, every team is included; regardless of their success rate. Sometimes the wins and losses are not the only things that make fans come to games. The simplicity of fan interaction is just as good as watching Kobe drain 81 in one game.

Now don't get me wrong, some of these special features might not benefit the team, but hey, it's the way of life.

So, sit down and keep clicking that arrow button because we got 30 teams to cover.

Enjoy!

Atlanta Hawks - Hawk Action

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The only team that can realistically support live animal mascots.

Sometimes they can work for the amusement of the crowd, but on that rare occasion the stubbornness of the animal gets the better of their trainer.

The Atlanta Hawks might consider their live animal mascot hard to control, but at least they aren't the Memphis Grizzlies.

Boston Celtics - The Parquet Floor

BOSTON - JUNE 05:  Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics walks across the court in Game One of the 2008 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on June 5, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

I know the Orlando Magic might be the most recent team to join the parquet movement, but let us not forget our roots.

The Boston Celtics have played on the parquet floor ever since the beginning, and till this day it is the most distinctive court in all of the NBA.

The court where Bill won 11 rings. The court where Havlicek stole the ball. The original birthplace of the "Big 3."

Boston is a brotherhood.

Charlotte Bobcats - Anticipation

NEW YORK - JUNE 25:  NBA Commissioner David Stern poses for a photograph with the twelth overall draft pick by the Charlotte Bobcats,  Gerald Henderson during the 2009 NBA Draft at the Wamu Theatre at Madison Square Garden June 25, 2009 in New York City.

Ever since the Charlotte Bobcats joined the NBA family back in 2004, anticipation has been at an all time high in Charlotte.

Sure, university basketball might highlight better than professional basketball in North Carolina, but no one can deny the excitement that comes along with Charlotte.

But to clarify things, when I use the word "anticipation," I mean it in the sense of growth.

The NBA took away the Hornets from the city of Charlotte, leaving many fans in sorrow. Now with the Bobcats dedicated to Charlotte, the anticipation has begun.

The Bobcats have excited the folks with countless draft picks. The lottery has been the home of the Bobcats for a while, but this coming year can prove to be the growth of a Bobcats team.

The fans have been patient. They deserve this more than anybody.

Chicago Bulls - Potential

MILWAUKEE - FEBRUARY 18: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a free-throw during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 18, 2009 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bulls defeated the Bucks 113-104. NOTE TO USER: User expres

The potential that electrifies this city is incredible. People might of disagreed with past draft picks, but the result is slowly blossoming.

Fans in Chicago and all over the world are beginning to see things through the eyes of Derrick Rose.

His play and determination has not been seen for a while in the Windy City.

Potential doesn't simply lie in Rose, but in all of the talented players on the roster. They've got the tools for an elite team.

Cleveland Cavaliers -

CLEVELAND - MAY 10:  LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers does his pregame ritual of applying powder to his hands and tossing it in the air prior to the start of their game against the Boston Celtics in Game Three of the 2008 NBA Eastern Conference

It is a matter of time.

Dallas Mavericks - Mark Cuban

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 03:  Baron Davis #5 of the Golden State Warriors greets Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks after Game 6 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2007 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NO

The loud mouth owner of the Dallas Mavericks has been their face for years now.

His wardrobe of jeans and tees has hardly been questioned. His involvement in games is uncontested. And his consistency managing the Mavericks has been well documented.

The Mavericks have been playoff contenders for eight years now, and the only person to thank for this is Mr. Cuban himself.

Denver Nuggets - The Epitome of Leadership

DENVER - MAY 13:  Chauncey Billups #7 of the Denver Nuggets gestures to his teammates from the bench during action against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on May 13, 2009

Bringing back hometown hero Chauncey Billups might have been the smartest move in Denver Nuggets' history besides bringing in Alex English during the 1980s.

Billups brought the Nuggets back to life after the bad experiment with Allen Iverson. He whipped Carmelo Anthony into shape.

He not only believed in his team, but made his teammates believe as well; something clearly lacking years before.

Detroit Pistons - Detroit Basketball!

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John Mason; the god of PA annoucing.

Exclusively heard in the Palace.

Golden State Warriors - All Offense, No Defense

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 30:  Monta Ellis #8 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Memphis Grizzlies during an NBA game on March 30, 2009 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download

Defense win championships. Offense wins the fans.

The dunks, the flashy passes, and the long range three ball get the people standing up in the Bay Area.

Its the way Don Nelson does things, yo!

Houston Rockets - The Unexpected

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 12:  Head coach Rick Adelman of the Houston Rockets looks on from the sideline while taking on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 12, 2009 in

No one expected the Rockets to carry on without Tracy McGrady, but they did.

No one expected Ron Artest to be a leader in Houston, but he did.

No one expected players like Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry to step their game up, but they did.

No one expected the Rockets to win 22 straight games, but they did.

You can't help but to not ride out the Rockets this year.

Indiana Pacers - Shooters Touch

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 07:  Danny Granger #33 of the Indiana Pacers shoots over Maurice Evans #1 of the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena on December 7, 2007 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or

Back then it was Reggie Miller.

Now it’s Danny Granger.

The Indiana Pacers scorched the net from downtown last year. As a team, they shot 37 percent from beyond the arc.

The NBA might have to move the three-point line further away to make it fair for the Pacers' opponents.

LA Clippers - A New Hope

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 29:  Blake Griffin #23 of the Oklahoma Sooners jumps into Tyler Hansbrough #50 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second half during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional Final at the FedExForum on March 29, 2009 in M

I've used the term "A New Hope" a lot in my articles.

I've used it to open slides, and to add emotion and depth to my pieces, but nothing fits better with this term than Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers.

He is going to be a force for this club, and hopefully sometime in the near future the Clippers can be playoff contenders.

LA Lakers - Jack Nicholson

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 27:  Actor Jack Nicholson looks on from his courtside seat during the Los Angeles Lakers against Utah Jazz in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 27, 2009 in Los

The season ticket holder.

Memphis Grizzlies - Crowd Attendence

NEW YORK - JANUARY 23:  O.J. Mayo #32 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes up for a shot during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden January 23, 2009 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloa

As much as I try to give each team something distinctively special, I can simply not give one to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Why?

Because they stink; sorry folks.

But if there is one thing that is beneficial for fans, it has to be the extra space when watching games live in the stadium.

The leg room is something else!

Miami Heat - Hot Weather, Hot Dancers

MIAMI - NOVEMBER 1:  The Heat Dancers perform during before the Detroit Pistons take on the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena November 1, 2007 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using th

Pictures are worth a thousand words.

This one is no different.

Milwaukee Bucks - Jennings!

MILWAUKEE - MARCH 26: Brandon Jennings #3 of the West team puts up a shot past Kemba Walker #15 of the East team during the McDonald's All-American High School basketball game on March 26, 2008 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jona

Finally, some flavour in Milwaukee!

Brandon Jennings brings the zaz and blam to a team that hardly has any taste. Scott Skiles will have a huge job shaping Jennings into an NBA-calibre player.

Nonetheless, a project that is going to be very fun and interesting to watch.

Minnesota Timberwolves - Youth

MILWAUKEE - FEBRUARY 07: Ramon Sessions #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks brings the ball upcourt against the Detroit Pistons on February 7, 2009 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Pistons defeated the Bucks 126-121 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User

The Minnesota Timberwolves have got their annual dose of youth.

To give you some statistics, 15 players on the roster to not have more than five years of NBA experience.

With a leader only 24 years of age, the T'Wolves have a huge task proving critics wrong and stepping up into the playoffs for the first time since Kevin Garnett left.

New Jersey Nets - Jay-Z

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07:  Actress Kate Hudson and rapper Jay-Z look on from the stands before Game One of the ALDS between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 7, 2009 in the Bronx borough of

H.O.V.A!

His natural attraction of wealthy Russians and LeBron James goes hand-in-hand when trying to reconstruct a worn down New Jersey Nets.

New Orleans Hornets - Don't Sit Till First Basket

NEW ORLEANS - APRIL 25:  (L-R) Sean Marks #4, Chris Paul #4,James Posey #41 and Rasual Butler #45 of the New Orleans Hornets walk across the court during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Denver Nuggets during the 2009 NBA Pla

True team spirit.

Only until they score can all fans plus bench players sit.

Of course, grandma and grandpa are exempt from this law.

New York Knicks - Madison Square Garden

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The Mecca of basketball.

Home to the unusual. Home to records. Home to rowdy fans.

Smack dab in the heart of New York City.

Oklahoma City Thunder - Newly Born

OKLAHOMA CITY - OCTOBER 29:  A fan plays basketball outside before the Milwaukee Bucks play the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center on October 29, 2008 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download

Despite only being around for a year, the crowd attendance in Oklahoma City is bananas.

I've narrowed it down to three possibilities:

1. People in Oklahoma love their basketball.

2. People in Oklahoma are really bored.

3. People in Oklahoma gather to see the creature known as Robert Swift.

Orlando Magic -

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 14:  Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic emerges from a phone booth wearing a Superman cape during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest on All-Star Saturday Night, part of 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend at US Airways Center on February 14, 2009 in Ph

Only a few years ago were the when the Orlando Magic were 21 - 61; seventh in the Eastern Conference.

But this past year people across the globe have witnessed the full transformation. Eastern Conference champions, trip to the finals, and beating the odds were all achieved last year.

With Superman leading the way, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Nothing!

Philadelphia 76ers - A.I.

PHILADELPHIA - MAY 01:  Andre Iguodala #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers wipes sweat from his face against the Detroit Pistons in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2008 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphi

The significance of the initials "A.I." never seems to fade.

Whether we are talking Allen Iverson or Andre Iguodala, both are leaders and coincidentally have the same initials.

In way these letters have cursed the franchise. They've gotten close to the championship, but fell down.

Nowadays, they are seen as Eastern Conference playoff bait.

This year is Iguodala's break out year, just watch!

Phoenix Suns - Captain Canada

OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Monta Ellis 38 and Al Harrington #3 of the Golden State Warriors during an NBA game on February 13, 2008 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowl

In my opinion, the true international player who has brought his team from the grave and turned them into an elite team.

"Captain Canada" Steve Nash did not just bring playoff excitement, two MVP awards, and people in Phoenix on their feet, but most importantly brought a style of play that altered Suns basketball.

He helped Stoudemire break through the crust of role player, and into the spotlight of superstar.

Steve Nash is Phoenix Suns basketball.

Portland Trail Blazers - Progress

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 06:  Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers celebrates with Joel Przybilla #10  after making a go ahead shot with 1.9 seconds remaining in overtime agianst the Houston Rockets  at the Rose Garden on November 6, 2008 in Portla

A vision that began three years ago when the Portland Trail Blazers drafted Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, it has only been progress from that point on.

"The Natural" has lead his inexperienced Blazers high into the West rankings, and hopes to be positioned there for a long time.

They've battled adversity and tasted success, all that is waiting is another championship.

Sacramento Kings - The Good Ol' Days

PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 5:  Chris Webber #4 of the Sacramento Kings shoots against the Portland Trail Blazers during the game on February 5, 2005 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers won 114-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges an

Chris Webber. Mike Bibby. Vlade Divac. Peja Stojakovic. Doug Christie. Hedo Turkoglu. Bobby Jackson. Scott Pollard.

The list is well remembered and will live on.

This current roster, however, won't.

San Antonio Spurs - Dynasty

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 25:  Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs drives the ball to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center on January 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.  The Lakers defeated the Spurs 99-85.

Four championships in the last ten years.

Dynasty with hardly any changes.

Toronto Raptors - United Nations

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07:  Hedo Turkoglu #15 of the Orlando Magic drives on Trevor Ariza #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledg

Connecting the four corners of the earth is what the Toronto Raptors seem to be good at. With at least five international players on the roster, the Raptors will be sure to see some Euro style of play during the season.

After all, Toronto is one of the multicultural mosaics of the world.

Utah Jazz - Jerry Sloan

7 Feb 1999:   Coach Jerry Sloan of the Los Angeles Lakers looking on during the game against the Utah Jazz at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. The Jazz defeated the Lakers 100-91.  Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw  /Allsport

With a career record of 1137–751 and exactly 30 years of coaching experience, Jerry Sloan has managed to make more than ends meet with his style of play.

The Utah Jazz has thrived on his coaching habits and will continue to as long as he is the coach of the Jazz.

A true pioneer in the National Basketball Association.

Washington Wizards - Comeback Kids

WASHINGTON - MAY 05:  Antonio Daniels #6 of the Washington Wizards consoles teammate Gilbert Arenas #0 after Arenas missed 2 free throws with 15 seconds left in overtime of game six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers d

Gilbert has done it once, he can sure do it again!

Just wait and see.

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written on October 12, 2009 Opinion

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