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 one ultimate guide to knowing which NBA team you should support based on your AFL following.

2. Brisbane Lions

Miami Heat 

The Lions and the Miami Heat are long-lost relatives, parallel down to the weather. Both teams were not founded until years after their sports were up and running. Both teams were expansions to bring the sport to new parts of the country.

They both made the big dance four times in a row; however, Brisbane got it done three times in 2001, 2002 and 2003 and then lost in 2004. Miami could only get it done twice in 2012 and 2013, as they lost in 2011 and 2014.

Both teams were lucky enough to experience a 'big three' era, and these were the times that they won those championships.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Joe Daniher of the Lions marks the ball during the round six AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

As franchises, they have been unsuccessful post championships, and their lacking fan bases reflect this too. The fans have been criticised for not caring about their team and not rocking up to games.

It is starting to change as both teams have acquired star players like Jimmy Butler, who moved from the Philadelphia 76ers to Miami, and Joe Daniher, who moved from Essendon to the Lions.

These big-ticket players have brought these cities a bit of life along with the more recent success from both teams. The clubs have young rosters and have a bright future of success ahead. Brisbane was closed in 2020 and 2022, and Miami lost to Boston earlier this year.

If you need some success in the next few years, stick around with Miami, and they should get the Championship title with their talent.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Amusing how Victorians assume that their little “rivalries” mean anything outside of Victoria…..

    “…….Ask any AFL fan; if they don’t go for Collingwood, they hate them”…

    No. Stuff and nonesense.

    In WA:
    the answer would be either the Dockers or the Eagles, and the hatred is real – not the superficial (and very dated) attitudes that date back to when the ‘wobbles were a successful club (.. before the moniker “colliwobbles” was “earned”)……

    In SA:
    Crows members know that port is simply filth…. port “tarps” are deluded as to the Crows…..

    … and this is a hatred steeped in the existential crises that rocked SA footy. It’s not a “rivalry” – it’s hating the entity that tried to extinguish the game in our state (or a delusion of that)…..

    Outside of Victoria – the ‘wobbles are no more than a over-pampered vic club that doesn’t have to play “away” games, has always a “soft fixture” and an inbuilt home-ground advantage come finals time …. as well as gifted sponsorship (and tv) advantages most clubs are not….

  2. I understand there were crow supporters barracking for Geelong as the margin blew out during the Grand final, hoping that Port’s ignominious 2007 thrashing would not be surpassed.

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