There are various factors why NBA fans get hooked on the league. Whether you have been a fan growing up or you just get introduced to it by friends and colleagues later in life, it’s hard not to fall in love with the exciting games and the never-ending action, whether on court or behind the scenes. The NBA.com Philippines editorial team reflected on what made them love the NBA.
JC Ansis: The entertainment factor
The NBA is entertaining. Growing up, I couldn't get enough of basketball. I played a lot of pickup games, bought jerseys of my favorite players, and even collected cards (all of which I still have now).
But nothing compares to watching an NBA game. When you stumble upon a game while surfing channels, you put the remote down for a bit and watch. Muscle memory. It's amazing television, especially late in the fourth quarter. The ending of a game is the best and worst part, depending on which team you're rooting for. The aftermath is an entirely different but fun experience -- you talk to your friends or hop online to debate about what just happened.
Even my 3-year-old kid enjoys the NBA! When a game is on, he tries to copy the moves he sees with his tiny rubber basketball and plastic hoop. Just puts a smile on my face.
Chuck Araneta: The greatness of LeBron
What I love about the NBA is the fact that LeBron James is still playing basketball, and that we’re still alive to see it.
It wasn’t always this way. As a fan of a team that LeBron spurned during “The Decision” a decade ago, I chose to hate LeBron. His decision not to play for my favorite team, his “taking the easy way to a title,” and every other (valid) reason one could make to not cheer for the man.
But it was difficult to keep the hate in me for a long time. Not when he was at the peak of his physical powers, jumping over players, delivering dagger after dagger, and winning titles left and right. Not during the biggest stage in the NBA when LeBron crumpled to the floor, dry heaving tears that would not come after defeating the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the Finals. And most recently, not with everything he’s done off the court to help aid the less fortunate and be an icon for change in his community and all around the world.
The fact that LeBron can be an advocate for change AND still push around Father Time in the post is astounding. We’re watching a once-in-a-generation player still bring it, day in and day out. We should really appreciate this while we still have the chance.
YEAR 18.@KingJames x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/tZyusFnGxF
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 13, 2021
Miguel Flores: #NBATwitter
There's no beating watching an NBA game live, whether in person or on a screen. But, everyone should try at least following a game solely on Twitter. Sure, the official NBA account as well as every team account provide near up-to-date highlights and updates. But they don't quite capture the up-and-down fan experience like NBA Twitter.
No other major North American league can boast of a lively community that creates content and interactions quite like the NBA.
You have the essentials like @wojespn and @ShamsCharania, the analytical like @KevinOConnorNBA and @tomhaberstroh, and the comedy like @WorldWideWob and @KingJosiah54. There are millions of ways to configure your NBA Twitter experience, and not a single one of them is boring, especially when you discover your team’s thought leaders (i.e. @damanr and @forumbluegold for Lakers fans).
There is merit to limiting your screen time in our overly virtual world, but don't skimp on NBA Twitter. Indulge.
Charmie Lising: Beyond basketball
The NBA has been using its far-reaching platform for social good. More and more coaches and athletes have been outspoken in recent years, advocating and pushing for social change. Last year was monumental as the league took concrete steps to support the social justice movement in the U.S., thanks to NBA and WNBA players who tirelessly work hard to amplify the voices of those who need to get heard.
Some of the greatest athletes are putting their influence to positive use. You have LeBron James who built the I Promise School for underprivileged children in his hometown Akron. You have Maya Moore who left her career at her peak to help overturn a wrongful conviction and focus on her criminal justice reform advocacy. You have Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan who are trying to end the stigma surrounding mental health by sharing their own struggles.
When influential personalities speak out and choose to make a difference, the average person gets inspired to also work on making an impact on their own communities. If you’re still one of the “stick to sports” crowd, it’s not yet too late to shift your stance.
Jon Rodriguez: The evolution of the celebration
The only thing more fun than a dazzling step-back 3-pointer from Steph Curry is the post-splash shimmy. If you’re in the zone like Carmelo Anthony, then it’s the three to the dome. If you’re feeling extra saucy, Robin Lopez will be sipping three in a cup. If you forgot what time it is, Damian Lillard will remind you. These celebrations are the fun and petty equivalent of hustle points that don’t show up on the stat sheet.
Lately, NBA players have been extra creative in their celebrations, from the 6’7” Jaylen Brown doing the “too small” gesture on 6’11” Ben Simmons to LeBron James doing the premature lookaway before the ball hits the bottom of the net.
These types of celebrations, those that exude boss-level bravado, are the ones that will really make you fall in love with today’s NBA. Exhibit A comes from Juan Toscano-Anderson, the undrafted rookie of the Golden State Warriors.
In a close game versus the Orlando Magic, Toscano swung the ball cross-court to an open Curry and before Curry could even go into his shooting motion, Toscano—from way across the court—gave in to the temptation of counting the eggs before they hatch. Or in this case, counting the points before they splash.
In one swift motion, simultaneous with Curry’s launch, Toscano wound up his right arm and raised it high in triumph way before the actual made basket—an indication of both confidence and clairvoyance. Just one of the perks of playing with the second greatest shooter of all-time.
Celebrating before the dime is even official?
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 12, 2021
That's legit 😎
Assist of the Night || @StateFarm pic.twitter.com/st4AAVLDrx
Yoyo Sarmenta: NBA League Pass
The NBA League Pass is easily one of the league’s best innovations in the last 25 years. Obviously, getting access to watch and monitor multiple games at a moment’s notice is a godsend for basketball fans. Especially in this day and age, all people want to do is consume content at a rapid pace. With League Pass, you can choose which game to watch live, replay certain parts, watch highlights, and basically get all the information you want from around the Association.
Another more specific and a bit underrated element of League Pass is the luxury to choose which broadcast of a game you want. Each NBA game usually has two local networks covering it. If it’s nationally televised, you might get a chance to listen to an ESPN or TNT broadcast. In any case, your viewing experience can get better if you’re familiar with the guys behind the booth.
Check out Ian Eagle, Richard Jefferson, and Sarah Kustok of the Nets or tune in to the Suns’ Kevin Ray, Eddie Johnson, and Ann Meyers. The Warriors’ duo of Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azabuike is also a treat, but more so when Steph Curry goes on a shooting tear. Sure, most local broadcasters have an affinity for their home teams, and maybe a bit too passionate at a referee’s call sometimes, but that’s part of the fun too.
Renee Ticzon: NBA stories
I absolutely love the NBA stories.
Because the NBA has expanded its reach all over the world, players who felt they never had a shot at making it big are now All-Stars and MVPs. There will always be people like LeBron James who captivate scouts as soon as they start playing. These are players who have huge names, huge offers, and (mostly) huge successes.
But then there are players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had to share a pair of basketball shoes with four other brothers. Or Nikola Jokic, who grew up in war-torn Serbia. There are even players like Duncan Robinson, who thought their basketball career was over until it wasn’t.
Stories like these make you appreciate the whim of possibility and the power of opportunity. It makes you appreciate each player’s success more because you understand what they went through to get there. It’s the stories of success that you always wish on a player which I find most charming about the NBA.
