I first discovered professional basketball in the mid eighties. Being from KY, I had of course been playing basketball for years and had even been to Rupp Arena a few times. Not knowing anything about the teams playing, I cheered for the Lakers simply because others in the room were for the Celtics. Later when I started following the NBA, I feel victim to the marketing campaign that was Michael Jordan. I am disappointed in myself that I was once so susceptible to advertising, but in my defense I was very young at the time. I was a really big Bulls fan when they were losing to the Pistons and through the first two championships. By the time they won their third, I was tired of them. My dislike of front runners had finally overcome my desire to stick out my tongue while playing basketball. I came back to the Bulls the next year after Jordan's first retirement. Then when Jordan came back and Grant was replaced by Rodman, I was through with the Bulls for good. I moved my allegiance to Seattle with Kemp and Payton. Over the next few years I drifted away from the NBA. Eventually I stopped watching the NBA altogether. Even when I started playing fantasy basketball, I rarely watched any games. I think the reason that I have stopped watching the league is because I no longer have a team to cheer for.
I have watched more games this playoff season than I have any time in recent memory, and I have found myself drawn to the team from Memphis. Conley, Randolph, Gasol, and Gay have all spent time on my fantasy teams the last two years, so I was already used to cheering for some of the Grizzlies. Their eight over one upset of the Spurs sparked my love for the underdog. Since Memphis is only a couple of hours away, it is likely as close as I will ever get to a home town team. Plus the Grizzlies have a great mascot. (Editors Note: This would be the perfect place to put a picture of that bear crossing sign I saw in Missawippi.). If that was not enough there is the added drama of the flood that threatens the city. Regardless of the outcome of game seven tomorrow, I have found a new team and a renewed interest in the NBA.
This is the first time I've watched the NBA play-offs from the beginning. Typically, I don't watch until the championship series starts. I hope, for your sake, that Memphis wins Sunday.
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