The Dallas Cowboys are regarded as “America’s Team” in the NFL and for the NBA, Dallas Mavericks guard, Tim Hardaway Jr., believes that title belongs to the Boston Celtics.
“It’s definitely not the Warriors,” Hardaway said on the Run Your Race podcast. “America’s basketball team? Is this a trick question or… I think it’s Boston…They’ve been winning since the start of this s***… It’s either Boston or L.A. for me, but I say Boston.”
https://twitter.com/TidalLeague/status/1716284228436975815
The Celtics have indeed been winning right from the start, and have 17 championships to show for their efforts. They were the first great dynasty of the NBA, winning 11 championships in a 13-year span in the 1950s and 1960s.
Are The Celtics America’s Team?
While Hardaway is entitled to his opinion, of course, I don’t agree with it. There are a couple of reasons for that, with one being the lack of recent success.
The Celtics have won just one championship since 1986, and that came in 2008. They’ve been one of the best teams in the league over the last five-odd years, but have again, failed to win the title.
Now, success isn’t the most important factor here, as that’s popularity. The Cowboys haven’t even gotten to a Super Bowl in nearly 30 years, but they remain the most popular team. The Celtics, though, aren’t really close to being the most popular for the NBA.
The Golden State Warriors might just hold that title for most popular right now, thanks to Stephen Curry and all their recent success. The Warriors have won four championships in the last nine seasons and have seven overall, which ranks third all-time. It gives them a case for it, but my pick would be the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers are tied with the Celtics at the top with 17 championships and won their most recent one in 2020. They have gotten to the big stage more often than anyone else, with an incredible 32 NBA Finals appearances, with the Celtics being a distant second with 22.
The Lakers have historically been the most popular team in the league and might be today as well, as it’s close between them and the Warriors. Combine their success and popularity, and I believe you get to the conclusion that the Lakers are America’s team.
Tim Hardaway Jr. Made His Pick For The Best Version Of LeBron James
Talking about the Lakers, Hardaway was asked about their superstar LeBron James as well during this episode. James is entering his 21st season in the league in 2023-24 and Hardaway was asked to name the best version of LeBron.
“2012. I was still and college and still a Heat fan at the time… when he was catching lob after lob when he was dunking the ball and the damn net was coming in and out after every dunk? I’m big on 2012 Bron,” said Hardaway Jr. on Tidal League.
In the 2011-12 season, James averaged 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game for the Miami Heat. He led them to the championship, winning Finals MVP and MVP along the way, in what was an incredible campaign.
While LeBron is no longer playing at that level, he just finished averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game last season. It is incredible how he continues to be dominant at this stage of his career.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
