Fansided

Every NBA team’s arch-nemesis

By Paul Centopani

JUNE 2, 1985: The Lakers Michael Cooper, center, pushes the Celtics Ray Williams away from Kurt Rambis, second from right, after Williams and Rambis crashed into the seats along the sideline during Game 3 of the 1985 NBA Finals. The Lakers won, 136-111, to take a 2-1 lead in the series. 6/2/85 (Photo by Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
JUNE 2, 1985: The Lakers Michael Cooper, center, pushes the Celtics Ray Williams away from Kurt Rambis, second from right, after Williams and Rambis crashed into the seats along the sideline during Game 3 of the 1985 NBA Finals. The Lakers won, 136-111, to take a 2-1 lead in the series. 6/2/85 (Photo by Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Knicks: Rollicking incompetence

Two words: James Dolan. For the great majority of the last two decades, the Knicks and their knee-jerk, slap-dash team-building strategies kept throwing problems at solutions.

The past two seasons, however, the new front office exhibited patience and stuck to a solidified plan. Days of being their own worst enemy might be behind them. I’m just going to stop talking about it before I jinx anything.

Nets: Second fiddle in New York City

Much like their cross-sport counterparts with a rhyming naming convention, Brooklyn plays the little brother in the big city. Without the same history, generational fan base, and advantage of maintaining their geographic station, the Nets fight for recognition in the five boroughs.

76ers: Sustained health

The injury imp spat in Philadelphia’s face so much over the last five years that the city will never know peace. While they used it to their advantage to stockpile blue chips and build their talent base, the team has limited reliability with their stars.

If the 76ers retain their pending free agents, they’ll stay among the NBA’s elite teams. However, their foundation is built on chronic knee injuries, papier mache feet, and a possible Shirley Temple addiction.

Raptors: Future uncertainty

Toronto, fresh off the first championship parade of their existence, doesn’t have too much bothering them right now. The only thing looming over their heads is whether Kawhi Leonard will run it back. All signs up to now say he’s leaving. But why has Toronto — a diverse metropolis — had so much trouble retaining their stars and luring free agents?

Well, you know how much it sucks to pay taxes? Now imagine having to do that twice.

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