Should I support the Boston Celtics?

[Lyle]

Hey everyone,

This may sound like a strange question, but it will make sense if I introduce myself.

I'm from Scotland, currently in Glasgow, 29 years old and I've been a big fan of basketball since I was a kid. My first real taste for the game was when Michael Jordan and the Bulls were bringing global attention to the sport in the early 1990s.

Because I'm from the UK, I've always found it difficult to pick an NBA team to be passionate about because, unless you live in that city or state, it always feels like you're an imposter and don't really have the right to root for a team that's not even close to your country let alone region!

I suppose I fear of being called a glory-hunter (jumping on a bandwagon) if I decide to support a successful team. But here's my reasoning:

1. When I was 10 the two major teams I'd heard of and liked were the Bulls and the Celtics - back then in 1990, the UK didn't have such easy access to watching NBA games, so I've had a long-time familiarity with the Celtics.

2. I've always really liked Larry Bird.

3. Being in the UK, it makes sense to pick an East coast team as (although far away), it technically is the closest to where I live, which seems logical.

4. There's a soccer team in Glasgow called Celtic which also has green/white team colors - maybe Scotland and Boston have something in common? (I don't support any soccer team, and I'm not Catholic).

So what do you guys think, are these legitimate reasons? Do any of you guys in America support a UK team? If so, how did you choose it? I know some Americans support the soccer team Manchester United for example, and that's mainly because they've heard of David Beckham.

Thanks a lot for your time,

Lyle

[meta4]

Do what you like.

[RAH]

If I did not live in a particular city and wanted to pick an NBA team to support, I think I might pick one with a current player that I like, especially a young one. You could root for him and get into the team he is on through that. For example, Derron Williams, Dwayne Wade, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durrant, etc. I don't think the NAME of a team is a good reason at all, especially a pretty ridiculous name like "Celtics" (currently and for a loooooong time ridiculous, at least).

[Celtics17]

Whatever your reasons are, if you're desperately looking to support an NBA basketball team, I would recommend the Boston Celtics.

[texascelticsfan]

While I agree with the sentiment of C17, I would also suggest that the Celtics are tied closely with the Irish/Celtic roots of Boston, but much like Glasgow/Scotland. I still am curious as to why the C is pronounced differently though.

[Rondo'd]

Its up to you but the Celtics would be a nice choice.

[CelticSooner]

If you're asking this here it seems you have already made up your mind up somewhat. If someone is going to call you a bandwagon fan let them because in your heart you know where you stand. A fan is a fan, I don't think it matters where you're from to be a fan of any team. I became a C's fan because of my dad who died 3 years ago. I didn't get to enjoy watching the C's get #17 with him. If anyone came up to me and called me a bandwagon fan they would probably get right hook.

As long as you hate the Lakers you'll be fine with whatever you choose though. : )

[jcpry]

If I did not live in a particular city and wanted to pick an NBA team to support, I think I might pick one with a current player that I like, especially a young one. You could root for him and get into the team he is on through that. For example, Derron Williams, Dwayne Wade, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durrant, etc. I don't think the NAME of a team is a good reason at all, especially a pretty ridiculous name like "Celtics" (currently and for a loooooong time ridiculous, at least).

The Celts are a race of European orgin that is linked to both Scotland and Ireland and indeed the languages of these regions are Celtic in origin. Given the Irish history of Boston the name Celtic is highly relevant. It is a name steeped in history and believe it or not is one of the attractions of the club to many outside of the US as many of us have Celtic origins.
I for one am of Irish/Scots descent and feel that the Celtics are "my team".
In an era of gimmicky names "Thunder, Bobcats, Heat" etc the Celtics stands out as something with meaning. There are not a lot of lakes around LA but there were sure quite a few puddles from whence they came yet they kept the name to preserve the history.

[BritCelticsFan]

Hey Lyle, being from Nottingham I can empathise with you! I'm 18 and although the NBA gives me enjoyment it is really difficult to follow, with the time difference and everything. If you want any game links or anything, I'm more than willing to share.

[RAH]

Given the Irish history of Boston the name Celtic is highly relevant. It is a name steeped in history and believe it or not is one of the attractions of the club to many outside of the US as many of us have Celtic origins.
Oh, I suppose. I just think a basketball-related reason would be a better reason (liking particular players, etc), as opposed to just the name. My mother's side of my family is all Irish, so I certainly have nothing against the name or the history.

[texascelticsfan]

But why is it pronounced with a different C?


"The soft S was definitely an introduction from France. The term had possible origins in the Norman Invasion of 1066 as well as a later reinforcement after the French Revolution (1789-1799)...
No matter what the rest of us say, they always use the "Seltic" pronunciation at the Paradise Football ground in Parkhead in the east end of Glasgow when they cheer their Celtic Football Club. Similarly, the Belfast football fans call their team the Celtic, pronounced "Seltic". The term Celtic is an adjective in both cases. Never fear ... the Irish basketball fans in Boston call their team the Celtics, pronounced "Seltics", to declare their independence from the English language by creating an ungrammatically plural adjective...
It is noteworthy that British dictionaries give preference to the "K" pronunciation, and American dictionaries usually place the "S" pronunciation first."