If funest was a word, it would describe these few teams who play the way we would want to play on the diamond, or on the court or field. The criteria for basketball is an uptempo style with alot of flair, but also with a crowd that plays behind you. In baseball, chicks dig the long ball, so teams that smash the ball, and have a good time doing it, are part of the list. In football, scoring points and smashing opponents is a must. In hockey, though few watch anymore, you have to be fast paced, but also rugged. Because we all like a good fight. Here is one man's look at the Funest Teams around.
7. Ottawa Senators: Possibly the most fast-paced team in the league along with Detroit, the Sens can blow past you on the wings, and the punch you in the mouth. With three of the most entertaining players in the league with Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfredsson, and Jason Spezza, the Sens are just a ball of fun. Chris Neil, the right winger who leads the team with nearly 100 penalty minutes, has no teeth in his bio pic on ESPN.com. Enough said. Watch the Sens and enjoy.
6. Indianapolis Colts: Why wouldnt it be fun to play with one of the greatest QB's to ever step on the turf. Peyton Manning doesn't always look like he's having a blast, but the rest of the team does when he is slinging the ball around. Reggie Wayne must have a great time becoming one of the greatest Wide Recievers in the game due to Manning's timing and incredible work ethic. Marvin Harrison is already there. On the defensive side, Bob Sanders will run right through you and then laugh about it. He is a monster, and fun(est) to watch. Go Colts.
5. Philadelphia Phillies: This team showed grit and determination, and had a blast doing it during the '07 season. They caught up to the failing Mets in the final week of the season, led by Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, to clinch a playoff berth for the first time in 14 years. It didn't go so well once they got there, but who cares, it was a blast just arriving. Chase Utley is a balls-out player, and Ryan Howard always has a smile on his face. Shane Victorino is the class clown, maybe one of the best in MLB in that category. Brett Myers is wild, even sometimes a little bit too much. But all in all, this team has fun. Which is what you should have when playing America's Pasttime.
4. Portland Trail Blazers: Now, they may not play the fast paced style that we have become accustomed to when talking about fun teams. However, I include them because of the blast they seem to have as a young group of kids that know how to win. They have a relatively young coach, a few young up and coming stars in Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, and LaMarcus Aldridge. They look like a team who is built to win in a few years, but in doing so, keeping up the fun level as well.
3. Phoenix Suns: These guys would normally be at the top of every fun list when putting together a group of sports teams that play fast paced, run and gun stuff. But, we are kind of used to them by now. Everyone knows about the Suns. Steve Nash is a two-time MVP, Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion are perennial all-stars too. They still play the way we all play at the gym. Run it, and gun it.
2. New England Patriots: I have fun watching, and imagine what its like to play for them. Randy Moss is probably doing Tom Brady's laundry, walking is dog, and giving him a back massage after every win for pulling him out of Oakland. I doubt that Bill Belichick brought him in withouth Brady's consent. But that's neither here nor there. What is important is the spread offense that they use to run up the scoreboard. They can also play a little bit of defense too, which gives them the ball back, which puts more points on the board. Fun, fun, for everyone.
1. Golden State Warriors: The new gold-standard for fun. Don Nelson once said "A bad shot is one that doesn't go in." He also drank beer during post-game conferences. But the fun factor soars because of the whole package that the Warriors bring. The Oracle is a high energy, blow-the-roof-off type of atmosphere that suits the team perfectly. They can put up nearly 50 points in one quarter, and do it with style. Baron Davis leads the pack of grown up kids who look like they actually enjoy playing the game. Stephen Jackson is a head case, but he is the heart and soul of the cohesive unit. All other parts seem to fit perfectly in the scheme that Nelson has provided from his days with RUN-TMC (Tim, Mitch, Chris). Its a blast, but probably better in person. Go if you have the opportunity.
Some would probably disagree that fun means running up the score and not playing defense. But the fact remains that most people would rather watch a 140-130 NBA game then a 78-72 game. It's human nature. The faster, the funer, the funest.
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