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Donatelo Timoleon

WORLD CUP AND NBA COMPARISONS – EASTERN CONFERENCE



Author: Fifg / Alamy Stock Photo

We are currently witnessing a collision of two of the greatest sporting events – FIFA World Cup and NBA.


World Cup is widely regarded as the greatest sports competition, it is a battle that tests players' physical and psychological limits, leaving only one victor standing. This event takes place once every four years, with the countries that win often remembering their victory forever.


In honor of these two events taking place at the same time, I thought it would be nice to analyze the football teams of the world, and compare them to the current NBA landscape.


Atlanta Hawks- Denmark

Author: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Let's be fair, we've all expected much more from them. They are in knockout/playoff contention, but it's all looking kinda... sloppy and unconvincing.


Boston Celtics- Brazil

Author: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

One of the most successful teams in their respective competitions, both Boston and Brazil will be looking to win it all this year. After all, it's been a long time since they won a title. And that is frustrating for both since they are competing every year. Also, they are filled with both young talents and experienced vets.


Brooklyn Nets - Belgium

Author: Visionhaus/Getty Images

A star-filled team that on paper is considered strong favorites to win it all, Belgium was ranked first on official FIFA rankings from 2018 to 2022, while Nets brought in all those stars, they just had to show they can win it all. And they didn't. Reason why? Bad chemistry. Also, they are filled with older players.


Charlotte Hornets - South Korea

Author: Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images

They are depending on one man at the moment(Lamelo/Son), and if they aren't there for their team, well, the results are especially bad.


Chicago Bulls - Uruguay

Author: Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

Disappointing. But we are used to it. If that star power and potential were transmitted to another team, we would consider them title favorites. But we are just used to these two that they won't do much in their respective competitions so we aren't expecting much from them.


Cleveland Cavaliers- Portugal

Author: LEE SMITH/REUTERS

Second best ever of their sport played there and that's the thing these teams are most famous for. Let's be fair. If they didn't play there, what would you know these teams for? But, they did play there in the end, and they won some trophies.


Detroit Pistons - Ghana

Author: KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

They DO have that young star in making(Kudus/Cade), but the team around them is very much mediocre. Will they do much in their competitions, depends on the rest of the team.


Indiana Pacers- Morocco

Author: Adam Pantozzi/2022 NBAE

When talking about underdogs, somehow even with their current performances people ain't giving them the credit they deserve. No one thought they would perform as well as they do, it's only left to see how long it will last.


Miami Heat - Netherlands

Author: Rob Mieremet/Anefo/Nationaal Archief

They made finals 3 seasons/World Cups ago, they are good all around, they got a great defense, had one of the best players for them(Lebron/Cruyff).


Milwaukee Bucks - France

Author: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images

Won a title in near history, led by a talented player and MVP(or in Bucks case, it's all in one player). They are often struck with injuries but they stay strong and prove why are they competing for the title every year.


New York Knicks - Japan

Author: Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Remember when they went onto knockouts just to be bad and mid again? Me neither!

Joke aside, they can use their opponent's tiredness and weaknesses against them, but do they stand any chance anywhere? Not really.


Magic - Costa Rica

Author: Mohamed Farag/Getty Images

Everything bigger they did depended on one player(Navas/Dwight). Other than that just mid. Also, their team's best player is a great shot blocker/stopper.


Philadelphia 76ers - Cameroon

Author: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Name one Sixers accomplishment. Now name one Cameroon accomplishment.

Also Embiid.


Toronto Raptors - Croatia

Author: Cole Burston/Getty Images

They did do that big thing. Aaaand that's about it. Always in contention but not breaking any expectations. Except for that one time.


Iran - Wizards

Author: Rob Carr/Getty Images

They are somehow passing the group stage/playoffs at the moment(I am writing this before Iran vs USA game), does that mean they are good? No. But they are alright to watch since they got Beal and Iran is scoring goals.

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