Importance of your team being likable - does it matter?

[Green-18]

I will lead this by saying that I am in favor of the Kyrie trade despite having a strong attachment to IT's career.  The "little guy's" confidence, character, and resiliency made me proud to be a Celtics fan.  Part of me wanted to see him in a Celtics uniform for the rest of his career.  His genuine appreciation for Boston was great to hear about from a fan perspective.  Avery Bradley is another guy that I wanted to stick around.  I hate to see them gone but the upside of Kyrie in Brad's system is exciting to think about. 

Anyways, I am curious as to how important the likability of the Celtics(or other sports teams) is to everyone?  I don't necessarily mean likability outside of commitment to basketball and playing the right way.  Jeff Green was a nice guy that I couldn't invest in because he wasn't driven to be the best.  Personally I can't enjoy or invest the same emotion in players or teams that don't have some sort of character, grit or toughness.  There needs to be a redeeming quality that goes beyond pure talent.  That's not to say that there can't be occasional drama or issues. 

Some of the recent Red Sox teams are a perfect example of what can turn me away from my local teams.  The 2004 Lakers are another example of a team that lacked substance beyond their talent (it's also why they didn't beat the Pistons). 

Fortunately, the culture and character of this team starts with Brad Stevens.  We are extremely fortunate to have him as a coach and I have no concerns that this new group will be great for a long time.  As much as I became invested in the gritty overachievers we needed to upgrade the overall talent on our team.

[Celtics4ever]

People outside of NE often hate the Celtics but they have their followers too.  Like me.

I think likability helps with marketing and selling products.   On the court, I don't think it makes one bit of difference and I have always liked chippy guys rather than the I love everyone guys.

[Green-18]

People outside of NE often hate the Celtics but they have their followers too.  Like me.

I think likability helps with marketing and selling products.   On the court, I don't think it makes one bit of difference and I have always liked chippy guys rather than the I love everyone guys.

I'm with you when it comes to chippy guys.  I don't care about likable players off the basketball court.  As long as they clearly aren't terrible people then it's more about the commitment to basketball that matters as a fan.

[Greyman]

I like that most of the sporting teams I support are disliked by other fans (though often respected for their approach). The Big 3 era Celtics were like this. Tough on defence with an in your face attitude. The old cliche saying - your hate makes us stronger - has some truth to it.

I wouldn't say my team being disliked matters greatly but I prefer it. Along with the respect they get from opposition players and fans for grinding out success.

[wdleehi]

Winning has a strong effect on likeability. 

(See Kobe)

[Green-18]

I like that most of the sporting teams I support are disliked by other fans (though often respected for their approach). The Big 3 era Celtics were like this. Tough on defence with an in your face attitude. The old cliche saying - your hate makes us stronger - has some truth to it.

I wouldn't say my team being disliked matters greatly but I prefer it. Along with the respect they get from opposition players and fans for grinding out success.

I think I did a poor job of writing my initial post.  I could care less about likability outside of the core fan base.  I was trying to say that my teams need to have likable qualities in order for me to invest emotionally on a high level.  The David Price, Jackie Bradley, and Eckersley drama was a huge turn off for me on the Red Sox.  I also got sick of the ownership and I am no longer the same die hard fan that I was in the past.  The young players have been fun to watch recently but I can't fake emotional investment.  It's not the same for me as it used to be.

[moiso]

It matters to me.  I don't care what the perception is everywhere in the country but I want to like the guys on the Celtics.  The team of the last few years was very likable to me.  I hope this new team continues to be likable.

[Green-18]

Winning has a strong effect on likeability. 

(See Kobe)

Absolutely true.  However, I always have certain teams that I hold a higher attachment to than others.  For example, the 2013 Celtics have always been a favorite of mine.  Ray Allen and Paul Pierce fought through injuries throughout the playoffs.  Rondo elevated his game to a new level against Miami.  KG turned back the clock 3 or 4 years.  Avery Bradley emerged as a great contributor until he separated both shoulders over and over again.  Our injuries caught up with us but we still took the Miami Heat to the brink of elimination.  The playoff run was ugly in a beautiful way.  A lot of fans will forget about this team but I value memories like this in Sports.  It makes me proud to be a Celtics fan.

[Celtics4ever]

Quote
Winning has a strong effect on likeability. 

Very true. TP

[Rosco917]

I'm sure not everyone in Detroit liked the "Bad Boy" Pistons, after a few rings few admitted it.

[Eja117]

Depends on whether they commit crimes and whatnot

[jpotter33]

Quote
Winning has a strong effect on likeability. 

Very true. TP

Eh, yeah, that's true to a degree. But I'll say this - personally I enjoyed the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 Celtics much more than last year's Celtics, even though last year they were a much better offensive team with many more wins.

I liked the underdog team that played scrappy D and didn't take crap from anyone. For much of last season I couldn't stand how that team played basketball, between the lackluster D and the constant chucking of threes. That's one of the reasons why that 2012 Celtics team is one of my all-time favorites.

[jpotter33]

Winning has a strong effect on likeability. 

(See Kobe)

Absolutely true.  However, I always have certain teams that I hold a higher attachment to than others.  For example, the 2013 Celtics have always been a favorite of mine.  Ray Allen and Paul Pierce fought through injuries throughout the playoffs.  Rondo elevated his game to a new level against Miami.  KG turned back the clock 3 or 4 years.  Avery Bradley emerged as a great contributor until he separated both shoulders over and over again.  Our injuries caught up with us but we still took the Miami Heat to the brink of elimination.  The playoff run was ugly in a beautiful way.  A lot of fans will forget about this team but I value memories like this in Sports.  It makes me proud to be a Celtics fan.

I think you mean the 2011-2012 team. Yeah, that was definitely one of my all-time favorite teams, too.

[droopdog7]

Irrelevant.

Unless you have a team full of serial killers (and even then it's a maybe), fans will find reasons for liking the team and the players.  KG was borderline dispicable in some ways, but he was a Celtic so most fans loved him and his antics.