A perfect Pokémon picking for 30 NBA teams, based on history and identity

A different kind of matchup

The comparisons focus on each team’s overall vibe, not a direct match between a franchise mascot and a Pokémon. The writer says the original 151 Pokémon were the only choices, leaving out later generations.

That limit means some teams may not have a perfect counterpart. The writer notes that the San Antonio Spurs and Deoxys could have been an easy pairing, but Deoxys is outside the chosen group.

Hawks take the Spearow role

The Atlanta Hawks are paired with Spearow partly because both are birds. The comparison also reflects the writer’s view that neither is central to the wider story at the moment.

The piece allows that the Hawks could make the playoffs and that Spearow can evolve into Fearow. For now, though, it presents both as possibilities for another time.

Celtics match Venusaur

The Boston Celtics’ history and green identity make Venusaur the suggested match. The Pokémon is green, evolves from Bulbasaur and was the box mascot for Pokémon Green.

Nets compared with Slowpoke

The Brooklyn Nets are matched with Slowpoke over what the writer calls poor decision-making. The franchise is facing a long rebuilding process and does not have its first-round pick this year.

The story connects that situation to the Nets’ repeated attempts to build win-now superteams. It describes the coming year as difficult for the team.