I chose how most of the people here suggested. Some of the teams I watch are based on a certain player or players, and some are the local team.
There's no reason why you have to pick your local team if you don't want to. It's usually that way for some because it's more convenient to go to games and the stations tend to show the local team more. However, I would really suggest you watch a few games if you have the time. That's how I learned about certain players and therefore, how I picked that team.
In the case of hockey, I really owe that to television. I honestly don't think I would be as big of a hockey fan as I am now if it wasn't for watching games on television. I remember turning on the television at like 2 A.M. in the morning and watching Wayne Gretzky and the Kings take on some opponent I don't even remember now. There was also that time some eight, nine, ten years ago when I was flipping through channels and happened to land on the Dallas vs. Chicago game.
If you happen to not pick the local team as your favorite, you'll have to be prepared to take some heat from the local fans, especially if the game is big or if the team is a rival. I'm prepared to take some criticism on Wednesday, when the local Dallas Mavericks take on San Antonio.
Seeing how you live in Florida, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
(Florida State vs. Miami in college football)