[nicejobman!]

I’m new to following basketball and am wondering if people know the names of all players for every team or just the names of the players of the team they follow and the big names of other teams?

[peakybees]

Usually it starts with a player or team, then you gradually start to learn more players and teams. Playing fantasy also helps 

[lrcrane]

Start off with a team to follow. You'll learn which player does well and which player torches your team real quick.

Youngish teams = Mavs, Pelicans, Wolves, Hawks, Suns, Thunder

Darkhorse teams = Blazers, Nuggets, Celtics, Clippers, Sixers, Nets

Bandwagon teams = Lakers, Warriors (currently injured)

Also, play fantasy league (bet $$$ if you want to really take things seriously and learn names the hard way).

[Kevooon23]

You typically learn their names as you watch. Younger teams mentioned above can be fun to watch since they play with more energy.