NBA Preseason Insights: What We've Discovered About All 30 Teams So Far

With the NBA regular season approaching, it's a good moment to reflect on the preseason action. Teams are setting their foundations, figuring out strategies and goals. Early success often builds momentum that lasts throughout the year. Let's explore what each team has shown so far.

Eastern Conference

• Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks aim to build on their strong post-All-Star break performance from last season. Jalen Johnson’s development is intriguing, showing calmness in half-court sets and a growing pull-up three-point game. Defensive spacing with Lu Dort and Dyson Daniels playing together is notable.
• Boston Celtics: Trading Jaylen Brown signaled Boston’s focus on quicker actions and more fluid ball movement. A healthier Jayson Tatum looks decisive again, while Paul George’s versatility and the active defense make it tough for opponents to penetrate. Joe Mazzulla may soon experiment with Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta together.
• Brooklyn Nets: Brooklyn continues its youth movement with promising performances from Mikel Brown Jr., Nolan Traoré’s shooting, Egor Dëmin attacking downhill, and Noah Clowney's two-way activity. Julius Randle’s half-court drives and playmaking stand out, already recording nine assists in one half.
• Charlotte Hornets: Depth is key for Charlotte as they seek to build on last season. Naz Reid’s ability to attack switches and Brandon Miller’s confident drives are important. Moussa Diabate’s relentless effort on both ends stands out as the Hornets look to generate offense in a competitive league.
• Chicago Bulls: The Bulls have experimented with personnel, showcasing Tiago Splitter’s screening work and staggered back screens creating driving lanes. Buddy Hield’s off-ball movement and Leonard Miller’s contributions have been exciting, despite concerns about size.
• Cleveland Cavaliers: Peyton Watson’s defensive potential shines even if his shot-making is developing. The Cavs are mixing up elbow actions for Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, with Harden rediscovering midrange shots. Larger lineups including Mario Hezonja add size and versatility.
• Detroit Pistons: Detroit has added shooters and emphasized ball and player movement with pindowns, flares, and handoffs. Cade Cunningham’s ability to attract defensive attention is central, while Ausar Thompson shows confidence driving to preferred spots.
• Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton’s return brings flow and offensive initiation. Ivica Zubac’s impact on both ends is vital, especially how he navigates screening and defensive coverage disguises. Consistent rotations could propel the Pacers forward.
• Miami Heat: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence creates constant defensive pressure. His use as an on-ball screener combined with Klay Thompson’s rolls opens up chances. Andrew Wiggins benefits from generated shots, while Miami’s mix of switches, drops, and zones will be crucial.
• Milwaukee Bucks: Nearly half of the Bucks’ shots come from three-point range, reflecting modern trends. Brayden Burries’ aggression and Nate Ament’s energy before injury have been positives. Coach Taylor Jenkins faces the task of shaping identity amid slow offense and defensive lapses.
• New York Knicks: The Knicks appear focused on reestablishing their movement-based offense and defensive principles. Their second unit shows promise with Andre Drummond anchoring defense and operating effectively in handoffs.
• Orlando Magic: Orlando pushes for faster tempo and quicker decisions, emphasizing ball movement to free wings Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Guards dive into Stack pick-and-rolls to create advantages. Rising players like Tristan da Silva and Jase Richardson add depth, but defense must improve.
• Philadelphia 76ers: Small sample size so far, but the Sixers reveal spacing designed to maximize LeBron James’ playmaking at the elbow and Joel Embiid’s short roll. Tyrese Maxey’s off-ball speed and scoring add pace. LeBron and Embiid anchor the half-court offense with multiple pressure points.
• Toronto Raptors: Kawhi Leonard’s return brings new options offensively, especially off pindowns and off-ball screens. Defensively, the Raptors are intense with Scottie Barnes and Leonard applying pressure and rotating actively. Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett contribute strongly on both ends.
• Washington Wizards: Trae Young and Anthony Davis bring a mix of urgency and confidence, enabling easy starts to possessions with pick-and-rolls. Young’s downhill drives and passing open opportunities. Young talents AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, and Bilal Coulibaly add energy and aggression.

Western Conference

• Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks emphasize spacing and cutting when Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving share the floor. Actions run on both sides challenge defenses, allowing Irving and Flagg to read and react freely. Smaller lineups with many wings could be a strategic advantage.
• Denver Nuggets: Denver’s starting lineup reminds of its high potential, led by Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić, who dazzled with a behind-the-back pass. Aaron Gordon’s offensive growth remains valuable, while Cam Johnson and DeMar DeRozan provide steady scoring and playmaking.
• Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg impresses with drives, three-point shooting, hustle, and defensive effort. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remain the core, but the Warriors need to evolve toward consistent regular-season success and playoff hopes.
• Houston Rockets: Marcus Smart fits Houston’s needs with on-ball playmaking, easing pressure on Reed Sheppard. Fred VanVleet helps organize half-court offense. The Rockets push pace and shoot threes but face tempo control challenges. Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün’s decision-making could be key alongside Kevin Durant’s impact.
• LA Clippers: Injuries keep affecting the Clippers. Darius Garland shows no hesitation offensively, but the defense lacks consistency. Keaton Wagler’s ups and downs and Brook Lopez’s drives are focal points, along with Kris Dunn’s defense.
• Los Angeles Lakers: Luka Dončić adds pre-pick-and-roll movement to increase pressure. Austin Reaves looks more confident creating offense. Sandro Mamukelashvili spaces the floor at power forward and center. Walker Kessler’s defensive timing and screening boost the team. JJ Redick expresses clear belief in this roster’s potential.
• Memphis Grizzlies: Memphis executes offense more naturally this year. Cameron Boozer’s versatility shines, whether posting up or running flare screens. Ty Jerome’s stepback jumper has impressed. The team appears clear on its goals and attack style.
• Minnesota Timberwolves: The starting lineup’s chemistry is a highlight, with LaMelo Ball’s fast passes enhancing offense. Anthony Edwards plays more off-ball, while Jaden McDaniels maintains aggressive play. Jonathan Kuminga’s defense stands out. The group might gel sooner than expected.
• New Orleans Pelicans: Talent abounds, but how it all fits remains uncertain. Questions about a central focus, defensive capabilities, and maximizing Zion Williamson’s strengths linger. Trey Murphy III’s talent is notable. The team’s challenge is sustaining performance across entire games.
• Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Williams is back with impactful drives and defense. Young players Aday Mara and Jared McCain show readiness. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing more off-ball, increasing sudden offensive attacks and possibly adding another passing dimension.
• Phoenix Suns: The Suns look to build on last year by involving Jalen Green more. His balance of scoring and playmaking works best on the move, through dribble handoffs and pass-and-cut actions.
• Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard’s return is seamless; he can play off-ball and lighten his ball-handling duties. Guard combinations with Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson have been entertaining. Scoot’s improved jump shot and Jrue’s versatility promise strong guard play. Three-guard lineups could be tested.
• Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr. has ample room to score, aided by Domantas Sabonis’ screens and handoffs. Ben Simmons returns looking spry and confident, with moves like spin moves and midrange stepbacks still in his repertoire.
• San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs started Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper together, showing offensive promise. Harper shoots confidently, Castle excels downhill with strong passing, and Fox seeks to silence critics after the Finals. Victor Wembanyama’s athleticism is remarkable, raising questions about his continued growth.
• Utah Jazz: Coach Will Hardy empowers offensive roles, with Lauri Markkanen’s mobility and emerging chemistry among Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, and others. Jaren Jackson Jr. benefits from space to attack. The Jazz even began preseason using zone defense, aiming to disrupt opponents.