NBA preseason: 8 intriguing teams to watch, including Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Heat

It’s October and, for some, that is the dawn of spooky season. If you’re an NBA fan, though, it means we are knocking on the door of another regular season of fun. We have gotten through media day and training camps, and gradually teams are going from practicing against each other to playing other teams. Preseason basketball is here.

I’ve always found value in the preseason. It’s the first glimpse into what teams are emphasizing and working on. It’s one thing to think about a team’s strengths and weaknesses, it’s another to see how they come together on the court. Fit, vision and opportunity are some of the biggest factors for success.

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Of course, a big part of preseason is seeing familiar faces in new places. We get to see how a team views and uses a player; how and when they are putting pressure on defenses; how much they initiate offense; how many different actions they’re involved in, etc.

Preseason is also a chance to look at rookies and young, returning players. We want to see if players have improved individually in the offseason, then see how those improvements can fit what their team is trying to do. Are they more confident in their decision-making? What opportunities will they be given to showcase that growth? How much does that impact the team?

Coaches, meanwhile, are setting their teams up for how they are going to navigate the season. Pay attention to who plays with whom in the preseason and what those lineups are trying to attack. Everyone has a plan to improve their team in the offseason, and these are the times you see what sticks and what might need a refresh.

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A few teams I am looking forward to seeing in the preseason:

Philadelphia 76ers

Although it will be tough to tell how many minutes we see LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey together, I want to see what the attempt is with this talented group. There is always a build up when it comes to installing sets, but what are the Sixers’ principles on offense? How fast do they want to get up the court? What are they flowing into after…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-preseason-8-intriguing-teams-to-watch-including-giannis-antetokounmpos-heat-160000463.html

Author : Steve Jones

Publish date : 2026-10-02 16:00:00

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