NBA preseason takeaways: What we’ve learned about all 30 teams so far

With the NBA regular season right around the corner, it’s a great time to absorb the basketball we have seen in the preseason. This is the time of year where teams are laying the foundation, understanding what they are trying to achieve and what they believe will get them there.

There are few things better in the NBA than getting off to a good start. Every year we see a team have surprising early-season success, gain more buy-in and sustain success all year long. So, what are teams trying to establish? What do they need to work on? And how much should you believe in your team (or yell at me for believing in your team)? Let’s dive into what we’ve seen so far.

Advertisement

East: Atlanta Hawks • Boston Celtics • Brooklyn Nets • Charlotte Hornets • Chicago Bulls • Cleveland Cavaliers • Detroit Pistons • Indiana Pacers • Miami Heat • Milwaukee Bucks • New York Knicks • Orlando Magic • Philadelphia 76ers • Toronto Raptors • Washington Wizards

West: Dallas Mavericks • Denver Nuggets • Golden State Warriors • Houston Rockets • LA Clippers • Los Angeles Lakers • Memphis Grizzlies • Minnesota Timberwolves • New Orleans Pelicans • Oklahoma City Thunder • Phoenix Suns • Portland Trail Blazers • Sacramento Kings • San Antonio Spurs • Utah Jazz

Atlanta Hawks

The task for the Hawks is going to be figuring out how to build on their post All-Star break run from last season. My eyes go directly to Jalen Johnson and what another leap looks like. There is a poise and composure to his game in the half-court. As important as his drives have been, watching him work to get to his spots feels like the next evolution. Developing confidence in that in-between game, being willing to mix in pull-up 3s. It will be key for him to draw more attention from defenses, but he’ll have to be able to score even when they don’t bring help and force the defense’s hand. Also, you can yell at me about spacing, but go watch Lu Dort and Dyson Daniels play defense at the same time.

Advertisement

Boston Celtics

From an on-court perspective, the move to trade Jaylen Brown felt like Boston doubling down on the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-preseason-takeaways-what-weve-learned-about-all-30-teams-so-far-184944909.html

Author : Steve Jones

Publish date : 2026-10-15 18:49:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.