NBA Preseason Insights: What We've Learned About All 30 Teams

Eastern Conference Teams

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks aim to build on their strong finish after the All-Star break last season. Jalen Johnson's growth is key; his calm play in the half-court and developing pull-up threes could draw more defensive attention. Watching Lu Dort and Dyson Daniels defend together highlights their promising spacing challenges.

Boston Celtics

Trading Jaylen Brown signaled Boston's commitment to faster plays and constant ball movement. A healthier Jayson Tatum looks sharp, and Paul George's versatile positioning complements the Celtics' active defense that aggressively guards the paint. Coach Joe Mazzulla might soon try Mitchell Robinson alongside Neemias Queta, which will be interesting to watch.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets continue pushing youth development. Mikel Brown Jr. made quick scoring impacts, while Nolan Traoré impresses with shooting and speed. Egor Dëmin attacks more aggressively, and Noah Clowney remains active defensively while knocking down threes. Julius Randle’s playmaking is vital, exemplified by his preseason assists and hustle plays with Michael Porter Jr.

Charlotte Hornets

Depth defines the Hornets’ approach as they seek to build on last year. Naz Reid's ability to drive and beat switches stands out, while Brandon Miller's assertiveness on drives needs to evolve into leadership. Moussa Diabate consistently impacts both ends of the floor. The team must find ways to generate offense effectively against prepared defenses.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls experiment with lineups, sometimes appearing short on big players. Tiago Splitter influences offensive schemes through creative screening, creating lanes for Norman Powell and Caleb Wilson. Leonard Miller’s efforts have been noticeable, with Jalen Smith stretching floor spacing and facilitating driving opportunities for teammates.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Peyton Watson’s defense shows promise, even if his shooting is still developing. His ability to switch and rotate eases pressure on the Cavs’ defense. Offensively, the team increases elbow actions involving Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. Larger lineups incorporating Mario Hezonja and staggered bigs offer flexibility, while Harden’s midrange game makes a comeback.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons added shooters and focus on ball and player movement to open scoring chances. They emphasize quicker decisions and various off-ball screens to exploit Cade Cunningham’s defensive attention. Ausar Thompson shows confidence attacking specific court spots rather than settling for what defenses allow.

Indiana Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton’s return restores flow and pace. Ivica Zubac adds value on both ends, offering screening and passing options. Defensively, how Zubac adjusts coverage will be crucial. Consistency in rotations could propel the Pacers forward this season.

Miami Heat

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence stretches defenses and creates space, complementing Miami’s drive-and-kick style. Using Giannis as an on-ball screener and leveraging pindown plays boosts options for Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. How Miami blends switching, drop coverage, and zones will shape their defense.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks take many shots from beyond the arc—137 of 275 field goals so far. Whether this is intentional or situational, they need to develop ways to apply offensive pressure and share scoring. Brayden Burries’ aggression and Nate Ament’s energy before injury stand out as positive signs.

New York Knicks

The Knicks focus on reestablishing team movement and cutting on offense, while reinforcing defensive principles. Andre Drummond anchors the defense effectively and operates well within handoff actions. The second unit has been uneven but shows potential.

Orlando Magic

The Magic pursue faster tempo and decision-making, emphasizing ball movement to free Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Guards often dive into screen plays, helping wings find space. Rising players like Tristan da Silva and Jase Richardson add depth, but defense must improve to sustain success.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers’ small sample shows a spacious lineup built around LeBron James and Joel Embiid. LeBron’s playmaking opens scoring for Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Fast breaks and throw-ahead passes feature prominently. Their defense still needs refinement to support this offense.

Toronto Raptors

Kawhi Leonard’s return unlocks new offensive options through screens and off-ball roles. Defensively, the Raptors bring intense pressure with Scottie Barnes and Kawhi often disrupting plays. Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett contribute solidly on both ends, while Collin Murray-Boyles works on his three-point shooting.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards display surprising confidence with Trae Young and Anthony Davis leading pick-and-rolls. Young’s aggressive drives and passing create opportunities for others. Young talents AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, and Bilal Coulibaly inject energy and provide chances for growth.

Western Conference Teams

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks emphasize spacing and cutting, especially when Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving play together. They run plays on both court sides to challenge defenses and let Irving and Flagg read reactions, hoping to maximize their unique skills. Smaller lineups with multiple wings may become a feature.

Denver Nuggets

Denver’s starting five reminds us of their strength. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić remain central, with moments like Jokić’s behind-the-back pass showing his skill. Aaron Gordon’s offensive growth last season was significant, and Cam Johnson is more confident attacking shots. DeMar DeRozan provides reliable scoring off the bench.

Golden State Warriors

Yaxel Lendeborg has made noticeable impacts, adding drive and outside shooting. His hustle, especially diving for loose balls, energizes the Warriors. If he improves defensively, it could elevate the team that relies heavily on Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Finding consistent regular-season success is their challenge.

Houston Rockets

Marcus Smart fits Houston’s needs well with his on-ball skills, easing Reed Sheppard’s playmaking duties. Fred VanVleet’s return stabilizes half-court sets. The Rockets are pushing pace and taking more threes, balancing speed with control. Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün’s decision-making could prove pivotal alongside Kevin Durant’s continued impact.

LA Clippers

Injuries have affected the Clippers, yet Darius Garland looks ready to surpass past levels with confident offense. Questions remain about the supporting cast and defensive consistency. Keaton Wagler’s offensive highs and lows, Brook Lopez’s drives, and Kris Dunn’s defense stand out as variables.

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Dončić adds pressure with off-ball movement before pick-and-rolls. Austin Reaves grows in confidence breaking down defenses. Sandro Mamukelashvili spaces the floor at center and power forward. Walker Kessler’s defensive timing strengthens the Lakers, and his screening can boost offense. JJ Redick believes in this roster’s defensive potential, especially when Dončić or Reaves are on the court.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies execute offense more naturally this year. Cameron Boozer’s versatility impresses whether posting up or running flares. His passing opens opportunities when teams help. Ty Jerome’s controlled stepbacks could win hearts. The team’s clear plan and execution show progress.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves’ starting lineup feels comfortable and lively. LaMelo Ball’s fast-paced passing adds a fresh dynamic. Anthony Edwards thrives off-ball through handoffs and screens, reducing his workload with the ball. Jaden McDaniels stays aggressive and productive. Jonathan Kuminga’s defensive effort stands out, with chemistry forming faster than expected.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans carry abundant talent, though questions remain about cohesion. Zion Williamson’s role must balance with team flow. Trey Murphy III’s skills require fuller utilization. While exciting lineups exist, sustaining performance over full games is the challenge.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Jalen Williams shines with aggressive drives and defense. Youngsters Aday Mara and Jared McCain show readiness to step up. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plays more off-ball, opening movement and sudden attacks. If his passing reads sharpen further, the Thunder gain a new dimension.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns look to improve last season with more involvement from Jalen Green. His best moments come moving and receiving dribble handoffs or cut passes, blending scoring and playmaking to maintain pressure.

Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard’s return boosts Portland’s offense without overwhelming him. He operates effectively off-ball, enabling more team movement. Micah Nori experiments with guard combos including Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson. Portland promises solid guard play across full games, with potential for three-guard lineups.

Sacramento Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. has freedom to score, aided by Domantas Sabonis’ screens and handoffs. Ben Simmons returns confident and spry, continuing his signature moves including spins and midrange shots.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs start Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper together, exploring if all can shine offensively simultaneously. Harper is fearless with space, Castle excels driving and passing, and Fox aims to silence Finals critics. Victor Wembanyama dazzled with a coast-to-coast left-handed dunk after a made basket, raising excitement about his potential improvement.

Utah Jazz

Coach Will Hardy empowers Utah’s young, versatile squad offensively. Lauri Markkanen’s shifting positions anchor their attack. Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson show budding chemistry. Jaren Jackson Jr. gains space to drive from perimeter. The Jazz’s preseason zone defense hints at a disruptive style to test opponents.