NBA preseason takeaways: Reasons for optimism for all 30 teams

We are mere days from the start of the NBA regular season (finally) and we can say our fond goodbyes to the preseason. Before the games start to count in the standings and the true fun begins, we figured it would be a good time to take a look at what’s gone down over the past couple of weeks.

We’ve seen early season starts turn into sustained regular-season success in the past, and something that stands out early could be there for the long haul. Which teams got better? Which teams have work to do? What do you need to know before you (potentially) stop believing in your team? I’ve got it covered for you. Let’s break it down by division.

Jump to: Atlantic • Central • Southeast • Northwest • Pacific • Southwest

Ahead of Year 2 in New York, Karl-Anthony Towns showed hints of a smoother fit in the preseason.

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Atlantic Division

New York Knicks

All eyes have been on the offensive process as the Knicks have turned down the play calls to focus on quick decisions and flow offensively. Building that base should open up things for the entire roster and prepare them for when teams start switching in the regular season. Speaking of, it’s been interesting to see how willing the Knicks have been to switch Karl-Anthony Towns onto guards when he is paired with Mitchell Robinson.

Boston Celtics

The takeaway from Boston has less to do with pure X’s and O’s and the fact that Joe Mazzulla is a mad man. Giving him a roster full of players getting an opportunity to shine with lowered expectations could lead to surprising results. Jaylen Brown has been waiting for this specific opportunity, Payton Pritchard is always ready, and the Celtics can rotate all sorts of bigs who can pop and roll. It’s clear they will compete every night.

Philadelphia 76ers

It’s somewhat cloudy in Philadelphia as the Sixers wait for the returns of Joel Embiid and Paul George. The positive has been an emphasis on drive and kick in the half-court, taking advantage of the speed of Tyrese Maxey, the potential of VJ Edgecombe and their wings. The key will be what happens when teams are able to keep the ball in front consistently, but I imagine that’s when you’re happy you have Embiid.

Toronto Raptors

Brandon Ingram’s ability to get to his spot in the midrange and for 3 has a lot of value for this offense. Combine that with playing through Jakob Poeltl and committing to run screening actions on both sides is a good way to emphasize the talent in their starting lineup.

Brooklyn Nets

This is the part of the program where I am supposed to talk about the incoming draft class or the defensive effort. I will decline. Give me Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr. in a scenario where they will be used in different situations and look to let it fly at all times. Stepbacks, fadeaways, let’s have some fun. I stand on this, and you know you’re a little intrigued.

Central Division

Cleveland Cavaliers

The two-way impact Lonzo Ball brings to the table has flown off the screen in the preseason. It fits right in with what Cleveland does well. He can (and will) defend multiple positions, which adds to the Cavs’ lineup versatility. His drives and passing ability boost an up-tempo and free-flowing offensive attack. Cleveland has also been committed to moving De’Andre Hunter around the floor and flowing into guards screening for Evan Mobley to get him in the paint.

Milwaukee Bucks

The variety of ways Giannis Antetokounmpo is being used feels like it’s fully matching his versatile skill set. He’s been pushing in transition, receiving a screen with an empty side, being used as a screener or even hitting Myles Turner at the elbow and cutting. The intent in the spacing feels more grounded, and it highlights Giannis’ ability to read defenses and pass once he sees help. The Bucks will have to knock down shots for it to work.

Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham was fourth in the NBA in drives per game last year (17.1) and appears ready to make another leap. While he’s known for — brace for it — “playing at his own pace” (sorry), he’s looking to attack in transition, change speeds in pick-and-rolls, and stay in control to get to his spots. The more attention he draws from defenses, the more things open for Detroit.

Indiana Pacers

It may look a little different, but there’s no denying the Pacers are still going to be the Pacers. That ball is still going to fly around, and it does not hurt that Bennedict Mathurin appears ready offensively. That active defense that helped them make a Finals run is also now something that has to hit at a higher and more consistent level to help them get out in transition.

Chicago Bulls

Matas Buzelis looks like an even more confident driver, with zero hesitation to turn the corner and attack drop defense. If the 3-point shot can stay consistent, he seems primed for a breakout season. Ayo Dosunmu also played with a high level of confidence all preseason long, so keep an eye on his speed in the half-court.

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks

With the additions of Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, how will the Hawks try to build things offensively around Trae Young? The No. 1 thing that has leaped off the screen is the team working to involve Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels more in the half-court. Allowing them to initiate actions takes pressure off Young from having to start every possession. It opens the door for the ball to move from side to side and keeps everyone involved offensively. With Porziņģis’ ability to space, if either Johnson or Daniels drives and forces the defense to help, now it’s — checks notes — Young who can receive a pass on the perimeter and catch and shoot, or drive against closeouts. Ask yourself how many times you’ve seen that from the Hawks over the last couple of years. I’ll wait.

Orlando Magic

The Magic finished 27th in offensive rating last year (108.9) and 30th in pace, and preseason has shown they would like to improve both of those marks. The addition of Desmond Bane has unlocked more movement and misdirection in their half-court sets. Orlando has really worked to try and clear space for drives in the half-court. It’s been more consistent cuts from the wing, exchanges or fake pindowns to try to clear room for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to drive.

Miami Heat

Yes, the Heat want to play faster (shocking news for a team during the preseason), but how they go about it is where the fun could begin. Having both Nikola Jović and Bam Adebayo, who can grab a rebound and push it themselves, should help them get the ball across half-court much quicker. Adebayo has been very decisive with his attacks in the preseason.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards project to be a youthful, exuberant group of bucket-getters, which leads me to one of my favorite preseason stats so far. Through their first two games of the preseason, the Wizards had 79 made field goals and 52 total assists, which is an encouraging sign that they can string things together. Keep an eye on Year 2 of Alex Sarr. The drives feel stronger and he’s looking to hit first when he catches it on the short roll.

Charlotte Hornets

Multiple ball-handlers bringing the ball up the floor is a good way for the Hornets to flow into their offense a little easier. Brandon Miller has been (trying) to drive. Kon Knueppel just feels like a good glue piece for them and does a little bit of everything. I remain intrigued by the Collin Sexton drives and how his mindset affects the competitive level of the Hornets.

Northwest Division

Oklahoma City Thunder

Breaking news: The Thunder are still very good at basketball. For all the “dynasty” talk, Mark Daigneault has built this team to play with aggression and confidence, and to trust the work and muscles it has built. The second unit showcased a high level of comfort offensively, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went 15-of-19 from the field in his first two preseason games, and the Thunder reminded us of the multiple defensive lineups they can cycle through to make life tough on opponents. The Thunder are not going away.

Denver Nuggets

The wrinkle of playing Nikola Jokić and Jonas Valančiūnas together has been interesting to watch. Running Jokić off flares and pindowns is not new, but having two bigs you can run action with is a new wrinkle. Scenarios where Jokić can pop while Valančiūnas rolls or the ability to just space Jokić are interesting. The Nuggets working on a 2-3 zone to have in their back pocket should serve them long term. The best news is Jamal Murray’s back to playing with aggression offensively; always watch his drives and that will tell you his mindset.

Minnesota Timberwolves

More movement for Anthony Edwards, Minnesota working to find more space for him to operate and shifting him around the court feel like priorities. Edwards post-ups should force defenses to send help in a different way and allow him to attack different matchups. He can likely get to his shot even if the defense shows early help. Edwards is difficult to guard when he goes with a quick burst and attacks.

Portland Trail Blazers

Jrue Holiday has helped stabilize the Blazers on both ends of the floor and the defense goes without saying, but offensively we’ve seen him keep them organized and keep the ball moving. This is good for their bigs, and it can also open the door for their wings to come off screens and turn the corner and attack (looking at you, Shaedon Sharpe). Yang Hansen is an incredibly fun basketball player to watch, and, yes, the drives got me, too.

Utah Jazz

The off-ball actions from the Jazz have remained a staple, and Will Hardy has worked to make sure this offense maintains flow. That should open up drives for their young guards and shots for their wings. That mindset has helped Ace Bailey get to his spots naturally and make reads in space. It will take time to build consistency, but they will be an entertaining offense if they stay committed.

Pacific Division

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have experimented with more drop defense from their bigs, working to trust their defense to send ball-handlers a certain direction or even slide under. If they can navigate and stay out of rotation, it could give them a stronger base. It’s a positive to see more elbow action and pindowns to create movement in the half-court.

Golden State Warriors

The improvisational plays that Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and now Al Horford can create are something. My mind goes back to the Blazers trying to pressure Curry full-court. Draymond flashes near half-court. Butler goes to screen Curry and slips. Ball goes right to Draymond, right to Butler and out to Horford for 3. The IQ of that lineup is going to keep pressure on defenses.

LA Clippers

The basketball IQ of the second unit with Chris Paul, Nic Batum, John Collins and Brook Lopez should not be slept on. Both Collins and Lopez can be spaced or involved in pick-and-rolls as screeners. Paul’s ability to diagnose defenses and get the ball where it needs to be will steady the ship. Added lineup versatility and a level of depth could make this team dangerous if it can stay healthy.

Phoenix Suns

Full-court pressure featuring Dillon Brooks and Ryan Dunn feels like a recipe for this to be a (potentially) annoying team in the West. That defensive base is something the Suns will have to continue to grow as the year unfolds. If you look at the Suns on the offensive end, keep an eye on the different ways they look to use Devin Booker and how much they lean on guard/guard screens.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings are going to have to work to find ways to keep opposing defenses out of the paint this year. Domantas Sabonis has been more willing to shoot 3s in the preseason, and Zach LaVine has been a willing driver, but defenses are showing a lot of help if DeMar DeRozan gets a post-up and Dennis Schröder in the pick-and-roll is getting unders. They have to unlock the offense.

Southwest Divison

Houston Rockets

The continued emergence of Amen Thompson feels like a lock. He has increased confidence to let it fly from 3, and Houston is running more high pick-and-roll to let him attack in space. If defenses go under or give him a gap, he’s using his athleticism to eat the space and get in the paint. Jabari Smith Jr. has had the right mindset, Ime Udoka continues to mix in double-big lineups (with a side of zone), Alperen Şengün has gotten better, and the Rockets can always remind you they have Kevin Durant.

San Antonio Spurs

I’ve covered the Wemby of it all, but the growth of Stephon Castle in Year 2 starts with what feels like more composed play — knowing when and how to change speeds, seeing help defense and getting off the ball. He’s willing to let it fly from 3, but is also capable of stampeding right through that kick and drive to the paint. The high pick-and-roll showcases his speed with a touch of deceleration at the end.

Dallas Mavericks

The size Dallas can utilize stands. Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II should be able to produce defensively. Dallas is not a team that can rely solely on the pick-and-roll as it has in the past. The Mavs need to add more movement and elbow catches for their bigs to cut. As for Flagg, watching him bring the ball up and go right into a post-up with an empty side has been a fun development.

Memphis Grizzlies

The picture can’t be complete until both Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are back, but you can see how the Grizzlies want to build around those two: multiple playmakers to get to second-side actions and playing through JJJ at the top of the key to see how the defense reacts. One thing is clear: The porous defense from the preseason cannot be the same defense in the regular season.

New Orleans Pelicans

There are two things that have stood out to me from Zion Williamson in the preseason: The passes have been on time and on target, and the Pelicans will need that as Zion has the ball more. Williamson does not care about you going under in the pick-and-roll. He just takes the space and looks to hit first. The defense will have to hold up, and activity has led to some fun moments on the weak side, but the Pelicans need more.