As the NBA gears up for the 2024/25 season, excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high. The preseason is a crucial time for teams, coaches, and players alike, offering a glimpse into the potential storylines, roster dynamics, and playing styles that will shape the upcoming regular season. While it may not carry the intensity or stakes of the regular season or playoffs, the preseason provides invaluable insights and opportunities that can heavily influence the months to come.
This article dives deep into everything about the NBA preseason for the 2024/25 season—from the role of the preseason, key matchups, player performances, and emerging storylines to watch out for.
1. The Purpose of NBA Preseason
A Time for Experimentation
The NBA preseason is a four- to six-game period where teams experiment with their lineups, integrate new players, and make adjustments to their strategies. Coaches use the preseason as a testing ground for rotations, tactics, and on-court chemistry. With new rookies, offseason trades, and free-agent signings, the preseason becomes a platform to see how these fresh elements fit into the system.
In the 2024/25 season, many teams have undergone significant changes. For instance, the Milwaukee Bucks landed Damian Lillard in a blockbuster trade, forming a dynamic duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Fans are eager to see how this pairing will perform and what kind of offense head coach Adrian Griffin will build around their combined talents.
Evaluating Rookies and Young Talent
The NBA Draft plays a crucial role in reshaping teams every season, and preseason games are the first opportunity to see top rookies in action. In 2024, all eyes are on Cameron Boozer, the No. 1 overall pick, who was selected by the San Antonio Spurs. The preseason will give Boozer a chance to showcase his skills against NBA-level competition, and the Spurs coaching staff will closely monitor his integration into the team’s system.
Beyond top picks, preseason games are an opportunity for undrafted players and lesser-known prospects to prove they deserve a spot on the roster. Coaches often give extended minutes to young talent during these games, helping them gauge which players can contribute meaningfully during the regular season.
Testing New Strategies
Teams also use the preseason to experiment with new strategies and playing styles. For example, coaches may try out new defensive schemes, such as zone defenses, or faster-paced offenses based on ball movement and spacing. This experimentation phase can provide insights into the evolving identity of a team for the new season.
The 2024/25 season will also see the debut of several new head coaches, including Ime Udoka with the Houston Rockets and Nick Nurse with the Philadelphia 76ers. Their respective teams will use the preseason to adjust to new systems and philosophies, preparing for the challenges of the regular season.
2. Key Matchups and Games to Watch
While the stakes of the preseason may not be as high as the regular season, certain matchups carry significant intrigue. Some notable preseason games to look forward to include:
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns
The Lakers and Suns matchup is expected to be a star-studded affair, with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the newly acquired Jrue Holiday facing off against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Both teams have championship aspirations for the 2024/25 season, and the preseason could provide a sneak peek into how these lineups stack up against each other.
2. Denver Nuggets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, will clash with the retooled Milwaukee Bucks. This game will feature a heavyweight showdown between Nikola Jokić, the two-time MVP, and the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Fans are eager to see how the Bucks’ revamped roster will fare against the reigning champions, setting the stage for potential Finals contention later in the season.
3. San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
This game is notable because it pits the No. 1 overall pick Cameron Boozer against rising star Chet Holmgren, who missed the entire 2023/24 season due to injury. Both young big men are expected to be future cornerstones of their respective franchises, making this matchup one to watch closely.
3. Emerging Storylines for the 2024/25 Season
1. The Damian Lillard-Giannis Antetokounmpo Partnership
One of the biggest storylines heading into the 2024/25 season is the new pairing of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. The Bucks acquired Lillard in a trade to bolster their offensive firepower and support Giannis in his quest for a second NBA championship. The preseason will offer a first look at how Lillard’s perimeter shooting and playmaking ability blend with Giannis’ dominant inside presence.
2. Can the Denver Nuggets Repeat?
The Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship in franchise history in 2024, and now the question is whether they can repeat. Nikola Jokić remains the centerpiece of the team, but role players like Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Jamal Murray will need to step up to maintain their championship form. The preseason will be an early indicator of the Nuggets’ hunger and readiness to defend their title.
3. Victor Wembanyama’s Sophomore Leap
After a stellar rookie season, Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is poised for a breakout sophomore campaign. His unique combination of size, mobility, and shooting touch has made him one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory. The preseason will provide clues as to how Wembanyama’s game has evolved and what improvements he’s made during the offseason.
4. New Faces in New Places
The 2024 offseason saw several high-profile player moves, and the preseason is the first chance to see how these players fit in with their new teams. Beyond Lillard joining the Bucks, other notable moves include:
- Jrue Holiday joining the Lakers, bringing elite defense and playmaking to LeBron and AD’s squad.
- James Harden moving to the Los Angeles Clippers to pair up with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
- Fred VanVleet signing with the Houston Rockets, where he will mentor a young core of Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and rookie Amen Thompson.
5. Can the Golden State Warriors Regain Their Championship Form?
The Warriors had a mixed 2023/24 season, exiting the playoffs earlier than expected. As Stephen Curry enters the twilight of his career, the team is under pressure to reclaim their status as title contenders. The preseason will offer an opportunity to see how Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green continue to lead the team, along with the development of younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.
4. Important Roster Battles to Watch
One of the most exciting aspects of the preseason is the internal competition for roster spots and playing time. For many teams, the preseason provides a platform for young players and fringe roster players to prove their worth.
1. Backup Point Guard for the Miami Heat
With the departure of Gabe Vincent, the Miami Heat are looking for a reliable backup to Kyle Lowry at the point guard position. Dru Smith, Jaquez Jr., and RJ Hampton will all be competing for minutes, and the preseason will determine who earns a spot in the rotation.
2. Starting Center for the Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks struggled with interior defense last season, and the starting center position is up for grabs heading into the 2024/25 campaign. Dwight Powell, JaVale McGee, and newcomer Richaun Holmes will all be battling for the starting spot. The preseason will be crucial in determining who Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving can rely on for rim protection and rebounding.
3. Shooting Guard Competition for the Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are a young team with a logjam at the shooting guard position. Jalen Green is the projected starter, but Josh Christopher, Kevin Porter Jr., and rookie Amen Thompson will be competing for minutes. The preseason will help head coach Ime Udoka figure out the right mix of talent and development.
The NBA preseason is more than just a warm-up for the regular season; it’s a period of discovery, experimentation, and evaluation. For teams, it provides a chance to integrate new players, refine strategies, and resolve roster battles. For fans, it’s a first glimpse at how their favorite players and teams might perform in the coming season.
As the 2024/25 NBA season approaches, the preseason will set the tone for what promises to be another thrilling year of basketball. With exciting new partnerships like Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, the continued evolution of stars like Victor Wembanyama, and the quest for another title by the Denver Nuggets, there’s plenty to look forward to in the upcoming season. Be sure to tune in to see how these storylines and battles play out in the preseason and beyond!
