Man, the 2021 NBA preseason was an incredible warm-up to what would be an extreme and unforgettable season. The buildup to the regular season always brings outstanding moments and electrifying action, but this year felt uniquely intense. Take Jalen Green, for example. This rookie set the court on fire. During one of the games, he scored 20 points in just 29 minutes, showcasing his potential to become a future star.
And speaking of stars, you can't ignore the performance of seasoned players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. LeBron played limited minutes, averaging about 24.3 minutes per game, and despite this short playing time, King James still managed to maintain his form, giving fans a preview of his season strategies. On the other hand, Durant’s performance was no less; he didn’t even need significant minutes to leave an impact, often playing around 26 minutes per game but still displaying his usual efficiency and shooting accuracy at around 52% from the field.
More than anything, the preseason highlighted the depth of young talents in the league. A noteworthy example would be LaMelo Ball who showed improvements in both his court vision and shooting efficiency. His average of 15.6 points and 6.3 assists per game during the preseason illustrated his capacity to lead the Charlotte Hornets. LaMelo's performance brought back memories of how he ran the floor reminiscent of legends like Magic Johnson.
On the flip side, teams used this period to test out different line-ups and strategies, often playing their bench players more. Coaches like Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors and Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers experimented with various combinations. Kerr gave significant minutes to Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, aiming to develop their game early. Vogel, keeping an eye on the championship, focused on building the team's chemistry, particularly involving new faces like Russell Westbrook. Could Russ's unusual turnovers and quadruple-double tendencies signal upcoming adjustments? Absolutely, but it's a preseason; shake-ups are part of the process.
Fans were glad to see the return of Karl-Anthony Towns, who missed a significant portion of the previous season. During the preseason, he upped his playtime to around 28 minutes per game, delivering a solid 17.3 points and providing the Minnesota Timberwolves with a much-needed boost. Analysts like Stephen A. Smith even pointed out how crucial Towns would be in the Timberwolves' fight for a playoff spot. No doubt, his impact could turn the tides for his team.
International rookies also made headlines. Take Josh Giddey; this Australian prodigy found his groove quickly with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His play-making abilities were on full display as he averaged 7 assists per game, and his chemistry with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appeared promising. This duo could bring a new era of dynamic basketball to Oklahoma.
Then you have the surprising improvements in defensive metrics for teams like the New York Knicks. Under Tom Thibodeau’s guidance, the Knicks displayed an aggressive defensive approach, holding opponents to an average of 98 points per game, a noteworthy stat that emphasized their commitment to the defensive end. Thibodeau’s tactics reminded everyone of how effective strong defense can unify a team.
Other preseason spectacles included the Miami Heat’s showcasing of depth. With new additions like Kyle Lowry, the Heat knew they had to cement chemistry from the get-go. Lowry's facilitation brought cohesion to the squad, who averaged an impressive 25.4 assists per game during preseason matches. This fostered a balanced attack, a critical aspect that would carry them into the regular season.
The Toronto Raptors also made waves with Scottie Barnes. Selected 4th overall, Barnes brought high-energy plays and versatility, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively. Raptors fans rejoiced as Barnes grabbed 8.2 rebounds and scored around 13 points on average per game, hopeful for his role in their post-Kawhi era.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks, fresh off their championship win, saw Giannis Antetokounmpo entering the preseason with no signs of complacency. Despite only playing limited minutes, Giannis’s per-36-minute stats resembled his MVP season numbers, a 30-point average and dominating the boards with around 12 rebounds per 36. This efficiency bode well for the Bucks' defending title aspirations.
The Boston Celtics, with their revamped lineup featuring Al Horford’s return, utilized the preseason to refine their performance. Jaylen Brown stood out, averaging 21 points while shooting 45% from the three-point line. He demonstrated his readiness to lead alongside Jayson Tatum and aimed to return the Celtics to their storied playoff success.
Veterans like Chris Paul showed no decline either. Playing smart, he averaged around 8.3 assists in just under 27 minutes per game. Paul’s role in guiding the Phoenix Suns would be pivotal, instilling discipline and elevating Booker’s and Ayton’s game, further nurturing a contender ethos within the franchise.
And how can anyone forget the spectacular comebacks? Klay Thompson’s return to practice sessions electrified Golden State Warriors' fans even though he didn’t suit up for preseason games. The anticipation surrounding his recovery and return to regular season action added to the buzz. His three-point shooting and defensive prowess are set to redefine the Warriors' future performance.
Furthermore, preseason injuries always bring concerns and predictions. Zion Williamson’s foot surgery and subsequent absence from the preseason drew attention. Pelicans’ coach Willie Green had to adjust by leveraging Brandon Ingram and new addition Jonas Valančiūnas. How will Zion’s health impact the Pelicans' season? Given his previous stats where he averaged 27 points and 7.2 rebounds, his health is undeniably critical.
Overall, the preseason always sets the stage and dictates the forthcoming excitement, strategies, and storylines. Eyeing players' stats, performances, and team dynamics makes it difficult not to be thrilled about the season ahead. For more on every thrilling detail about preseason action, check out the highlights on NBA Preseason 2021. We become more than spectators; we witness the beginning of each team’s journey.