As I sat down to analyze the 2021-22 NBA preseason, I couldn't help but notice the fascinating parallels between what's happening in the NBA and the global basketball phenomenon that's been unfolding overseas. Having followed basketball across multiple continents for over fifteen years, I've developed a particular appreciation for how the sport's ecosystem functions as an interconnected web rather than isolated leagues. The preseason gave us our first real glimpse into how teams have evolved during the offseason, and frankly, some developments surprised me more than others.
The Lakers' experiment with veteran players had everyone talking, and I'll admit I was skeptical from the beginning. Watching them struggle to find chemistry during their 0-6 preseason record made me question whether loading up on big names without considering fit was the right approach. Russell Westbrook's adjustment period appeared more challenging than anticipated, with his 4.8 turnovers per preseason game highlighting the work needed to integrate his explosive style into their system. Meanwhile, the Warriors' preseason performance genuinely excited me - James Wiseman's return after missing 682 days due to injury brought an athletic dimension they've desperately needed. His 17-point outing against Portland showed flashes of why Golden State invested the number two pick in him back in 2020.
What struck me most during my preseason analysis was the global basketball conversation happening simultaneously. When I read about Okamoto acknowledging the help extended by Filipino players seeing action as imports in Japan's B.League to boost the sport's popularity, it reminded me that basketball's growth story extends far beyond American shores. These international developments matter because they're creating new markets, new fan bases, and ultimately new revenue streams that strengthen the entire basketball economy. The NBA's global ambitions benefit tremendously when countries like Japan develop stronger basketball cultures, and having watched several B.League games myself last season, I can confirm the quality of play has noticeably improved with these international imports.
Back to the NBA preseason, the Chicago Bulls' acquisitions definitely caught my attention. DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball brought exactly what this team needed - veteran scoring and perimeter defense. Their perfect 4-0 preseason record might not mean much in the grand scheme, but the way they closed out close games showed a maturity that's been missing in Chicago for years. As someone who's always valued team construction over star accumulation, I found the Bulls' approach particularly refreshing. They identified specific needs and addressed them with precision, unlike some other teams that seemed to be collecting talent like basketball cards.
The Brooklyn Nets managed expectations beautifully during the preseason, carefully managing their stars' minutes while working to integrate their new pieces. I've always been a Kevin Durant admirer, and watching him effortlessly average 19.2 points in just 22.7 minutes per preseason game reminded me why he remains arguably the most complete scorer in basketball history. The Kyrie Irving situation, however, concerns me deeply. Having covered the NBA through numerous controversies, I've learned that distractions of this magnitude tend to linger and affect team chemistry in ways that don't always show up in box scores.
Rookie watch became one of my favorite preseason activities, and Toronto's Scottie Barnes quickly won me over with his unique combination of size and playmaking. His 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across five preseason games showcased why the Raptors might have found another developmental gem. Meanwhile, Houston's Jalen Green demonstrated the explosive scoring potential that made him the second overall pick, though his 38.2% field goal percentage reminded us that consistency remains a work in progress for most rookies.
The international connections kept resonating with me throughout my preseason viewing. Just as Filipino players are boosting basketball's profile in Japan, we're seeing more international players making significant impacts in the NBA preseason. Slovenia's Luka Dončić averaged a cool 20.3 points in just three preseason appearances, while Greece's Giannis Antetokounmpo continued to dominate without even breaking a sweat. This globalization effect creates fascinating dynamics - the very same international players who develop their skills abroad often become NBA stars, which in turn drives more international interest in the league. It's a virtuous cycle that benefits everyone involved in basketball.
Defensive adjustments stood out during my preseason observations, with the league's new rules aimed at reducing non-basketball moves clearly affecting certain players. As a basketball purist, I appreciate these changes, even if they might temporarily impact offensive numbers. James Harden's preseason free throw attempts dropped to just 3.3 per game compared to his career average of 8.6, indicating officials are serious about enforcing the new interpretations. I suspect this will lead to a more fluid game once players fully adjust, though the transition period might frustrate some fans accustomed to higher scoring games.
The Western Conference landscape appears particularly intriguing after the preseason. Phoenix maintained their continuity and looked sharp, Denver welcomed Jamal Murray back from his 438-day injury absence, and Dallas showed promising signs under new coach Jason Kidd. Meanwhile, the Clippers' cautious approach with Kawhi Leonard (who didn't play a single preseason minute) suggests they're prioritizing long-term health over regular-season positioning - a strategy I respect given Leonard's importance to their championship aspirations.
As we transition from preseason to regular season, I'm most curious to see how quickly teams can establish identities and build chemistry. The condensed 2021 preseason gave us limited data, but enough to identify trends and potential storylines. My prediction? Teams that prioritized fit over names and continuity over overhaul will start stronger, while collections of talent without clear roles might struggle early. The global basketball conversation will continue influencing the NBA in subtle ways, just as the B.League's growth through international players demonstrates how interconnected our basketball world has become. This season promises to be another fascinating chapter in the NBA's evolution, and I for one can't wait to see how it all unfolds.