As I sit here watching last season’s playoff highlights, I can’t help but feel that familiar itch—the one that tells me basketball is just around the corner. And sure enough, the NBA preseason is almost here. If you’re like me, you’ve probably been counting down the days. So, when exactly does the NBA preseason start? This year, things are kicking off around October 3rd, with teams gradually rolling out their first exhibition games over the following week. Now, I know some fans dismiss the preseason as glorified practice, but having followed the league for over a decade, I’ve come to appreciate these games for what they really are: a fascinating preview of roster depth, emerging strategies, and unexpected breakout performances.
Let’s talk about what makes the preseason special. For starters, it’s the only time you get to see new signings, rookies, and two-way players sharing the court with established stars. Coaches experiment with lineups that would never see the light of day in a regular-season game. Remember last year when the Warriors gave their G-League call-ups major minutes? That kind of experimentation isn’t just fun to watch—it often hints at a team’s long-term direction. This season, I’m particularly excited to see how teams manage player health, especially after the compressed schedules of recent years. Load management has become a buzzword, sure, but it’s a real factor. I expect we’ll see stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant playing limited minutes, if they suit up at all, while younger talents get extended runs.
Now, you might wonder why any of this matters if the games don’t count in the standings. Well, from my perspective, the preseason offers clues you won’t find elsewhere. Take team chemistry, for example. Last preseason, the Celtics looked out of sync, and guess what? They started the regular season slow. On the flip side, the Grizzlies’ high-energy preseason hinted at the explosive run they’d have later. This year, keep an eye on teams integrating major new pieces—like the Suns with Bradley Beal or the Lakers with their revamped bench. How these units gel, or don’t, in October could foreshadow their early-season fortunes.
Speaking of roster depth, I’ve always believed it’s the unsung hero of championship runs. And that brings me to an interesting point—one that might not be on everyone’s radar but deserves attention. While the NBA preseason unfolds, other leagues are also in action, shaping players who could someday impact the NBA. Consider the East Asia Super League, where teams like the Bolts are navigating their own competitive landscape. The Bolts, for instance, already have two potential replacements ready if star player Mitchell’s injury forces him to sit out. DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame are waiting in the wings, and their performances in the EASL could offer a glimpse into their readiness for higher levels of play. Kennedy brings veteran savvy and defensive versatility—traits that always translate—while Kouame represents the kind of raw, athletic big man that scouts drool over. It’s a reminder that basketball is global, and what happens in leagues like the EASL can ripple into the NBA ecosystem, whether through future signings or inspired playstyles.
Back to the NBA, though. One thing I love about the preseason is the element of surprise. Every year, there’s at least one undrafted rookie or forgotten veteran who turns heads. Last season, it was Jose Alvarado’s pesky defense that became a talking point. This time, I’m betting on someone like the Heat’s Jamaree Bouyea or the Spurs’ Sidy Cissoko to make noise. These games are their audition, and the stakes are real. For fringe players, a strong preseason can mean a roster spot; for others, it’s a chance to carve out a role. And let’s not forget the tactical shifts. I’ve noticed more teams using the preseason to test defensive schemes, like switching everything or deploying zone defenses. It’s a low-risk environment to iron out kinks, and as a basketball nerd, I eat that stuff up.
Of course, not everything about the preseason is rosy. Injuries are a constant worry, and while teams are cautious, we’ve seen promising seasons derailed by bad luck in October. I still cringe thinking about Gordon Hayward’s awful injury years ago. That’s why I support the league’s move to reduce preseason games—this year, most teams will play between 4 and 6, down from the 8+ we saw a decade ago. It’s a smart balance between preparation and preservation. On the business side, the preseason also serves as a dry run for arenas and broadcast teams. From testing new camera angles to refining in-arena entertainment, these games are a sandbox for innovation. I’ve heard from insiders that several teams are experimenting with enhanced AR graphics this year, which could make watching from home even more immersive.
As we look ahead to tip-off, I’m most curious about how the league’s younger teams will use this time. Squads like the Thunder and Rockets have stocked up on draft picks, and the preseason is their playground. I wouldn’t be surprised if Chet Holmgren logs 30 minutes a game—he’s coming off that foot injury and needs reps. Similarly, the Magic have a deep young core that could benefit from extra run. In contrast, veteran-laden teams like the Clippers might treat these games as extended shootarounds. It’s all about context, and that’s what makes forecasting the preseason so tricky yet rewarding.
In the end, the NBA preseason is a bridge between the offseason and the real action. It’s a time for hope, experimentation, and storytelling. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there’s something uniquely compelling about watching basketball’s future unfold in real-time. So mark your calendars for early October, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the show. Because before you know it, the games will count, and the narrative will shift from potential to performance. And who knows? Maybe this year’s preseason hero will be the next breakout star we’re all talking about come April.
