The NBA preseason for 2021 kicked off with immense excitement, as fans eagerly awaited the return of their favorite teams to the court. This year's schedule packed a punch with 46 matchups spread over 13 days, from October 3 to October 15. The preseason served as a vital warm-up for the regular season, offering teams the chance to tweak strategies, work new players into their systems, and give fans a preview of what's to come.
The Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers, two powerhouses laden with talent, faced off on October 3, marking one of the most anticipated games. Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden made up just a slice of the star-studded lineup for the Nets, while on the Lakers side, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and new addition Russell Westbrook drew significant attention. Who wouldn't be thrilled to see such talent in action, even if only for a preseason game?
Each team played a varied number of games, ranging from four to six over the preseason period. For example, the Chicago Bulls had four games, allowing them to experiment with their roster and get players like Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball into rhythm. Preseason is often where players can shine and secure their spot on the team's final roster. Young talents and veterans alike could benefit from these crucial minutes on the court.
The cost of tickets for these preseason games was relatively lower compared to the regular season, making it an excellent time for fans to catch the action live. Prices ranged from $10 to $100 depending on the teams and venues. For instance, a game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn might have a higher ticket price compared to a matchup hosted by a smaller market team like the Orlando Magic.
Several terms and concepts essential to basketball fans played significant roles in the preseason. Terms like "rotation", "pick-and-roll", and "zone defense" were frequently analyzed and discussed by commentators and analysts. Coaches utilized these games to finalize their rotations and see who would fit best into their offensive and defensive schemes. For instance, the Dallas Mavericks, under new head coach Jason Kidd, experimented with different lineups to optimize their ball movement and spacing around Luka Dončić.
NBA preseason games also ventured internationally. On October 8, Milwaukee Bucks faced the Memphis Grizzlies in a game held in Memphis, yet it attracted global viewers, showcasing the international appeal of the league. The Bucks, featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, always draw interest worldwide. The NBA's globalization strategy has paid dividends, evident in the diverse fanbase rooting for teams across continents.
What can fans expect from such short game durations and varied team lineups? Typically, preseason games include shorter playing times for superstars and extended minutes for bench players and rookies. It's not uncommon to see a star player like Stephen Curry play just 20 minutes while someone like rookie Moses Moody gets significant playing time. This strategy helps coaches make informed decisions about their roster and which players are most effective in their system.
Additionally, preseason serves as the debut for newly traded or signed players. For example, Kyle Lowry played his first game for the Miami Heat during this period, showcasing how he fits into Miami's defensive-minded approach. Similarly, the Chicago Bulls' revamped lineup with new additions like DeMar DeRozan created buzz among fans and media. Each team’s dynamics subtly changed as they integrated these new pieces, creating fresh excitement and speculation.
Broadcast deals for preseason games were also set in advance, with networks like ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV covering key matchups, ensuring that fans could follow their favorite teams and players even from home. This extensive coverage demonstrated the league’s commitment to making these games accessible and engaging.
In Denver, the Nuggets managed their preseason with a focus on reintegrating key players like Jamal Murray, who was recovering from a serious injury. The preseason allowed him to gradually reclaim his form and build chemistry with reigning MVP Nikola Jokić. Teams looked at these games as opportunities to assess their readiness for the grueling 82-game regular season ahead.
Despite being “just the preseason,” the emotional highs and lows for teams and fans alike were palpable. For rookies drafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, like Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons and Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets, this period was crucial for making a significant first impression. Fans were eager to see these young talents showcase their skills on an NBA court for the first time.
Ultimately, the 2021 NBA preseason was a mix of strategic experimentation, fan engagement, and player development. Each game's outcome might not significantly impact the regular season, but the performances and discoveries laid the foundation for what is to come. Preseason may not have the stakes of a playoff game, but for many involved, it meant everything. This year, the preseason proved yet again that every game, be it in October or June, has its unique importance.
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