The games may not count, but the NBA preseason still holds plenty of excitement. Here are five reasons why you should tune in.
Table of Contents
- 1. Familiar Faces in New Places
- 2. The Rookies
- 3. LeBron and Bronny James
- 4. Lonzo Ball’s Comeback
- 5. The New-Look Knicks
- FAQs
1. Familiar Faces in New Places
While the preseason doesn't directly affect the standings, it's our first chance to see major offseason moves in action. A few notable stars swapped teams, such as Paul George landing in Philadelphia, Klay Thompson heading to Dallas, and Karl-Anthony Towns moving to New York after a blockbuster trade involving Julius Randle going to Minnesota. These trades are bound to shake up team dynamics, and the preseason will give fans a first look at how these new combinations might work.
One game that stands out on the preseason schedule is New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves on October 13. It will be a reunion for Towns and Randle, as they face off against their former teams. While the result might not matter, the emotional stakes will be high for both stars, especially for Randle as he returns to Madison Square Garden just weeks after being traded.
2. The Rookies
This season's rookie class may not have the same immediate star power as last year's, but there are plenty of prospects to keep an eye on. The preseason will be our first real look at Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks) and Alexandre Sarr (Washington Wizards), the top two picks of the 2024 NBA Draft. Meanwhile, the Rockets' third overall pick, Reed Sheppard, has a lot of buzz surrounding him after an impressive Summer League stint where he averaged 20 points and 5 assists per game.
Another intriguing prospect is Zach Edey, the towering 7-foot-4 center drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies. Edey's size and skill set should complement Ja Morant in pick-and-roll situations, and his early preseason performance could set the tone for his role as a key contributor in Memphis' frontcourt.
3. LeBron and Bronny James
Without a doubt, the most anticipated storyline of the preseason is the potential debut of the father-son duo: LeBron James and Bronny James. While Bronny was a late second-round draft pick, the Lakers' decision to select him was largely influenced by LeBron’s wishes to play alongside his son before retiring. Preseason will give us a glimpse of whether Bronny is ready for the NBA or if he needs to start his journey in the G-League.
Beyond the on-court chemistry, their interactions during practices have already grabbed headlines. According to Anthony Davis, the competition between the two has been fierce, and their trash talk has made for an exciting training camp environment. Lakers fans and basketball enthusiasts alike will be eager to see how Bronny stacks up against the world’s best, with his preseason performances determining his spot in the Lakers' rotation.
4. Lonzo Ball’s Comeback
One of the most emotional storylines of the preseason is the long-awaited return of Lonzo Ball to the court. Ball has missed the last two-and-a-half seasons due to knee injuries, undergoing three surgeries in that time. At Bulls media day, Ball expressed optimism about being ready for Chicago’s regular-season opener, though it remains to be seen how his body will respond to live game action.
If Ball can regain even 85% of his pre-injury form, he will be a valuable asset to the Bulls. Known for his defensive intensity and elite playmaking, Ball could see significant minutes off the bench or even push for a starting role if he returns to his previous level. The preseason will serve as the first checkpoint on his journey back to full health, and fans will be watching closely to see how he performs after such a long layoff.
5. The New-Look Knicks
The New York Knicks are arguably the most intriguing team entering the 2024-25 NBA preseason. After making two blockbuster trades that brought in Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks have reshaped their roster into a legitimate contender. One of the key questions they face is how quickly these new pieces will fit together, especially in the absence of center Mitchell Robinson, who is expected to miss the first few months of the season due to injury.
Preseason action will give us our first look at how Towns fits alongside Jalen Brunson and whether Bridges can continue to thrive as a premier 3-and-D wing. On paper, Towns' shooting ability and floor spacing should complement Brunson's playmaking, but their chemistry will need to develop quickly if the Knicks hope to challenge for a top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Knicks fans are eagerly awaiting October 6, when the team opens its preseason schedule and unveils its new-look roster for the first time. The stakes may be low, but the excitement is palpable in New York.
FAQs
Why should I watch NBA preseason games?
Although the games don't count towards the regular season standings, the preseason provides the first opportunity to see new trades, rookies, and team dynamics in action. It's a great way to gauge how your favorite team might perform in the upcoming season.
Will LeBron and Bronny play together this preseason?
While it hasn't been confirmed, it's likely that Bronny James will see some minutes alongside his father, LeBron James, during preseason action. How much time they share on the court will depend on Bronny's readiness and the Lakers' rotation plans.
When does the NBA preseason start?
The 2024 NBA preseason kicks off with a game between the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi on October 5. The Knicks and Timberwolves face off on October 13, marking a key matchup to watch for fans of both teams.
