We all know what it means during the NBA preseason, teams are just getting ready. But there is still plenty to learn while watching these games. For some of them, we get to see the first sight of a new prospect or new addition. Others we get to see new teams almost, such as the Pelicans. Either way, they are fun to watch and as they travel the world to promote the league, they get better along the way.
The NBA this preseason went to a few different countries to play some preseason games and to promote the NBA brand. They went to India, for the first time ever, and was a great success. The went to Hawaii and had a great time. Then they went to Japan and China. They did the NBA proud every stop they went.
The games were strong and competitive and they gave fans some exciting things they can only get from watching the NBA.
Teams to watch
There are just some teams out there this year that are attracting a little more attention than the others. The Los Angeles Lakers are one of those teams. After getting one of the best big men in the league to pair with the King, LeBron James is a big story. They hit the floor against the Golden State Warriors and right away went to the James and Davis show.
The Warriors came out and were exposed right away for the lack of size on the floor. Davis had his way as did James. What we did see from the Lakers is the lack of outside shooting. Now I know it is only one game but the guys they have played the way they always have, so thinking these guys will improve, well anything can happen but it is unlikely. They need to acquire more shooting at some point. But the James and Davis show should be a very good one to watch.
Golden State has a big man sitting out right now. They will need to help in that area and in shooting from the outside. Curry cannot shoot them into every game and Green cannot cover all five guys on the floor. I think they will need time and a few more pieces before they get into good shape again.
The Los Angeles Clippers came out against the Houston Rockets to start NBA preseason, to see Harden go off for 37 points. But the Clippers look good already and you can see they have a bit of chemistry already. Now Paul George has not played and will miss some time, but they will be a good team to watch. They have vets that will be ready to contend.
The New Orleans Pelicans also was a team that came out and played together really well. Showed they may be a problem for teams this year. Zion Williamson took to the NBA game real quick and put down a few monster dunks near the beginning of the game. He and the other new members of the Pelicans all played well and did what they were acquired to do.
Some Players have Come Out Shooting
From the Lakers James and Davis, both came out and had a great start to the preseason. They look like they have put the work in during the summer. James Harden, he came out without Westbrook for the first two games and he took advantage once again going ISO and scoring almost at will. We did get to see him and Westbrook together but not really. They seem to take turns on the floor when they played and at the points, they played together, it was Harden in charge for sure.
Aaron Gordon went off for 28 points the other night against Detroit. He along with Markelle Fultz, who is looking for a fresh start in Orlando, came in for eight points and seven assists. He looks good but still did not hit a three. A work in progress but we are rooting for him and will be watching Orlando closely. they have a good team that can surprise the east.
Robin Lopez has had his game on for the Bucks as Giannis Antetokounmpo is holding back a bit before the season. But the bucks have given everything they need to show they will again be in the conversation. Thanasis Antetokounmpo The brother of Giannis, had nine points and 10 rebounds against the Bulls.
Jayson Tatum for Boston had 20 against the Hornets as he showed the work he put in this summer was worth it. He paired nicely with Kemba Walker who had 12 and 4 assists. The Celtics looked good in the opener and will be fun to watch all year.
Many more teams and players have hit the court this year, this is just a few. But to say the year has started off with a bang is an understatement. It should be a great NBA preseason and more.
Follow me on Twitter @Gourmetcasanova
