NBA Preseason 2022: Key Matchups, Rookie Debuts and Team Preparations

As I sit here scrolling through preseason highlights, I can’t help but feel that familiar buzz—the kind only NBA preseason brings. It’s that sweet spot where hope feels tangible, rookies get their first real taste of NBA speed, and coaches experiment like mad scientists. This year, more than ever, the NBA Preseason 2022 isn’t just a warm-up; it’s a critical testing ground. I remember watching the Warriors and Lakers face off last week, and even though it didn’t count in the standings, the intensity was real. You could see it in Steph Curry’s sharp passes and LeBron’s focused drives—these games matter. They set the tone. And for teams juggling new rosters and young talent, every minute on the court is a piece of the puzzle.

Take the Golden State Warriors, for example. They’re coming off a championship high, but the preseason showed they’re not resting. In their matchup against the Wizards, I noticed how they integrated newcomers like Donte DiVincenzo while giving rookies like Patrick Baldwin Jr. solid minutes. Baldwin, by the way, dropped 12 points in his debut—not bad for a first outing. But here’s the thing: the Warriors aren’t just playing for fun. They’re dealing with a packed schedule ahead, including back-to-backs and cross-country trips. It reminds me of what Australian coach Brian Goorjian once said about team depth: “We need to have a nice, big pool of players to be able to play all these competitions and be successful.” That quote hits home because, in the NBA Preseason 2022, we’re seeing exactly that philosophy in action. Teams like the Celtics and Bucks are rotating 15-plus players, testing lineups, and honestly, it’s a smart move. Last season, injuries plagued so many squads—just look at the Clippers losing Kawhi Leonard early—and without depth, even star power can fizzle.

But let’s dig into the problem. Depth sounds great on paper, but integrating rookies and managing minutes is a tightrope walk. I watched the Knicks’ preseason game against the Pistons, and their rookie, Jalen Duren, looked raw but promising. He grabbed 8 rebounds in 18 minutes, but the team struggled with cohesion, turning over the ball 16 times. That’s a common issue—when you’re juggling lineups, chemistry can suffer. From my experience covering the league, I’ve seen how preseason optimism can crumble if teams don’t address this early. The Lakers, for instance, have a roster with an average age of around 29, and in their loss to the Suns, their defense looked slow. If they don’t figure out how to blend veterans like Russell Westbrook with younger legs, they’re in for a rough start. And let’s be real—nobody wants a repeat of last year’s drama.

So, what’s the solution? It’s about balance. Coaches need to treat the NBA Preseason 2022 as a lab, not just a rehearsal. For the Warriors, that meant giving Jordan Poole extended run—he averaged 20 points per game in their first three preseason outings, which is a huge boost for their second unit. Similarly, the Grizzlies leaned into their youth, with rookies like Jake LaRavia getting 25 minutes a game to build confidence. I love that approach because it builds a safety net. Remember Goorjian’s point about a “big pool of players”? It’s not just about numbers; it’s about readiness. Teams should use these games to identify who can step up under pressure. For example, the Cavaliers experimented with Donovan Mitchell in pick-and-roll sets, and it paid off—he dropped 30 points in one game. That kind of trial run can reveal hidden gems and prevent burnout later.

Reflecting on all this, the NBA Preseason 2022 offers a clear lesson: depth and preparation are non-negotiable. As a fan, I’m biased toward teams that embrace youth—watching Paolo Banchero’s debut with the Magic got me excited for the season—but as an analyst, I know it’s smarter to blend experience with fresh legs. The key takeaway? Don’t underestimate these games. They’re where championships are subtly shaped, and as we head into the regular season, I’ll be keeping a close eye on how these early experiments play out. Honestly, if more teams adopt that “big pool” mindset, we could see fewer collapses and more surprises. And isn’t that what makes basketball so thrilling?