As I sat courtside during the Lakers-Warriors preseason matchup, watching LeBron drain consecutive threes with that familiar confident smirk, I couldn't help but reflect on Barrios' recent statement about wanting a rematch after his second career draw. That fighting spirit perfectly captures what we're seeing across the NBA landscape this preseason - teams and players hungry for redemption, for another shot at proving themselves after last season's disappointments or near-misses. The 2021-22 preseason has given us fascinating glimpses into what might unfold over the coming months, and I've been particularly struck by how different teams are approaching these exhibition games.
The Brooklyn Nets have been deliberately cautious with their Big Three, limiting Kevin Durant to just 45 total minutes across two appearances while keeping James Harden and Kyrie Irving mostly sidelined. Honestly, I think this conservative approach makes perfect sense given their championship aspirations, though it does leave questions about their early-season chemistry. Meanwhile, the Lakers' experiment with their veteran-heavy roster has produced mixed results - they've looked brilliant in stretches but concerningly slow during transition defense. Russell Westbrook's 9 turnovers in their first preseason game had me cringing, though his explosive 18-point quarter in their third game reminded everyone why they traded for him. The Warriors have been my personal favorite to watch, with Jordan Poole averaging 22.4 points per game and looking like he could be the league's next breakout star.
Out East, the Chicago Bulls' revamped roster has shown genuine promise, with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine developing chemistry faster than I anticipated. Their preseason overtime victory against Cleveland showcased exactly why this team could secure a top-6 playoff spot. The Milwaukee Bucks have been typically measured in their approach, though Giannis Antetokounmpo's 26-point performance in just 24 minutes against Utah served as a stark reminder that the champions aren't going anywhere. What's surprised me most is how competitive the Eastern Conference middle tier appears - teams like Charlotte, New York, and Toronto all look significantly improved.
The Western Conference landscape appears more stratified to my eyes. Phoenix looks every bit the contender that reached last year's Finals, with Devin Booker picking up right where he left off. Denver's been cautiously optimistic about Jamal Murray's recovery timeline, though I'm skeptical we'll see him at full strength before January. Dallas has me concerned - Luka Dončić looks incredible as always, but their supporting cast hasn't shown the improvement they'll need to avoid another first-round exit. The Clippers without Kawhi Leonard have been tougher than expected, with Paul George averaging 28.3 points in limited minutes and looking like an early MVP dark horse.
Rookie watch has been particularly fascinating this preseason. Detroit's Cade Cunningham has shown flashes of why he went first overall, though his 38% shooting percentage suggests the adjustment to NBA defense will take time. Houston's Jalen Green has been as explosive as advertised, dropping 23 points in just 24 minutes against Miami. Toronto's Scottie Barnes has been my personal standout among the rookies - his defensive versatility and playmaking at 6'9" could make him a steal at pick number 4.
As we approach opening night, what strikes me most is how many teams seem to be embracing Barrios' "rematch" mentality. The Nets want another shot at Milwaukee after last year's injury-marred playoffs. The Lakers want to prove their championship wasn't a bubble fluke. The Warriors want to show they're still contenders with Klay Thompson's eventual return. The 2021-22 season shapes up to be one of redemption stories and second chances, and if the preseason has taught us anything, it's that we should expect the unexpected. The level of competition appears higher than I've seen in recent years, and I have a feeling we're in for one of the most memorable seasons in recent memory.