As I was scrolling through the latest sports updates this morning, I couldn't help but feel that familiar excitement building up - the NBA preseason is just around the corner, and this year's schedule looks absolutely thrilling. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've always found the preseason to be this beautiful transition period where summer's calm gradually gives way to winter's storm of competitive action. What really struck me while examining the 2022 preseason calendar was how it perfectly sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most intriguing NBA seasons in recent memory.
The complete 2022 NBA preseason schedule kicks off on September 30th with the Warriors facing the Wizards in Japan - yes, they're taking the game international right from the start, which I absolutely love because it showcases basketball's global appeal. Over the following three weeks, we'll witness 49 total games featuring all 30 teams, with the final preseason matchups concluding on October 14th. Personally, I'm particularly excited about the October 6th matchup between the Lakers and Suns - there's always extra spice when LeBron and Chris Paul share the court, even in preseason. The scheduling team has done a fantastic job creating these compelling matchups that give us just enough taste of rivalries without revealing too much strategic depth.
Now, you might wonder why preseason matters when the games don't count toward standings. From my perspective, having attended numerous preseason games over the years, this is where coaching staffs experiment with rotations, rookies get their first real taste of NBA pace, and veterans shake off that summer rust. I remember watching Giannis in his first preseason game years ago - you could already see glimpses of what was to come, even though he only played limited minutes. This year, all eyes will be on Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero as they make their professional debuts. The beauty of preseason is witnessing these moments of discovery alongside the established stars finding their rhythm.
Interestingly, while researching this piece, I came across Manny Pacquiao's potential boxing achievement of becoming the second oldest world champion at age 43, which got me thinking about age dynamics in professional sports. In the NBA preseason, we see this fascinating age spectrum - from 19-year-old rookies to 37-year-old LeBron James still dominating. The Warriors' core of Curry, Thompson, and Green, all in their early 30s, will be particularly interesting to watch as they balance maintaining their championship form with managing veteran minutes during these exhibition games. I've always believed that preseason provides the perfect laboratory for teams to figure out these age and rotation puzzles before the real games begin.
What makes this year's preseason especially compelling are the numerous storylines developing across the league. The Nets will be testing their new-look roster, the Celtics are integrating Malcolm Brogdon, and the Timberwolves are experimenting with the Towns-Gobert twin towers setup. From my experience covering the league, these early games often reveal subtle clues about team chemistry and potential regular season success. Last year, for instance, the Warriors' preseason ball movement already hinted at their championship-level connectivity, though many analysts overlooked it at the time.
The international games particularly excite me because they demonstrate the NBA's brilliant global strategy. When the Hawks face the Bucks in Abu Dhabi on October 6th, or when the Heat meet the Spurs in Paris back in 2020, it's not just about basketball - it's about cultural exchange and growing the game. I've had the privilege of attending one of these international preseason games, and the energy from global fans is simply electric, often surpassing what we see in regular domestic preseason contests.
As we approach tip-off, my advice to fellow basketball enthusiasts is to watch these games with a different lens. Don't focus solely on the scoreboard - observe how new acquisitions fit into systems, which second-year players made significant leaps, and how coaching strategies evolve throughout these exhibition matches. The 2022 NBA preseason isn't just a preamble; it's the first chapter of what promises to be another unforgettable basketball journey. Mark your calendars, set those reminders, and get ready for some basketball - the wait is almost over.