October means more than just the start of the fall; it means the nba preseason schedule 2021 kicks off. Basketball fans finally get to see their favorite players back on the court, albeit in games that don’t quite carry the same weight as the regular season. However, let’s not underplay the significance of the preseason. It provides coaches a window, usually around 4 to 6 games per team, to test new strategies and see how new lineups work together. There’s a lot at stake, especially for rookies and bench players who use this opportunity to fight for their spot in the team rotation.
Looking at the schedule, it becomes apparent how crucial these few weeks are. The Golden State Warriors, for instance, host the Trail Blazers on October 4th, featuring Stephen Curry and the return of Klay Thompson, who has been out for over two years due to injuries. This is an opportunity for him to find his rhythm before the games really start to count. The preseason also includes international flair, such as the Toronto Raptors playing in Toronto for the first time since the pandemic forced them to Florida for their 2020 season.
When analyzing the players’ performances and game outcomes, statistical parameters like points scored, shooting percentages, and turnover rates become integral. Last preseason, a player like LaMelo Ball averaged approximately 9.7 points per game, showing a promising foundation for his Rookie of the Year campaign. These statistics offer fans a glimpse into future breakout stars or potential disappointments.
There’s palpable excitement around rising stars and experienced veterans alike. Take the Brooklyn Nets, for example; all eyes are on Kevin Durant and James Harden. Both aim to gear up for a full season and a solid playoff run. The load management of these superstars will be critical given their age—Durant being 32 and Harden 31. Their playing time ratios and efficiency ratings during the preseason will heavily influence head coach Steve Nash’s strategy going forward.
Intriguingly, ticket prices for these games can vary drastically. On average, preseason tickets might cost between $20 to $50, significantly lower compared to regular-season games where prices can shoot up to hundreds of dollars, depending on the matchup. This makes the preseason an excellent budget-friendly option for fans wanting to catch their favorite teams live without breaking the bank.
In terms of scheduling quirks, the NBA ensures a mix of intra-conference and inter-conference games. This allows teams to gauge where they stand not just within their own conference but against all opponents. For example, the preseason matchup between the Lakers and the Miami Heat offers a sneak preview of what could be a compelling NBA Finals rematch. LeBron James, now 36, uses these games to tune his conditioning and understand how new teammates like Russell Westbrook fit into the system.
One of the most critical aspects is the assessment of rookies. Players like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, and Evan Mobley have enormous pressure to perform. The preseason acts as their maiden voyage into professional basketball, and how they handle the pressure could set the tone for their entire careers. Coaches analyze their performance under the microscope, scrutinizing everything from their shooting mechanics to their defensive footwork.
TV ratings during the preseason might not be as high as those during the regular season, but they still pull in significant numbers. According to Last Year’s Nielsen report, the first preseason game averaged around 700,000 viewers. Considering the less competitive nature of these games, that’s a reasonably solid figure and demonstrates how basketball keeps its audience engaged even in the offseason.
The business side of basketball also gears up during this period. Teams often use preseason games to try out different marketing strategies, from new merchandise to fresh concession offers at the arenas. Revenue generated during the preseason might not compare to the regular season, but it provides a critical testing ground for new business ideas.
How do the fans feel about it? For many, the preseason serves as an appetizer. Die-hard fans are eager to see how well offseason trades and acquired free agents mesh with existing rosters. For instance, the Chicago Bulls, who added Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan, face significant scrutiny. Every pass, shot, and play is analyzed, discussed, and debated in detail by fans and journalists alike, setting the tone for the kind of support or criticism the players might expect in the coming months.
To sum up briefly without violating the rules, October is a month filled with anticipation. From judging the impact of new acquisitions to understanding the fitness levels of returning stars, the preseason schedule weaves a complex fabric that sets the stage for the main event — the regular season. While the majority might dismiss it as just practice games, for true enthusiasts, it’s an exciting prelude to the basketball drama that will unfold over the next several months.