NBA Preseason 2014: Exhibition Schedule and Rookie Predictions
NBA training camps are underway, and one of the most compelling seasons of professional basketball is almost here. Before the games count for real, hoops fans will be teased with the exhibition schedule.
For some squads, the preseason will serve as a preview of all the new toys the organization was able to add during the offseason. For others that are returning the same core, the theme will be to stay healthy.
Preseason action begins on Oct. 4, and the regular season begins on Oct. 28. You can see the entire schedule at NBA.com. Here's a look at a few intriguing games on the exhibition schedule.
Sunday, Oct. 5 - Tel Aviv at Cleveland Cavaliers
The first official game featuring the Cavs' new Big Three of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love will undoubtedly bring a ton of attention. Though Cleveland isn't even playing an NBA squad, it won't dull the appeal too much.
There are several side notes to this contest. Maccabi Tel Aviv are the reigning Euroleague and Super Basketball League champions. Cavs' new head coach David Blatt is the man who led the squad to both titles.
So not only is this the debut of the Three Cavaliers, but it's also a reunion for Blatt and his former team. Maccabi Tel Aviv's current head coach Guy Goodes doesn't sound optimistic about his team's chances to compete.
Per Steven Scheer of Yahoo! Sports, Goodes said:
"Hopefully, he will have some mercy. If it gets to a 20-point gap, I hope he doesn't make it 40."
Monday, Oct. 6 - Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls
This is a big deal on both sides but primarily for the Bulls.
The game marks the return of Derrick Rose to the lineup. That in itself is cause to make this short list. Add into that the Bulls debut of Pau Gasol and baptism of rookies Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott, and this is one of the biggest exhibition games in Chicago since Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman linked up almost 20 years ago.
For the Wizards, expectations are high. They beat a Rose-less Bulls team in the first round of the playoffs last season, and this game will feature future Hall of Famer Paul Pierce in his Wizards' debut.
Mark your calendar.
Wednesday, Oct. 8 - Charlotte Hornets at Philadelphia 76ers
The re-introduction of the Hornets brand will be made official once the team takes the court for the first time in the preseason. It won't be a home game, but the Men of Teal are back.
With prized new free-agent acquisition Lance Stephenson in the lineup, the Hornets will be set to showcase one of the more underrated backcourts in the NBA.
Stephenson and Walker might be a handful for teams all season. The 76ers are again in rebuilding mode and are expected to be one of the league's worst teams, but last year's top prospect Nerlens Noel will make his debut.
In addition to that, this year's top prospect Joel Embiid may entertain us during the game via his Twitter account.
Wednesday, Oct. 8 - Memphis Grizzlies at Milwaukee Bucks
Many believe Jabari Parker is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. The Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins will have something to say about that.
Nonetheless, Parker's debut in Milwaukee is huge for the city. It's been a while since the Bucks' organization has had reason for optimism. Parker could blossom into the superstar the team needs to move back toward a playoff berth.
Rookies, Rookies, Rookies
First-year players are a big deal in preseason. Everyone wants to see the top prospects from college and international squads get their first taste of NBA action. It's usually a good indication of which youngsters can make an immediate impact.
Here's three rookies that are likely to shine during the exhibition season.
Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls
The 6'10" stretch-4 has actually been a professional for seven years playing for Real Madrid, but he is set to make his NBA debut this season.
Mirotic's experience should give him a leg up on some of the other rookies in the NBA. He has excellent height, length and a deft shooting touch that should earn him some minutes in the Bulls' deep rotation.
Chicago's head coach Tom Thibodeau likes what he sees early on, and that's a good sign from a man who hasn't always been generous with minutes for rookies.
After the Bulls' second day of training camp, Thibs said this per Sam Smith of NBA.com:
"I thought he had a really good first day (Tuesday). And then after watching the film, it was even better than I thought. He has a great attitude. He’s going to be a good player. He has a lot to learn. Take it day by day, concentrate on improvement. But he has a lot of pride and great work ethic. But any young player that’s what you’re looking for. How much he plays, I don’t know. We’re going to find out some things early. But I like who he is.
"
During the preseason, Mirotic should get an opportunity to shine with veteran bigs like Gasol and Joakim Noah seeing lighter minutes. Look for Mirotic to open some eyes with scoring and passing skills.
Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves
Wiggins has to have a chip on his shoulder. After being selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, the young man's name was dragged through the mud of trade rumors as owner Dan Gilbert bent over backward in search of Love. The pun was totally intended.
Here's Wiggins: a mega talented 19-year-old who became an afterthought in Cleveland as quick as he became a thing.
He lands with a team that desperately needs a wing player to score, and though that's just one of Wiggins' skills, he should have ample opportunity to prove he can be an impact player immediately.
Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics
Rajon Rondo's injury opens up an even bigger opportunity for Marcus Smart to push the veteran playmaker out of Boston. Rondo is going to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and his future in Beantown is unknown.
With Rondo set to miss all of the preseason, and potentially part of the regular season, per CSNNE.com, Smart's aggressiveness and athleticism could convince Danny Ainge to part ways with Rondo—if he hasn't already decided to pull the trigger on a deal.
Head coach Brad Stevens has called Smart "a potential game changer on defense," per Jay King of MassLive.com.
If he can play through some of his growing pains as the lead guard on offense, the preseason could be a preview of the near future for the Celtics' backcourt.
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