As I sit down to map out the NBA preseason schedule for the 2019-20 season, I can't help but reflect on how these early games serve as a crucial transition period for teams. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've always found the preseason to be this fascinating limbo where established stars shake off rust while newcomers fight for their professional lives. The quote from the Alas Pilipinas women's team about going through developmental phases with young players resonates deeply here - that's exactly what NBA teams experience during these exhibition games. Teams will play between 4-6 preseason contests this year, with the action kicking off on September 30th when the Houston Rockets host the Shanghai Sharks, though the bulk of games really get going in early October.
The scheduling this year feels particularly strategic, with the NBA clearly thinking about global exposure and regional rivalries. I've noticed they've clustered certain matchups - like the California teams playing each other multiple times - which creates these mini-storylines before the real drama begins. The Lakers and Clippers will face off on October 17th at Staples Center, which should give us our first glimpse of how both teams are integrating their new pieces. Having attended several preseason games over the years, I can tell you the atmosphere is completely different from regular season games - there's this experimental vibe where coaches try lineups they'd never risk when games actually matter. The Milwaukee Bucks will play five preseason games total, beginning October 7th against Chicago, which gives Coach Budenholzer ample time to test different rotations without overworking his starters.
What many casual fans don't realize is how much roster mathematics come into play during these weeks. Teams typically carry about 20 players during preseason before trimming down to the final 15, meaning nearly 25% of the players we see in these games won't be on opening night rosters. I remember watching undrafted players fighting for two-way contracts during last year's preseason - the intensity might be lower for established stars, but for those final roster spots, every possession feels like Game 7. The Philadelphia 76ers have what I consider one of the more interesting preseason slates, facing international teams before testing themselves against Chinese squads, which provides a unique challenge you don't get in regular season play.
The international games particularly stand out to me this year. Dallas and Minnesota will play in Abu Dhabi on October 5th and 7th, continuing the NBA's global expansion that I've watched evolve over the past fifteen years. Having spoken with team staff who've participated in these overseas trips, the logistics are incredibly complex - jet lag, unfamiliar facilities, and the pressure of representing the league abroad create this unique preseason crucible. It reminds me of that quote about the Philippine teams going through developmental phases with young players - these international games often accelerate team bonding in ways domestic preseason games simply can't match.
From a coaching perspective, preseason is this beautiful laboratory where crazy ideas get tested. I've always been fascinated by how coaches balance winning habits with experimental lineups - Steve Kerr might play Draymond Green at center for extended minutes, while Toronto's Nick Nurse (fresh off their championship) could test various defensive schemes without consequence. The Celtics have four preseason games scheduled, which seems light compared to some teams, but having followed Brad Stevens' methods for years, I suspect he prefers fewer games with more intense practice sessions between them. Personally, I'd love to see more teams adopt the approach of playing their deep bench players heavier minutes - it gives fans a glimpse of the future while providing meaningful evaluation opportunities.
The injury management component of preseason has evolved dramatically in recent years. Teams are increasingly cautious with their star players - I wouldn't be surprised if Kawhi Leonard sits out at least two of the Clippers' five scheduled preseason games. Having witnessed Derrick Rose's career-altering ACL injury during a 2012 preseason game, I've become somewhat conflicted about star player participation. On one hand, these games need drawing power; on the other, protecting franchise cornerstones is paramount. The data shows that teams are giving their starters approximately 18-22 minutes per preseason game now, down from the 25-28 minutes we commonly saw a decade ago.
As we approach the October 18th conclusion of preseason, the narrative shifts from experimentation to final preparations. The last preseason games on October 17th and 18th will feature mostly rotation players getting their final tune-ups, while the deep bench players make their final case for roster spots. Looking at the complete schedule, I'm particularly intrigued by the October 10th matchup between New Orleans and Chicago - Zion Williamson's first taste of NBA action against the Bulls' young core could provide our first glimpse of what promises to be an electrifying rookie season. The preseason might not count in the standings, but for basketball nerds like me, these games offer this unique window into team development that becomes obscured once the real games begin. Just like those Alas Pilipinas players mentioned in that quote, NBA teams use this period to grow together, test their limits, and prepare for the marathon ahead - and frankly, that developmental journey is half the fun of being a basketball fan.