Introduction

The 2025 NBA preseason is coming to a close, setting the stage for an exhilarating regular season just around the corner. While exhibition games come with their own set of caveats, recent performances have highlighted some clear winners and losers among the league’s teams and players.

Rising Stars: Cooper Flagg and Victor Wembanyama

One spotlight has been on Cooper Flagg, whose preseason stats—11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks—may not have immediately stood out. However, his ability to make impactful plays, from pull-up threes to strong rim protection, has displayed his versatility. On a talented Dallas Mavericks roster, Flagg is emerging as a strong Rookie of the Year candidate, potentially following in the footsteps of players like Andrei Kirilenko.

Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama continues to build anticipation for the upcoming regular season. Averaging 17.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in just under 20 minutes, Wemby is shaping up to be a contender for MVP this year with the San Antonio Spurs, especially if they can near the 50-win mark.

Troubles for the Lakers and Kings

On the flip side, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a dismal preseason record of 1-4. While the games don't count, the absence of LeBron James due to sciatica raises concerns about their early season performance. If he misses more games, fans are left to ponder the team's dynamics without their superstar alongside stars like Luka Dončić.

The Sacramento Kings are also facing difficulties, starting the preseason at 0-3 and complicating their roster by adding veteran Russell Westbrook. With an already crowded lineup, many question the fit and future direction of the team, suggesting a need for significant changes.

Team Performances: Houston Rockets and Miami Heat

In contrast, the Houston Rockets are enjoying a perfect 3-0 preseason. New acquisitions are contributing significantly, particularly with Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Durant both scoring over 17 points per game, despite the absence of Fred VanVleet due to injury. Their cohesive play suggests they are well-positioned for the upcoming season.

The Miami Heat's preseason has been marred by struggles, highlighted by an 0-5 record and injuries. However, the emergence of second-year player Kel'el Ware offers a glimmer of hope, as he has put up impressive numbers, indicating a promising breakout season ahead.

Overall Takeaways

As the preseason wraps up, teams are starting to take shape. While some franchises are demonstrating competitiveness and promising talent, others face concerning injuries and roster decisions that could affect their performance once the regular season commences.