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The 2021-22 NBA preseason was a highly anticipated event for fans. After one of the deepest draft classes in the last few years followed by one of the most active offseasons, the 2021-22 NBA season has been nothing short of hyped.
The free agency market saw some of the biggest and most surprising moves in a long time. From teams bolstering their lineups to making a run for the title, to franchises with new identities, the excitement ahead of the new season is hard to compare.
The preseason is an appetizer for what each team has in store. Getting firsthand experience of what teams have in store with their new lineups is something every fan looks forward to. The 2021-22 preseason did not disappoint.
With some unexpected winners and losers, the preseason has set up the floor for the regular-season due to commence on October 19th. Ahead of the regular-season opener, in this article, we will take a look at the five teams that went unbeaten in the 2021-22 NBA preseason.
#1 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have dominated the NBA for the majority of the second-half of last decade. Making five consecutive NBA Finals appearances, winning three NBA titles and establishing a 73-9 regular-season record in the 2015-16 season, the Warriors had one of the greatest teams of all time.
Although the franchise has struggled to recreate its success in the last two seasons, the 2021-22 Golden State Warriors look set to be one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. With the highly anticipated return of Klay Thompson alongside Stephen Curry running rampant around opposition defenses, the Warriors retain their spot as favorites.
As the Golden State Warriors entered the 2021-22 preseason, a key storyline to follow was the development of Jordan Poole. Entering his third season in the NBA, Poole has made his big jump to the next level. Looking to have a breakout season with the Warriors, the young player seemed primed to be the next star as the Warriors ended the preseason with a 5-0 record.
With a number of talented players on the roster along with experienced veterans, the Golden State Warriors will look to ride the wave of their preseason success into the regular-season as well.
#2 Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls had been a dominant franchise in the 90's and had since only seen small doses of competitive bursts in the playoffs in the following decade. But the current roster has some serious excitement in store for Bulls fans.
In an active 2021 offseason, the Chicago Bulls made some key moves to support their core of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. The Bulls acquired a playmaker in Lonzo Ball, an all-round team player in Alex Caruso and former All-Star DeMar DeRozan.
With some great moves made, the Bulls looked primed to make some noise in the regular-season. But a number of moves also imply the time required in developing chemistry and establishing a system. However, the Chicago Bulls hit the ground running in preseason.
With some huge expectations, the Chicago Bulls delivered a performance beyond expectations. Going 4-0 in the preseason, the Bulls came out firing with an offense run to perfection. Behind the development of Zach LaVine and the playmaking of Lonzo Ball, the Bulls' system is flourishing.
Hoping to continue their success in the preseason, the Chicago Bulls look like one of the best offenses in the Eastern Conference.
#3 New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are coming off an unsuccessful 2020-21 postseason campaign. After a disappointing early exit against the Atlanta Hawks, the Knicks looked to be making some moves to improve their roster heading into the 2021-22 season.
The Knicks front office delivered. With the acquisitions of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier, the New York Knicks added some key members to their overall rotation. Combined with the developing talent of RJ Barrett and the dominant playing style of Julius Randle, the Knicks are poised to be an exciting team to watch.
While the side is missing two important pieces at the 5 spot, Taj Gibson has offered the side some great minutes. The development of Immanuel Quickley and the overall reliability of Derrick Rose also gives them depth in their guard rotation.
Under coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks continued to flourish in the 2021-22 preseason. With a 4-0 record ahead of their regular-season opener, the New York Knicks continued their dominant display to establish themselves as playoff contenders.
#4 Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have been a surprising side to watch this preseason. Led by De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, the Kings had a tremendous preseason after going 4-0 with their most recent win against the LA Lakers.
Under head coach Luke Walton, the Sacramento Kings have consistently been on the lower order of teams in the Western Conference. With some talented pieces on the roster, such as Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes and rookie Davion Mitchell, the Sacramento Kings outperformed their reputation in the 2021-22 preseason.
De'Aaron Fox is on the verge of having a career season for the side. As one of the fastest players in the league, Fox has also developed a three-point shot and is consistently an offensive threat.
Tyrese Haliburton's growth as a player also shows a lot of promise for the Sacramento Kings. Entering his third season with the side, Haliburton is also on the cusp of having a breakout season.
#5 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks enjoyed success in the postseason led by German big man Dirk Nowitzki in 2011. With a history of championship contention, the Mavericks look set to enter the 2021-22 season led by their superstar duo of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.
Although the team faced some discord in the offseason with changes in head coaching and rumors of problems between their duo, come preseason, the Dallas Mavericks looked ready to go.
With a 3-0 record to end their preseason, the Dallas Mavericks had one of the most dominant spectacles against the Charlotte Hornets. Beating the side by 68 points, the Mavericks offense seems to be in full flow with all engines running.
With their star duo seeing eye-to-eye and Porzingis being healthy, other key players such as Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell have also been able to perform in games.
There could be some early-season struggles dealing with chemistry issues. However, the Dallas Mavericks are looking to make a strong playoff run and overcome the adversities of the early playoff exits they have faced in the last two seasons.
Guess the Lakers players!
