NBA Preseason Standings 2021-22: Complete Team Rankings and Analysis

As I sat down to analyze the 2021-22 NBA preseason standings, I couldn't help but notice some fascinating parallels with international basketball tournaments happening around the same time. Just last Monday, La Salle secured another victory in the championship round of that Japan invitational tournament, putting them in position to potentially become the first-ever repeat champion in the tournament's three-year history. Watching how teams like La Salle build momentum through preseason and tournament play really makes me appreciate how crucial these early games are for establishing team chemistry and rhythm.

Looking at the complete team rankings from last year's NBA preseason, I have to say the Brooklyn Nets really stood out to me with their dominant 4-1 record. Their performance gave us that first glimpse of what their superteam could accomplish when healthy, though we all know how that regular season ultimately played out with injuries and other issues. The Golden State Warriors also caught my attention with their perfect 5-0 preseason run, which honestly surprised me at the time given they were integrating new young talent alongside their veteran core. What struck me most was how these preseason results often reveal teams' potential in ways that regular season statistics sometimes miss.

The Western Conference preseason standings showed some interesting developments that I found particularly compelling. The Utah Jazz finished with a solid 3-1 record, demonstrating their regular season readiness, while the Phoenix Suns went 2-2, showing some early inconsistency that didn't ultimately reflect their incredible regular season performance. I've always believed preseason gives coaches the perfect laboratory to experiment, and watching Monty Williams tinker with different lineups last preseason clearly paid dividends later. The Lakers' disappointing 0-6 preseason record had many fans, including myself, genuinely concerned about their aging roster and new acquisitions not gelling properly.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls' 4-0 preseason performance absolutely electrified their fanbase, myself included. Watching DeRozan and LaVine develop that instant chemistry gave us all hope for what turned out to be a remarkable turnaround season. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat's methodical 3-1 preseason showing demonstrated their characteristic discipline and preparation. I remember thinking at the time that their attention to detail in these meaningless games signaled they were building something special, which certainly proved true during their playoff run.

What fascinates me about analyzing preseason standings is how they can both reveal and deceive. Teams like the Toronto Raptors finished preseason strong at 4-1, but took time to find their rhythm during the regular season. Conversely, the Dallas Mavericks' mediocre 2-2 preseason didn't adequately forecast Luka's incredible individual season. This reminds me of how La Salle's current position in that Japan tournament demonstrates the importance of building winning habits early, regardless of the competition level. Their potential repeat championship mirrors how NBA teams use preseason success to establish championship mentalities.

The statistical breakdown from last year's preseason reveals some numbers that still stick with me. The Warriors led all teams with an average margin of victory of 12.8 points, while the Lakers' average loss margin of 9.2 points genuinely concerned me as a basketball analyst. Offensive efficiency ratings showed the Nets leading at 118.3 points per 100 possessions, while defensive metrics highlighted the Heat allowing just 98.7 points per 100 possessions. These numbers, while from relatively small sample sizes, provided valuable insights into teams' preparedness and strategic emphasis.

Reflecting on individual performances during last year's preseason, Jordan Poole's emergence as a scoring threat for Golden State particularly stood out to me. His 25.4 points per game average in preseason action signaled his readiness for a larger role, which proved crucial during their championship run. Similarly, watching rookie Chris Duarte average 18.2 points for Indiana made me optimistic about his immediate impact, though I must admit I didn't anticipate him maintaining that level of production throughout the entire regular season.

The connection between international tournament success and NBA preseason performance strikes me as particularly relevant when examining team development patterns. La Salle's potential repeat championship in Japan demonstrates how winning cultures transcend continents and competition levels. Similarly, NBA teams that excel in preseason often carry that momentum into meaningful games, establishing identity and confidence that fuels their championship aspirations. I've noticed throughout my years following basketball that organizations that take preseason seriously, whether in NBA or international circuits, typically outperform expectations.

As we look ahead to future NBA seasons, the value of preseason standings and analysis remains incredibly important in my view. While many casual fans dismiss these games as meaningless, I've consistently found they provide crucial insights into team development, roster depth, and strategic innovation. The complete team rankings from 2021-22 preseason offered numerous clues about the surprising regular season outcomes, much like La Salle's current tournament performance hints at their championship pedigree. Understanding these connections helps us appreciate basketball's global language of success and the universal importance of building winning habits, whether in Tokyo or Toronto.

My personal takeaway from studying last year's NBA preseason standings is that they matter more than most people acknowledge, yet less than the most enthusiastic analysts claim. They provide valuable pieces of the puzzle without completing the entire picture. The Brooklyn Nets' preseason dominance didn't guarantee playoff success, just as La Salle's current tournament position doesn't ensure their repeat championship. However, in both cases, these early performances establish foundation and confidence that can propel teams toward their ultimate goals. That's why I'll continue closely watching both NBA preseason standings and international tournaments like the Japan invitational – they're fascinating indicators of basketball excellence in the making.