2025-26 NBA Season Preview: Preseason Standouts and Styling With Court Classics

2025‑26 NBA Season Preview: Preseason Standouts and Styling With Court Classics

The buzz of a new season

The 2025‑26 NBA season is almost here, and preseason hoops have already given fans a taste of what to expect.  From top rookies showcasing their potential to veterans reminding everyone why they’re stars, the exhibition schedule has provided both highlight plays and valuable insights.  For those who love the game and the culture surrounding it, this is also the perfect time to update your wardrobe.  Court Classics, our Los Angeles‑inspired brand, merges basketball heritage with streetwear sensibility making it easy to support your favorite players while looking sharp.

Preseason standouts to watch

 Rookie sensations

* Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz) – The No. 1 overall pick has been the talk of the preseason.  Bailey leads all rookies and sits third among all players with 22.5 points per game, hitting 65.5 % from the field and 40 % from three.  His ability to score at all three levels and punish overcommitted defenders is exactly why scouts raved about him.
* Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) – While Flagg’s preseason scoring hasn’t been eye‑popping, his all‑around game has been.  He’s already flashing the versatility that made him the top pick: defending multiple positions, jumping passing lanes and initiating fast breaks.  CBS Sports noted that if preseason is any indication, Flagg will make an immediate impact with his defense and facilitation, even if he isn’t asked to score 25 a night.
* Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs) – Harper’s debut showed why the Spurs took him second: he posted 9 points and 3 assists, drawing defenders and finding teammates for easy baskets.  The Spurs’ young guard later connected with Victor Wembanyama on lobs and showed his feel for the game.

Additional rookies to watch

* Ben Saraf (Brooklyn Nets) – Against Hapoel Jerusalem, the No. 26 draft pick poured in nine points and dished six assists.  Saraf impressed with strong dribble moves and expert facilitation, posting six assists to just one turnover and scoring efficiently.
* Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic) – The No. 25 pick didn’t get going until the third quarter, but he exploded for 13 points on 5‑of‑11 shooting and added four rebounds, two assists and a steal off the bench.  His scoring outburst sparked the Magic and showed he could thrive in a sixth‑man role.
* VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers) – Edgecombe, selected third overall, made an impact in the preseason opener with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists.  His athleticism and ability to stuff the stat sheet suggest he’ll fit seamlessly into the Sixers’ rotation.
* Joan Beringer (Minnesota Timberwolves) – Beringer surprised many with 14 points on 6‑for‑8 shooting and four rebounds.  The big man showed impressive touch and mobility for his size, hinting he could be Minnesota’s center of the future.
* Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) – The No. 4 pick led Charlotte in scoring against the Thunder, finishing with 18 points on 6‑of‑13 shooting, including four three‑pointers, plus two assists and two rebounds.  Knueppel’s ability to space the floor and contribute across the board makes him an ideal complement to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

Young veterans and breakout candidates

* Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat) – Ware may have been a role player as a rookie, but he’s dominating this preseason.  Against Orlando he erupted for 24 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and two three‑pointers in just 25 minutes.  It was his third straight double‑double, and he’s averaging 20.3 points and 11.0 rebounds while shooting 50 % from three  Yahoo Sports emphasized that Ware’s strong play, 24 points and 10 rebounds despite a Heat loss has made him one of Miami’s most promising young players.
* Norman Powell (Miami Heat) – Playing alongside Ware, Powell has found his rhythm.  He ranks second on the team in scoring (13.7 ppg) while hitting 41.7 % of his three‑point attempts, stretching the floor for a Heat offense that ranked 24th last year.
* Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks) – Back from last season’s shoulder injury, Johnson is leading the Hawks with 15.5 points per game in the preseason.  Atlanta’s revamped roster also features newcomer Kristaps Porziņģis (9.0 ppg, 0.5 blocks) and guard Nickeil Alexander‑Walker (10.0 ppg, 1.0 steal).
* New York Knicks balance – Six Knicks are averaging at least 8 points: Mikal Bridges (11.7 ppg), OG Anunoby (10.5), Jalen Brunson (10.3), Karl‑Anthony Towns (9.0), Jordan Clarkson (8.7) and Miles McBride (8.0).  That balanced scoring has powered a 3‑0 start.
* Minnesota’s firepower– Anthony Edwards is picking up where he left off, posting 17.0 points per game in just 22.9 minutes, while Julius Randle adds 15.0 points in 20.5 minutes.  Sharpshooter Johnny Juzang has also impressed, averaging 14.7 ppg this preseason.

Established stars making headlines

* Giannis Antetokounmpo– In his first preseason appearance, Giannis needed only 21 minutes to rack up a 13‑point, 10‑rebound double‑double.  Teammates Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma added 19 points apiece to help the Bucks top the Bulls.
* Austin Reaves and the Lakers’ depth – Reaves scored 21 points on 7‑of‑10 shooting, while rookies Dalton Knecht and Rui Hachimura chipped in 16 points each.  Golden State rookie Brandin Podziemski countered with a game‑high 23 points and 8 assists for the Warriors.
* Franz Wagner and Orlando’s youth movement – Wagner tallied 17 points and 3 assists in just 15 minutes, while second‑generation players Jett Howard (11 points, 4 assists) and Jase Richardson (13 points) contributed to the Magic’s win.

These performances suggest that the rookie class is ready to make an immediate impact and that several under‑the‑radar players like Ware and Johnson could become breakout stars once the regular season begins.  As always, however, preseason stats should be taken as indicators of form rather than guarantees; rotations tighten and defensive schemes get serious when the games count.

What the preseason tells us

Preseason games are more than glorified scrimmages.  Coaches use them to experiment with lineups, test rookies and let veterans shake off rust.  A few takeaways from this year:

1. Rookies are ready. Bailey’s scoring efficiency and Flagg’s versatility suggest that the 2025 draft class could contribute immediately.  Harper and Ware are already running pick‑and‑rolls and hitting threes.
2. Depth matters. Teams like the Knicks, Hawks and Timberwolves showcase balanced scoring across their rosters, a sign that second units will play a bigger role this season.
3. Stars are pacing themselves. Giannis, Edwards and Reaves are all producing efficiently in limited minutes.  Expect their workloads to ramp up once the regular season begins.

Styling tips: rock the Court Classics look

Whether you’re heading to the arena or watching from a local bar, your outfit should reflect your passion for hoops.  Our Court Classics line celebrates Los Angeles basketball culture with timeless design and modern materials.  The hats pictured below a white‑and‑orange cap and a black corduroy cap feature embroidered basketball graphics and the “Los Angeles Court Classics” script.

Here are a few ways to incorporate Court Classics pieces into your game‑day look:

* Match team colors. The orange detailing on our hats pairs perfectly with teams like the Suns or Heat.  Wear the cream‑orange cap with a vintage jersey and neutral jeans for an understated look.
* Contrast textures.The black corduroy hat adds depth to any outfit.  Combine it with a satin bomber jacket or a mesh basketball jersey for a mix of materials that feels both retro and modern.
* Layer up. Fall evenings can get chilly, especially outdoors.  Layer your cap with a hoodie and a light jacket.  Choose complementary colors, black with gold or cream with navy to make the embroidery pop.
* Accessorize subtly. A clean watch, simple chain or leather bracelet keeps the focus on the hat.  Avoid loud patterns that compete with the embroidered basketball graphic.

Court Classics pieces are designed for versatility.  Whether you’re court‑side, at a watch party or just running errands, these hats fit effortlessly into both casual and elevated streetwear ensembles.

 Final thoughts

The preseason has whetted our appetite for the new NBA season.  With rookies like Bailey, Flagg and Harper and exciting upstarts such as Ben Saraf, Jase Richardson, VJ Edgecombe, Joan Beringer and Kon Knueppel already making noise and emerging players like Kel’el Ware turning heads, the 2025‑26 campaign promises fresh storylines.  Keep an eye on balanced squads like the Knicks and Wolves, and don’t forget to gear up with Court Classics to show your love for the game in style.