Sports · Basketball · 6 hrs ago
NBA preseason highlights new roles for Atlanta, Boston and Brooklyn
The NBA preseason gives teams a chance to test lineups and new players before the regular season begins, with opening games approaching on Tuesday.
Atlanta has built a deep backcourt after Trae Young's salary left its books, adding several guards and trading two backups for forward Dorian Finney-Smith.
The Hawks' strongest lineup from last season featured Nickeil Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu.
Jayson Tatum looked sharp in his preseason return for Boston after recovering from an Achilles tear, scoring 23 points in 27 minutes in his debut.
Boston will also need to adjust to the absence of Jaylen Brown and bring in Paul George and Mitchell Robinson.
Brooklyn is looking for Egor Demin to improve after a difficult rookie season, and the 20-year-old showed more willingness to attack the basket in preseason.
The regular season is due to begin Tuesday, and the preseason has offered an early look at questions each team must address.
The NBA preseason highlighted a crowded Atlanta Hawks backcourt, Jayson Tatum’s return to form for Boston and a development opportunity for Brooklyn’s Egor Demin.
Atlanta traded two backup guards for forward Dorian Finney-Smith in September after building a deep group of backcourt players.
The Hawks’ best-performing starting lineup last season had a plus-20.3 net rating, and coach Quin Snyder used several lineups in preseason.
Tatum scored 23 points in 27 minutes in his preseason debut after returning from an Achilles tear.
Demin showed more willingness to drive during preseason as he aims to establish himself as a starting point guard.
- Who
- The Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets.
- What
- NBA preseason observations pointed to Atlanta’s deep backcourt, Tatum’s return and Demin’s development.
- When
- The preseason ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.
- Where
- Atlanta, Boston and Brooklyn; specific preseason game locations are not stated.
- Why
- The preseason gave teams a chance to assess players and lineup roles before the regular season.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles tear.
Atlanta traded two backup guards to Charlotte for Dorian Finney-Smith.
Tatum scored 23 points in 27 minutes in his preseason debut.
Egor Demin drove past LeBron James and finished a layup over Joel Embiid in a win over Philadelphia.
- Atlanta
- The Hawks’ top lineup last season posted a plus-20.3 net rating.
- Atlanta trade
- Two backup guards went to Charlotte for Dorian Finney-Smith in September.
- Boston
- Tatum scored 23 points in 27 minutes in his preseason debut.
- Brooklyn
- Egor Demin is a 20-year-old Russian guard.
- Season
- The upcoming season is 2026-27.