Ty's 2025-2026 NBA Season Preview: Grizzlies, Bucks, Pistons
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Welcome back to my preseason 2025-25 NBA countdown. We are officially in my playoff team portion. I fully believe that each and every team from here on out will be firmly in the playoffs, barring something rough.
At 15 I have the team I root for, the Memphis Grizzlies. I have to be honest, the way the preseason has gone, and the Ja Morant injury have me worried. But I do think they will figure it out when it matters, and Morant shouldn't miss much time anyway. Speaking of Morant, this guy has all the tools to be a star. He is fast, he can jump out of the gym and his teammates seem to like him. But he cannot stay healthy lately, and I'm over all the gun stuff. That has to stop, he needs to find a jumper and I would like to see him, as a fan, recommit himself to basketball. Jaren Jackson Jr is great. I really have no issues with him, other than his fouling. He is a very good defender. He can shoot it from outside. My lone issue is the fouls. He is way too important to this team and they need him on the floor. He could be a better rebounder for my taste, but that seems like something he is working on this offseason. Santi Aldama is very tall and can shoot, but he feels a little too soft for his size. I wish he had a little Steven Adamas in him. Brandon Clarke is hurt again, and I'm beginning to think we have already seen his best days. I like that they got a vet like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the door. They needed something besides picks when they traded Desmond Bane, and KCP brings leadership and championship pedigree. I really want Zach Edey to be good. He is so big, seems nasty and played solid over during his rookie season. But, he is already hurt too, and I fear that he may be one of these big dudes who can't stay on the floor. Ty Jerome had moments last season, but I'm not counting on a repeat. I wish GG Jackson got more minutes. He is a microwave off the bench. Scotty Pippen Jr proved he belonged in the NBa last season. And I'm intrigued by year two of Jaylin Wells and the rookie they picked, Cedric Coward. Both guys bring what the Grizzlies need if they can perform to the best of their abilities. With Desmond Bane gone, this team now only has a two headed monster in JJJ and Ja morant. When it is working it is a sight to behold. But if they can't stay on the floor together for myriad reasons, the play-in feels like their destiny yet again.
At number 14 I have the Milwaukee Bucks. This team continues to change their roster, but they still have Giannis Antetokounmpo. And I don't care what all the nerds at The Ringer or ESPN say, Giannis is the best player in the world. He does it all and the Bucks revolve around him. He is an elite defender and offensive playmaker. He has never found his shot, but he doesn't have to. He is a modern, more nimble Shaq. He is a joy to watch play and I hope he sticks it out with the Bucks for his entire career. The Bucks signed Myles Turner this offseason. I know he struggled in the Finals, but before then, Turner was great. He has always been a decent rim protector, and his shooting has improved every season since he has been in the league. He is going to keep the lane open for Giannis. Kyle Kuzma is washed up. There is no other way to say it. He struggled mightily last year, and it doesn't feel like it will get any better anytime soon. Cole Anthony will bring swagger, but not much more. Bobby Portis Jr has found his home and his niche. I enjoy watching him get under the opponent's skin. It gets kind of bleak after those guys. Kevin Porter Jr returned to the NBA last year, but he is still a ball stopper. Taurean Prince may be washed. Andre Jackson Jr became a starter for them, and he was very inconsistent. Gary Trent Jr is still here, but that doesn't carry much weight anymore. And the whole Doc Rivers of it all is very frustrating. The Bucks will be in the playoffs because they play in the East, but also because Giannis is so good that he will single handedly win multiple games for this team. I don't know if they will make the top six in the East, but it wouldn't surprise me if they did. Giannis is that awesome.
The final team for the day, at number 13 I have the Detroit Pistons. I love that the Pistons are relevant again and that they did it through the draft and teaching young guys the game. Cade Cunningham is awesome. I always had faith in him and it is so great to see him live up to the hype. He has rounded out his game very well and he has totally taken on the role as team leader. He should be an MVP caliber guy this season. Jalen Duren is so strong and he is continuing to figure out the best way to use his talents. He is still very young and he is only going to get better. Jaden Ivey has found a nice role that fits him with the Pistons. He is an energy guy that goes between a starter and a sixth man. If he fully bought into being a sixth man, he could feast on second units. Tobias Harris is a perfect vet for this team. Amen Thompson is a hellacious defender and he gives his all whenever he is on the floor. Ron Holland had some moments as a rookie last year. They signed Caris Levert and Duncan Robinson to add some outside shooting and bench scoring. And I like that they still have Isaiah Stewart as their enforcer. That dude is mean and nasty and every team needs a guy like that, especially come playoff time. The Pistons are here and ready to make some noise. I can't wait to see how they come out this year after their mini breakout last season. The NBA is better when the Pistons matter.
That's it for today. Come back tomorrow for my next three teams.
Ty
Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.