In the same way that you take in an orchestra warming up, with its dozens of non-melodies gradually overlapping one another, what preseason basketball lacks in stakes it makes up for in the unchecked anticipation of what might be. The on-court result is its own wall of sound — far from harmonious, but intriguing in how it can tease what may or may not form in the months ahead.
It’s a welcome recalibration from last season in San Antonio, when an ominous announcement at the start of preseason last year ultimately set the 2017-18 Spurs on their unforeseen contingency course.