In fact, some NBA players have already signed with clubs overseas in case the league's lockout situation isn't resolved. As it stands, the owners and players are still well apart in negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement, which is needed to replace the one that expired on June 30.
Some players are cautiously optimistic, but there is a growing concern that regular-season games could be lost to a work stoppage for only the second time in league history.
However, the NBA still released its schedule for the upcoming season on Tuesday. If the season begins on time, the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks will host the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 1.
Most teams, including the Celtics, are scheduled begin their season on Nov. 2. For the Celtics, that would mean a matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will feature first overall pick Kyrie Irving and this year's fourth pick, Tristan Thompson.
The Celtics are also scheduled to take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Christmas day and have their first matchup with the Lakers on Feb. 9.
The All-Star break is scheduled for Feb. 24-26 in Orlando, after which the Celtics will open up the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The NBA season — if played — will end on April 18. The C's close out the season against Orlando at the TD Garden that night.
A lot will need to be resolved before this schedule can actually be played out, though.
