Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA is back, the Board of Governors voting to approve the 22-team format that will be played this summer.
But Thursday we also learned the next relevant dates for the Warriors.
The NBA draft lottery has been set for Aug. 25, according to ESPN, with the draft itself coming Oct. 15. Golden State fans can start debating between Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Killian Hayes, James Wiseman and whichever top prospect will be there when the Warriors pick.
There are still some unknowns — what if a team goes 0-8 in the restarted season and ends up with a bottom-three record? — but the Warriors, with the NBA’s worst mark, will have a 14 percent chance at landing the top spot and are guaranteed a top-five pick (in a draft that is viewed by most as underwhelming).
The NBA is returning, though it’ll be about 12 weeks until the Warriors’ next big day.
Here’s the calendar for the smaller days, according to The Athletic:
— For the teams involved, training camp will start June 30.
— The season will restart July 31.
— Free agency hits Oct. 18.
— Work begins for the 2020-21 season on Nov. 10, with training camp, while Dec. 1 is the target opening night.