During my playing years, I can’t remember anyone talking about being tired during the season because the response always would have been, “You have all summer to rest.”  They can’t very well say it today.  That is why I suggest the NBA should have their rookie and free-agent camps in September just before the regular veterans’ training camp. When the season is over, “hasta la vista, see y’all in September.”
Then, come September:
1.  Bring your rookies and free agents into camp;
2.  Play your rookie games within your division;
3.  Players you keep will join the early-bird veterans already working out and the veterans just coming into camp;
4.  After veterans’ camp or, before make your cuts, you are ready for the exhibition season.

Doing it all in September is less expensive and more productive because of allowing the extra time off for bodies to heal, both physically and mentally. This will, down the road, result in less practice — and games — missed due to injuries. ###