Chapter 298: The Clash of Eras.
As a continuation of last season's Finals showdown, the league scheduled the Cavaliers vs. Warriors rematch as the season opener.
Promotions for the game kicked off early, with the league's marketing machine in full swing. Even though the NBA remained a 'Nike league', Adam Silver clearly wanted Under Armour to continue growing its presence.
This was because of one critical, looming matter — Adidas' jersey sponsorship deal with the NBA was set to expire at the end of the season.
In a world without UA's rise, Nike would have already locked in the next deal. But now? That spot was up for grabs, and this season would decide who claimed it.
As the hype built, headlines surrounding the season opener flooded the media.
The Warriors received bad news before the season even tipped off. Surprisingly, it wasn't a player injury — it was their head coach.
Steve Kerr had undergone back surgery during the offseason. While he hadn't timed it as poorly as his former teammate Dennis Rodman, complications from the procedure meant Kerr would be sidelined for at least two to three months.
In his absence, the team's first assistant coach stepped up. But it wasn't Alvin Gentry — he had accepted the head coaching job with the Pelicans after his success with the Warriors. The new man in charge? Luke Walton, a former Lakers role player and second assistant from last season.
But did it really matter?
Not really. The Warriors' system was so polished that they could win with a bench coach — or, as some joked, even with a mascot in a suit on the sidelines.
Kerr's absence wasn't the focus. What really drew attention was Draymond Green's media day comments, which resurfaced right before the opener.