Setting up the preseason sked

I asked Avery Johnson today if he prefers scheduling back-to-backs in the preseason like the Chicago-Washington trip coming up. Johnson does, but also said to ask assistant GM Keith Grant about the eight-day break from the last preseason game to the regular-season opener Halloween Night at Cleveland.

So who comes down the stairs at the end of practice? Mr. Grant. So Keith, how about it? Keith, one of the nicest and sharpest guys around, proceeds to explain the process. Teams set up their own schedules – not the league – so there are a number of hoops to work around. Think non-conference scheduling in college football.

“It’s one of the hardest things I do,” Grant said. He also pointed out that 16 teams have six-day breaks, with at least two going nine days before opening up the season. Got any questions, Coach?