<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> NBA seasons </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> ← 2016--17 2018--19 → </Td> </Tr> <P> The 2017--18 NBA season is the 72nd season of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The regular season began on October 17, 2017, earlier than previous seasons to reduce the number of "back - to - back" games teams are scheduled to play, with the 2017 runners - up Cleveland Cavaliers hosting a game against the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio . Christmas games will be played on December 25 . The 2018 NBA All - Star Game will be played on February 18, 2018, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California . The regular season will end on April 11, 2018 and the playoffs will begin on April 14, 2018 . </P> <Ul> <Li> On July 17, 2017, Paul Pierce signed a ceremonial contract with the Boston Celtics and officially retired as a Celtic after playing 19 seasons and winning one championship with the Celtics . </Li> <Li> On July 19, 2017, James Jones was announced to be the vice president of basketball operations for the Phoenix Suns, which signified his retirement after playing 14 seasons and winning two championships with the Miami Heat and one championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers . </Li> <Li> On August 4, 2017, Jason Maxiell signed a ceremonial contract with the Detroit Pistons and officially retired after playing 14 seasons . </Li> <Li> On August 15, 2017, Tayshaun Prince was announced to be assistant general manager for the Memphis Grizzlies, which signified his retirement after playing 15 seasons and winning one championship with the Detroit Pistons . </Li> <Li> On September 2, 2017, Primož Brezec announced his retirement after 21 professional seasons . Brezec had played in Russia, Cyprus, Kuwait and his native country Slovenia since last playing in the NBA during the 2009--10 NBA season . </Li> <Li> On October 23, 2017 Ron Artest was hired as player development coach for the South Bay Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers D - Affiltate ending his 18 year player career of NBA winning 1 NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers . </Li> </Ul>

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