NBA return to normal starts this week

The NBA will start bringing its formerly locked-out players into team facilities starting Thursday, the league said in a memo to its franchises. The memo instructed all 30 teams to allow players back into their facilities to work on conditioning and strength training, but the players will not be allowed to meet with their coaches and trainers may not supervise "basketball-related activity," The New York Times said. Agents will be allowed to enter into discussions with team executives about free-agent signings beginning Wednesday but no contracts may be signed. The Times said the NBA was looking at Dec. 9 to open both training camps and free agency. The arrangement is aimed at the Dec. 25 opening of the abbreviated regular season. Christmas Day will feature five games, with match-ups yet to be determined, the Times said.