| 2002-03 NBA Key Dates |
| Aug. 29 |
World Basketball Championships start, Indianapolis |
| Sept. 27 |
Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement |
| Oct. 1 |
Training camps open |
| Oct. 6 |
Preseason games begin |
| Oct. 25 |
Preseason games conclude |
| Oct. 28 |
Regular-season rosters are set |
| Oct. 29 |
Regular season starts |
| Jan. 6 |
10-day contracts can be signed |
| Jan. 10 |
Player contracts guaranteed for remainder of season |
| Feb. 7-9 |
All-Star Weekend |
| Feb. 20 |
Trading deadline |
| Apr. 9-12 |
Portsmouth (Va.) Invitational Tournament |
| Apr. 16 |
Regular season ends |
| Apr. 19 |
Playoffs begin |
| May 11 |
Early entry deadline for the draft |
| June 4 |
Finals, first possible start date |
| June 3-6 |
Pre-draft camp, Chicago |
| June 18 |
Finals, latest possible end date; early entry withdrawal deadline |
| June 25 |
NBA Draft |
| July 1 |
Free-agent negotiating period begins |
| July 16 |
Player contracts may be signed |
| |