1.Europe Live 2007

While NBA regular season games are about to be played across the U.S., Europe hosted a plethora of preseason games in October as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies participated in Europe Live 2007. The four NBA teams played and participated in community relations events in great European cities such as Rome, London, Madrid, Istanbul, Turkey and Malaga, Spain. For some players the trip served as a homecoming as Toronto's Italian forward Andre Bargnani acted as the team's tour guide while in Rome and Pau Gasol felt right home while in Malaga and Madrid. The trip also gave teams the opportunity to compete against non-NBA teams including Efes Pilsen Istanbul, Lottomatica Virtus Roma, Unicaja Malaga, MMT Estudiantes and Real Madrid. /br>

2. Community Relations

Here in the U.S. all NBA teams participate in events that enrich their communities. It was no different when the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2007 NBA China Games, NBA Cares participated in several community outreach events. Events included the dedication and opening of the new NBA Cares Learn & Play Center at the Lu Bing Hua School, as well as a Special Olympics clinic hosted by NBA players. Also, during the 2007 NBA China Games, basketball legends Rick Barry and George Gervin joined Jet Li at the Children's Palace in Shanghai to celebrate the opening of Disney's Happy House. The Happy House provides aid for children with both physical and mental illnesses. After the event the NBA invited Jet Li and several children with Leukemia to the Mavericks vs. the Cavaliers exhibition game.
Photos: Gallery

3. Europe Live Multimedia

The Timberwolves, Celtics, Raptors, and Grizzles traveled through Europe in countries that included Spain, England, Italy and Turkey. While you may have not been able to attend the games or watch them on NBA TV, check out exclusive videos from your NBA team's preseason journey.
Video: Raptors
Video: Grizzlies

4. China Games 2007

For the first time since 2004 and the second time in league history, the NBA headed to China to play preseason games. The 2007 China Games consisted of three exhibition games in both Shanghai and Maceo. Beginning on Oct. 17, the Orlando Magic faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in Shanghai. The following night the teams headed to Maceo where the Cavs took on the Team China All Stars. Finally on October 20th the Magic and the Cavs competed for the second time in front of an excited crowd who often cheered for LeBron James, nicknaming him Little Emperor. The Magic won all three matchups.

5. Tim Chen named CEO of NBA China

With the help of superstar Yao Ming, interest in the NBA throughout China has grown. Tim Chen, formerly the CEO of Microsoft Greater China, has been named the CEO NBA China. The NBA is looking for Chen, who comes to the NBA after a successful stint with Microsoft, to not only foment the growth of the game but also increase the NBA's business presence in China.

6.China Games Multimedia

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic competed in two exhibition games during the 2007 NBA China Games The first match up occurred in Shanghai and the second exhibition game took place in front of a roaring Maceo (Macao) crowd. While most of us were unable to attend events, everyone around the world can check out exclusive videos and pictures of the 2007 NBA China Games
Video: China Games Announcement

7. Yi Jianlian's double-double

Chosen sixth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2007 NBA Draft, Yi Jianlian's first preseason game had some wondering what all the fuss was about. His stat line was thin: three points and six fouls in 15 minutes of play. But, the best was yet to come for the Chinese phenom as Yi began to gain confidence and silence his doubters with 15 points and 12 boards against Minnesota. Yi's first double-double on Oct. 20 helped the Bucks defeat the Timberwolves 106-97.

8. Tony Parker honored

SIf an NBA Championship, a Finals MVP and a marriage to Eva Longoria wasn't enough, on Sept. 28 Tony Parker met with French President Nicolar Sarkozy at the Elysee Palace in Paris. During the meeting President Sarkozy awarded Parker the Legion of Honor medal. Established, by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Honor remains the most prestigious award in France. Parker was named a Chevalier (Knight).

9. Luol Deng's blog

This season, Chicago's Luol Deng joins the incomparable Gilbert Arenas and Utah rookie Morris Almond as an NBA.com blogger. He has already shared his thoughts on the Bulls rookies, playing for Great Britain and the tragedy in his homeland of Sudan. Deng will be blogging throughout the season. To get the inside scoop straight from Deng himself, check out the former Blue Devil's blog on NBA.com

10. Charlie Villanueva's blog

Charlie Villanueva is entering his third year in the league but this will be his second season as an NBA.com blogger. Villanueva, a forward with the Milwaukee Bucks, he has already discussed rehabbing his shoulder in the aftermath of arthroscopic surgery in March 2007 and his memories of his summer vacation in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Excited for the upcoming season, Villanueva is ready to share his experiences on the road and at home -- in English and Spanish -- throughout the entire season right here on NBA.com