DETROIT: After a summer spent promoting the game around the world, the NBA focus returns to the North American hardwood this week and the start of a new season that will present challenges on and off the court.

With the world caught in the grip of a financial crisis, NBA team owners and league officials will be watching the balance sheet as closely as the standings when the season starts today with the Boston Celtics opening the defence of their crown against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

A hugely entertaining Beijing Olympic tournament dominated by NBA talent and an equally successful package of pre-season games staged before sell-out crowds in Europe and Asia helped increase the league's popularity.