We do not know how a new-look team will mesh together under player-coach Mark Dickel.
We do not know whether the Nuggets will regret letting game-breakers BJ Anthony and Akeem Wright slip through their grasp.
We do not know whether the absence of a genuine ''big'' will prove costly.
But what we do know is the side will be well-organised on defence and have solid structures in place on offence.
We know that because we saw some promising signs in the Nuggets' 91-71 win over the Canterbury Rams in a pre-season game at the Edgar Centre yesterday.
Saturday's match in Timaru did not go so well - the Nuggets lost 78-66 - but Dickel was reasonably upbeat about his side's progress.
''Obviously, we are nowhere near where we want to be but everybody started to understand what we are trying to do at both ends,'' Dickel, who sat out both games, said.
''Canterbury are going to be a tough team to play for everybody. They are pretty organised and they've got some guys who are really hard to guard.
''All in all, it was pretty good preparation. There were some encouraging signs.''
Dickel's cautious optimism seems well-placed. Former Tall Black Brendon Polyblank is looking very fit this season and more like the player he was four or five years ago. Yesterday, he cut to the hoop nicely and scored 11 of his 15 points in the first half.
His trademark hook shot was finding its range and his low-post game should be a big asset for the Nuggets.
Sam King looks positively trim. He still retains a robust frame but he must have shed 10kg. His ability to shoot from outside makes him a difficult defensive assignment for opponents.
Back-up point guard Micah Lepaio played some junk minutes for the Nuggets last season but he looks set to play a much bigger role this year.
He showed he will not be overawed by the challenge ahead with some sublime touches and some clutch shooting. He drilled four three-pointers in a 14-point haul.
''I was happy that he came out and played with confidence. He looked pretty comfortable and he looked much better today than yesterday, which is a good sign,'' Dickel said.
Imports Warren Carter (16 points) and Troy Payne (18) looked useful enough. They are perhaps not as dynamic as Antoine Tisby or Wright, the players they replaced on the roster.
But Payne looks to a be an excellent defender and is well organised on offence, while Carter looks athletic and happy to shoot from deep.
''Warren, in a couple of weeks, is going to look much, much better. He is such a good player that, even when he is not in great shape for him, he is still able to come out and play well.
''And Troy is just good. He is kind of an all-round player. He does a little bit of everything. I was really happy with how he played and the focus he has put on the defensive end has been great.
''If we want to beat everybody, we are going to have to do it on the defensive end and that will make our offence easier.''
The Nuggets' season tips off against the Southland Sharks, the defending champions, in Invercargill on April 4.
