NBA labor deal uncertainty has players on edge

[Omaha Steve]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nba/2013485161_nba21.html

Originally published Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 8:07 PM

While it's far too early to tell what will happen in the weeks and months ahead on the NBA's labor front, at least one thing appears certain...

By Seattle Times news services


GREG WAHL-STEPHENS / AP
Deron Williams, center, drives between the Trail Blazers' Marcus Camby (23) and LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during Saturday's game in Portland. Utah won, 103-94.


While it's far too early to tell what will happen in the weeks and months ahead on the NBA's labor front, at least one thing appears certain. The players are preparing for the worst.

"Obviously, we feel like what the owners are asking is way too much," said Milwaukee Bucks guard Keyon Dooling, a vice president of the players' union. "And if we keep heading down this path, the likelihood is we'll probably have a lockout."

The league's collective bargaining agreement will expire on June 30, 2011, and if a new settlement is not reached by then, the NBA will find itself in a lockout next summer.

Proposals have been exchanged for over a year, and last week NBA commissioner David Stern and deputy commissioner Adam Silver discussed the situation with players' association director Billy Hunter and players' association president Derek Fisher of the Lakers.

FULL story at link.

[ConnecticutDan2]

1. Union of Millionaires

ugh

[Blue_Tires]

2. Subject: no uncertainty, really...

The owners have the patience and cash reserves to hold out for a long while, but the players are notorious for spending their paychecks faster than they come it...

If a prolonged lockout did occur, the Kobes and LeBrons of the league could earn just as much playing in Europe for the short term -- The top Euro league teams would have an arms race signing NBA stars for their own title runs, and some leagues like Russia and Italy are surprisingly flexible with contract terms (month-to-month, opt out with no penalty, etc.)

The non-elite NBA players have no leverage and they know this...