Will we have the 2009-10 NBA Season?
That’ll just suck if you already have your fantasy teams ready.
The last time the NBA went through a lockout season, the San Antonio Spurs earned their first title in franchise history. And while the 2009 NBA basketball season is still a month away, they’re already talking about another strike.
The lead negotiator and spokesman for the NBA referees union said a lockout appears ”imminent and unavoidable” following the latest breakdown in talks.
Lamell McMorris said the officials made another $1 million in concessions in their proposal, but believes it’s evident the league is not interested in further discussions. The officials then headed home after spending the last 24 hours meeting in Chicago.
The contract between the NBA and its officials expired Sept. 1 and the sides have been trying to reach a new two-year deal. McMorris said they largely agree on salaries, but the union has balked at the league’s attempt to change retirement benefits.
Without a new deal, replacement officials will be used when preseason play opens Oct. 1. The NBA last began a season without its regular referees in 1995-96, when the caliber of officiating was roundly criticized.
”We’re prepared to be locked out by the NBA but also remain open to ongoing dialogue,” McMorris said, adding that negotiations have been difficult because the league ”has made pretty clear they have a goal they are trying to achieve as it relates to these long-term benefits.”
The NBA withheld comment.
All 57 active referees arrived in Chicago, meeting for more than seven hours and unanimously rejecting a proposal the league made earlier that day. McMorris said the officials reconvened to finalize the counterproposal they made to the league.
McMorris previously said the officials, sensitive to the financial difficulties the league is facing, agreed to $2.5 million in concessions, but the league sought further cuts in areas such as the travel budget and per diems. NBA commissioner David Stern said the goal was to bring the referees’ budget in line with other departments.
But McMorris said the officials are unwilling to accept any further changes to their retirement benefits.
”I’m extremely proud of the 57 individuals that we represent. Their unity, the good-faith nature that they have sought to negotiate with their employee,” McMorris said. ”We’re quite proud and confident that we’ve given it our best shot, that we’ve put forth a good-faith effort.”
Which team will win the 2010 NBA Finals? SPORTSBETTING.COM has the early odds.
Orlando Magic 7-1
Boston Celtics 5-1
Denver Nuggets 12-1
Want more odds? Visit SPORTSBETTING.com for more basketball betting odds. Want to watch the NBA live? Get NBA tickets online now.
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