The NBA and players union had a five hour labor meeting today in New York City, and despite no CBA signing, the session “set the table” for tomorrow’s crucial gathering.
Tomorrow’s meeting could determine whether or not NBA fans get to see 82 games of basketball, or a reduced season which will likely include only 50 games. The sides have meet constantly over the past week, and both sides understand the importance of Tuesday’s session. Unlike today’s meeting which included small negotiating groups, Tuesday will include larger committees close to what we saw on Friday.
KBergCBS: Stern on BRI: “We’re apart on the split. But we know that the answer lies somewhere between where they were and where we are.”
“I think if there’s a will we’ll be able to deal with both the split and with the system issues.”
“It would be great to be able to make some real progress tomorrow. Whether that’s possible or not, I don’t know.”
The owners’ and players’ committees will meet separately tomorrow morning, followed by bargaining at noon ET. High noon.
Union President Derek Fisher reiterated the fact that tomorrow will be an important day in the 2011 lockout. Fisher will represent the Union tomorrow, and several NBA players are expected to join him. Paul Pierce attended today’s session and sources say Amar’e Stoudemire and Kobe Bryant are expected to take part tomorrow.
