NBA Lockout: David Stern Makes Tuesday Most Important Day of NBA Season

There is very little hope that the NBA and players are close to making a deal. That is important to remember as David Stern puts a deadline of sorts on Tuesday's dealings. 

The last thing we need at this point is more bad news. That is exactly what Stern accomplished in comments he made Thursday. 

There is very little hope in the room, so Stern used the opportunity to put a very big demand on the table. Ken Berger of CBS Sports tweeted comments made by Stern that have me shaking my head. 

There you have it—an empty threat passed off as a deadline. Stern has been just as staunch in his feelings as the owners have. The call of the day is to give less than an inch to the players, yet he wants a deal to be signed sealed and delivered in a few days. 

It is important to note that Stern did not say that there would be no NBA basketball this calendar year if a deal was not consummated. He merely said that it was a gut feeling. 

Think of this as a shot across the bow. In a sense, make your concessions now, or I have it in my mind to take half the season off the table in a blink of an eye. 

ESPN reports the two sides will meet with a mediator on Tuesday to try to settle their giant chasm of differences. 

The players can now view this as a possible last-ditch effort to save a couple months' games, paychecks and fan-filled stadiums. 

For weeks we have heard that players want nothing more than to play games, but it seems they are ready to dig their heels in for the long haul. 

Many have been saving for close to two years in preparation got this lockout. The stars that would otherwise lead the charge to save every single game they could are being enticed to play overseas.

The owners are waiting for the players to flinch first, but that may not happen for months, long into when the season should have started. 

David Stern's gut says that it could be until Christmas if a deal is not reached soon. I hate to say, but my gut is telling me that it will be much longer than that. 

The two sides are simply much too far apart to get anything done by Tuesday. The players have already conceded an inch, so there is no hope they will budge again anytime soon. 

The owners are as stubborn as ever, not willing to conceded an iota. Tuesday will come and go like other days have in the last couple months, with nothing getting done and the fans being left out in the cold.