NBA Lockout: Thoughts on Billy Hunter's Announcement That the Season May Be Lost

Just days ago the NBA Players Association and the NBA owners, with NBA Commissioner David Stern acting on their behalf, announced that talks between the two sides would resume after a one month hiatus, in which no progress was made in bridging the gulf that separates them.

Now it appears that the entire 2011-12 season may be lost, after discouraging comments made today by Billy Hunter, head of the Players Association.  

According to Hunter, the two sides are not making any progress, and are currently $800 million per year apart in their respective demands.  He gave as a reason for the lack of progress the newer owners in the group, who paid much more for their franchises than many of those who have been team owners for several years.

With overall revenues currently on the decline, those new owners want drastic changes to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, which would allow them to make a profit that seemingly isn't possible under the current system.  The players don't want to give up that much; hence, the impasse in the negotiations.

The issue that I take isn't with Hunter's honesty; in fact, I appreciate having a deeper understanding of what is happening behind the scenes with the negotiations.  The problem is that by coming across as antagonistic and more than willing to publicly throw the other side under the bus, Hunter isn't doing anyone any favors.

I don't really see why after each session of talks, the two sides can't come together to host a joint press conference and explain the issues in a way the public can understand.  Then, as talks progress, or stall, each side can publicly give their perspective, but in a way that doesn't unnecessarily lead to wounded pride, stubbornness and even less probability that a deal can be reached.

Both sides need to be willing to sacrifice and hopefully they will come to that realization sooner rather than later.