NBA Lockout: Mixed Signals Give No Reason Believe Basketball Is Near

Is the NBA Lockout over? Are we close? Are the two sides still dramatically apart?

I suppose that depends on who you ask. On Thursday, there have been several conflicting reports. Some suggest that the lockout is over—others suggest that it won't end any time soon. 

I'll let you read them for yourselves and make up your own minds. 

Thursday, Nov. 10 at 4:45 p.m. EST

CSN Bay Area, via Twitter:

Thursday, Nov. 10 at 4:50 p.m. EST

Philadelphia 76ers Beat Writer Kate Fagan, also via Twitter:

Thursday, Nov. 10 at 5:09 p.m. EST

Lastly, we have ESPN's Chris Broussard, also via Twitter:

If you wouldn't mind doing me a favor, look at the times of those tweets. These are reputable sources. That is not even a half-hour time period that we're looking at.

What in the world is happening?

Frankly, I have no clue what's going on. Do I want to see the NBA Lockout ended? Yes. After this week, the sports world can really use some positive news. 

But right now, there is no reason to be optimistic. Frankly, until the players are actually on the court, there is no reason to be optimistic.

This saga has been so ridiculous, no matter which side your sympathies lie with. Again.

What could possibly have happened in 24 minutes to produce such different reports? How can anyone have any clue as to what's going on with the NBA Lockout?

I don't blame a single one of the reporters. Actually, given the work that they're surely putting in, I commend every one of them. They are only going on what their sources are telling them.

But their sources are obviously telling them dramatically different things at pretty much the same time.

Maybe a deal will be signed soon. Maybe we're going to miss the entire season. At this point, I don't know what to believe. 

My strategy is to maintain my pessimism until I at least see a deal signed. Frankly, I won't be too optimistic until I see a tip-off.

This whole thing is a joke.