With training camps postponed and pre-season games cancelled, NBA negotiators and its players met Tuesday in New York in hopes of working towards an agreement.
With the regular season scheduled to start November 1, both parties appear focused on avoiding further delays on the NBA calendar.
Phoenix Suns insider Paul Coro from The Arizona Republic told Brad Cesmat on “Big Guy on Sports” Tuesday that may not be a realistic expectation.
“I think it’s going to be a lot like ’99 (the last NBA work stoppage) where they had to muster up a shortened season,” Coro said.
“Until you have that urgency of players missing checks in November, I don’t think either side is going to give.” Coro added. “You’ve got both sides digging in hard that they think the other side is going to fracture and that’s not good when both sides think they have that kind of advantage.”
Revenue sharing and the league salary cap continue to be two major hurdles as both parties attempt to work through the process.
Talks are expected to resume on Wednesday. Commissioner David Stern hasn’t formally committed to more meetings later this week, but said it is possible if progress on both sides is made.
The Suns are scheduled to open the season November 2nd at U.S. Airways Center against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The lockout began on July 1st.
