What does everyone think now about when season starts?

[gpap]

I thought for sure, when the time came, that the owners and players were going to figure it out and start the season on time.

Unfortunately, they all proved to be a bunch of spoiled kids.

Next week they met with a mediator and Stern says that we can basically kiss the season up thru Christmans goodbye if no deal is made.

What does everyone think? I just don't know anymore.

A part of me wants to believe that the players and owners just won't let the entire NBA season go up in flames.

However, the other part of me thinks that both parties have accepted the notion that this season is going to be a lost cause, so they can become martyrs of their own stance.

Hopefully we can have basketball by Thanksgiving time and save most of the season. Who knows, maybe if that happens, Stern can just make up the missed time at the end of the year, and a full season was played. Wishful thinking, I suppose.

[Who]

I don't expect a season.

If one were to happen, I think it would be a 50 game season.

[thirstyboots18]

I think if any one were serious about ending the lockout/settling the labor negotiations, the mediation would have taken place this summer.

[Celtics4ever]

Mid January at best, no season at worst.

[Moranis]

I haven't changed my thoughts.  There will be no season.

[ACF]

*If* there is going to be a season, what is the smallest amount of games the NBA will call a full season?

Do you guys think we would benefit from an "easy" regular season schedule? Do you think we'd find The Switch just in time for the playoffs?

[Moranis]

*If* there is going to be a season, what is the least amount of games the NBA will call a full season?

Do you guys think we would benefit from an "easy" regular season schedule?

50 games like last time seems to be the cut off.  The lockout is currently only about the time of 99, so there is still time before that drop dead date arrives.

[ACF]

*If* there is going to be a season, what is the least amount of games the NBA will call a full season?

Do you guys think we would benefit from an "easy" regular season schedule?

50 games like last time seems to be the cut off.  The lockout is currently only about the time of 99, so there is still time before that drop dead date arrives.

Thanks, TP.

[Bahku]

Stern being interviewed on Mike & Mike now, (replay from earlier).

[slamtheking]

I'm thinking a January start at the earliest but the more I consider the C's current situation, I think a lost season would benefit the organization more if Wyc can work some pro-Celtic changes into the next CBA that I could only see happening with a totally lost season.

If Wyc can have FA Cap Holds eliminated from the next agreement (at least for that first year after the contract), the C's will only have the Rondo, PP and Bradley contracts on the books with whatever contract conditions are set up for JJ, Moore and the next draft's rookies.  That would leave a lot of cap room to go after Dwight and another good starter with some $ to get some decent complimentary players to fill out the roster.  This assumes some sort of "Goldilocks" cap (my term for one that's not too soft and one that's not too hard   ) limiting a team's payroll.  

Perhaps KG and Ray can be brought back under those conditions with substantially smaller contracts for 1-2 years depending on their health and desire for another shot at a title.  I don't see Green and BBD coming back in that situation though but I would hope with that much financial flexibility and the number of unrestricted FA's (a missed year of tendering offers to restricted FA's should go in the player's favor and allow them to become unrestricted) should enable Danny to upgrade over those 2 for the bench.

Also, the contract amnesty concept would have to be eliminated in order to keep those teams with overloaded payrolls from getting in a better financial position to compete with the C's for FA's.

If this scenario comes to pass, the C's should be one of the real movers and shakers in the next CBA to make a splash and remain a contender for the title.

[Chris]

Unfortunately, my confidence in this is gone, so I am hoping they start the 2012 season on time...but am not even sure about that.

[Moranis]

*If* there is going to be a season, what is the least amount of games the NBA will call a full season?

Do you guys think we would benefit from an "easy" regular season schedule?

50 games like last time seems to be the cut off.  The lockout is currently only about the time of 99, so there is still time before that drop dead date arrives.

Thanks, TP.

I just realized I forgot the world "half".  The current lockout is only about "half the time" of the 99 lockout.

[PosImpos]

Either the beginning of February or next November.

[Chris]

Either the beginning of February or next November.

See, I would say either the end of this November, or next November.  I really think next week is a last ditch attempt to save the season. 

[Chris]

Actually, I will throw one more scenario out there.  I think there is a chance that the union is waiting on the NLRB case ruling.  Once (if?) that gets thrown out, then there is a chance the Union will fold, and they will make a deal.