One common theme we witnessed throughout the NFL lockout was optimism. For the most part, we were given the impression that the players and owners wanted to get a deal done. Both sides wanted a “fair” deal, but the feeling of a cancelled season never actually became a reality. That has not been the case thus far with the NBA lockout.
LaMarcus Aldridge, the Blazers’ player representative for the NBA players association, told The Oregonian on Tuesday that talks have not progressed between the union and the NBA and that a deal is by no means in the immediate forecast.
“No,” Aldridge replied when asked if there was any reason for optimism. “Both sides are pretty (far) off right now. So it’s going to be a while.”
When pressed further and asked if he would sit out the 2011-2012 season if a fair deal cannot be agreed upon, Aldridge said he would be open to that if that is what it takes.
Obviously it is in the best interest of all involved parties to play hardball at this point, but while players consider playing football, entertain themselves with beach volleyball, and join college fraternities, it is not looking like the labor negotiations are moving forward. Aldridge’s opinion is likely the opinion of many other players across the league. It is still early, but at this point it appears that the NBA lockout is far more likely to cancel the upcoming season than the NFL lockout was before it.
