Opponent: Memphis Grizzlies
When: 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: KeyArena, Seattle
TV: FSN (cable)
Radio: KJR (950 AM)
Stern in Seattle
NBA Commissioner David Stern visited Seattle on Friday, first to make a midday speech to a group of business and community leaders at the Sonics Tip-Off luncheon, and later to attend the Seattle-Toronto game at KeyArena.
Before the game, Stern met with a group of media to discuss issues related to the NBA. A foremost topic was a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to replace the deal that expires at the end of this season.
The league, Stern said, wants very much to avoid a repeat of the 1998-99 lockout, which shut down the NBA for three months and resulted in an abbreviated 50-game schedule, and the current National Hockey League lockout.
Still, he added, there is “no chance” the owners would vote to extend the current CBA. “And the only way you’re ever going to get to a deal is with the specter of a stoppage.
“Watching what is happening with the NHL is a good lesson for us,” he said. “Remembering what happened the last time to us is a good lesson. So we’re very intent on making it work. … Right now, we’re spending hours with our players (discussing a new deal) and we’ll spend whatever time is necessary. We’re going to make a deal by July 1 (when the current CBA expires).”
Was he confident of that?
“I’m optimistic,” Stern said with a smile.
Stern is also backing the Sonics in their efforts to improve their lease with the city of Seattle, saying that it would be “nice to find a solution that held out the possibility of improving the situation for all parties. … I do think a solution can be found.”
Lastly, Stern weighed in on Indiana’s Ron Artest, who asked the team for time off to promote his rap album. “I think,” he said with a wry smile, “that this is the kind of thing our fan base has come to expect from time to time.”
Will he buy the album?
“I’m not planning to put it in my collection as yet,” he said.
That’s a fact: Nate McMillan has gone ahead of Bill Russell into fourth place in Sonics career coaching victories. McMillan, who had 163 wins heading into Friday’s game, trails Lenny Wilkens (478), George Karl (384), and Bernie Bickerstaff (202).
Rich Myhre, Herald Writer
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