Reason for hope? NBA has 'productive' labor talks

By Brian Mahoney

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, June 1 2011 5:30 p.m. MDT

NBA commissioner David Stern speaks prior to the start of Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball game between the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks, Tuesday, May 31, 2011, in Miami.

Lynne Sladky, Associated Press

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Summary

Commissioner David Stern felt there was progress. Union executive director Billy Hunter says he is "hopeful."

MIAMI — Commissioner David Stern felt there was progress. Union executive director Billy Hunter says he is "hopeful."

So a month before a potential lockout, there was some reason for optimism about the NBA's labor situation.

Representatives of the league's owners and players met for about four hours Wednesday and will get together twice next week in Dallas as they try to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement to replace the one that expires June 30.

Hunter has said he was "99 percent" sure of a work stoppage, but says there was a productive exchange of ideas in Wednesday's session.

Stern says they are "quite far apart on paper" but hopes there is still time for compromise.

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