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Summary With less than three weeks until training camps, the latest setback may be a tough one.
The long looks on players faces and the anger in Deputy Commissioner Adam Silvers voice made it obvious: There was no progress Tuesday in talks to end the NBA lockout.I think coming out of today, obviously because of the calendar, we cant come out of here feeling as though training camps and the season is going to start on time at this point, players association president Derek Fisher of the Lakers said.Still divided over the salary cap structure, owners and players decided to pass on talking again Wednesday, and no further meetings are scheduled at this point.Well, we did not have a great day, I think its fair to say that, Commissioner David Stern said. On the other hand, we did say that it is our collective task to decide what we want on the one hand on each side, and two, what each side needs if we choose to work ourselves in such a way as to have the season start on time. Thats still our goal.Training camps have been expected to open October 3 and the regular seasons opening night is scheduled for November 1.Were a bit pessimistic and discouraged at one, the ability to start on time, and were not so sure that there may not be further damages or delay trying to get the season started, union executive director Billy Hunter said. The owners are not inclined at this stage to move off the position where theyve anchored themselves.Stern and Silver countered that the union insisted the current soft cap system remain exactly as it is before they would agree to discuss anything else.Frankly, were having trouble understanding why the label of a hard cap is whats breaking apart these negotiations right now, and thats what we discussed for a long time as a committee and then discussed together with the players, said Silver, his voice rising as he spoke.After three meetings among small groups in the last two weeks, full bargaining committees returned to the table Tuesday. They could also have met Wednesday, but Stern said it was best the two sides step away and meet with their own membership groups on Thursday.
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