Despite reports of a confrontational Friday meeting, today’s NBA labor talks are cautiously pointing in an optimistic direction.
Saturday’s meeting is still ongoing—now beyond its fifth hour—but reporters caught up with Cavs‘ PG Baron Davis for updates. Longtime SLAM contributor Aggrey Sam spoke to the bearded one:
“Very constructive,” said Davis of the portion of Saturday’s meeting he witnessed. “I think both sides are willing and they’re able, and we both understand that as long as we continue–this is a big issue and I think both sides are voicing their opinion and what they’re passionate about. Everybody’s being a lot more receptive today to moving forward. Ever since we’ve been here, we’ve been all trying to figure out the best process.”
Sources are echoing Davis. Yahoo!‘s Adrian Wojnarowski spoke to “source in the room” who said the group is making “progress.“
Baron also downplayed ugly reports from yesterday’s bargaining session. Continuing with a sense of optimism, Baron spoke about the mutual respect:
“A lot of [Friday’s reports of conflict between the union and league’s representatives] was blown out of proportion. In the midst of negotiations, people are going to talk. People are going to voice their opinions and I think that both sides have a great deal of respect for each other, as well as admiration from a business standpoint,” he continued about the meeting, which reportedly included smaller groups than Friday. “The players, we’re united and we’re standing firm with each other and the owners are doing the same. We’re here to work and that’s what we’ve been able to do, and we’re continually working and I think that good things are to come.”
Positive news coming at a crucial time.
