Locked Out

The NBA released its 2011-12 schedule today and it made the rounds in the blogosphere multiple times over.  Why?  It wasn't because the schedule held any particular relevance or importance.  Instead, the story carried weight because there hasn't been any meaningful NBA news in nearly three weeks.

With that kind of inactivity in mind, it's time to let this blog rest for a bit.  A summer.  Hopefully not an autumn and a winter, too.  Just a summer.  Keep thinking positive thoughts about this lockout going away.

In the meantime, enjoy Jamaal Wilkes shooting a free throw.  

Amazingly enough, Jamaal finished his career with a .759 FT percentage -- the exact same mark as Isiah Thomas.

NBA Lockout: The Good Ol' Days of Labor Agreements

Aaaah, the good old days of labor relations between NBA players and owners.  No wonder they named a trophy after Larry O'B.

Pay close attention to the text at the top (transcribed below):

For what it's worth: Simon Gourdine (at far right) switched sides.  After being the NBA's Deputy Commish from 1974-1981, he later came back and worked with the National Basketball Players Association, eventually becoming the Executive Director from 1995 to 1996.

NEW YORK (UPI) 04/12/76: The National Basketball Association reached a three-year contract agreement with the Players Association (4/12).  Among other things, it calls for a $10,000 increase in minimum salaries -- from $20,000 to $30,000 per year through the 1978-79 season.  From left, at news conference announcing the agreement are:  Larry Fleisher, N.B.A. players' counsel; Paul Silas of the Boston Celtics, Lawrence F. O'Brien, N.B.A. Commissioner and Simon B. Gourdine, Deputy Commissioner of the N.B.A.