Dear Universe,
Please don’t hold the following words against me. I’m merely an NBA fans who also writes about the sport. The words spoken after last night’s meetings are just too encouraging for me not to be excited. I’m sorry. I mean you no ill will. Please don’t torpedo these talks because of this.
I mean, look at these comments.
“I think we’re within reach, within striking distance of getting a deal,” [Billy] Hunter said. It’s just a question of how receptive the NBA is and whether or not they want to do a deal.”
Asked if he might reveal some of the deal points, Hunter said he was not yet able to. “I’m hopeful that tomorrow we will be. Commissioner Stern is back there smiling, so I guess that’s a good indication.”
Stern then shouted out: “Tomorrow.”
See? How can I not get excited about that? Or this…
“It’s moved to a very good place,” one source briefed on Thursday’s 7½-hour bargaining session told Yahoo! Sports. “There’s a strong expectation [within the negotiations] that hands will shake [Friday].”
You see?
Look, universe, I know you portion out the karma in response to events in an effort to keep things even. May I submit to you that the past few months have been skewed away from my favor (and the favor of those who share my opinion and love for NBA basketball). I respect you greatly. I actually admire your work so far in the lockout. The way you follow horrible news with good and great news with bad is impressive. You have shown your might.
So I beg of you, please reward my excitement this time. When these guys meet later today, I actually expect them to shake hands and say “there WILL be a 2011-12 NBA season.” You’ve put me in my place before. I acknowledge your power and dare not challenge it.
I beg that my reward is a season. I will spread the word of the power of the universe if you allow that to become reality.
With warmest regards,
John
