NBA owners need a simple majority, 15 of 29 votes, to
reopen the CBA, however, "league officials say privately
they need more like two-thirds, since unity would be all-
important in a shooting war," according to Mark Heisler of
the L.A. TIMES, who examines the possibility of the CBA
being reopened. Heisler writes that the Lakers' Jerry Buss,
the Knicks' Dave Checketts, the Celtics' Paul Gaston, the
Bulls' Jerry Reinsdorf and the Magics' Rich DeVos "are
doves," and are "against throwing down the gauntlet and
putting next season at risk." One GM: "The big teams don't
want it to happen because of their enormous grosses."
Another GM said the owners can get 14-15 votes, but will
"struggle" to secure 17-18 votes. Heisler cites the Suns'
Jerry Colangelo and the Cavs' Gordon Gund as "two important
swing votes." Heisler adds that while the union "has reason
to renegotiate" since almost 40% of its members are making
the NBA minimum of $242,000, a source said that Commissioner
David Stern would approve a "guild" system, which would
boost the minimum for veterans to around $500,000-$750,000,
and "wouldn't count against the cap, giving teams
flexibility to add veterans" (L.A. TIMES, 2/10).
KIDS STUFF: CNN/SI's Vince Cellini noted the impending
labor woes in a "Page 1" report. Grant Hill: "I think there
will be some negotiating this summer, but I think it will be
for the good of the league, and ultimately we'll start
practice on time, start training camp on time, and the
season will continue on." CNN/SI's Cellini: "It is
imperative that the players' union and management don't lose
sight of their joint prosperity, and create any ill will
when renegotiating the [CBA]" ("CNN/SI," 2/9).
MOVING ON: Darrell Garretson will retire as chief of
the NBA's officials at the end of the season to become
director of referee training (MERCURY NEWS, 2/7). In N.Y.,
Peter Vecsey reported that if referee Dick Bavetta "can get
past his IRS investigation ... sources say he's the leading
candidate to succeed" Garretson (N.Y. POST, 2/8).
