If NBA Players Association chief Billy Hunter’s words are to be taken at face value, NBA fans are going to have to wait a year before we see the likes of LeBron, Kobe or Dirk lace up for NBA squads. Per The Baltimore Sun, Hunter said “If I had to bet on it at this moment, I would probably say no” when asked about the likelihood of a 2011-2012 NBA Season. Hunter stated the two sides are “$800 million apart per year,” a wide gap to be covered for the two sides to reach agreement.

Considering preseason ball doesn’t begin until early October, one has to hope that Hunter’s just blowing steam and that a deal can be made. Still, every report that trickles through ESPN paints an extremely dreary picture of the negotiating progress, as players and owners continue to grow distant. It’s a shame when considering all of the young, promising rosters that seem to be on the up-and-up and the NBA’s current talent pool is as strong as its been in years. Until things are resolved, memories of last June’s Finals will have to tide the majority of us NBA fans over.

[SLAM]