NBA

This Date in NBA History (Nov. 27, IST): NBA and NBPA tentatively agree on new CBA, ending 2011 lockout

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#2011NBAlockout

On Nov. 27 in 2011, the NBA and the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) reached a tentative agreement on a new CBA (collective bargaining agreement). 

This tentative agreement was officially finalized, nearly two weeks later and that ended the second-longest labour stoppage in league history. It lasted for a total of 161 days from Jul. 1, 2011, to Dec. 8, 2011. 

Key leadership figures in the negotiations between both parties - the NBA and NBPA - included David Stern (Commissioner) and Adam Silver (Deputy Commissioner) for the NBA, and Billy Hunter (Executive Director) and Derek Fisher (President) for the NBPA.

#2011NBAlockout

Once the deal was ratified on Dec. 8, training camps, trades and free agency began the next day. 

However, during the lockdown, teams couldn't make trades or deals to sign players and the players weren't allowed access to NBA team facilities, trainers, or staff. So, while some went overseas, the rest, in order to stay in touch with the game and remain in shape, played plenty of pickup basketball and other sports.

Although LeBron James and Kevin Durant did indulge in a flag football game, the King many years later during the 2020 hiatus, admitted to preparing along with his trainer to play for football. Maverick Carter, James' longtime friend and business partner, goes on to add that Jerry Jones, owner of the NFL franchise - the Dallas Cowboys, even offered him a contract that he's framed in his office. 

This lockout, which began on the expiration of the 2005 CBA deal, reduced the ensuing 2011-12 season to 66 games - 16 more than 50-game lockout-shortened 1999 NBA season. 

As a result of this lockdown, the Dallas Mavericks had to wait a couple of months to see the raising of their first-ever championships banner. 

Other notable events on Nov. 27

#DonNelson

  • In 1986, Don Nelson becomes the fastest coach in NBA history to reach 500 wins - 817 games. He reached the milestone as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Washington Bullets 122-103. Later, Pat Riley would beat Nelson's record by reaching 500 coaching wins in 684 games.
  • In 1994, the Cleveland Cavaliers set an NBA record for the fewest free-throws attempted - 2. John “Hot Rod” Williams and Tony Campbell each went 1-for-1 from the line for the Cavaliers in a 101-87 victory over Golden State at Gund Arena.
  • In 1999, A.C. Green, by appearing in a 103-80 win as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, had played his 1,042nd consecutive game - eclipsing a professional basketball record previously held by former ABA and NBA star Ron Boone.
  • In 2000, John Stockton, of the Utah Jazz, appears in his 1,271 games - eclipsing an NBA record for most games played for a single franchise, previously held by the Boston Celtics' Hall of Famer John Havlicek. “I have such great respect for John Havlicek, I can’t even express it,” said Stockton.

  • In 2018, James Harden dropped game-high tallies of 54 points and 13 assists but it was enough as the Houston Rockets lost to the Washington Wizards 135-131 in overtime.

The views expressed here do not represent those of the NBA or its clubs.

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