League Rejects Union’s Offers

NBA labor talks stalled Wednesday after a 2 1/2 -hour meeting in New York, less than a month before a lockout would begin.

“All I can say is that we had a meeting, and we don’t have anything else scheduled,” said Russ Granik, NBA deputy commissioner.

Billy Hunter, director of the players’ association, said he outlined a new proposal, then offered to extend the terms of the current seven-year agreement that expires June 30. The league turned both offers down.

“It’s definitely fair to say the talks have stalled,” Hunter said. “They are seeking more concessions off the current deal, and we contend we made major concessions in the last collective bargaining agreement.”

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Mike Brown, a 13-year NBA assistant with a league title on his resume, has been hired as the coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team said Wednesday.

The 35-year-old Brown spent the last two years as Rick Carlisle’s top assistant in Indiana, where he was credited with improving the Pacers’ defense and developing Jermaine O’Neal and Stephen Jackson.

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Shaquille O’Neal has been hobbled by a bruised thigh, but sales of his No. 32 jersey during the playoffs have risen 75% from last year’s playoff run with the Lakers, according to figures released by the NBA.

O’Neal and guard Dwyane Wade have made the Miami Heat the league’s most popular playoff team, according to jersey sales. Wade’s No. 3 jersey leads all players in playoff popularity.

The NBA bases its figures on purchasing activity at its New York store.

O’Neal has averaged 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds in the playoffs after averaging 21.5 points and 13.2 rebounds in 22 playoff games last season with the Lakers.

He appeared to break out of his slump with a 24-point effort Sunday, but he had only 12 points Tuesday as the Detroit Pistons tied the Heat at two games each in the Eastern Conference finals. Game 5 is tonight in Miami.