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NEW YORK -- The NBA is making tremendous progress toward avoiding any possibility of a work stoppage -- with an assist from Michael Jordan.While Adam Silver cautioned that a deal is not done-done yet, the commissioner optimistically reported that the NBA and the Players Association are closing in on an extension for the collective bargaining agreement. The current CBA expires in June 2021 but both sides have until Dec. 15 to opt out in 2017.That sounds as if it wont be necessary, in part due to the cooperation between Silver and NBA Players Association executive director Michele Roberts, with help from Jordans clutch touch -- this time as owner of the Charlotte Hornets.Let me just single out one owner in particular, Michael Jordan, Silver said during his upbeat update on CBA negotiations this week following the Board of Governors meetings in Manhattan.I think having Michael Jordan as part of our negotiating committee, the unique perspective he brings to the bargaining table because of his playing career, having been, of course, a superstar player. Now for players to see him in that position, it doesnt mean that if Michael says it, it necessarily means that they accept that as the position they should take. But I think thats really added a special element unique to this league.As a player, Jordan once famously snapped at former Washington Wizards?owner Abe Pollin during a 1998-99 labor meeting between players and owners when talks were contentious.Now as an owner, Jordans influence on the players is positive for the NBA, according to Silver.I think [Jordans presence], that added an enormous amount to the atmosphere in the room, Silver said.Before this current CBA, previous negotiations led to a five-month work stoppage that shortened the 2011-12 season by 16 games. But there is strong incentive for both owners and players to continue the current healthy state of affairs with contracts and TV money at unprecedented levels.We dont want to strike and they dont want to strike, the Knicks Carmelo Anthony, who serves on the unions executive committee, said recently. So the best thing to do is really figure it out sooner rather than later.I think [in the 2011 negotiation] we were so far away from each other, Anthony later added. You can feel the difference, you can see the difference, you can see the reaction, you can see the contact were having, the information thats being sent on both sides. I think were closer to getting something done. Hopefully itll get done soon.Silver credited the players who are most involved with the Players Association, from Chris Paul, president of the union, to LeBron James, Anthony, James Jones and Kyle Korver.But Silver said the tone of negotiations has been better than in the past in large part due to his working relationship thus far with Roberts.Micheles word is we both agreed to be adults in this process, Silver said. ... There hasnt been agreement on everything. I think theres been a healthy back and forth, but I think its begun from a basis of trust. I credit Michele Roberts enormously with coming in with that perspective, with being very professional about how she and her colleagues and the players went about this negotiation.Were on our way toward getting an extension done of this collective bargaining agreement, and Im very pleased to report that, Silver noted. Hopefully we will be back to all of you in the not-too-distant future to say that negotiations have been completed, but were not quite there yet. But I continue to be optimistic. C. J. Cron Twins Jersey .com) - The Montreal Canadiens embark on their first road trip of the season as they head out west to battle the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. Torii Hunter Jersey . The International Olympic Committee released the official list of bid cities on Friday after the deadline for applications had passed. The candidates -- all previously announced in their own countries -- are: Almaty, Kazakhstan; Beijing; Krakow, Poland; Lviv, Ukraine; Oslo, Norway; and Stockholm. https://www.cheaptwins.com/1422t-joe-mauer-jersey-twins.html . PETERSBURG, Fla. Joe Mauer Jersey . Third-seeded Murray had the easiest path to victory on New Years Eve, barely breaking a sweat during his 6-0, 6-0 win over 2,129th-ranked Qatari wildcard recipient Mousa Shanan Zayed. Kyle Gibson Twins Jersey . The third-ranked Ivanovic, who won the event in 2008 and 10, served five aces and broke Wickmayer, also a former winner in 2009, five times. "The result looked easier than it really was," Ivanovic said. TORONTO -- Canada is turning to Carey Price to start the World Cup of Hockey.Coach Mike Babcock designated Price as Canadas starter Saturday night against the Czech Republic .Price has always been the presumed No. 1 for Team Canada. The lone question was the 29-year-olds readiness after a long layoff. He started and completed two of Canadas three exhibition games, including his first game action in nearly 10 months last week.He looked predictably rusty in that 4-2 loss to the Americans, allowing three goals on 24 shots. Babcock said the performance wasnt Carey-like for obvious reasons: Price hadnt played since late November after a knee injury cost him nearly all of last season with the Montreal Canadiens.Babcock was satisfied with Prices second start, against Russia. The 2015 Vezina Trophy winner stopped 24 shots in a 3-2 overtime victory.Its just about getting minutes played and getting a few shots and getting the tempo of the game going, Price said Friday.His backup for the opener will be Corey Crawford, and not Braden Holtby, the 2016 Vezina Trophy winner.More pressing for Babcock in the waning minutes of training camp, however, were matters up front and on the power play.Babcock was happy with how John Tavares looked alongside Ryan Getzlaf during training camp, but was still debating whether Steven Stamkos or Corey Perry was a better fit at right wing. A prospective top unit of Sidney Crosby, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand looked good in exhibition play, as did the pairing of Jonathan Toews and Logan Couture.The Canadians looked dominant in winning two of their three tournamentt exhibition games.dddddddddddd. They had a 129-74 shots edge, including 99-52 at even strength. Canada fired more than 40 shots twice, including a 48-shot barrage against Russia in the pre-tournament finale.Still, the games were tight and Babcock said he believes that is how the tournament will be, too.Weve got nothing to lose, Czech forward Michael Frolik said. Just play hard, make sure were ready and go after them.Canada is seeking its second straight World Cup title, albeit 12 years after the last one in 2004.Tomas Plekanec led the Czechs with three goals in three pre-tournament games. Ondrej Palat, Michal Kempny and Ales Hemsky each had three points.With Canada there is going to be lots of pressure on them for sure, defenseman Roman Polak said. Home building and everything, in Toronto. Theyre going to be desperate to win. If (we) have a good start and maybe we score a goal (early), it could be a different story.Jaromir Jagr declined an invitation and Tomas Hertl and David Krejci are sidelined by injuries.Were more confident than we were at the beginning when everybody was saying that were underdogs, Polak said. We could be a good surprise in the tournament and we can start tomorrow against Canada.Game notes Canadian defenseman Shea Weber sat out the final practice Friday but is expected to play against the Czechs. ... Czech forward Vladimir Sobotka was expected to be available after injuring his shoulder in a loss to Russia in the pre-tournament opener. ' ' '