More NBA labor talks set for Thursday

After eight more hours of discussion between the players and owners as they attempt to end the lockout, federal mediator George Cohen issued his first public statement about the talks.

Don’t get your hopes up. It was short and not particularly sweet.

Ken Berger of CBS Sports.com reports that Cohen on the status of the talks. Cohen emphasized the importance of confidentiality in the talks and confirmed that more talks would continue on Thursday.  

NBA.com’s Steve Aschburner reports that Wednesday’s meeting lasted for 8 1/2 hours, with NBA commissioner David Stern. “Everyone is extremely focused on the issues that confront them,” Cohen said.

Yahoo.com’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that two sources indicated that progress was made on the basketball-related income revenue split, but also added there was at Wednesday’s extensive talks.

Which means it will be back to the negotiating table Thursday afternoon for both sides.

Newman spurns Suns, will remain on Spurs staff

Spurs assistant coach Don Newman has turned down an offer from the Suns to become that team’s defensive coordinator and will remain on Gregg Popovich’s coaching staff.

Spurs general manager R.C. Buford confirmed Newman’s decision to continue his tenure with the Spurs, a choice first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of YahooSports!, via Twitter.

Only Mike Budenholzer has been on Popovich’s coaching staff longer than Newman. One of the most popular figures in the basketball organization, he has focused on coaching defense since being hired on June 28,2004.