Hi Rockets fans, thanks for sticking with The Dreamshake during the 150 day lockout.  It is apparently all over but the voting and signing, with a 66 game schedule on tap starting in a few weeks.  So now we can get back to talking about basketball and not labor negotiation, game theory, and the casting of blame.  

I am happy that the lockout is over, but I can't say I'm overjoyed, because this strikes me as a deal that was probable, even obvious, at the start of the lockout. Given the economic climate, it was clear it would be the players giving up ground in this deal, not the owners.

 For all the talk about the players caving in the last labor dispute, it's fairly obvious they improved their lot in that arrangement. It was also clear that they'd be handing some back in this one. That said, they held firm, were willing to push the generally tough bunch of NBA owners farther than they expected to be pushed.  I believe the players gave up less than I expected they would.  You can read more about the details of the agreement at any of the usual major media sources.  

Now I have to get over my sense of disgust to find the interest that's propelled me through two seasons and a lockout writing on The Dreamshake.  As actual basketball begins to unfold, as players are signed, as we learn about the shape of what promises to be a crazy compressed season, I'll be saying more. 

For now I'll say, NBA, I'm glad you're back, but I need a moment before I can speak civilly about actual basketball.  It'll come, and in the meantime thanks for sticking with The Dreamshake, and the Rockets.