Billy Hunter was on a panel Wednesday and made several comments about his ongoing showdown with the NBA.  

While Hunter said these negotiations have been incredibly stressful to him personally, he doesn't think the NBA season is in grave jeopardy just yet.

"The season is not yet on life support," Hunter said. "There's still time to put on an abbreviated season."

But he doesn't see a genuine will to get a deal done from the owners, some of whom paid a high price for their teams in recent years.

"Over the past five to six years, some teams have been leveraged, and owners aren't making their obligations, and want players to pay the difference," Hunter said.

The league is also concerned about limiting 'LeBron-style' player movement in the NBA, Hunter said.

He went on to float the idea of a basketball league that competes with the NBA.

"Maybe we can start our own league. There are facilities where we can do that. Can't play at MSG but can play at St John's."

Hunter repeated that the disclaimer of interest route the union chose had the backing of every player representative.

"The players' decision to blow up the union was unanimous. They were high-fiving, sayin' let's get it on!"

Hunter seemed to downplay concerns about the damage that is being caused by this labor dispute.

"I am concerned about the damage to the league with its fans," Hunter said, "but basketball is the fastest-growing sport in the world."