From what information Celtics' owner Wyc Grousbeck has deciphered, the NBA?s financial state is uneven. Commissioner David Stern has said that half or even as many as 20 of the 30 teams are in debt.

"Financially, not every team is very happy this year," Grousbeck said. "The league is posting results that are better than I probably thought they would be, leaguewide, but on the other hand, there are still some trouble spots.

"It isn't the happiest picture; it isn't the best picture I can think of. It could be better. It definitely could be better leaguewide, and we've got some issues we need to address.?"