"With NBA action not quite as fantastic as the slogan once proclaimed, the league is considering borrowing an implement from a sport it supposedly has surpassed in terms of attraction and esthetic appeal."

The concept of a farm system variation has been bouncing around the rim for years. Now NBA commissioner David Stern has indicated the league might try to grab it.

Stern supports expanding the National Basketball Development League from six to 15 teams and allowing NBA clubs to use the league for selected young players who are under contract.

"The more we can have at a place where players can develop their skills, the better it is for the players, the league and the cities in which the players are developing their skills,"

But everyone connected with the league, especially Stern, is careful to note the idea is just that, an idea, and one that requires approval from the NBA Players Association. It would have to be a significant part of the new collective bargaining agreement.

The current agreement expires after next season, and the issue not only is being discussed, it has turned sticky. At this point, the union reportedly is against it.