Today, in two consecutive tweets, Orlando Magic player rep Chris Duhon explained what fans (and David Stern) hope will come from this week.

His first tweet mentioned that the Magic will support the new proposal. His second tweet noted, quite succinctly, “this deal sucks.”

As fans, we know the players are getting screwed with this proposal (as much as the NBA pretends otherwise). We just hope they decide to accept a bad deal anyway, for two reasons:

1) We’d really love to see NBA hoops this season.

And

2) If the players don’t accept the current proposal, um, does anyone have a reasonable plan to encourage a better proposal? (Silence. Yeah, didn’t think so.)

If NBA players vote to accept the latest collective bargaining proposal, I doubt many fans will shout, “But the owners are such bullies! Take it back, players! Extend this NBA lockout until you can get a fair deal!” Fans will be too busy rejoicing the (finally) approaching NBA schedule.

I realize that it’s harsh to root for players to accept a bum deal. They should have principles, they should stand up for themselves, they shouldn’t let owners shove them around, et cetera, et cetera. I agree. But at the same time, as a fan, I just want basketball.