Nba Prepares For Worst

If NBA players vote to dissolve their union, the league’s first casualty will be the McDonald’s Championship, the six-team tournament set for Oct. 19 in London.

NBA commissioner David Stern said the event that is to feature the two-time titlists Houston Rockets and five foreign championship teams will be canceled immediately if a vote beginning Wednesday is for decertification and against a proposed labor deal. Results of the election will be announced Sept. 12.

McDonald’s and other European sponsors have already paid the NBA fees for the event, and that money would have to be refunded if it’s canceled, Stern said. Some money for promotions will have to be rebated regardless.

Two-time NBA Finals hero John Paxson, who retired after the 1993-94 season and spent last season as a Chicago Bulls radio broadcaster, is expected to be named an assistant coach for the 1995-96 season.