With some frustrated NBA players set to meet with referees over the upcoming All-Star weekend, commissioner Adam Silver downplayed the conflict between the two sides.
"Nothing's really changed in terms of that dynamic, other than there's just more scrutiny than there used to be," Silver told reporters in London Thursday. "There haven't been a greater number of ejections or a greater number of technicals (this season) ... but it's something that people are talking about. I recognize that."
Several players, most notably Carmelo Anthony, have claimed the on-court relationship between players and officials has deteriorated over the years. When asked about fines players and coaches receive for criticizing the league's officiating, the commissioner conceded they were mostly token gestures.
"I think we recognize that the fines, while nobody likes to lose the money, in many ways are almost more symbolic than anything when you have players as wealthy as they are," Silver said.
NBPA president Chris Paul is expected to receive one of those fines Thursday or Friday after taking a verbal shot at an official Wednesday.