Following extensive late-night negotiations, the NBA and the Toronto Raptors have reached a tentative agreement permitting the team to extend the length of their basketball court by approximately 12 feet.

The Raptors took their unusual request to the league following the acquisition of Michael Curry on August 28th, described by Glen Grunwald as "a solid veteran who is known for his defensive ability". Regular readers of Rick Brunson .com will recognize this as an oft-used and gentler alternative to "bench warmer", and reveals the impetus for the team's request.

Due to the enormous demand now being put on the length of the bench, Raptor's brass have seized on the only workable solution available to them. By increasing the length of the court by the exact same amount, they have ensured that all bench residents are provided with an equal opportunity to slap ass with the active players.

When reached for comment, NBA commissioner David Stern had the following to say: "This landmark decision ushers in a new era for basketball, paving, or should I say parqueting, the way for each team to customize their court as they see fit. Twelve feet of hardwood is just the tip of the iceberg! Atlanta has already put in a request to tilt their floor ten degrees in the direction of the home basket. And Memphis wants trampolines just like SlamBall! Now there's an entertainment goldmine!"

Renovations to the Air Canada Centre will begin immediately, to ensure that the changes are complete by the time training camp arrives. This will provide ample opportunity for twelve special players like Maceo Baston, Mengke Bateer, Matt Bonner, Michael Bradley, Michael Curry, Chris Jefferies, Jerome Moiso, Mamadou N'diaye, Milt Palacio, Remon Van de Hare, George Williams and our very own Rick Brunson to practice jostling each other on the bench.

But only one player can assume the holy mantle of "Twelfth Twelfth Man", the last man on the bench in the extra twelve feet. I think you know who my money's on.