MEETINGS HELD ON RESPECT FOR GAME

» As Monty McCutchen

NEW YORK visits NBA teams on behalf of referees, he’s hearing plenty of what he calls constructive and professional criticism delivered.

“That’s exactly what we’re hoping to attain on the floor, is that no one is asking everyone to agree, no one is asking for there not to be constructive criticism,” McCutchen said. “What we are trying to achieve is the sense of how to disagree respectively, how to disagree with an empathy and understanding.”

Play-in idea is “wack.”

While the NCAA tournament is capturing the country’s imagination once again, LeBron James says the NBA is just fine with its postseason structure as it is. The Cavaliers all-star does not want to see the league adopt a play-in tourney with one-and-done consequences.

“No, no, no,” James said. “That’s wack. Why? You got to earn your spot to be in the postseason. No consolation for finishing last.”

• Cavaliers forward Kyle Korver has been excused from the team to be with family following the death of a younger brother.

Ginobili bearish on Leonard.

ANTONIO» Spurs guard SAN Manu Ginobili continues to operate under the assumption that star forward Kawhi Leonard will not return over the final 11 games of the regular season. — The Associated Press