NBA Hoops Central

The NBA has concluded their investigation of The Clippers and Kawhi Leonard for salary cap circumvention.

Clippers' penalties:
- Lost 5 first-round picks
- Issuing $30M fine to Steve Ballmer
- Suspensions for Ballmer, Lawrence Frank, Gillian Zucker

Kawhi Leonard's penalties:
- $700K in restitution for improper benefits

There will be no contract void or suspension for Leonard

(via Shams Charania)

Lonzo Ball says Jaylen Brown is a top-five Celtic of all time and is better than Jayson Tatum:

“The only two wings is better to him is Paul Pierce and Larry Bird. I was going to say Larry Bird. Larry and Paul. That's him. Boom. So him? Tatum? He's a little better than Tatum.”

(via Tomer Azarly)

The Trail Blazers believe Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, and Ja Morant can all play together.

(via Jake Fischer)

The Dallas Mavericks expect Kyrie Irving to play like an All-Star this season.

(via Jake Fischer)

The Kings are NOT interested in extending Domantas Sabonis and he is a PRIME trade candidate.

(via Brian Windhorst)

Luka Doncic on this year’s team chemistry compared to last season:

“I feel like our guys are just more bought in this year. Obviously, we had a really good group last season, but I think this team is a little different. Everybody is playing for each other, guys are less focused on themselves, and we all want the same thing. We want to win a championship, and I think everybody understands what it’s going to take.”

(via Marc Jacobs)

Jalen Brunson says he saw himself as JJ Barea off the bench in Dallas and never asked for more, until New York handed him a franchise.

"My mindset was, I'm filling JJ Barea's role. He came off the bench for Dallas. He did all these great things for Dallas. That's where I see myself. I'm gonna work to be better, but that's where I see myself. That's where I feel like I can help this team."

"The more you show in your role, the longer your leash gets, the more you're able to do. People just want to say, 'Hey, I can do this, I can do that.' Well, do what's asked of you first. Perfect it. Master it."

"And all of a sudden you'll be surprised of what they'll allow you to do. And you'll be surprised by yourself, like, 'oh damn, I can do this.'"

"So it's all about starring in a role."

(via theroadtrippinshow)

Tacko Fall on signing with the 76ers:

“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime that I shall not waste.”

(via legionhoops)

The Warriors’ projected rotation:

Starters: Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis

Bench: Brandon Williams, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton, Will Richard, Moses Moody, Gui Santos, Georges Niang, Yaxel Lendeborg, Al Horford