As the Clippers look to move forward after being found guilty of violating the NBA’s salary cap circumvention rules, team owner Steve Ballmer, who has been suspended from team activities for a year, has seen reputation around the league take a hit, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said in the latest episode of the Hoop Collective podcast.
“I think ‘other team owners) wanted to believe him, especially because they like him,” Windhorst said (YouTube video link). “The word that was said to me by a very influential person is that some of the other owners were aghast when they read this report…. Regardless of what Steve said, the support that he had is no longer there… If Steve Ballmer elects to go to battle legally, I cannot predict what would happen within the league with the other owners.”
Windhorst went on to detail how the Timberwolves were able to mitigate some of the damages of their own cap circumvention case in 2000, noting that it took multiple years and the team dropping its fight against the league to recoup two of its five forfeited draft picks. However, Windhorst also noted that there are ways to achieve positive results in negotiations besides giving in, saying that some around the league believe that going on the offensive and fighting the penalties is the Clippers’ best option moving forward.
We have more from around the Pacific Division:
After being selected 56th overall by the Warriors in the 2025 draft, Will Richard put together a solid rookie season, averaging 6.4 points in 20.0 minutes per game while suiting up for 69 contests, including 21 starts. However, he doesn’t remember those games. What he remembers is receiving DNP-CDs in Golden State’s play-in win over the Clippers and play-in loss to the Suns, Monte Poole writes for NBC Sports Bay Area. “He ran into the rookie wall,” coach Steve Kerr said. “He had a great season, and then the last 20 games or so, he looked like a rookie. He looked tired, and he didn’t have the same pop that he had earlier. That’s almost to be expected.” Richard isn’t discouraged by Kerr’s assessment — he’s using it as motivation. “That was kind of my motivational drive towards the offseason,” he explained. “Just working on things that I know will get me on the floor in those playoff (and) play-in games next year.” Ball-handling, shooting off the move and off the catch, and getting out in transition are some of the specific areas Richard has been focused on.
The Lakers are adding a ninth statue to Star Plaza, which sits outside of Crypto.com Arena: legendary head coach Phil Jackson, the team announced in a press release. “Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason,” said owner Jeanie Buss. “His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. After he accepted my dad’s invitation to join the Lakers, Phil’s unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come. It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves.” The 11-time championship head coach won five of his rings with the Lakers.
The Suns’ G League affiliate has announced its coaching staff under second-year coach Paul Jesperson, according to a team press release. Gerard Martin will return as a Valley Suns assistant coach and will be joined by Jimmy King and Ralik Wise as assistants, while Cedric Blossom, Rick Carter, and Coleman Sparling have been tapped as player development assistants.