NBA Hoops Central

03/09/2026

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)

03/09/2026

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)

03/09/2026

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

(via Jake Fischer)

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

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

(via Jake Fischer)

03/09/2026

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

(via Brian Windhorst)

03/09/2026

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)

03/09/2026

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)

03/09/2026

Tacko Fall on signing with the 76ers:

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

(via legionhoops)

03/09/2026

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