Clippers Could Face Significant Penalties as Salary-Cap Probe Nears Completion
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The NBA’s investigation into whether the Los Angeles Clippers and forward Kawhi Leonard used a no-show endorsement agreement with bankrupt fintech firm Aspiration to evade salary-cap rules appears to be gaining momentum, league sources told The Athletic.
Early in the season, prevailing sentiment around the league suggested any discipline would be minimal. In recent weeks, however, speculation has intensified that the organization may receive a substantial sanction once the review is finished.
Silver: All-Star location not a factor
Commissioner Adam Silver said during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles that the league hired outside counsel Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to run the probe and reiterated that the local showcase did not influence the timing.
“It’s enormously complex,” Silver said. “You have a company in bankruptcy, thousands of documents, multiple witnesses to interview. The fact that All-Star is here has had no impact on the timeline. Our charge to the Wachtell law firm is to do the work and then make recommendations to the league office, and that’s where things now stand.”
Mathurin’s explosive debut
Recently acquired guard Bennedict Mathurin marked his first home game at Intuit Dome by matching his career high with 38 points in 34 minutes during a 125-124 victory over Denver. Coming off the bench, the 22-year-old hit 12 of 22 shots from the field and converted 12 of 13 free throws.
“It’s great to have another scorer that can get you 30 points,” Leonard said after the game.
Mathurin, who becomes a restricted free agent this summer, said he is still learning the Clippers’ schemes. “There’s a lot more to do, a lot more to learn offensively, defensively and off the court,” he noted. “I feel I’ll be able to take my game to another level here.”
Integrating Jackson, monitoring Lopez’s minutes
Center Isaiah Jackson, also acquired at the deadline, has seen limited action but told reporters he is adjusting quickly. Head coach Tyronn Lue said he expects Jackson to compete with rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser for backup minutes behind starter Brook Lopez.
“We can’t keep playing Brook 34, 35 minutes a night, even though he says he’s OK,” Lue explained. “With three centers, we’ll play them all and whoever’s performing best will likely finish the game.”
Two-way contracts filled
Los Angeles has filled its two remaining two-way slots by signing G League standouts guard Sean Pedulla and forward Norchad Omier.
Source: HoopsRumors
