Southeast Division Updates: Ex-Hawks Executive Accused of $3.8MM Fraud; Young Sidelined; Heat Shuffle Lineup; Ball Out
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ATLANTA — Federal prosecutors have charged former Atlanta Hawks senior vice president of financial planning and analysis Lester Jones with fraud and embezzlement totaling $3.8 million, according to an indictment filed last week in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
Investigators allege Jones used corporate credit cards to pay for trips to the Bahamas, Hawaii, Thailand, Switzerland and other destinations, purchased a Porsche, and obtained concert and event tickets. The indictment further claims he bought expensive gifts for a colleague with whom he had a romantic relationship. An internal, team-commissioned audit uncovered the activity. Jones pleaded not guilty and was released on a $10,000 bond.
Injury news
Trae Young has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL and will be out for at least four weeks, head coach Quin Snyder said. Snyder noted the organization was relieved the star guard avoided more severe structural damage. The coach added that Atlanta will adjust its offensive schemes until Young returns, asking “other guys” to take on greater playmaking duties.
The Charlotte Hornets were without LaMelo Ball on Tuesday against New Orleans as the guard continues to nurse a right ankle injury. Ball also missed Sunday’s 23-point win over Utah. He is averaging 23.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists while shooting 43 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. Charlotte fell to the Pelicans, 116-112.
Heat lineup adjustment
Norman Powell returned to the Miami Heat on Monday after a three-game absence, but interim starter Pelle Larsson kept his spot in the opening group. Head coach Erik Spoelstra opted to move rookie big man Kelel Ware to the bench against the Clippers, favoring a smaller alignment in a one-point Miami victory. Spoelstra emphasized that the decision was based on matchup flexibility rather than a demotion for Ware.
Source: Hoops Rumors
