Michael Malone broke a National Basketball Association rule last week when he said this about current Los Angeles Clippers guard, Chris Paul:
“Obviously, Chris would look pretty good in a Sacramento Kings uniform, you know, without a doubt,” Malone said.
The comment violates a rule that prohibits coaches from attempting to poach or woo players from other teams while those players are still under contract.
Malone made the comments about Paul in an informal question and answer session with reporters following a press conference that had also featured new Kings majority owner Vivek Ranadive. Malone was an assistant coach in New Orleans when Paul played there.
Malone also talked about former Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis, saying he, “loves him” and “thinks the world of him” but neither statement went far enough to warrant any discipline from the league.
The team issued a statement in response to the fine, "The Kings organization accepts the league's decision and regrets any infraction of the policy."
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