NBA roundup: Cuban examines own prejudices

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, in an interview focused on many societal issues, told Inc. that even he harbors “prejudices and bigotries.”

The interview was posted to Cuban’s Twitter page, and ranges in scope from economics to the NBA’s hottest topic, disgraced Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Asked what he does to combat bigotry and racism he encounters in his daily life, Cuban offered a cast-the-first-stone response.

“While we all have our prejudices and bigotries, we have to learn that it’s an issue that we have to control, that it’s part of my responsibility as an entrepreneur to try to solve it, not just to kick the problem down the road,” he said in the interview at the GrowCo Conference in Nashville, Tenn.

The NBA is moving in fast-forward to have Sterling removed. He was fined $2.5 million — the maximum allowed under the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement terms on owner behavior and recourse — and barred from any contact with the team. A vote will be taken by NBA owners in June, and Cuban said Wednesday he knows how he’ll vote but is not ready to comment on it.

—The Indiana Pacers held leading scorer Paul George out of contact during Thursday’s practice and his status remains uncertain for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday.

George, wearing a red vest, did participate in shooting drills with teammates after suffering a concussion on Tuesday night. The Pacers are not likely to determine whether George is cleared to play until hours before Saturday’s game in Miami. The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1.

George was dazed in the fourth quarter on Tuesday night after he was kicked in the head by Miami guard Dwyane Wade during a scramble for a loose ball. George blacked out and had blurred vision but went back into the game after a timeout. Tests on Wednesday revealed that George had sustained a concussion. In order to resume playing, he will be required to pass tests by the team doctor and NBA neurologist.

—Philadelphia 76ers guard and Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams headlines the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie First Team, the league announced Thursday.

Carter-Williams was the lone unanimous first team selection (250 points, 125 first team votes). Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo narrowly missed a perfect ballot (248 points, 124 first-team votes). Guard Trey Burke of the Utah Jazz (230 points, 108 first team votes), forward Mason Plumlee of the Brooklyn Nets (214 points, 95 first team votes) and the New York Knicks gaurd Tim Hardaway Jr. (204 points, 87 first team votes) complete the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

—The Golden State Warriors are interested in landing Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love and pair him with another star, point guard Stephen Curry, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Thursday.

According to the Chronicle, the Bay Area is believed to be one of desired locations for Love, who reportedly has told Minnesota that he will exercise his early termination option and become a free agent in 2015.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said this week he expects Love to be part of the team next season, even if it turns out to be his last before hitting free agency. Love, a three-time All-Star, has not formally demanded a trade and Taylor reiterated he was commenting only on hypotheticals. Taylor said the Timberwolves have not talked to Love, his agent or any other teams about a possible trade.

—Byron Scott interviewed with the Los Angeles Lakers as a potential head coaching candidate for the team he played for from 1983 to 1993.

The job has been open for a month since it was decided that Mike D’Antoni would not return for the 2014-15 season. Mike Dunleavy is known to be a candidate, but he also interviewed with the New York Knicks.

General manager Mitch Kupchak said on a conference call Wednesday that the Lakers are just beginning the process.

—LeBron James belongs in Cleveland, where the Akron native can play in front of “real fans.”

That’s the view of opinionated NBA analyst Charles Barkley, at least.

“I’ve always thought he was going to go back to Cleveland,” Barkley said on ESPN Radio. “Nobody dislikes LeBron. I think LeBron made a huge mistake with that ‘Decision’ crap. He’s come back and since admitted that. That’s the only thing people hold against LeBron.”

James can opt out of the contract he signed with the Miami Heat in 2010. The Cavaliers have the No. 1 pick for the third time in four seasons after finished 33-49 this season and firing coach Mike Brown.