The Celtics’ embarrassing loss doesn’t matter. They’ll have their superteam soon

Denver Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth was candid in discussing how he’s built the roster since taking over two seasons ago. Booth said finding a balance has been one of his goals. And finding that offense-defense balance led to a trade last season.

On trading young guard Bones Hyland, Booth said defense and finances paid a part. Booth said that there was just too much overlap with Hyland and Michael Porter Jr. on the roster together.

“I knew you couldn’t have two guys that couldn’t guard, and we couldn’t have two guys that were young and kind of more ‘me guys,'” Booth said. “Mike makes $30 million. He’s one of the best shooters in the NBA. So, Bones, there’s no place for you.”

There is increased doubt that LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will be available at the start of the first-round against the Dallas Mavericks. Leonard has been out since the beginning of April with inflammation in his right knee. That’s the knee Leonard has had surgically repaired in the past.

LA head coach Ty Lue said his star forward has been doing shooting drills and will shoot more today. However, Leonard has yet to go through a contact practice since the knee issue flared up.

The Clippers open the first round on Sunday afternoon. LA will host Dallas in a highly anticipated matchup. Both teams are considered potential contenders to make it to the Western Conference Finals, if not the NBA Finals.