New Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is quite the motivator. He is also fast becoming the NBA’s coolest owner. Well, in our book he is, anyway.

BALLMER WANTS FANS TO ARRIVE EARLY 

Straight from Clippers owner Steve Ballmer himself: Turn up early to games.

The downtown LA traffic can be a nightmare, so Ballmer wants the Clippers Nation to allow plenty of time before they get to the Staples Center.

Via the LA Times:

They said the first quarter can be a little lonely,” Ballmer said.  

While acknowledging that he wasn’t an expert in Los Angeles traffic, Ballmer asked fans to arrive for tip-off. […] “I will just tell you, 10 minutes earlier in your seat and Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are really going to love you,” Ballmer said. 

Ballmer said he expected “lots of wins” from a team that compiled a franchise-record 57 last season. […] “We want to play in April, in May, in June,” Ballmer said.  

“You’ve got to make sure everybody’s pushing and pushing to get better and improve every day, and if we do that with the talent we have in place, with a little bit of good luck, we’re going to be the last guys playing.” 

IGUODALA TO PLAY THROUGH A BROKEN NOSE 

Golden State Warriors 120-105 pre-season victory against the Los Angeles Lakers came at a price.

Andre Iguodala suffered a broken nose during the game, but will wear a protective facemask and carry on playing.

Via Inside the Warriors (sounds like an Ultimate Warrior newsletter):

Iguodala was accidentally struck by a Lakers player on the final play of the first half. He returned to the bench with tissue stuffed up both his nostrils and did not return to action. With his nose still bloody after the game, Iguodala said he put the nose back into place himself.  

“He took a pretty good lick,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said, adding that Iguodala could wear a mask in upcoming games. 

Iguodala had seven points, three rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes of play. 

UNCLE DREW OUT OF HEAT GAME IN RIO 

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Iriving will not play in tonight’s exhibition game against the Miami Heat in Rio.

The Cavs guard and World Cup MVP has not shaken off an ankle injury he suffered days ago and looks to be missing the game as a precaution.

TO EUROPE… 

ACHARA INKS WITH GLASGOW ROCKS 

Moving to our continent now and Great Britain international Kieron Achara has signed for the Glasgow Rocks.

Proud Scot Achara spent last season with Lukoil Academic in Bulgaria and has experience in Greece and Spain. Achara has had previous spells with the Rocks but only briefly.

BOGDANOVIC MOVES TO PARTIZAN 

Luka Bogdanovic, that is. Sorry.

While Bogdan Bogdanovic is preparing to face the San Antonio Spurs tonight. Luka returns for a second spell at Partizan.

Bogdanovic has also played for Red Star, Le Mans, Joventut, Roanne, Oldenburg, Cajasol and Turk Telekom Ankara.