What happened: Silver spoke Tuesday after the Board of Governors meetings about Ballmer's Sunday statement accepting responsibility as principal owner. Ballmer said the Clippers would comply and move forward after previously rejecting the findings. Silver set aside the precise word choices and pointed to Ballmer's willingness to accept the sanctions.

Why it matters: The sanctions strip five first-round picks and sideline Ballmer for one year, a sharp break from the Clippers' earlier rejection of the findings. Silver referred to other inquiries facing Ballmer and the Clippers that call for careful wording. A reported Justice Department criminal investigation into the Leonard dealings runs outside the league discipline.

What to watch: The Clippers will appoint an interim governor who must be vetted before representing the team. Silver expects further conversations with Ballmer over the next year and sees a path to return in good standing.