NBA notes: NBA finalizing procedures to penalize flopping

Elizabeth, N.J. • The NBA is finalizing new procedures that will penalize players for flopping.

Spokesman Tim Frank says the league's competition committee met two weeks ago and discussed a plan that would go in place this season. Commissioner David Stern believes too many players are trying to deceive referees into calling fouls by falling down when little or no contact was made, known as flopping.

Frank said Thursday at the NBA referees training camp that the procedures will likely involve a postgame review of the play by the league office, rather than an official calling an infraction during the game. Players would likely be fined if the league determined they flopped.

Around the association

Lakers • Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill has pleaded no contest to assaulting his girlfriend in February and was sentenced to one year of probation.

Hill, 25, will also have to pay a $500 fine and undergo counseling. The assault charge was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.

Hill is charged with assaulting Darlene Luna on Feb. 29.

Timberwolves • Ricky Rubio says he hopes to return to playing for Minnesota sometime in December but insists he's "not going to rush it" to be sure he's ready.

Rubio's rehabilitation from reconstructive left knee surgery is on schedule.

Rubio was hurt at the end of Minnesota's game against the Lakers on March 9.