NBA News Roundup, April 2nd, 2019: Giannis Antetokounmpo returns from injury, Stephen Curry names his all-time NBA top 5 and more

The 2018/19 NBA season is quickly coming to a close. The playoffs are set to take place later this month, whereas a number of struggling teams have already turned their attention towards next season.

Due to this, there is no shortage of stories developing around the league, and here we will take a look at the NBA stories you need to know for April 2nd.

Zion Williamson could get his own signature sneaker

Zion Williamson's Duke career came to an end last week

Now that his college career has come to a close, Zion Williamson is expected to command a lot of interest from a number of sportswear brands. The likes of Nike, Adidas and Under Armour are all expected to make big offers to the teenager, and ESPN is reporting that Zion could become only the second player since 2003 to enter the league with his own shoe:

For Williamson, the inclusion of a signature sneaker could be necessary to seal the deal. Only nine players in league history have had a signature shoe for their rookie season.

The 18-year-old wore Nike sneakers throughout the duration of his college career, although his future with the brand is not certain. If Williamson signs a signature shoe deal, he will become just the 20th active player to do so.

Stephen Curry reveals his list of all-time NBA players

Steph Curry was promoting his upcoming series 'Stephen vs. The Game'

Last night, during a promotional event for his upcoming Facebook Watch docuseries 'Stephen vs. The Game', Stephen Curry was asked to name the five players he considered the best in history.

After mulling over the question, Curry named Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, and Magic Johnson as his five picks. While none of his Warriors teammates made the list, there was a place for James, who Curry has battled against in the last four NBA finals.

The Nets coaching staff are nearing new long-term deals

The Brooklyn Nets look set to make the 2019 playoffs

The form of the Brooklyn Nets has been one of the biggest surprises of the season. After finishing the 2017/18 season with a 28-54 record, the Nets have improved to 39-39, and the team is in a strong position to participate in the postseason for the first time since 2015.

Due to the rapid improvement, ESPN is reporting that both head coach Kenny Atkinson and his coaching staff will be handed long-term extensions:

'Nets coach Kenny Atkinson and his assistant coaches are nearing completion on contract extensions, league sources tell ESPN. Atkinson and his staff are expected to have signed agreements with the Nets in the near future, league sources said.

Atkinson joined the Nets in 2016, having previously spent time as an assistant with both the Knicks and Hawks. His record with the Nets stands at 87 wins and 155 losses, although he is thought of highly within the Brooklyn organization.

The Greek Freak returns

Giannis Antetokounmpo returned as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets

Entering the week, rumors swirled that the Bucks were considering benching Giannis Antetokounmpo until the playoffs. However, the 24-year-old last night returned during the team's 131-121 victory over the Nets at Barclays Center, scoring 28 points in just 30 minutes.

The win left Antetokounmpo and the Bucks with a league-best 58-20 record, and the team are now just one win out from securing playoff home-court advantage.

The Greek Freak is still carrying an ankle injury that he sustained last month against the Sixers, although it appears that the MVP contender will continue to play until the Bucks secure the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

This can happen as soon as Thursday if Milwaukee can overcome Philadelphia, and it is possible that Antetokounmpo may be rested once the Bucks have ensured they enter the playoffs with the league's best record.