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The 2019-20 NBA season will get underway in just over six weeks, and the new season promises to be competitive following the demise of the Golden State Warriors. Both Los Angeles teams made major additions as they attempt to replace the Warriors at the top of the West, while the Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets also improved during the opening weeks of the offseason.
While teams have already conducted much of their business, further trades could materialize in the weeks leading up to the new campaign, and here are all the latest NBA news and rumors you need to know for September 13th.
#1 Charlotte Hornets defend their decision to let Kemba Walker leave in free agency
Kemba Walker was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets (then Bobcats) back in 2011, and the point guard slowly established himself as one of the NBA's best players during his time with the franchise. After developing his game during his early years in the league, Walker has been named an All-Star in each of his last three seasons.
The 18-19 season was also Walker's best to date as he averaged 25.6 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. The 29-year-old was also named to the 2019 All-NBA Third Team - which made him eligible for a supermax extension. However, despite expressing his desire to remain in Charlotte, the Hornets only offered him a $160 million deal over five years.
Walker eventually opted to join the Boston Celtics, and the Hornets received plenty of criticism for their refusal to offer their star man the max. However, General manager Mitch Kupchak told Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer that the franchise didn't believe that Walker was good enough to make them contenders:
We had great years with him, and we didn’t get into the playoffs. What makes us think that next year (would) be different? I’ve got to step back and look at where we’ve been and where we’re going. Chart out a course that gives us the best chance to build something that is sustainable for more than a year or two.
Following Walker's departure, the Hornets signed Terry Rozier to a three-year, $58 million deal.
#2 Stephen A. Smith discusses Carmelo Anthony's inability to find a new team
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith is well known for his contacts around the NBA and during an appearance on Thursday’s episode of Power 105’s The Breakfast Club, Smith addressed Carmelo Anthony's inability to find a new team. Citing an unnamed coach, Smith stated that Melo was struggling to find a new home due to his stature as a Future Hall of Famer:
One coach said this to me, he said: ‘Stephen A this brotha is a future Hall of Famer, but I don’t think he works for my nine man rotation. How am I supposed to look down at the end of my bench and see a Hall of Famer and not think I’m going to take heat for that?
Anthony was not played since November after he was instructed to find a new team by the Houston Rockets after just 10 appearances. The 35-year-old has been linked with the Miami Heat, LA Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets - although no team has yet to formally declare their interest.
#3 Zion Williamson says he is happy with the New Orleans Pelicans
After the New Orleans Pelicans surprisingly landed the first overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, some analysts inside the league suggested that Zion Williamson was unhappy with the prospect of heading to one of the NBA's smallest markets. However, during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sportando), Williamson revealed that he couldn't be happier in NOLA:
I couldn’t ask for a better situation. The Pelicans keep up the pace constantly, just the way I like it. I am already working with members of the technical staff and the idea of running is emphasized in each exercise. I’m sure that our offensive schemes will allow me to be lethal from the next season
Williamson spent one season at Duke before being drafted first overall by the Pelicans. At Duke, Williamson averaged 22.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, and has been backed as the most exciting player to enter the NBA since LeBron James.
