'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The 2019-20 NBA season in just over three weeks away and the entire NBA will enter their respective training camps this week. Teams will finally have the chance to see their summer signings up close, and the camps will also allow coaching teams to identify strengths and areas for improvement ahead of the new campaign.
Nevertheless, while much of the NBA's talent was snapped up during the opening weeks of free agency, high profile names such as Carmelo Anthony and Joakim Noah remain unsigned.
Meanwhile, former All-Stars such as Chris Paul and Kevin Love continue to be linked with a trade, and at least one contending team may look to make a significant move ahead of opening night. So, as the new NBA season quickly approaches, here are all the latest news and rumors you need to know for September 30th.
Paul George aiming for November return
After spending two seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Paul George joined the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster trade earlier this summer. The 29-year-old finished third in voting for the 2019 MVP title, although his form during the final months of the season was impacted by ongoing pain in his shoulder.
Prior to his trade to the Clippers, George underwent surgery, and a return date has yet to be set. However, during yesterday's Media Day, George told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that he hoped to be back in November.
During the 2018-19 season, George averaged 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.2 steals per contest. While he couldn't guide the Thunder past the first round of the postseason, George will be joined by a better supporting cast in Los Angeles that includes Kawhi Leonard, Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, and JaMychal Green.
Avery Bradley is making a strong impression with the Los Angeles Lakers
After missing out on Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Lakers quickly filled out their depleted roster, with Avery Bradley among the players bought in. The 28-year-old signed a two-year, $9.7 million contract, and Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated is reporting that the shooting guard has already made a positive impact within the organization.
Bradley established himself as a starter during his seven years with the Boston Celtics, and the guard also performed well with the Pistons, following his trade in 2017. However, his subsequent move to the Clippers was underwhelming, and Bradley spent the final months of the 18-19 season with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Over 14 appearances, he managed 16.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game - and Bradley will contend with Danny Green and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for a starting spot in the Lakers' backcourt.
Kawhi Leonard joins the growing list of NBA stars wanting to play in the 2020 Olympics
The 2019 FIBA World Cup was among the most disappointing tournaments in the history of Team USA. Much of the NBA's top talent withdrew in the buildup to the competition, and after a series of unimpressive performances in the group stage, Gregg Popovich's team was eliminated in the quarter-finals by France.
Nevertheless, there has been talk of a 'redemption squad' heading to Japan for the Olympics next year, and Kawhi Leonard is the latest big name to announce his intent to play.
While Kemba Walker was the USA's highest-profile player at the World Cup, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, and James Harden have all expressed their interest in returning to the national team setup next summer. LeBron James has also refused to rule out a return, and the 2020 Team USA squad could turn out to be one of the best in recent memory.
Guess the Lakers players!
