NBA News Roundup, Thursday, Oct 24: Rajon Rondo injury update, Giannis believes Bucks could have won 2019 NBA title and more

The 2019-20 NBA season has already provided two nights of thrilling action and both the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors will get their campaigns underway tonight. After losing Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala during the offseason, the Warriors face an uphill battle in the West while the Rockets will be hoping to finally reach the NBA Finals following the high-profile signing of Russell Westbrook.

There is also plenty of speculation off the court, as a number of the NBA's top talents continue to be linked with a trade, while notable free agents such as Carmelo Anthony remain available to teams looking to add depth. So, with plenty going on around the league, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for October 24th.

#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo believes he would already be an NBA champion if the Bucks had defeated Toronto in Game 3 of the East Finals

Kawhi Leonard got the better of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 3 of the East Finals

The 2018-19 season was an incredible year for Giannis Antetokounmpo as he became one of the youngest ever MVP winners, while also leading his Bucks team to the Eastern Conference Finals. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old told Contra that he believes he would already be an NBA champion if his Milwaukee side had defeated the Toronto Raptors in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals:

"My goal this year is to win the championship with the Bucks, which is something that requires a lot of work. If we had won our third game with the Raptors last season, probably I would have been an NBA champion at 24. It is hard, but we learn from our mistakes and I wish we will not repeat them when we reach the same point."

Heading into Game 3, The Bucks held a 2-0 series lead, although Antetokounmpo shot 5 for 16 as the Bucks lost a double-OT thriller. The Raptors would go on to win the next three games of the series before defeating the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

#2 Rajon Rondo could return for the Lakers' clash with the Utah Jazz

Rajon Rondo could return for the Lakers against the Utah Jazz

Rajon Rondo missed the Los Angeles Lakers' opening night defeat to the LA Clippers with a calf injury, although the Los Angeles Times is reporting that the point guard could return against the Utah Jazz on Friday night:

The Lakers had a scrimmage Thursday that allowed Rajon Rondo to test the sore calf that kept him out of the season opener Tuesday against the Clippers, but a decision on whether he plays Friday night will be decided before the game against the Utah Jazz.

Without the injured Rondo, LeBron James spent much of the game against the Clippers at point guard, although the veteran's performance was widely criticized. Injuries also disrupted Rondo's first season in Los Angeles, although the 33-year-old averaged 9.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 8.0 assists over 46 appearances.

#3 Nicolas Batum faces spell on sidelines with a fractured finger

Nicolas Batum could miss up to a month with a dislocated finger

Entering the season, many fans and analysts alike predicted that the Charlotte Hornets would be among the worst teams in the NBA. However, the Hornets came away with an impressive opening night win over a Chicago Bulls team that is expected to challenge for a playoff spot.

Nevertheless, it wasn't all good news as Nicolas Batum played just 11 minutes before exiting with a finger injury. Early reports stated that Batum had suffered a fractured finger and Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports is reporting the 30-year-old will miss between 3-4 weeks.

Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum fractured the middle finger on his left hand last night against Chicago and is expected to be sidelined 3 to 4 weeks, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 24, 2019

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Batum has been with the Hornets since 2015, and last season averaged 9.3 points and 5.2 rebounds over 75 regular-season appearances. Before leaving the court last night, the Frenchman grabbed 4 rebounds while also contributing two assists for his teammates.