NBA News Roundup, Saturday, August 31st: Houston Rockets star signs huge contract extension, Luka Doncic eyes second-year improvement and more

The first week of free agency was among the most exciting in NBA history as half of the league's All-Stars swapped teams. However, the initial flurry of moves has since calmed down, and the 2019 offseason is currently in a lull.

However, as the 2019-20 season quickly approaches, teams may feel the need to further strengthen, and major moves are likely to materialize in the coming weeks. Among those that could be on the move are Steven Adams and Chris Paul, while notable free agents such as Kenneth Faried and Carmelo Anthony are still on the search for a new team. So, here's all the latest news and rumors you need to know for Saturday, August 31st.

---

#1 Gregg Popovich confident ahead of Team USA's World Cup campaign

Gregg Popovich will lead Team USA at the 2019 FIBA World Cup

Team USA enters the 2019 FIBA World Cup with what many have labeled as the worst roster in the nation's history. A large number of the NBA's best talent withdrew from selection ahead of the tournament, and Team USA last week suffered its first loss in 13 years. However, head coach Gregg Popovich is confident that his side can pull through and prove their doubters wrong:

They've become close in a short period of time. The camaraderie has blossomed, and I think that will bode well for us.

While missing much of the NBA's top talent, Popovich can still call upon Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, and Donovan Mitchell. They begin the tournament with a clash against the Czech Republic, and Popovich's men are expected to ease into the second round. However, the Americans will face stiff competition as the competition progresses, with Serbia and Spain among several strong teams.

#2 Eric Gordon signs new long term deal with the Houston Rockets

Eric Gordon has played a key role for the Houston Rockets

Following the Houston Rockets' playoff defeat to the Golden State Warriors back in May, Eric Gordon was among the players linked with an exit from the team. However, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Gordon has signed a new contract and will spend his remaining prime years with the team:

Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon has agreed to a three-year, $54.5 million contract extension that will take him through the 2022-23 season, league sources told ESPN on Friday night.

Gordon joined the Rockets back in 2016 and won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award during his first season with the team.

Over the past two campaigns, Gordon has established himself as a regular starter, and the shooting guard finished the 18-19 season averaging 16.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.

#3 Luka Doncic is hard at work ahead of his second season

Luka Doncic will play a vital role for the Mavericks this season

Upon being selected third overall in last summer's draft, Luka Doncic enjoyed a stunning rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks. The Slovenian quickly established himself as one of the NBA's best young talents and is set to replace Dirk Nowitzki as the face of the franchise. Nevertheless, Doncic told Mavs.com that he is hard at work improving his game ahead of the new season:

I would say I’m faster now. So (my defense is) going to get better, for sure. Just everything. Better shots, better passes, rebounds. Everything. Just do everything better than I’m used to. I’m practicing five days a week. And the weekends, too.

During his rookie season, Doncic averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. The 20-year-old was selected unanimously to the All-Rookie First Team and went on to become just the sixth player from outside the United States to win Rookie of the Year.