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The 2019-20 NBA season is just 10 days away and the new campaign promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, and LA Clippers are among the teams hoping to contend for the title, while the Golden State Warriors will be out to prove their doubters wrong.
The next week or so will be dominated by teams finalizing their rosters ahead of the new season, and free agents such as Carmelo Anthony remain available. Meanwhile, the chances of at least one significant trade materializing are high, and here we will take a look at all the latest news and rumors you need to know for October 12th.
#3 Lonzo Ball addresses his exit from the Los Angeles Lakers
Lonzo Ball was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall pick of the 2017 draft with Magic Johnson labeling the young point guard as the future of the organization. However, Ball's injury-hit two-year stint in Los Angeles came to an end earlier this summer as he was included in the blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis.
Addressing the Lakers' decision to trade him, Ball told Shams Charania of The Athletic that he wasn't surprised that his former team pursued a deal for Davis, while also stating that he was looking forward to a fresh start in NOLA:
It was only a matter of time before a trade happened. I pretty much knew a trade would happen. Any time you have a player like Anthony Davis available, I knew it was going to be my time. I was looking forward to it and I was excited for a new start. Getting out of L.A. for the first time in my life. I’m happy about it.
During his two seasons with the Lakers, Ball played 99 times, averaging 10.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. While the 21-year-old failed to reach expectations in Los Angeles, Ball has the perfect opportunity to develop in New Orleans alongside a young roster that includes Zion Williamson.
#2 Eric Bledsoe will miss the opening weeks of the season through injury
Eric Bledsoe left the court after playing for just 12 minutes during the Milwaukee Bucks' 133-99 preseason win over the Utah Jazz, and ESPN is reporting that 29-year-old is set to miss the opening weeks of the 2019-20 season:
Milwaukee Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe will miss the start of the 2019-20 season after suffering a small fracture of his rib, a source confirmed to ESPN. Bledsoe could be out for up to three weeks, the source said.
Bledsoe joined the Bucks back in 2017 and played a key role last season as they posted the NBA's best record during the regular season. Bledsoe averaged 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. The Bucks get their season underway with a road trip to Houston.
#1 The Detroit Pistons could be interested in Frank Ntilikina
The Detroit Pistons currently have plenty of options at point guard with Reggie Jackson, Derrick Rose, and Tim Frazier all signed through the 2019-20 season. Nevertheless, Jackson and Frazier will become free agents next summer, and Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Pistons could be interested in signing Frank Ntilikina from the New York Knicks:
Ntilikina will earn just under $5 million for the current season, and the Knicks hold a player option for the 2020-21 season. However, the 21-year-old struggled to get regular minutes during the final months of the 18-19 season, and it is unlikely that the knicks will trigger an extension offer before the deadline hits later this month.
Despite struggling for form for the Knicks, Ntilikina was among the best players at the 2019 World Cup as he averaged 8.0 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per contest.
