NBA News Roundup, Saturday, September 28th: Update on Paul George's return from injury, Kyrie Irving expresses regret over his time with the Celtics and more

Paul George is set to miss the opening weeks of the 2019-20 season
Paul George is set to miss the opening weeks of the 2019-20 season

Yesterday's Media Day provided NBA fans with their first glimpse of what is to come during the 2019-20 season. The likes of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant were presented in their new uniforms following their offseason moves, while LeBron James also hinted that he is ready to reclaim his title of the NBA's best player ahead of his second season in Los Angeles.

Nevertheless, while the new season is quickly approaching, plenty could still happen ahead of opening night. Big names such as Carmelo Anthony remain available on the free-agent market, while superstars such as Chris Paul continue to be linked with a trade. This means that plenty should happen over the next four weeks, and here are all the latest NBA news and rumors you need to know for September 28th.


Kyrie Irving expresses regret over his final season with the Celtics

Kyrie Irving spent two seasons with the Celtics before moving to the Nets earlier this summer
Kyrie Irving spent two seasons with the Celtics before moving to the Nets earlier this summer

Kyrie Irving joined the Boston Celtics back in the summer of 2017, and the move presented the All-Star with the chance to lead his own team. However, while Irving's first season was largely a success, the point guard often looked unhappy throughout his second year, and frequently criticized his teammates as the Celtics endured an underwhelming season.

Irving left Boston for the Nets in free agency, although during Media Day, the 27-year-old admitted that he had failed the Celtics over the past year:

A lot of those battles I thought I could battle through (in Boston's) team environment, I wasn't ready for. And I failed those guys. I didn't give them everything I could have during that season. In terms of me being a leader and bringing everyone together, I've failed.

During the 18-19 season, Irving averaged 23.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. He will be joined in Brooklyn by Kevin Durant and DeAndre Jordan.

Terry Rozier doesn't want to be compared to Kemba Walker

Terry Rozier had spent his entire career with the Celtics before moving to the Hornets
Terry Rozier had spent his entire career with the Celtics before moving to the Hornets

Following the departure of Kemba Walker earlier this summer, the Charlotte Hornets signed Terry Rozier to a three-year, $58 million deal. The Hornets' decision to bring in Rozier to such a large contract after refusing to offer Walker a maximum extension was widely criticized, and many have negatively compared Rozier's skillset to his predecessors.

Nevertheless, Rozier told Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer that he is focusing on his own game ahead of the new season:

I’m not Kemba. I’m not coming in here acting like I’m Kemba. I’m Terry. I respect the hell out of Kemba: When I play against him, I’m going to give him my best, and I know I’ll get his best. But Kemba? I don’t want to hear it. Don’t talk to me about Kemba.

Rozier spent the 18-19 season as Boston's reserve point guard, averaging 9.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. However, Rozier demonstrated his potential to play a more prominent role as he almost guided the Celtics to the NBA Finals during the 2018 playoffs.

Paul George should return to the court by November

Los Angeles Clippers Introduce Kawhi Leonard & Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers Introduce Kawhi Leonard & Paul George

Following the All-Star break, Paul George struggled with pain in his shoulder, and the 29-year-old underwent surgery following Oklahoma City's playoff elimination to the Portland Trail Blazers. George's return date has been heavily speculated, although The Athletic is reporting that the All-Star is set to return by November:

George underwent rotator cuff surgery to repair a partially torn tendon in his right shoulder and then had surgery on his left shoulder to repair a tear in his labrum a few weeks later. He is expected to be back sometime between late October and late November.

After two seasons with the Thunder, George was traded to the Clippers in a blockbuster deal earlier this summer. He will team up in Los Angeles with Kawhi Leonard - who has also endured his fair share of injury issues.

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Edited by Sai Teja