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The buildup to the 2019-20 NBA season will accelerate later this month as teams around the league begin training camps. Organizations will be aiming to integrate summer signings while making final preparations ahead of the start of the season next month.
Nevertheless, teams still have time to add further additions in the coming weeks, and several notable names such as Kevin Love and Steven Adams could be on the move. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for September 12th.
#1 Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony has not played in the NBA since being told to find a new team by the Houston Rockets back in November of 2018. The 10-time All-Star almost joined the Los Angeles Lakers in February, although the deal was called off after the Lakers fell out of playoff contention.
Despite rumors of retirement, Anthony has stated his desire to play on, and Ice Cube told the Los Angeles Times that his Big3 league could offer Melo a route back to the NBA:
I think Carmelo would be great in the BIG3... When the NBA lets you go, your career is over but you can continue to be a pro here. The BIG3 is where you continue your basketball career. Look at Joe Johnson, he showed what he could do in the BIG3 and he’s going to be back in the NBA. Carmelo could do the same if he wants.
After spending an underwhelming season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Melo joined the Rockets on a minimum deal. However, the 35-year-old made just 10 appearances, averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
#2 Team USA eliminated from FIBA World Cup by France
As expected, Team USA will face off against Serbia - however it won't be in the semi-finals as the United States joined the Serbians in exiting the FIBA World Cup. Gregg Popovich's side was eliminated by a French team inspired by the brilliance of Rudy Gobert, who recorded 21 points and 16 rebounds as France advanced thanks to an 89-79 win.
France had edged the first half, although the Americans entered the fourth quarter with the lead after Donovan Mitchell exploded in the third. However, the United State's offense went cold in the fourth and a 15-2 run by the French ended any hopes of a third-straight title.
The defeat snaps Team USA's winning run of 58 tournament games, and Popovich and his men must regroup to face Serbia in the classification phase.
#3 Trevor Booker is a target for a number of contending teams
Trevor Booker has not played in the NBA since exiting the Indiana Pacers at the end of the 2017-18 season, although Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype is reporting that a number of teams are interested in signing the veteran star.
Booker spent his last season in the NBA across three different teams, although the 31-year-old had previously impressed for the Brooklyn Nets during the 16-17 campaign as he averaged 10 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
Since entering the league back in 2010, Booker has made 532 appearances (162 starts) and has averaged 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 20.1 minutes per contest. After spending 12 months away from the league, a bench role is most likely, and the Milwaukee Bucks is an interesting fit after the team lost plenty of depth in free agency.
