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Much of the basketball world is currently focusing on the 2019 playoffs, although the postseason is not the only story emerging from the league.
Teams are also gearing up for the upcoming draft and potentially pivotal offseasons, and here we will take a look at all the latest NBA news you need to know for April 16th.
DeMarcus Cousins could miss the remainder of the playoffs
DeMarcus Cousins only made his playoff debut last week and now it appears that the 28-year-old's season could well be over. During Golden State's surprise loss to the Clippers, Cousins fell to the floor after just four minutes and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the big is unlikely to feature again during the postseason:
The Golden State Warriors are fearful that All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins has suffered a torn left quad but won't be certain until an MRI examination on Tuesday, league sources told ESPN.
The best-case scenario could be a strained quad, but there was evidence that Cousins' noncontact injury, which occurred while he was pursuing a loose ball in Monday's 135-131 Game 2 loss to the LA Clippers, was serious and season-ending, league sources said.
His latest injury comes just months after he recovered from a torn left Achilles. The Achilles injury kept him out of action for an entire year, while also restricting his ability to land a huge contract during 2018 free agency.
With Cousins' participation for the remainder of the season now in serious doubt, Steve Kerr will be forced to turn his attention to either the veteran Andrew Bogut or the much younger Kevon Looney.
Zion Williamson Declares for the NBA Draft
Following on from a widely successful year with Duke, Zion Williamson has officially declared his eligibility for the upcoming NBA draft. In a post uploaded to his official Instagram account, Williamson thanked a number of people whilst also expressing his time with Duke as the best of his life.
Williamson has been labeled a once-in-a-generation athlete, as his athleticism and dunking ability defy his nearly 300-pound frame. During his lone season with Duke, Williamson averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.
The 18-year-old is widely seen as the No. 1 prospect in the June draft, and the New York Knicks are believed to be among the teams that are desperate to acquire his services. Williamson is also expected to attract a bidding war between brands such as Nike and Adidas, and the teenager is expected to enter the NBA with a signature shoe.
Luke Walton appointed Sacramento Kings head coach
Less than a week after his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers, Luke Walton is once again an NBA coach. The 39-year-old was last night announced as the Sacramento Kings' new head coach, with General Manager Vlade Divac releasing the following statement:
I have known Luke for many years and I am so excited to welcome him and his family to the Sacramento Kings. I look forward to his leadership on the court as we work to build a winning culture for many years to come.
After spending time working as Steve Kerr's assistant at the Golden State Warriors, Walton joined the Lakers as head coach in 2016. During his three years with the team, Walton finished with a 98-148 record, although his failure to guide a team led by LeBron James to the 2019 playoffs proved to be his undoing.
