Another day, another set of NBA news.
The Association and its players continue to make headlines as the offseason is not over yet. And with the NBA schedule partially released, fans are sure to be excited for the upcoming season.
While most players in the league have already inked deals with their teams, there are still some who are left out and some who are just waiting for the actual contract for them to sign eventually.
Moreover, the focus now turns to the upcoming FIBA World Cup, which will commence at the end of August in China. Some of the world’s best teams will feature several notable NBA players that will get a chance to showcase their wares at the big stage.
Today, SBOBET takes a look at some of the latest happenings in the best basketball league in the world.
A new look for Team USA Basketball
NBA stars backing out from national duty is a normal thing especially as they would prepare for the long, arduous season ahead. However, it gives a rare opportunity for other players to make a name for themselves and vie for those much-coveted roster spots.
Newly-minted Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich doesn’t seem to be worried for this common occurrence, as he believes that they can still field in a team that’s going to very competitive for the gold medal to say the least.
“You don’t need the greatest amount of talent in the world. Too little talent is not a good thing, but we don’t have that problem,” said Popovich after practice few days ago.
The national team roster isn’t devoid of great NBA talent as some notable names include: Kemba Walker, Donovan Mitchell, Khris Middleton, Jayson Tatum, Kyle Lowry, De’Aaron Fox, Myles Turner, and Harrison Barnes.
The team is undergoing a two-week training camp and as it stands now, 17 players will vie for the 12 roster spots in Team USA. Popovich and the rest of the national team coaching staff are set to determine the Final 12 when they’ll fly to Australia next week.
Draymond Green signs long-term deal with the Warriors
There’s a good reason as to why the Warriors have experienced a dynastic run over the last five seasons, and a big part of it is Draymond Green – who has been their defensive linchpin.
With Kevin Durant now out of town, the Warriors’ brass made a wise decision to get Green to sign a four-year $100M max extension, with a player option after the 2023 season.
Golden State’s NBA 2019 odds of winning it all again looks better with their core intact as Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, D’Angelo Russell, and Draymond Green are all locked up to multi-year pacts. They’ve also added Willie Cauley-Stein and Alec Burks in an effort to get younger.
Most pundits may have counted them out already. But once they get their groove and remain healthy, for sure they will be a very dangerous team to deal with.
After all, you could never question the heart of a champion.
Vince Carter is a class of his own
After months of speculation on where he’ll end up — Vince Carter has signed with the Atlanta Hawks for another year — per the NBA 2019 updates.
Carter’s 22nd season will be the most in league history – breaking a tie with Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett, and Robert Parish. If he gets to play on or past January 26, 2020, Vince Carter will also become the first ever player to have his career extending up to four decades (1990, 2000, 2010, 2020).
It’s remarkable to see Carter’s longevity as he continues to remain in shape despite Father Time lurking around the corner. The 43-year-old remains a valuable contributor on and off the court for teams in dire need of veteran leadership.
A high leaper in his prime, the former fifth overall pick was known for his aerial artistry and versatile offensive arsenal. He won the Slam Dunk Contest back in 2000 where he provided some of the best dunks we’ve ever seen.
Carter evolved as a decent outside shooter and scoring option off the bench. From time to time, he would be used as a small-ball power forward as he can defend opposing bigs well while providing a mismatch on the offensive end.
He has bounced around the league – playing for the Raptors, Nets, Magic, Suns, Mavericks, Grizzlies, and Kings prior to the Hawks.
The eight-time NBA All-Star will serve primarily as a mentor to the rebuilding Hawks squad composing of Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, John Collins, Cam Reddish, and De’Andre Hunter.
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