NBA News Roundup, Saturday, September 21st: Rockets owner backs Carmelo Anthony to return to the NBA, Klay Thompson wants to represent USA in Tokyo and more
The new NBA season is now less than a month away, and basketball fans have plenty to be excited about. The LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Utah Jazz will all be in contention, while the Golden State Warriors will be out to prove that they can still compete despite losing Kevin Durant to the Nets.
Plenty could also still happen before the new season begins, as the likes of Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith remain available as free agents. Meanwhile, big names such as Kevin Love continue to be linked with a trade, and at least one big move could materialize before opening night. So, with the 19-20 NBA season quickly approaching, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for 21st September.
#1 Houston Rockets sign Thabo Sefolosha to one-year deal
The Houston Rockets are short on bodies heading into the new season, and earlier this week, the team invited several veteran free agents to their minicamp. Thabo Sefolosha was among those present and ESPN is reporting that the Rockets have signed the veteran to a one-year deal:
Forward Thabo Sefolosha has agreed to sign a fully guaranteed one-year deal with the Houston Rockets for the veteran's minimum, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday. Sefolosha, a 13-year veteran, has been among several free agents who attended the Rockets' voluntary minicamp in Las Vegas this week.
Sefolosha is widely regarded as the best Swiss basketball player of all time, and the 35-year-old spent the 18-19 season with the Utah Jazz. The small forward managed 3.8 points and 2.5 rebounds over 50 regular-season appearances and has career averages of 5.9 points and 3.8 rebounds.
Sefolosha also spent time playing alongside Russell Westbrook and James Harden in Oklahoma City and will be expected to provide three-point shooting from the bench.