NBA News Roundup, Monday, September 2nd: Andre Roberson ready to make his comeback with the OKC Thunder, Team USA win World Cup opener and more

NBA training camps will get underway later this month as the 2019-20 season draws ever closer. The 2019 offseason has been one of the busiest in recent history, and a number of teams have managed to put themselves in contention for the foreseeable future.

Among them is the Brooklyn Nets who added Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, while the Los Angeles Clippers enter the season as the favorites after signing two of the NBA's best players in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

Nevertheless, while much of the NBA focuses on incorporating their new signings, the likes of Kenneth Faried and Carmelo Anthony remain available as free agents.

Meanwhile, we could also see a playoff-hopeful team such as the Miami Heat or Detroit Pistons make a major trade in the weeks leading up to the new season.

So, with plenty going on around the league, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for September 2nd.

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Team USA wins World Cup opener against the Czech Republic

Team USA beat the Czech Republic in their opening Group E game

A historically weak Team USA entered the 2019 World Cup under a barrage of criticism after suffering a first defeat in 13 years against Australia. However, Team USA began their bid for a third straight title impressively as Gregg Popovich's side came away with an easy 88-67 win against Czech Republic.

Nevertheless, speaking after the game, Popovich noted that his team needed to make improvements over the next two weeks:

It was a very competitive game, physical, an opportunity to learn a lot. That's how we look at each of these games, to try to be the best team that we can be – and we've got a ways to go, but we are willing.

Donovan Mitchell led the team with 16 points, while Kemba Walker tallied 13 points and four assists. The USA will play again on Tuesday as they take on Turkey.

Andre Roberson 'feeling good' ahead of training camp

Andre Roberson is among the best lockdown defenders in the NBA

Andre Roberson has not played since early 2018 after rupturing his left patellar tendon. The 27-year-old was expected to return to action at some point last season, although Roberson suffered a number of setbacks and eventually missed the playoffs.

Nevertheless, in an interview with Erik Horne of The Oklahoman, Roberson's father revealed that his son is ready to return after overcoming his injury woes.

He feels really good. When you get injured, it takes a toll on you mentally because you’re constantly doubting yourself and that things are going to hold up mentally. I think he’s at that point where training camp will tell a whole lot.

Roberson has been with the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2013 and is entering the final year of his existing deal. Prior to his injury, the shooting guard was averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

Taj Gibson impressed with the Nets but believes New York will always belong to the Knicks

Taj Gibson spent last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves

Heading into the offseason, the New York Knicks were hopeful of signing two All-Stars as the franchise attempted to return to relevance. However, the Knicks watched as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving headed to the Brooklyn Nets, snubbing a move to Madison Square Garden in the process.

Taj Gibson was among the talents that the Knicks signed after missing out on their prime targets, and the veteran believes that being a Knick means more than playing in Brooklyn:

It’s always going to be a Knicks town. That’s all we grew up on. What the Nets are doing is great, don’t get me wrong. That’s amazing. Times have changed. But New York is always, you see behind you, they have Knicks hats on.

Gibson spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves before securing his two-year, $20 million deal in New York.