NBA News Roundup, Wednesday, September 4th: Carmelo Anthony wants to change how the NBA views him, Charlotte Hornets sign new point guard and more

The 2019-20 NBA season will get underway next month, and the campaign is gearing up to be among the most competitive ones in recent memory after the apparent demise of the Golden State Warriors' dynasty.

The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers are likely to compete in their respective conferences after adding two All-Stars each, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers also strengthened during a relentless opening few weeks of the offseason.

While teams have now conducted much of their summer business, additional moves could materialize before the new season, with the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons believed to be keen to bring in new talent. So, with plenty going on, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for September 4th.

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#1 Team USA defeat Turkey in overtime thriller; Jayson Tatum suffers ankle injury

Jayson Tatum suffered an ankle injury during Team USA's 93-92 win over Turkey

Team USA entered the 2019 FIBA World Cup under a storm of criticism, although few expected Gregg Popovich's side to have any trouble in the group stage. Nevertheless, Team USA struggled throughout its Game 2 clash against Turkey as they failed to match the strength and power of their opposition.

Kemba Walker and Donovan Mitchell also had games to forget, although the pre-tournament favorites eventually came through in overtime to secure a 93-92 win. The win puts Team USA into Round Two, although Jayson Tatum suffered an ankle injury late on, and ESPN is reporting that he will be re-evaluated on Wednesday:

He will be reevaluated Wednesday in Shanghai before the full extent of the injury can be determined, coach Gregg Popovich said. But Tatum was already feeling better after getting some treatment and left the Oriental Sports Center in shoes and with only a minor limp.

If Jayson Tatum is ruled for the tournament, his absence will be a significant blow for a USA team that has already lost Kyle Kuzma to injury.

#2 Carmelo Anthony's camp pushes back against his perceived bad reputation

Carmelo Anthony spent just 10 games with the Houston Rockets

Carmelo Anthony is among the best players of his era, and the 10-time All-Star has enjoyed memorable spells with the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks. However, Melo's year in Oklahoma City was dominated by his reluctance to come off the bench, while the Houston Rockets told the veteran to find a new team after just 10 appearances.

Due to this, Melo's reputation has taken a notable hit, and Heavy.com is reporting that Anthony's camp is fighting back against the perception that he is a trouble maker:

He’s got a lot of friends in the league, he is liked by other players. He’s got friends in the media. He doesn’t get into trouble off the court, he never has. They’re really disputing this whole idea that he’s a team cancer.

In his 10 appearances for Houston, Anthony averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 29.4 minutes. Melo hasn't played since November but has been linked with the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets.

#3 Kobi Simmons signs with the Charlotte Hornets

Former Memphis Grizzlies guard Kobi Simmons will fight for a spot in Charlotte's rotation

The Charlotte Hornets lost both Tony Parker and Kemba Walker earlier this summer, and Terry Rozier was the only senior player brought in to replace the two departed point guards. Nevertheless, Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the Hornets have signed Kobi Simmons to a one-year deal and the young point guard appears set to compete for a reserve spot at Charlotte's upcoming training camp.

Free agent guard Kobi Simmons has agreed to a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Simmons will compete for a reserve PG spot in camp.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 3, 2019

After playing one season of college basketball for Arizona, Simmons went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft. However, the 22-year-old soon found a regular spot in the Memphis Grizzlies' rotation, making 32 appearances and averaging 6.1 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game.

After being released in August of 2018, Simmons joined the Cleveland Cavaliers but was waived after making just one brief appearance from the bench.