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Disgruntled Houston Rockets star James Harden did not attend the team’s first training camp practice on Sunday due to NBA COVID-19 protocols, coach Stephen Silas said.
Silas said Harden is due to have individual training at the Toyota Center on Sunday night, but the first-year coach said he hasn’t had recent communication with the eternal All-Star guard.
Harden, who sources said expressed a desire to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets, posted photos on Instagram over the weekend that showed him attending rapper Lil Baby’s birthday party in Atlanta without wearing a mask. facial. The NBA has asked players to quarantine the home this week, with the exception of testing at team facilities, individual practices and essential activities such as grocery shopping.
“I’m not sure exactly what obstacles he has to overcome to train with the team,” said Silas, who has been signed this offseason to replace Mike D’Antoni.
“I would just say I want him to be here, and I want him to be a big part of what we do. I am excited to coach him and make him a part of what we just had with. good practice, with a bunch of guys who work hard on both sides of the floor and have a great vibe about them. “
Harden, who has not been available to media since the Rockets were knocked out of the playoffs last season, posted a grimacing emoji on his Instagram Story on Sunday afternoon.
Veteran Rockets forward PJ Tucker has also not been allowed to train with the team due to the league’s COVID-19 protocols. Silas said Tucker was at the Toyota Center on Sunday morning and is expected to have individual training later today.
John Wall, acquired with a future first-round pick for Russell Westbrook in a salaried maximum point guards trade this week, said he had had “a good conversation” with Harden since the trade and “for sure” believes Harden wants to play for the Rockets this season. Wall said he and Harden, who has two seasons plus a player option for a third year remaining on his contract, spoke ahead of the trade and have expressed that they want to play together.
“We will determine which is the best decision [regarding] when he wants to get here and be here, “said Wall, a five-time All-Star with the Washington Wizards who has been sidelined since December 2018 with heel and Achilles injuries.” We’ve been on the same page since I was traded here. “
Silas said on Thursday he was giving Harden a “space” but expected the 2017-18 MVP to be “all-in” when the Rockets start training as a team. While Harden had yet to announce on Sunday, Silas postponed his questioning about the star’s commitment to Houston.
“That’s a question you’re going to have to ask him when he arrives,” Silas said. “We are looking forward to welcoming him here and starting his individual training. That’s the word I heard from the pipeline. Once he gets here, obviously the best communication for me would obviously be face to face communication. – no text, no phone, nothing else.
“I can’t wait for him to get here, get into the building, and then we can talk about the best. But you know, it’s kind of a work in progress right now.”
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