James Harden Attends Party, Misses First Rockets Practice

Houston Rockets star James Harden missed the team’s first practice ahead of next season due to Covid-19 regulations.

All NBA players were required to self isolate in the days leading up to the start of training camp. However, James Harden posted photos of himself attending rapper Lil’ Baby’s birthday party over the weekend to his instagram account.

As a result, he isn’t permitted to join his teammates and the team isn’t sure when he can come back.

James Harden submitted a request to be traded away from the Houston Rockets over the offseason. His actions could be interpreted as a lack of interest, or protest of some kind.

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One hope the Houston Rockets have for persuading Harden to stay is the acquisition of guard John Wall. Harden had previously stated a preference for playing with Wall over Russell Westbrook, who made way in the Wall trade.

As far as John Wall is concerned, he and Harden will be teaming up this season ‘for sure’. Wall cited a ‘great talk’ he had with Harden upon joining the Rockets.

“We’re going to figure out what’s the best decision [regarding] when he wants to get here and be here,” Wall said.

“We’ve been on the same page since I’ve been traded here.”

Wall would do well to be wary of what has come before regarding Harden bringing teammates in and out. Both Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook have been brought in by Harden before being discarded. 

Read: Rockets Newcomer John Wall Vows To Return To All Star Form in Houston

“I’m not exactly sure what hoops he has to jump through in order to practice with the team,” Rockets coach Stephen Silas said. 

“I would just say I want him here, and I want him to be a big part of what we’re doing. I’m excited to coach him and have him be a part of what we just had out there with a good practice, with a bunch of guys who are working hard on both ends of the floor and had a good vibe about them.”