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James Harden did not appear at the first team workout for the Rockets Sunday afternoon despite coach Stephen Silas expecting him there.
Harden has been spotted in several cities across the country on social media this week, notably Atlanta and Las Vegas. Due to COVID protocols, he would not have been allowed to participate in a group workout.
It appears James Harden was partying at the Blume Restaurant in Las Vegas last night with rapper Lil Baby and others.
— Alec Sturm (@alec_sturm) December 6, 2020
The Rockets reportedly expect Harden to attend Sunday’s group workouts for training camp.
I have added a thread of video evidence below.
(PC: lildann_1 on IG) pic.twitter.com/Wyj6KOP4tB
According to Silas, Harden is scheduled to participate in a solo workout in Houston this evening.
Coach Silas says James Harden didn’t take part in today’s practice.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) December 6, 2020
Silas says due to NBA protocol he’s not allowed to practice with the team but he’ll go through an isolated workout tonight.
Harden was not the only notable Rocket missing from the first training camp practice.
P.J. Tucker also missed the first practice, but his absence was not explained during the press conference. It’s unsure whether he missed practice from COVID protocols or a different reason.
Coach Silas says P.J. Tucker also didn’t participate in today’s workout.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) December 6, 2020
A lot of people could point to this as a reason to push the panic button, and while not appearing at the first practice looks sketchy, it still does not give a definitive answer in regards to Harden’s commitment to the team.
Stephen Silas on James Harden's commitment to the Rockets: "That's a question you're going to have to ask him when he gets here."
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 6, 2020