It's been over a month now since we last saw James Harden take the floor for the Brooklyn Nets. The former league MVP has been dealing with a lingering right hamstring strain, and based on a recent statement by Nets head coach Steve Nash, it looks like Harden isn't close to a return at this point.
As usual, Nash had a bit of a cryptic response when asked about Harden's (as well as big man Nicolas Claxton's) potential return date:
Steve Nash on James Harden and Nic Claxton: "They'll be ready when they're ready."
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) May 4, 2021
The Nets have always been mum when it comes to the injuries of their players and Nash is pretty much on-brand here. The first-year Brooklyn coach has refused to provide a firm timetable for Harden and at this point, a shutdown for the remainder of the regular season is becoming more and more realistic.
It is worth noting that Nash earlier said that Harden is “still a ways away.” The 31-year-old shooting guard has made some progress in his recovery, but clearly, the Nets are nowhere near comfortable when it comes to bringing him back to action.
Brooklyn has just eight games remaining in the regular season and they have already secured their place in the postseason. The first seed is still in sight for the Nets (they are currently one game behind the first-place Philadelphia 76ers as of Tuesday afternoon), but there's no way Brooklyn is going to risk Harden's health for that objective. After all, they have a couple of other superstars on the team anyway. James should be good to go for the playoffs.
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