While most NBA players have begun returning to their team camps for the upcoming season, James Harden of the Rockets isn't in that group. Harden has yet to participate in practice yet following the newly set forth COVID-19 protocols, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
Stephen Silas: James Harden did not take participate in today's practice. Cannot practice with team due to COVID-19 protocols. The Rockets expect him to be in for an indvidual workout this evening.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 6, 2020
It doesn't take much digging to find out that Harden was out partying once again with rapper Lil' Baby on Saturday night in Las Vegas, far away from any Rockets' training facility.
It appears James Harden was partying at the Blume Restaurant in Las Vegas last night with rapper Lil Baby and others.
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
— Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) December 6, 2020
It was the second appearance that Harden had made with the Lil' Baby, who's an avid fan of Harden. The two had been spotted earlier this week at a birthday celebration for the ATL-based rapper, at which Harden gifted him $100,000 along with other items.
Harden is known to bring his presence on the scene of any event, which could easily explain the amount of time he's spent out enjoying the club life lately. What doesn't help the former MVP's case is his timing. He was expected to participate in Sunday's practice after missing others, which could still be a direct shot at the front office after they were unwilling to trade him prior to the start of the season.
Still, head coach Stephen Silas has maintained his stance on wanting to coach Harden, despite not knowing where the 31-year old's mindset is at in regard to playing for the Rockets this season.
Stephen Silas has not been in communication with James Harden this week. "I want him here, and I want him to be a big part of what we're doing," Silas said. "I'm excited to coach him." Silas is uncertain when Harden could be cleared to practice. https://t.co/dyrEX2C1KB
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 6, 2020
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
While many assumed that the answers to the ongoing drama with the Rockets would end after trading Russell Westbrook, it appears that it's only just getting started. Hopefully he'll show up for his individual workout with the team on Sunday afternoon.
Few NBA franchises have gone through more turbulence and turmoil in the offseason than the Rockets. The offseason hasn't been a long one due to the NBA's decision to start its new season just before Christmas and recoup television revenue, but Houston has packed a lot of drama into these weeks between the 2020 NBA Finals and the new campaign.