The Houston Rockets are taking on the San Antonio Spurs in a preseason game on Tuesday night, and there's a familiar face making his preseason debut. Despite his apparent trade demands, James Harden didn't take long to score his first points for Clutch City in the preseason.
James Harden's first points back as a Rocket come on a step-back 3-pointer.pic.twitter.com/DEga2zze8p
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 16, 2020
Harden has made the step-back 3-pointer one of his signature shots since joining the Rockets in the 2012-2013 season. Therefore, it's not a surprise to see him pull the shot out of his arsenal to begin his preseason with Houston.
However, James Harden and the Rockets are at a standstill in their relationship due to the All-Star guard wanting out. Despite the franchise's move to acquire John Wall via trade, Harden reportedly remains firm in his request to be traded elsewhere.




When the Rockets reported for training camp earlier this month, Harden was a no-show. The three-time scoring leader was discovered to be in Las Vegas and away from the team celebrating the birthday of Lil Baby.
After his absence from the team, Harden finally showed up this week, giving him a chance to make his preseason debut on Tuesday. And while he continues to seek a trade, fans will get a snippet of Harden playing alongside Wall and DeMarcus Cousins.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo signing his supermax extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, certain teams could turn their attention to making an offer for Harden. Amid the trade rumors that continue to transpire in regards to The Beard, he's showing that he hasn't missed a beat when it comes to scoring the basketball during the offseason.