NEW YORK – Ten days after James Harden was diagnosed with a correct hamstring load, Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks said the All-Star guard is “making good progress.”
Marks added that Harden will need “at least one or two” practice days if he plays 4-on-4 and 5-on-5 before returning to the field.
“Hopefully when everything goes smoothly, he’ll be out and compete with the guys,” said Marks. “He’s made his mark so far, and we’ll just keep pushing him forward, and hopefully it’s not too much longer.”
Marks added that he wasn’t sure what date Harden would return. Nets coach Steve Nash said that while the team had a day off on Thursday, Harden went to the rehearsal room to practice.
“I know he is improving by talking to James and people who were in court with him,” said Nash. “So he’s on the right track and hopefully it won’t be long before he gets back, but there are still markings.”
Harden – who has been considered one of the league’s MVP front runners – has missed the Nets’ past five games. Harden had dealt with some tightness in the hamstrings before being diagnosed with the strain. After playing four minutes against the New York Knicks on April 5, Harden had had more imaging done, revealing the tension.
“There’s James, who wants to play tonight,” Nash said. “And then there are achievements that want to rely on science and be safe. They are two divergent opinions, and that’s what we are here for – to find the middle ground and make sure he returns safely but also as soon as possible. . “
In the team’s initial announcement, the Nets said Harden would be reevaluated after ten days. Harden scores an average of 25.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 10.9 assists per game for the Nets.