Houston Rockets superstar James Harden made his preseason debut on Tuesday night, but has not spoken to the media since he asked for a trade and didn’t hold a training camp for a short while.
Harden, who was allowed to practice Monday, is in violation of the NBA’s media access rules by refusing to make himself available to reporters after Houston’s 112-98 win against the San Antonio Spurs at the Toyota Center.
Harden played 21 minutes into the win, scoring 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 turnovers.
“He was good,” said Stephen Silas, freshman Rockets coach. “I mean he’s clearly a great player and can do so many things on the floor, on and off the ball. Defensively, he has great hands and plays and is smart. So it was great to have him out there. “
Harden missed the Rockets’ first two preseason games due to COVID-19 protocols, as he chose to report late to training camp, instead socializing maskless in Atlanta and Las Vegas. The NBA required Harden to test negative for the coronavirus for six consecutive days before being allowed to practice with the team.
Harden has avoided answering media inquiries about his desire to be traded, and it’s a topic that teammates say they don’t bring up the old face of the Rockets franchise.
“At the end of the day, he’s going to do what’s best for him and the organization will also do what’s best for them,” said point guard John Wall (15 points, three assists), expressing his enthusiasm for the pairing. with Harden. after arriving in an exchange for Russell Westbrook two weeks ago. “The important thing is that when we step on that floor, we step into practice, we focus on basketball.
“I’m trying not to ask him about that because that’s his personal business. All I’m concerned about is what we can do to make this Rockets team the best we can be while everyone is here and with that. continues. “
Silas, who had only had an extensive conversation with Harden on Monday, said he wasn’t sure how close Harden is in his typical form.
“I don’t know how close he is,” said Silas. “I haven’t been with him enough to know the answer.”