The Rockets are caught between a rock and a hard place in the matter of their franchise player James Harden.
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Head coach Stephen Silas was speaking to the press on Media Day, and he had to field quite a few questions about the Beard. He was reportedly partying with Lil Baby just a few hours ahead of the Rockets’ first practice.
The NBA has set down Covid-19 protocol rules which prohibit players from hanging out at public places. Failing these, a player has to isolate himself ahead of returning to team practice sessions.
Harden was set to have an individual practice session after missing the team session day before yesterday.
Coach Stephen Silas makes statement about James Harden to the press
The newly appointed head coach has his franchise player on a loose leash. Given the flux in the team and Harden’s declining trust in the Rockets front office, all the recipes for a blockbuster trade are present.
Silas himself, however, has unwittingly fed these rumors.
He does believe, however, that Harden will return for the start of the season. According to him, Harden is still an integral part of his plans for next season.
If the Rockets are able to get off to a good start with Wall, Cousins and Wood, they might be able to convince Harden to stay on for the season.