HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- After a very public absence, James Harden reported to training camp Tuesday and started the NBA's COVID protocols.
"I am aware that he was getting his (COVID-19) test today here in Houston," Rockets head coach Stephen Silas said. "That leads to the fact that he is here, and that's pretty much all I know, right now. There's some moving parts to it, I assume, but him getting tested in Houston is good for everybody.
Harden must register negative tests on three consecutive days before he can join his teammates for group workouts. The Rockets will spend the weekend in Chicago for two exhibition games on Friday and Sunday, and Silas said he isn't sure if Harden will be allowed to take part in those games.
"The protocol book is thick, and I'm not exactly sure, honestly, where it fits in and when he can join the team and all of that. We're doing this day by day, and just to have him in the building is good."
The 2018 NBA MVP missed the start of training and has been shown at the birthday party for rapper Lil Baby in Atlanta and at a nightclub in Las Vegas over the last week without a mask in site. Harden has reportedly told the Rockets he would like to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Silas said he hasn't spoken to Harden since his return, but maintains the Rockets star is committed to the team.
"Him being here shows a level of commitment to what we have going and what we have going forward and that's that."
Harden has not spoken publicly about basketball since the Rockets were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals.