James Harden, PJ Tucker miss initial Rockets practice on Sunday

Both players are expected to go through individual workouts later in the day, with “NBA protocols” cited as the reason for Harden’s absence.

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In contrast to stated expectations from several days earlier, All-Star guard James Harden was not with the Houston Rockets when group training camp activities began Sunday morning at Toyota Center.

Per head coach Stephen Silas, Harden was away from the team due to “NBA protocols,” presumably referring to COVID-19. Videos have shown Harden partying at indoor events in recent days, and without a mask. The league recently issued a lengthy list of safety protocols, aimed at minimizing potential coronavirus spread within teams this season.

Silas said Harden was expected to go through an individual workout in Houston later in the day. The same was true for veteran forward PJ Tucker, who Silas said was at Toyota Center and expected to go through an individual workout later in the day. However, due to protocols, Tucker did not participate in the initial group workout.

Now 35 years old, reports surfaced during the recent offseason that Tucker was upset with his lack of a contract extension.

As for Harden, he reportedly asked the Rockets to trade him to Brooklyn during the offseason, but the team has yet to grant that request due to the Nets lacking the high-level assets to make a trade worthwhile. Harden is currently under contract for at least two more seasons.

When asked about Harden’s commitment to the Rockets, Silas said:

That’s a question you’re going to have to ask him when he gets here.

In his earlier media appearance on Thursday, Silas had said he was confident that Harden would be “all in” and back with the team when group work activities commenced on Sunday.

“I’m confident that he’ll be all in,” Silas said Thursday. “That’s where I’m leaving it. As I’ve said, I’m giving him his space to do his thing, but I’m confident he’ll be here when we get started.”

Silas was asked Thursday whether he had spoken to Harden since the Wall trade, and he indicated that “space” was a priority.

When stuff like this happens with a little indecision and stuff going on, I kind of take a step back and give a little space. … Guys like that need that. They need to figure it out, and they don’t need someone banging on them.

On Sunday, Silas did not have a timetable for when Harden or Tucker would be cleared for group activities. Silas did clarify that he remains excited to coach Harden, whenever he joins his teammates.

“I want him here, and I want him to be a big part of what we’re doing,” said Silas, who added he had not been in communication with Harden in recent days. “I’m excited to coach him.”

Houston’s first 2020-21 preseason game is Friday night at Chicago.

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