All-Star guard James Harden didn’t join the first Houston Rockets team practice at training camp for the 2020-21 season, apparently due to not being in compliance with the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols in recent days.
Combine Harden’s absence with the knowledge of his recent trade request to Brooklyn, and it’s easy to wonder if this is part of a plan to force his way out of Houston. According to new backcourt mate John Wall, that is not the case.
After Wall’s first practice with his new team, the five-time All-Star said he had spoken with Harden since being traded to Houston. According to Wall, he and “The Beard” want to play together with the Rockets, and he “for sure” expects Harden to join the team in the coming days.
Among Wall’s comments:
Me and James had a great talk since I’ve been traded here. We’ve been friends way before this. What’s going on right now, it’s because of the testing protocol, and things like that. We’re gonna figure out what’s the best decision when he wants to get here, and be here. We’ve been on the same page since I’ve been traded here.
New @HoustonRockets @JohnWall on his conversation with @JHarden13 pic.twitter.com/dpy04WHWPJ
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) December 6, 2020
On whether Wall expects Harden with the Rockets this season:
For sure. That was the main reason why, talking through this whole process of what was going to happen with this trade, if it happened or did not happen. One of the reasons was we wanted to play together. I have 100 percent (belief) he wants to be with this organization, see what happens with this team and see where we can go.
More from @JohnWall on @JHarden13 and the @HoustonRockets pic.twitter.com/ZorQPTPdQQ
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) December 6, 2020
Head coach Stephen Silas said earlier Sunday he had not been in communication with Harden in recent days, so Wall’s confirmation of their dialogue could be taken as a positive sign. Wall said he was embracing a leadership role in Houston, and perhaps his first contribution on that front could be diffusing the tense situation involving Harden.
Now 30 years old, Wall played nine seasons in Washington since being chosen No. 1 overall in the NBA’s 2010 draft. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 19.0 points (43.3% FG) and 9.2 assists in 35.9 minutes per game.
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John Wall has enough stature and respect in this league that I highly doubt James Harden would tell him one thing and do another. If Wall says he and Harden are planning to play together, I believe him.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 6, 2020