James Harden begins individual workouts, moves closer to practicing with Rockets

Rockets guard John Wall said he did speak with James Harden again this week after Harden began his testing protocols necessary to rejoin the team. But they did not discuss Harden’s standoff with the team or desire to be traded.

“I talked to him the other day,” Wall said. “He said he came in, got his test, came in and got a good workout with Coach John Lucas. That’s all we talked about. We have a relationship. We’re good friends. Whatever he’s going through, he’ll get through it and make the decision that’s best for him. I think the front office will do the same.”

Rockets coach Stephen Silas was not certain Harden would be cleared to practice with the Rockets on Monday, their first workout after returning from the two-game road trip to Chicago. But he said he was just encouraged to have some movement in that direction.

Harden did not report for the start of training camp until Tuesday but will need to produce six-consecutive negative tests for COVID-19 before he is cleared to practice with the team. Individual workouts began Dec. 1 with team practices starting last Sunday.

“As far as I know, he’s been in the testing protocol and doing his thing. Now, he’s able to do individual workouts. Today (Thursday) was a little bit of a crazy day so I haven’t been able to connect with him. But I’m looking forward to getting him on the court with the team and we’ll start our relationship there. But it’s moving in the right direction and it’s very good.”

Silas said “it could work out” for Harden to practice Monday.

“He’s following the protocol,” Silas said. “When he’s done with the protocol, he’ll be in practice.”