Rockets face early season issues with coronavirus

Well, folks. That did not take long at all. On night two of the 2020-21 National Basketball Association regular season, we already have our first postponed game. The reason is because the Houston Rockets could not even field a team. They could not even reach the minimum of eight players when they were to be on the court Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Kristie Rieken of the Associated Press. 

At this time, the game has been postponed. A total of eight players are dealing with coronavirus quarantining tests, and another player is injured.

Also on Wednesday, the Rockets’ star player James Harden was fined $50,000 for violating coronavirus safety protocols. According to Rogers Sportsnet, Harden attended a private indoor party on December 21. Due to the fact he attended the party, and was seen on social media without a mask, he put the Rockets in a tough position for their opening game, and was ineligible to play.

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There is no doubt that Harden has not been taking coronavirus seriously. He is supposed to be the Rockets leader, not just on the court, bit off of it too. In addition to the Monday party, Harden was seen at a birthday party for rapper Lil Baby in Atlanta while not wearing a mask. Harden’s controversial attendance at this event was also a breach of coronavirus protocols, when he should have been with his teammates during training camp.

It also appears that pictures of James Harden with a smile on his face while wearing a Rockets uniform could be only times of the past. There is no question he is disgruntled. However, as long as Harden makes poor decisions off the court, the chances of the Rockets finding a suitable trade partner anytime soon decreases.

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