NBA News Roundup: 'He's been committed since he's been here' Stephen Silas on James Harden's mindset as Houston Rockets prepare to hunker down

One of the biggest stories of this NBA offseason has obviously been the trade rumors surrounding James Harden. The 2018 MVP had initially told the Houston Rockets that he wants to join Brooklyn Nets to unite with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. James Harden arrived late to the Rockets’ training camp and was instead pictured partying in various LA nightclubs. In the latest edition of the NBA News Roundup, we look at Houston Rockets’ coach Stephen Silas' recent interview where he claimed the trade rumors surrounding their biggest star are not a distraction.

🏀⭐️ @JHarden13 needs just 21 minutes to post 10-point, 12-rebound, 17-assist triple-double in @HoustonRockets 140-71 preseason win over Shanghai Sharks #NBA #Rockets📲 HARDEN HIGHLIGHTS - https://t.co/lLLSzYKDk6 pic.twitter.com/VtcmkX6bj8

— Sky Sports NBA (@SkySportsNBA) October 1, 2019

NBA News Roundup: “Committed” James Harden trade rumors not a distraction, says Houston Rockets' coach Stephen Silas

Golden State Warriors v Charlotte Hornets

Despite the uncertainty surrounding James Harden, the Houston Rockets have had a decent NBA preseason 2020-21, winning three out of their four games. They will begin their regular season with a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on 24th December.

Stephen Silas said James Harden has been "committed since he's been here. He's been great in practice, good to talk to, listening, trying, asking good questions."

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 19, 2020

James Harden played two out of the four preseason games, featuring in the Rockets’ consecutive victories over the San Antonio Spurs. Since his return, Harden has looked sharp and has reclaimed his role as the Houston Rockets’ primary ball handler.

Stephen Silas on whether the James Harden reports are a distraction to the team: "It can't be a concern, because that would be taking our eye off the ball. He's been committed since he's been here, great in practice." #Rockets

— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 19, 2020

With James Harden’s future still undecided, coach Stephen Silas recently claimed the reports based around Harden’s future are not a “distraction.” Instead, he said that Harden has looked committed since his arrival.

Full practice for #Rockets today. Everyone participated, including James Harden.

— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 19, 2020

Many fans had criticized James Harden's behavior and questioned his late arrival to the Houston Rockets’ training camp. However, it appears as though the team and coach are happy with Harden's commitment and do not deem the uncertainty surrounding his future as a “distraction.”