A video of James Harden at a strip club could force the Houston Rockets star to miss the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
The NBA is investigating whether the video is recent. If so, it may be a violation of coronavirus protocols, which would result in a suspension.
This is just the latest off-court headline about Harden in recent weeks. Reports have been circulating that the star is disgruntled in Houston and has requested a trade. He didn’t show up to training camp on time and said he was training in Atlanta and Las Vegas instead, and The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Harden had confrontations with teammates in recent days.
The Thunder are set to open their season against the Rockets on Wednesday. Their path to starting their season on a high note would be easier if they do not have to face Harden, who has led the league in scoring for three years in a row.
Source: Rockets are working with NBA office to review video of James Harden at a strip club. If the video circulating on social media is verified to be recent, it is a violation of league's COVID protocols, which would put Harden's availability for tonight's opener in jeopardy.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 23, 2020
Even with negative headlines, the guard remains one of the most fearsome offensive threats in the league.
Related: How to watch Thunder vs. Rockets
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Toyota Center in Houston.
Oklahoma City will be without rookie guard Theo Maledon (personal reasons) and backup guard Ty Jerome (left ankle sprain) in the opener.
