James Harden Details Workout Program Before Joining Rockets in Orlando

James Harden didn't have much time to acclimate to the NBA bubble before his first practice with the Rockets on Thursday. Harden did not join Houston on its flight on Orlando on July 9, and he didn't arrive at the Grand Floridian Resort until Tuesday night. But it appears as though Harden hit the ground running in his first practice on Thursday. 

"Didn’t miss a beat at all. He’s the same old James Harden," Rockets guard Ben McLemore told the media in a Zoom call on Thursday. "You could see throughout the social media pictures that he stayed in shape. It showed out here."

Harden participated in 5-on-5 work on Thursday, doing so for the first time in "over a month." Harden said he was confident he would be able to quickly find a rhythm in Orlando. During the NBA's hiatus, Harden dedicated himself to getting in the best shape of his career.

"As I get older, I have to make sure my conditioning is where it needs to be in order for me to perform," Harden said. "For me, basketball is natural. I feel comfortable no matter what, even if I take a month or two off. The biggest thing for me is conditioning. I was mostly running, weight lifting, I did a little bit of yoga for flexibility."

The Rockets aren't quite at full strength as they enter their second week at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Point guard Russell Westbrook has yet to join the Rockets after announcing on Monday he tested positive for COVID-19. Mike D'Antoni did not set a date for Westbrook's arrival, but Houston's head coach expects to see his superstar point guard "sooner than later."

Harden and the Rockets will hold a trio of scrimmages in Orlando, beginning with a matchup against Memphis on July 24. Their first regular season game in Orlando will be held on July 31 as they face Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m.