James Harden: Blue Lives Matter Mask 'Not a Political Statement'

Rockets guard James Harden made his first appearance with the Rockets in Orlando on Thursday, and Houston's shooting guard created a brief storm of controversy in his post-practice availability with the media.

Harden discussed his offseason workout program on Thursday, noting he was "in a good place," during his first practice at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. But it wasn't Harden's comments that created controversy. It was his wardrobe.

The 2017-18 MVP donned a navy blue face mask on Thursday, one that featured dark stars and white lines. The design is a reference to the Blue Lives Matter organization, a group that was created in the response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Harden discussed his controversial mask choice on Friday, noting he "wasn't trying to make a political statement." Harden said he chose the mask because it covered his whole face and beard, and Houston's star reiterated his commitment to the Black Lives Matter movement on Friday.

"I wasn't trying to make a political statement," Harden told the media in a Zoom call. "As I clearly talked about yesterday, me finding a way to show support for Black Lives Matter is important. It's pretty simple."

Harden arrived in Orlando on Tuesday after missing the Rockets' team flight on July 9. But it appears as though the NBA's leading scorer was in-shape and ready to play in his first practice with Houston.

"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."

🚀 @JHarden13 & @BenMcLemore get shots up following @HoustonRockets practice! #WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/yXcsEwOPqo
— NBA (@NBA) July 17, 2020

Harden and the Rockets will kick off a trio scrimmages on July 24. Their regular season will resume one week later in a matchup against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. CT.