Asked on Tuesday about Jake Fischer’s report that suggested he was frustrated by certain aspects of his experience with the Nets and is becoming increasingly interested in testing the free agent market, All-Star guard James Harden denied that those claims came from him, tweets Alex Schiffer of The Athletic.
However, Harden didn’t explicitly call out the report as false, as Mike Vaccaro of The New York Post writes. And while the 32-year-old didn’t confirm that he has been frustrated by Kyrie Irving‘s inconsistent availability or the team’s constantly changing crunch-time lineups, he did acknowledge some disappointment about the way the season has played out so far.
“Of course I’m frustrated because we’re not healthy,” Harden said. “There’s been a lot of inconsistency for whatever reason — injuries, COVID, whatever you want to call it. I think everyone in the organization is frustrated because we’re better than what our record is.”
Here’s more on the Nets:
- Head coach Steve Nash was also asked on Tuesday about the claim that Harden has been frustrated by Irving’s status and Nash’s rotations. “I haven’t spoken to him about these things,” Nash replied, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link). “I’m not sure what to believe. James and I speak all the time. I think we have a great relationship. I’m not sure the validity of these comments, to be honest with you.”
- Nets sharpshooter Joe Harris, who is recovering from left ankle surgery, flew to Indianapolis earlier this week to get a second opinion on his injury, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported on TNT’s Tuesday night broadcast (video link). Harris still intends to return this season, but there’s no set timeline for when that will happen.
- Kevin Durant is a shoo-in to make the All-Star team, but he doesn’t plan to play in next month’s All-Star Game in Cleveland, Haynes said on Tuesday night (video link). That’s not a big surprise, since Durant’s recovery from an MCL sprain may keep him sidelined beyond All-Star weekend anyway.
‘Non-denial denials’ from the Nets are not a good sign. Offered the opportinity to say ‘this is untrue’, both Harden and his coach avoided the question. There is friction there, even if it doesn’t result in Harden going elsewhere.
If Harden was complaining about his teammate not showing up to practices, games and it affecting their season, that is beyond ironic. It’s called karma, little man. With Love, The Houston Rockets
So true.. ironic how when the page is reversed they have a problem with what they just did a year ago.. lmao
Nash, Durant and GM have some impact on Harden new contract
It’s a mistake to rely on Sign and Trade only
SNT is only option now, but Nets can control
Simmons need to be traded for Beal first, then ….
Force Sign and Trade is not feasible because Nets owner and GM would get mad.
Nets need strategy to let both Irving and Simmons happy on the floor before the trade talk
If both guys quit, …
Oh good, more riddles.
Morey trying to mess with Nets, but doesnt realize that they are doing the same with Sixers. Nets are hoping Morey will not trade for another star at the deadline which basically will rule out Sixers from contending this year. They would love to give Morey false hope of landing Harden in the offseason.
What star is available that the Sixers are passing on?
None right now Fox
But I believe the Wizards are a bad week and convo with Beal away from opening the gates up for business
Both parties have handled the situation flawlessly so far but I believe there’s a meeting at minimum where the owner has to say if No Ext guarantee (at least verbally) I gotta move ya by 2-10 BB ….. How does X,Y,Z city sound to you
Moreys right into not moving Ben till first week of Feb to give other teams time, I think Ben will be dealt by the 10th tho