NEW YORK – Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks said ten days after James Harden was diagnosed with a right thigh muscle that the All-Star guard was “progressing well”.
Marks added that Harden needs “at least one or two” practice days when playing 4-on-4 and 5-on-5 before returning to court.
“Hopefully if things go smoothly, he’ll be out and join the guys in a game,” Marks said. “He’s reached his markers so far, and we’ll just let him progress further, and hopefully it’s not too much longer.”
Marks added that he was not sure exactly what date Harden would return. Nets coach Steve Nash said that while the team had Friday, Harden went to practice at the training facility.
“I know I talked to James and talked to people who were with him in court that he was improving,” Nash said. “So he is on the right track and hopefully it will not be long before he is back, but there are still markers.”
Harden – who was considered one of the frontrunners for league MVP – has missed the last five games of the Nets. Harden already had some thigh muscle before he was diagnosed with the strain. After playing four minutes against the New York Knicks on April 5, Harden had more imagery done, which revealed the tension.
“There’s James, who wants to play tonight,” Nash said. “And then there are achievements that want to rely on science and be safe. These are two divergent opinions, and that’s what we’re here for – to find the middle ground and make sure he comes back safe, but also as soon as he can. “
In the team’s initial announcement, the Nets said Harden will be reevaluated after ten days. Harden scored 25.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 10.9 assists per game for the Nets.