After weeks of being submerged in trade rumors, James Harden showed up for his first preseason game tonight, in Houston’s match against the San Antonio Spurs.
While it was a welcome sight for many Houston fans, some couldn’t help but notice some differences in Harden’s appearance. On Twitter, one particular photo went viral.
James Harden in action tonight. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IUoZuRgRRI
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 16, 2020
It’s obviously not the most flattering pic and, unfortunately for Harden, it didn’t take long for it to become the subject of jokes around the NBA community.
https://twitter.com/KendrickPBurner/status/1339012565632946178https://twitter.com/StarkTTT/status/1339014082603737088
James Harden on the fast break pic.twitter.com/fYLpUd7ahG
— Jimmy (@jimmy_john101) December 16, 2020
James Harden yesterday vs James Harden today pic.twitter.com/0ZbaD6HeD9
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 16, 2020
Thick Ross pic.twitter.com/3xSId3IKFz
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) December 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/highkin/status/1339019690283155456
If he shakes his beard, how many crumbs fall out? And how much stripper glitter? https://t.co/7dWnT2qnK4
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) December 16, 2020
In all seriousness, the Rockets superstar seems ready for the upcoming season and not nearly as big as this picture makes him look. We can expect to see the same old Harden.
The bigger question is whether or not he will continue his journey with the Rockets. It’s no secret he wants out, but we’ll have to wait and see if the Rockets decide to move him.