Harden: 'Family issues' behind delayed bubble arrival

Houston Rockets star James Harden revealed Thursday that his late arrival to The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando was due to "family issues," according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

Neither Harden or his backcourt partner Russell Westbrook were with the Rockets when the team arrived at their hotel July 9. Westbrook announced Monday he was held back after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Harden arrived alone to the team hotel Tuesday night.

Upon players' arrival, they reportedly must quarantine in their room for up to 48 hours before they can be cleared to join their team for activities.

Harden says his practice session with the Rockets Thursday was his first taste of competitive basketball in a while.

"Today was the first time I've played pickup, five-on-five, in over a month, he said. "It felt really good."

Harden said he focused on improving his conditioning during the league's suspension, according to Feigen, potentially explaining a photo that went viral in May appearing to show a much slimmer version of the eight-time All-Star.

Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni said that Harden had no issue keeping up with the rest of the team despite his late arrival.

"He went through the full practice like everyone else and his wind was as good as anybody else so obviously he's been working," D'Antoni said. "They ramped him up well before he got here so I'm really pleased."