James Harden Skips First Practice For Rapper Lil Baby's Birthday Bash

According to a report from the New York Times, James Harden skipped the Houston Rockets' first team practice today. Why? Because he decided he would rather attend rapper Lil Baby's birthday bash. James Harden is proving that he cares more about being famous than he does about winning an NBA title.

These type of reports are usually filled with speculation, but here's Harden out clubbing last night:

So it's not the end of the world that James Harden missed practice this morning. As Allen Iverson would say: "it's practice man." It's why he missed practice and the circumstances of the season that make this situation reek of poor leadership. For context, 21-year-old Mavericks star Luka Doncic is talking about how important staying healthy from COVID will be while James Harden is out at a strip club.

The MVP doesn't need to live in a bubble and stop living his life. He needs to at least appear as if he cares. Hanging out at the club while his teammates get up early for practice isn't sending the right message. Harden is reportedly expected at a workout later today, but how impactful will that now be? Probably not very.

The takeaway here is that James Harden is just there. He isn't making an impact on his teammates to be better, to match his will to win, or to get there earlier. Could easily argue that this failure in judgement is why his teammates continue to let him down in the playoffs. His teammates are matching his failing desire to win.

Stephen Silas

Coach Silas has no chance here. He was clearly disappointed that Harden didn't show this morning, even though he refuses to be straight forward about his displeasure.

"That's a question you're going to have to ask him."

Just an elegant way to say James Harden didn't communicate with the Houston Rockets or myself personally. Harden looks to be more in love with his celebrity status than his role as the leader in Houston. The MVP has never been known for his accountability, but this brutal. Figure it out, James.

Written by
Gary Sheffield Jr is the son of should-be MLB Hall of Famer, Gary Sheffield. He covers basketball and baseball for OutKick.com, chats with the Purple and Gold faithful on LakersNation, and shitposts on Twitter. You can follow him at GarySheffieldJr