James Harden, Russell Westbrook not part of Rockets roster in Orlando: Report

Houston Rockets star guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook were not with the team when they arrived at the ESPN Wide Wolrd of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. As per reports, both players are supposed to join the team a few days later. A small group of Rockets staff also did not travel with the team and will be arriving with Westbrook and Harden.

Also read | Kawhi Leonard didn't travel to NBA bubble with the Clippers, expected to join later: NBA bubble and NBA teams in Orlando

James Harden and Russell Westbrook did not travel to Orlando with the Houston Rockets roster

Houston stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook did not travel with Rockets today to Orlando and will join the team in near future, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 9, 2020

Also read | James Harden and Russell Westbrook's chemistry is evident even while playing Spades: Rockets roster

According to ESPN's report, both members are expecting to arrive at Walt Disney World after travelling on their own. Head coach  Mike D'Antoni was on the flight with the team, but he was yet to receive any official announcement from the league that he can coach the team while they stay at Disney World. The league was concerned about the health of coaches about the age of 65, who are vulnerable to the virus.

As per D'Antoni, there were no red flags revealed during his medical screening before the team travelled to the venue. The league had previously informed the National Basketball Coaches Association that no person would be placed in the 'high-risk' category only because of their age. 

The Houston Rockets were ranked sixth on the Western Conference with a 40-24 win-loss record before the season was suspended on March 11 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Harden was averaging a league-leading 34.4 points, 6.4 assists and 7.4 rebounds per game, while Westbrook followed with 27.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 8.0 assists average per game. The Rockets will begin their eight seeding games before the playoff series by playing the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, July 31 8:00 PM EST (Saturday, August 1, 5:30 AM IST). 

Houston Rockets schedule

July 31: @ Mavericks
August 2: Bucks
August 4: @ Trail Blazers
August 6: Lakers
August 9: @ Kings
August 11: @ Spurs
August 12: Pacers
August 14: 76ers#WholeNewGame

— 👑 𝟒𝟎𝟒 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 👑 #𝐁𝐋𝐌 ✊🏾 (@ATLSportsNut_20) June 30, 2020

Also read | James Harden and Russell Westbrook don't trust each other, according to Jay Williams: Rockets roster

Kawhi Leonard did not travel with the LA Clippers to the NBA bubble

The Clippers have made it to Disney World. Kawhi Leonard and Landry Shamet (who posted on IG that he’s in “corona quarantine”) are expected to join the team a little later. https://t.co/LbLunxxZG0

— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) July 9, 2020

Also read | Rockets roster: Russell Westbrook thinks James Harden is unmatchable, stats make Jordan comparison

(Image source: Houston Rockets official Instagram)