Brooklyn Nets Star James Harden Out Indefinitely After Injury ‘Setback’

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets stands at the line to shoot a foul shot against the Sacramento Kings during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on February 15, 2021 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

James Harden will not be returning to the court anytime soon.

The Brooklyn Nets issued a statement regarding Harden’s health status on Tuesday. “James Harden experienced a setback while conducting an on-court rehab session on Monday,” the team update said. “Following an evaluation today, which included an MRI, Harden will be out indefinitely.”

“Back to square one,” head coach Steve Nash said Tuesday. “We’ll rehabilitate him and get him back whenever we can, and who knows when that will be. We’ll support James and our performance team in getting him back in as best condition as possible.”

Nash explained more about the All-Star guard’s setback. “[Harden] didn’t fall or stumble or anything out of the ordinary,” Nash said. “He just felt something maybe in the ballpark of a strain. Then the scan revealed he did suffer a setback,” he added. “So not much more to it other than just disappointment and that we have to rebuild and get him going again.”

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There is currently no timeline for the return of the star guard. It is another setback for the Nets and the team’s championship hopes. Brooklyn traded for Harden from the Houston Rockets earlier in the season. The arrival of the All-Star guard completed Brooklyn’s big three that consist of Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

While the three All-Stars have made the Nets a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference, they have not been able to stay healthy on the court together. The three of them have played just seven games together. No NBA champions have had their leading scorers miss more than double-digit games.

Harden has missed the last nine games for Brooklyn with a strained right hamstring injury. Fellow teammate Durant has been sidelined with a thigh contusion he suffered on Sunday.

Brooklyn is counting the days until they get back reinforcements.

Allan Perez