James Harden took the floor Tuesday night (December 15) for the first time in a preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs and a pregame photo of him looking hefty, which is possibly edited, quickly began to trend on social media. Once fans got their first look at the star Rockets guard, many jokingly compared Harden to looking like Rick Ross on the court on social media.
“Rick Ross boutta drop 50 for Houston tonight #jamesharden,” one Twitter user wrote.
Rick Ross boutta drop 50 for Houston tonight??? #jamesharden pic.twitter.com/XI344PFmct
— ⚽️~? (@LFCDoncic) December 16, 2020
Another chimed in, “Plot Twist: James Harden is still holding out and Rick Ross is filling in for now.”
Plot Twist: James Harden is still holding out and Rick Ross is filling in for now pic.twitter.com/yWnWnNc1nz
— Tyler Mills??? (@tylermills151) December 16, 2020
Unlike any other season’s meaningless preseason games, all eyes were on Harden as he returned to the Houston Rockets after holding out for the organization to cave to his trade demands to an Eastern Conference contender. He finished with a middling 12 points and four assists in 21 minutes on the floor.
Harden’s relationship with the Rockets became icier when he didn’t show up to training camp on time and was spotted partying with Lil Baby in Atlanta and then Las Vegas earlier in December.
With the NBA scoring champ’s future in Houston uncertain, ESPN dropped a bombshell on Wednesday (December 16) detailing how the organization is tailored to Harden in all facets — from traveling arrangements, personnel and the coaching staff.
The report claims, “He could call the shots on personnel moves, both on the roster and the coaching staff, a power he flexed to push for the firing of head coach Kevin McHale and departures of co-stars Dwight Howard and Chris Paul.”
While Harden awaits his fate in Houston, check out all of the best reactions to the photo below.
James Olive Harden. https://t.co/eT2gLZYy66
— Hawk (@Hawk) December 16, 2020
James Harden And1 Mixtape pic.twitter.com/rCiGnmThDQ
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) December 16, 2020
Is this a fat James Harden or a skinny Rick Ross? pic.twitter.com/QNc7QARvbI
— Whoyagotz (@whoyagotz) December 16, 2020
James Harden out here looking like Rick Ross pic.twitter.com/1ZkSWjhxVe
— Debating Hip-Hop (@DebatingHipHop_) December 16, 2020
Yep I got a wig on.? https://t.co/9gF9X9vZs3
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) December 16, 2020
Rick Ross and Eddie Lacy are trending because James Harden looks like this
L M A O pic.twitter.com/dW0cAQvPoJ
— EL GRANDOTE NEGRO (@HAITIANPAPI202) December 16, 2020
James Harden yesterday vs James Harden today pic.twitter.com/0ZbaD6HeD9
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) December 16, 2020
James Harden starting to look like Kendrick Perkins #Rockets pic.twitter.com/15KXclCLtz
— StateLine Sports (@statelinesportz) December 16, 2020
James Harden when he hits a stepback 3 pic.twitter.com/ESDSuKR9QI
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) December 16, 2020
James Harden and Kendrick Perkins when they see each other pic.twitter.com/ZXWztXrb32
— Portuguese Prince ?? (@rahhimk_15) December 16, 2020
2020 James Harden giving off 2013 Eddie Lacy vibes. pic.twitter.com/PQk5894SB1
— Matt (@MShadows17) December 16, 2020
James Harden lookin THICCCCCCC @thisleague pic.twitter.com/gxzYg09wTz
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 16, 2020
James Harden treating his body like christian bale trying to win an Oscar pic.twitter.com/W96Egwrulp
— Joey Devine (@JoeyDevine) December 16, 2020