NEW YORK – James Harden will make his Brooklyn Nets debut against the Orlando Magic on Saturday night.
Harden, who was traded in Brooklyn as part of a four-team deal earlier this week, will start for the Nets, coach Steve Nash said. It will be the first action on the field of the Harden team.
On Friday, James was ineligible to practice with the Nets because not all players involved in the trade passed the physical exams.
“I think everyone is excited,” Nash said before the game. “We greet our team as one of the best players in the game, so the mood is great. This is a moving target that we have to try to incorporate as we go here and learn as we go, adapt and try to we are not kidding. ” “
Harden will not have a minute restriction. Nash said the team will use a “see how we go” approach to Harden’s playing time.
“[He is] more or less a full walk, “Nash said.” But we don’t want to discharge the batteries for our new Christmas present so early. “
Harden has an average of 24.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game this season.