Rockets guard James Harden has been working hard during the NBA shutdown. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets' James Harden looks considerably slimmer during hiatus

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated 5/23/20

As the NBA keeps making progress toward a return to play, James Harden is one player who is doing his best to stay ready.

Images of the Houston Rockets star appearing noticeably slimmer went viral this weekend. Many Twitter users noted how much thinner Harden looked.

Harden's been putting in the work

(via @CPolk41) pic.twitter.com/m1n9uuut5i

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 23, 2020

This might be the slimmest I’ve ever seen James Harden. pic.twitter.com/sYcCV0Y1br

— Matthew Cardenas (@Matt__Card) May 22, 2020

If the NBA doesn’t start back soon, there might not be much left of James Harden pic.twitter.com/uTwcUWnXwZ

— Mickstape (@MickstapeShow) May 22, 2020

Harden has been in the gym and it looks like he lost weight

Start the playoffs right now!!! We ready pic.twitter.com/V9LQsDfHSB

— BGN (@BullsGotNext) May 23, 2020

A feature by Kelly Iko of The Athletic revealed this week that Harden, the former Arizona State star, has been working out in Arizona with former Sun Devils teammate Christian Polk amid the shutdown.

As part of his workouts, Harden is doing mountain drills, yoga, pool work and sand exercises. He is also said to be studying plyometrics to further enhance his quickness and first step.

The 2018 NBA MVP is officially listed at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds. He issued a challenge to opposing teams just before play was suspended, and now seems poised to deliver on it if and when the season can resume for Houston.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: