Brooklyn Nets: Should fans be concerned about James Harden’s hamstring injury?

Right when it appeared the Brooklyn Nets were on the verge of getting healthy, the injury bug has struck the team again.

According to Shams Charania of Stadium, it appears that Kevin Durant might be “closing in on a return to the floor to the floor.”

However, Durant’s return comes at a time in which the Nets may have lost James Harden for a period of time.

Which is…just great.

On Wednesday night, Harden left the game in the third quarter due to hamstring tightness in his right leg. The Nets were able to overpower a disjointed Rockets team, but the story leaving the game was Harden’s injury and how long may he be out for the Nets.

In the post-game press conference, Nets head coach Steve Nash was confident that the injury would not be a long term concern. Shams reiterated that sentiment in stating that the injury is considered to be day to day.

However, Nets fans have heard this before when Durant first suffered his hamstring injury.

If any team has thrived while keeping extended rehabilitation info close to the vest, it’s been these Nets, with very little to worry about in the regular season other than building chemistry.

When Durant injured his hamstring, it was considered to be a short-term injury. Steve Nash in fact stated that he was expecting to have Durant back before the All-Star Break.

It appears the Nets may have underestimated the extent of the hamstring injury. You combine that with their natural cautious approach, and it has led to this extended absence from Durant.

So the question is…should we expect more of the same from the Nets and Harden?

I don’t expect Harden to miss much time at all. For starters, Harden suffered from hamstring tightness vs. Durant’s hamstring strain. As you can imagine, a hamstring strain is far more concerning than simple tightness.

The Nets also have to be far more cautious when it comes to Durant. This is still his first season back from his torn Achilles, and not pushing him too hard is the smart move. Harden, on the other hand, has gained the reputation as an iron man as he has only missed two games since joining the Nets.

I don’t foresee Harden being out of the lineup for a long period of time and I doubt that this injury is of any real concern. The Nets’ guard depth has taken a hit in the short term, but long term, Harden should be back playing point guard for the Nets again in the near future.