FULTZ INJURED
THE BEARD has the richest contract in NBA history.
The Houston Rockets signed guard James Harden to a fouryear contract extension for about $160 million Saturday, giving him a total six-year deal with $228 million guaranteed. With Harden under contract on his existing deal for another two seasons, the extension will not affect Houston’s aggressive pursuit of free agents this summer as the Rockets try to make a run at the Golden State Warriors.
“Since he arrived in Houston, James has exhibited the incredible work ethic, desire to win, and passion to be the best that has made him one of the most unique and talented superstars in the history of the game,” Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said in a statement issued by the team. “Additionally, the commitment he has shown to our organization, the city of Houston, and Rockets fans all over the world makes him a perfect leader in our pursuit of another championship.”
Harden is coming off of his finest season. Moving to point guard for new coach Mike D’Antoni, Harden averaged 29.1 points, an NBA-leading 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds and finished second in the MVP race to former Oklahoma City teammate Russell Westbrook.
No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz needed to be helped off the court with an injury to his left foot in the Philadelphia 76ers’ summer league game Saturday night against Golden State.
Fultz appeared to roll his ankle in the second half and was helped to the locker room by two teammates.
It was the last thing the Sixers wanted to see just when they appeared to be ready to put years of misery behind them. They have dealt with significant injuries to center Joel Embiid and last year’s No. 1 pick, Ben Simmons, over the last three years.
“Oh no no no,” Embiid tweeted, “don’t do this to us.”
Fultz, who signed his contract earlier in the day, was taken for X-rays and there was no immediate word on the extent of his injury. 13 shots and 1 of 5 from deep.
Kyle Kuzma shined for the Lakers with 31 points and five 3-pointers.
Perhaps the bigger story was Ball’s equally highly coveted opponent, Jayson Tatum, who had 27 points and 11 rebounds in Boston’s 86-81 victory over Lonzo’s Lakers.