Discussing the NBA's return to Birmingham in 2018 with the Houston Rockets and a yet-to-be-named opponent are, from left, BBVA Compass Birmingham Market CEO Andrea Smith, Birmingham Mayor William Bell, Houston Rockets point guard James Harden and Houston Rockets center Nenê. (Michael Tomberlin / Alabama NewsCenter)
The students at A.H. Parker High School knew they were gathering in the gym for a pep rally, but it was what they didn’t know that caused them to go wild with excitement.
NBA all-star James Harden made his way onto the court as BBVA Compass and Birmingham Mayor William Bell announced professional basketball will be played in the Magic City next year after more than a decade’s absence.
Harden’s team, the Houston Rockets, will play a preseason game next year against a yet-to-be-named opponent on a yet-to-be-determined date.
James Harden
I want to play Boston, suns, clippers, or bulls