James Harden is feeling pretty good this offseason. After getting traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets, Harden had one of the best seasons of his career and things are only getting better. The Rockets added several key pieces to the roster, including the biggest free agent of summer, Dwight Howard. With training camps set to open sooner rather than later, Harden likes his team's chances against the rest of the Western Conference.
The Rockets are trying to become a championship caliber team. They have emerging players like Jeremy Lin and Chandler Parsons as well as elite talent like Harden and Howard. The roster is continuing to grow and develop, soon to be a force in the league. Harden has experience with that in the past. During his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder the roster was developing into an elite contender, leaving Harden to draw comparisons between the two.
"It is a lot like my last experience in OKC, being a part of something that is building," Harden said via Ultimate Rockets. "Being one of the ground pieces is definitely a great feeling. I feel good about where we are going."
Now with the Rockets, Harden is one of the center pieces. He was the leader last year, putting up 25.9 points per game with 5.8 assists and 4.9 rebounds. Now with Howard on the roster, his numbers should only increase. Harden spent most of last season developing into a stronger leader capable of putting a team on his back. With Howard on the roster, Harden is not being shy about his expectations for the developing team.
"We did some good things last year, and I think adding Dwight really makes us contenders for a title," Harden said. "I know it will take a lot of hard work, but we have a lot to work with."
He is not wrong about that. Harden and Howard have put in some work together since the center signed with the team. On paper the Rockets are a top team, but without chemistry between the All-Stars, success is impossible. Just ask the Miami Heat some three years ago or last year's Los Angeles Lakers roster. If no one clicks than the Rockets may never leave the starting gate.
Houston will certainly have a lot to deal with this season in the Western Conference. Most teams in that area made the biggest offseason signings. The Clippers signed players like JJ Redick and head coach Doc Rivers. The Timberwolves signed Kevin Martin and Chase Budinger. Golden State got Andre Iguodala to pair with Seth Curry. Getting to the top will be tough, but Harden does not lack for confidence.
