Harden gushes about Rockets' improved chemistry

James Harden swears the Houston Rockets are a new team.

Harden and the Rockets toiled through a terribly disappointing 2015-16 campaign filled with insane drama and declining performances across the board.

But coming into training camp, Harden gushed to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle that his team's spirits are high.

"It's not even close," Harden said of the Rockets' mentality this summer compared to last season. "We're doing something I haven't (seen) since I've been here in Houston. Just trying to shake things up, just trying to make sure we really know each other in and out on and off the court. I think that will translate to a better team."

Having everyone on the same page will translate to a more cohesive group, Harden says.

"To build something that I haven't had since I've been here, that's everybody on the same page, everybody in the same boat."

Reading between the lines, it's clear that Harden is thrilled with the departure of Dwight Howard. The two superstars never quite meshed as the unstoppable pick-and-roll combination most had predicted. Instead, they largely jostled for the spotlight and eventually pushed for one another to be traded.

Related: Harden-Howard relationship considered 'cordially bad'

With Howard out of the picture, there's no longer any confusion as to the hierarchy in Houston. Harden is the undisputed No. 1 option, just like in 2014-15 when he led the team to a 56-win season while Howard dealt with injuries.

And with the responsibility of the Rockets back on his shoulders, Harden has worked all summer in preparation for a bounce-back year.

"I've been training all summer," Harden said. "Last season wasn't great at all. It was very disappointing. I don't want to let that happen two years in a row. I've been in the gym working out to get my mind, body and soul right."