Harden denies reported falling-out with Paul: 'We're good'

James Harden finally addressed his rumored falling-out with former teammate Chris Paul, describing the reports as "false talk."

"There was a lot of false talk. Obviously as teammates, as competitors, we argued on the court," Harden said at his annual basketball camp Saturday, according to the Houston Chronicle's Brian T. Smith. "... That's just part of basketball, everybody has that, no matter what level of basketball you're in.

"The negative media stuff, it wasn't true. Me and Chris had constant communication and we're good."

Harden and Paul spent two seasons together in Houston, finishing first and then fourth in the Western Conference. However, in both years, the Rockets were unable to get past the Golden State Warriors to reach the NBA Finals.

After this May's second-round loss to the Warriors, numerous reports described an irreparable rift between Harden and Paul on and off the court. Last week, Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Russell Westbrook, Harden's former teammate.

Harden described Paul as a positive influence.

"Chris has been unbelievable these last two years," added Harden. "He's helped me as a leader, as a mentor, just all that good stuff."

Harden recently announced he will not represent Team USA at the FIBA World Cup, instead choosing to focus on the Rockets this summer.

"I've been coming up short these last few years," Harden said. "But I won't stop. I won't stop until I reach my goals and our team reaches our goal. It's a journey. It's a marathon. And I'm still learning."