Howard angry about final season with Rockets

Dwight Howard says this past season with the Houston Rockets left a bad taste in his mouth.

"I'm really (ticked) off about last season," Howard told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Chris Vivlamore on Tuesday. "I'm looking forward to coming back with a different mentality."

Howard agreed to terms Friday with the Atlanta Hawks and can officially sign a reported three-year, $70.5-million contract on Thursday. When pressed on what bothered him in his final season with the Rockets, the veteran center said it was the lack of on-court success.

"Losing," Howard said. "A lot of people see me with smiles and all that stuff and think I don't care but I hate losing. I hate seeing other people stand up on the podium and hold up that trophy and I worked so hard for it. That's the main thing."

Howard's third season in Houston ended with a disappointing 41-41 record and a first-round playoff exit amid reports of discord between him and James Harden. He's now on to the fourth team of his 12-year NBA career, and this one's located in his hometown.

"I want to do whatever I can to bring a championship home," said Howard, who was born and raised in Atlanta. "I know it's not going to be easy. I've worked extremely hard this summer, every summer. I'm very motivated."