Harden, Rockets seem happier, owner says

The talk out of Houston Rockets camp in the wake of Dwight Howard's departure continues to be positive.

On the heels of James Harden gushing over the team's newfound chemistry last week, Rockets owner Les Alexander noted a change in temperament within his locker room.

"One hundred percent, they seem happier," Alexander told ESPN's Calvin Watkins on Monday. "James especially seems happier, and I think they’re all together this year. They’re all in it to win, and the guys we brought over, Nene, Ryan (Anderson), and Eric (Gordon), they didn’t win last year, and they have this tense desire to win."

The Rockets are coming off a rocky season, as their two stars in Howard and Harden clashed. Their inability to mesh, coupled with a team-wide malaise, led to a 15-win decline from their promising 2014-15 campaign. With Howard bolting to Atlanta, Harden has in turn been much more upbeat.

Harden even took responsibility for his inattentive defense and promised to be better on that end.

As for Houston's acquisitions, general manager Daryl Morey rounded up free agents from unhappy situations of their own. Nene was fetched following a frustrating campaign in Washington, while Anderson and Gordon were rescued from a sinking New Orleans Pelicans franchise that was described as "jinxed" last season.

Whether their sunny temperament leads to a brighter season is up for debate, but for the time being, there are no longer any dark clouds looming over Houston.