Best bits:
Q: Do you feel like you get a bad rap for your defense? HARDEN: Yeah, yeah. But everybody makes mistakes. I can look up the same amount of plays for myself as the other top guys in the league. So I don't really worry, I don't focus on it. And now with the more talent that's going to release some offensive pressure off me, I'm going to be able to go out there and play both ends of the floor at a high level. It's really difficult to go out there, play all 82 games, lead the league in minutes and have to do everything offensively. I mean, no one else had that weight on their shoulders in the league. So like I said, it doesn't really bother me. I focus on what I gotta do and I just go out there and do it.
I like his honesty and candidness here. I know some will disparage for not giving a politically correct/BS answer, but what he's saying is all true. He still owns up to it and continues to say the extra offensive help will allow him to play both ends at a high level going forward.
Q: Next year the salary cap is projected to go up again, but you chose to sign a long-term extension now. What was the thought process behind that? HARDEN: For me it's not about money at all. Financially, I'm pretty well. It's about winning. It's about building something. When I first got to Houston I got an opportunity to have my own organization, to be a leader and do it the right way, how I wanted it to be done. So me locking myself in, having an opportunity to get guys around me who want to do the same thing...the mindset is great character guys who want to win. And I'm here for it.
Q: Last season kind of overshadows what happened two seasons ago when you guys made it to the Western Conference Finals. What do the Rockets have to do to get back to that level? HARDEN: Well, basically, half our players are new, and an entirely new coaching staff. So, it's about the culture, it's about doing things the right way and holding each other accountable. That's something we kind of lacked last year, and it showed. I'm just excited to have some stability, have some guys who are going to work and focus on winning. This year's going to be a lot better.
The statements regarding a commitment to establishing a stable, winning culture are really encouraging. I'm happy to see the continuing displays of growth/maturity/leadership.