Dwight Howard, James Harden in a better place

Nov 30, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and forward Dwight Howard (12) react against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at the AT&T Center. Houston beat San Antonio 112-106. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and forward Dwight Howard (12) react against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at the AT&T Center. Houston beat San Antonio 112-106. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Dwight Howard and James Harden believe they are in a better place now

The Houston Rockets acquired James Harden in 2012 and Dwight Howard in 2013 in hopes of becoming one of the league’s elite teams. Although the duo helped the Rockets win 54 games and claim the fourth seed in the Western Conference, they were defeated in the first round of the playoffs by the Portland Trail Blazers.

More from Houston Rockets

Dwight Howard believes he and James Harden weren’t quite on the same page but they are in a much better place entering the 2014-2015 season.

“You have two guys who’ve been in the position where they’re that guy for a team,” Howard says via Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. “There’s going to be some friction. But it’s not about outshining each other, it’s about doing whatever we can to lead this team. After a year together, I think we really understand that.

“We’re in a better place now. I don’t think there were any times when I got so upset that I couldn’t come in and say, ‘Hey, brother, I need this from you …’

“We all have one goal and that’s to win a championship and in order to that, [we] have to take ego out and come correct with each other.”

If Dwight Howard and James Harden can find a way to both flourish – on both ends of the court – the Rockets could be a scary team this season.

Last season, James Harden averaged 25.4 points, 6.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 45.6% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 86.6% from the free throw line. Dwight  Howard averaged 18.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.8 assists and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 59.1% from the field and 54.7% from the free throw line last season.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we close in on the regular season.

More from FanSided.com

NBA: 7 players with the most to lose in 2014-15
5 NBA players poised to break out in 2014
NBA: 10 impact rookies of 2014-15
NBA: Is this Andre Drummond’s year?
Dirk Nowitzki’s new shot to extend Dallas Mavericks career?