Last season can be considered a huge disappointment for the Houston Rockets and James Harden. After a promising start, the team ended up with a 41-41 record which could only salvage the 8th seed in the tough Western Conference.

Having the last playoff seed, the team had to face the defending champions and top-seeded Golden State Warriors. We all know how it ended – the Rockets were eliminated after only five games.

During Monday's event for BodyArmor, The Beard talked about the changes he has already seen with their current roster, especially in their mentality. With new faces and key additions to their lineup, he is seeing this as a fresh start for the whole organization:

“It's not even close. We've doing something I haven't since I've been here in Houston. Just trying to shake things up, just trying to make sure we really know each other in and out on and off the court. I think that will translate to a better team.”

“On any team, in any sport, if you don't have the entire team on one page, the entire team having one goal, you're not going to be successful, that's what we're trying to build here in Houston. We have several new guys we want them to come and feel like this is a great group and we're going to build this together.”

The Arizona State product also talked about the goals he had this summer for himself and his teammates after last season's heartbreak:

“This entire summer I thought about last season, how there was a terrible taste in my mouth, I wanted to come back, get the guys together. I wanted to get the guys together, in Vegas in mid-July and in Miami (last month) just to hang out. I think the better you are off the court, the better you will be on the court. Just worked out with the guys, went to a concert, had dinner with the guys. It's going to carry over to the court. This summer is really a team bonding thing.”

Harden showed excitement for the start of training camp in a few days. Entering his 8th season, he will not only be the go-to-guy on the floor but will also serve as the veteran leader for a relatively young roster. The team lost former all-star Dwight Howard this offseason but had the hole filled this summer with the additions of Ryan Anderson and Brazilian center Nene.

“From top to bottom, we're excited for Saturday to get going and start a new journey. Training camp is long, it's draining, especially when you're eight years in. But you look at the bigger picture so everybody can be on the same page. I feel like I'm a rookie at this point.”

It's only a matter of time until we'll know if the retooled Rockets can win more games than last season. With Harden leading the way, it's very hard not to think this team will live up to their expectations.