HOUSTON – Houston Rockets guard James Harden was the first guest of teammate Jason Terry on Terry's new SIRIUSXM NBA radio show on Wednesday and the two discussed the hiring of Mike D'Antoni as the new head coach for the Rockets
"I'm excited about the opportunity," Harden told Terry.
"I'm hearing great things about him and what he brings to our team, obviously our assistant coaches, as well."
"(It's a) new beginning and I'm excited about the opportunity," Harden continued. "I'm preparing myself this summer to get ready for next year."
Harden finished the 2015-16 season averaging 29.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game - all career highs.
But a year after finishing runner-up for the MVP award and earning a first-team all-NBA nod, Harden was ninth in MVP voting and not selected to first, second or third team all-NBA.
Terry asked him about the desire to win a title and win an MVP.
"Yeah, 100 percent. That's every NBA basketball player's dream and goal is to be MVP," Harden said.
"I'm excited about what D'Antoni brings to our team," he added. "(Jeff) Bzdelik is a great defensive minded coach coming from Memphis, who's going to help with our defensive schemes.
"Then the players we're going to get, all that put together it's set up for a great season for our team next year."
When asked who his top free agent target was this offseason, Harden answered "Durantula." Referring to former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Kevin Durant, who is the unquestioned top free agent on the market this offseason