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James Harden Calls Houston 'Home,' Says Playing with Chris Paul Will Be Fun

Tim Daniels@TimDanielsBRX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistJuly 15, 2017

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 18, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Houston Rockets superstar James Harden said he's happy to call H-Town home after signing a long-term contract extension with the organization and that he's confident his new backcourt partnership with Chris Paul will be successful.

Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com passed along the comments from Harden, who finished second in NBA MVP voting for the 2016-17 season to Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"I know where home is," he said. "I know where I want to be. I know where I want to win a championship. Everything is here in Houston."

When asked about teaming up with Paul, Harden said: "It's going to be fun. There's no point guard or shooting guard. We just go out there and make plays and make our team better," per MacMahon.

Questions have been raised about whether Harden and Paul—two players who are at their best when handling the ball and running the offense—can coexist successfully. Clearly, the 27-year-old Arizona State product doesn't share those concerns.

The five-time All-Star signed a four-year contract extension with the Rockets to remain the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future.

Now the Houston front office must put enough talent around him so the team can contend for a championship in the league's superteam era.

The acquisition of Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers was the first major step in that process. Getting Carmelo Anthony from the New York Knicks could be the next.

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reported Saturday that Melo is "committed" to getting to the Rockets, even though the Knicks' indecision has slowed trade discussions.

Whether adding another offense-first player who needs the ball in his hands is the answer is up for date. That said, the recent dominance of the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers has forced every other team to take risks in an effort to catch up.

Harden and Paul should form a formidable duo once they get comfortable playing alongside each other, but the Rockets are still a little short in the NBA arms race.