Houston Rockets' James Harden is shooting, Oct 9, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

Together with All-Star teammate Dwight Howard, who joined the Rockets in 2013, Harden drove Houston to the Western Conference final in the 2014-15 season and won the inaugural NBA Players Association's Most Valuable Player award.

He continued to improve his game on both ends of the floor last year, joining Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James to become the fourth player in league history to average at least 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a season.

When asked about his chances of being named MVP once again this season, Harden replied: "(I feel) Very confident because I worked hard."

He continued: "As long as I continue to do the right things and lead this team to higher standards and winning, all that will come."

All the serial scorer needs to do now under new head coach Mike D'Antoni is shift his focus from shooting to passing. D'Antoni has no doubt that Harden will come good.

"James is a great passer as well (as a scorer). He has the ability to make plays anywhere. He's one of the best players in the league, and we expect a lot from him," said D'Antoni, who said he will play Harden on PG regularly.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn