New Rockets guard Ben McLemore cited GM Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D’Antoni as leading reasons for his choice to join Houston this offseason, according to a new interview.

Picked No. 7 overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, McLemore spent his first six NBA seasons with the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies and has yet to experience a winning season. As a result, the lure of a contender like the Rockets was significant, McLemore explained in his chat with Coty Davis of SB Nation blog The Dream Shake.

“This has easily been the most excited I have been to join any team,” McLemore told Davis. “I say that not as a slight to any of the other great organizations I have had the pleasure of suiting up for, but more so as a complement to the wonderful organization that Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets have built.”

For his career, the 6-foot-5 McLemore has averaged 8.8 points in 23.7 minutes per game. But the 26-year-old believes the presence of D’Antoni — the NBA’s 2017 Coach of the Year — could help unlock all of the potential that made him a lottery pick six years ago.

“I want to make sure we acknowledge how difficult it is to be known as a coach who can develop talent,” McLemore told Davis. “A coach that can not only coach superstars, but can take a player that some may deem average and really unlock their potential. My decision to come to Houston was calculated. Coach D’Antoni played a large role in determining where I chose to land.”

Exclusive Interview: I spoke with Ben McLemore on joining the Houston #Rockets and what he can bring to the team heading into next season. https://t.co/FsnP0Q3tYC — Coty Davis (@CotyDavis_24) August 14, 2019

“We’re talking about a Coach of The Year here,” McLemore continued. “How could I not be overjoyed at the prospect of learning from a guy like him? … I feel my playing style suits what coach D’Antoni likes to do, but I also think there are many things that he can help me with to not only reach a new level in my career, but to help this [team] win games. For that reason, I’m coming into this with an open mind, eager to observe, study, and execute.”

McLemore has always been known as a talented shooter, and he did make 41.5% of his attempts from three-point range last season. But in his interview with Davis, McLemore also singled out transition play and defense as areas of emphasis upon his arrival in Houston.

“I want to come in with an emphasis on my defensive presence and to spend a lot of time in the film room breaking down the game,” McLemore told Davis.

With regards to his new teammates, McLemore was especially effusive in his praise of Houston’s new-look backcourt of 2018 MVP James Harden with 2017 MVP Russell Westbrook.

“Over the moon excited to suit up alongside those guys,” McLemore told Davis. “I think anyone in this league would tell you the same. We’re talking about world-class athletes and talent, who I also happen to complement their style of play extremely well.”

.@BenMcLemore has been working on his corner 3-point shot throughout the off-season. Will look to prove himself in training camp. Here are his % from the corner – last 3 seasons:

2016-17: 23-54 (42.6%)

2017-18: 18-46 (39%)

2018-19: 4-13 (31%)#Rockets (video from @HazemGiballi) pic.twitter.com/vU8kzSOyPa — Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) August 8, 2019

McLemore is one of several Rockets training with Westbrook and Harden this week at the team’s workouts in Los Angeles, California. Other Rockets in attendance include Eric Gordon, Danuel House Jr., Gary Clark, Isaiah Hartenstein, and rookie guard Chris Clemons.

In closing, McLemore told Davis that his personal goals were set to allow him to be best positioned to help Houston win games. “I have yet to play in the postseason, and that alone is an extremely motivating situation for me to find myself in,” McLemore said.

The complete interview with The Dream Shake can be read here.