James Harden ready to recruit Kevin Durant, work with Mike D'Antoni

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James Harden said today that he has been meeting with new Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni recently and is upbeat about the Rockets' new offense.

Harden, speaking at his youth camp at the MI3 Center, also said he would try to recruit Kevin Durant, his former teammate at Oklahoma City and the league's top free agent.

ALSO SEE: Jonathan Feigen's 2016 NBA mock draft

A sampling from the Rockets guard:

On Rockets center Dwight Howard, who elected to become a free agent:

"He's his own man. He knows what's best for his career. He will make whatever the best decision is, that he wants. Whatever that is."

On D'Antoni:

"I've been meeting with him the last couple of days and going over different scenarios, different situations where he can put me in where I can be effective. I'm excited for our team for next year.

"I want to win. I want to get back to the winning ways that Houston's about. I got a part of that process.

"He's excited. He's motivated. I'm excited. I think communication between myself and the head coach is very important. As long as we're on the same page at all times were good. He's very smart ... brilliant. So I'm excited."

James Harden congratulates a camper during an elimination game at the James Harden Basketball ProCamp,Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Houston. James Harden congratulates a camper during an elimination game at the James Harden Basketball ProCamp,Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Houston. Photo: Houston Chronicle Photo: Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 57 Caption Close James Harden ready to recruit Kevin Durant, work with Mike D'Antoni 1 / 57 Back to Gallery

On last season and the upcoming season:

"Obviously, I gotta come back as a better basketball player individually, but (also) make sure that the cast is ready to go and we're on the same page."

"Last year was very frustrating as an organization."

On the offseason:

"This off-season is to get my mind and my body right. Playing 38 minutes a game is a lot of wear and tear. So I'm mentally being able to focus on my body, getting into the best shape that's possible, and ultimately prepare myself for the long season."

ALSO SEE: Dwight Howard to become free agent

On missing the Olympics:

"Every time that I come back from (Team) USA I've been in the best shape and obviously coming off the gold medal. So it's tough in that sense, but the focus is on trying to get the Rockets right and trying to get back to our championship ways."

On recruiting Durant:

"As hard as I can. I'm gonna try. He's one of my really good friends. He has a big decision. (He'll do) whatever he feels is best for his career. Obviously, I would love for him to play here in Houston, but ultimately he'll make the best decision for his career."