(AP) — James Harden paid immediate dividends for the Houston Rockets.

The new-look Atlanta Hawks hope their offseason moves will give them the financial flexibility to move in a more successful direction.

Harden will look to build on an impressive team debut Friday night when the host Hawks kick off their 2012-13 season.
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• Harden and Rockets agree to 5-year, $80M deal
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• Harden expects to sign long-term deal with Houston

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• Lin, Rockets beat Magic to finish 5-2 in preseason
• Carlos Delfino helps Rockets beat Hornets, 97-90
• Linsanity in Texas as new era dawns for Rockets