One of the most talked about teams this upcoming 2013-14 NBA Season is the Houston Rockets. Aside from keeping superstar James Harden to lead the team, HOU also acquired the services of Dwight Howard, while keeping junior point guard Jeremy Lin. Here's a closer look at how these key team players have been doing during the off-season.

James Harden

"Fear the Beard" has added a few extracurricular activities during the off-season, aside from attending team practices, including a mini camp in Los Angeles with the rest of the team. Harden made a short trip around Asia as part of NBA's international efforts. Making a stop in Manila, Philippines, Harden attended the NBA 3 on 3 event at the SM Mall of Asia, encouraging the youth to stay true to the game.

Just recently, Harden also released a new 30-second spot for Foot Locker which showed the athlete's singing prowess - or the lack there of. Check out the video here.

Dwight Howard

Aside from continuously stirring rumors after his controversial move from Los Angeles (Lakers) to Houston, another aspect of Dwight is creating headlines as well. NBA Hoop has recently revealed the Adidas D Howard 4 (DH4) - the new kicks especially made for Howard. Predominantly red, the color scheme could easily be acquainted with Dwight's new team, the Rockets. Aside from images of the new basketball shoe, the site also announced that DH4 will be hitting stores on November 1.

Jeremy Lin

J. Lin has been among the most talked about Rocket recently. Most talks include a should-be trade for the point guard. And while team manager Daryl Morey already debunked rumors of a trade deal for the Asian superstar, still rumors continue to swirl.

However, it seems that Linsanity is all set to shed off some insanity on court, telling a group of reports in Taipei that he is ready to bag a ring this year.

"My goal this year is not just getting the Rockets into the playoffs but getting my team to win the championship," Lin said in a press conference in Taipei, reports Focus Taiwan.

As for playing with Dwight Howard, Lin says he believes the superstar center makes the Rockets a "much better team."

"The all-star center will strengthen the team's defense and get more rebounds...We can cooperate pretty well as he is good at pick and roll," he added.

The Houston Rockets will have their first game in the 2013-14 NBA Season on October 30 against the Charlotte Bobcats.