Rockets LaunchPod

In this July 15 segment from SportsTalk 790’s next up, Ben DuBose and Stan Norfleet react to Houston’s 2-0 start at the NBA’s 2024 summer league. Topics include the extremely positive impressions made by young guards Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore, as well as the looming rotation crunch if these elite prospects continue to develop.

Thursday’s episode has reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston’s busy 2024 NBA draft week, which culminated with the selection of Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard at No. 3 overall and trading a second-round pick to Atlanta for sharpshooting forward prospect AJ Griffin. The show winds down with a deeper look at Tuesday’s Rockets-Nets trade involving future draft picks, including a potential...

Wednesday’s show features reaction to the blockbuster trade between the Rockets and Brooklyn Nets involving upcoming draft assets, including what it means and doesn’t mean for Houston’s future and eventual trades.

As Wednesday’s 2024 NBA draft nears, the Rockets and general manager Rafael Stone are also finalizing plans for next Sunday’s start of free agency. With that in mind, topics in Monday’s full show (featuring both Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves) include final considerations with the No. 3 overall pick of the first round; why Houston could pass on using its non-taxpayer mid-level exception in the initial...

As key dates on the NBA calendar loom, Sunday’s episode features a preview from our Ben DuBose regarding Houston’s draft and free agency window for the 2024 offseason. Topics include why Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard or a trade lead the possibilities at No. 3 overall; why a blockbuster trade (Donovan Mitchell, Paul George) remains plausible for the Rockets; and free agents potentially in play for H...

In a brief interview with Stan Norfleet (host of SportsTalk 790’s “Next Up”), our Ben DuBose shares some key takeaways from the 2024 NBA Finals that could apply to the Rockets. Topics include extra fuel to the fire for Ime Udoka, Boston’s former coach; how the Celtics winning the championship without a Top 5 player gives more options to build out rosters; and optimal fits from the 2024 NBA draft,...

The Rockets expect to operate above the NBA’s salary cap in the upcoming 2024 offseason, but they could potentially have a significant amount of financial flexibility in 2025. For general manager Rafael Stone, that could present numerous opportunities via trade to leverage that potential space. With that in mind, NBA salary cap guru Yossi Gozlan recently joined our Ben DuBose for an exclusive inte...

With two weeks to go until the 2024 NBA draft, Houston continues to own the No. 3 overall pick in the first round. Draft guru Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) joins Ben and Paulo to discuss the latest news and rumors, including deep dives on Donovan Clingan, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, and more. Thursday’s show also explores various trade possibilities, including a hypothetical deal with...

Dave Hardisty, founder of ClutchFans, joins Friday’s show to discuss the latest news and notes surrounding the Rockets and the NBA’s 2024 offseason. Topics include preferences for Houston’s No. 3 overall draft pick in June; the implications of top prospect Donovan Clingan sharing an agent with Alperen Sengun; trade considerations; and much more.

Bryan Kalbrosky, national NBA staff writer at USA TODAY’s For The Win, shares the latest intel and scouting analysis related to the Rockets and their No. 3 overall draft pick in the 2024 draft. Topics in the May 23 episode — as always, hosted by our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves — include a recent wave of Reed Sheppard rumors, as well as alternative options such as Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, tr...

Monday’s episode features immediate reaction to the Rockets unexpectedly securing the No. 3 overall pick (via Brooklyn) in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery. Topics include plausible candidates (Alex Sarr, Donovan Clingan, Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham) to draft if Houston keeps its high first-round pick, as well as potential trade options to consider (Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges, Lauri Markkanen) if g...

Though their 41-41 record was much improved from last season, Houston didn’t quite qualify for the 2024 NBA playoffs. Yet, among the teams competing, there are quite a few storylines that could become very relevant to the future of the Rockets. On Friday’s show, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves dive into a wide range of Rockets-centric angles from the postseason. Topics include player and team compa...

The Rockets (41-41) finished 2023-24 at .500, and their 19-win jump from last season was the largest of any NBA team and the second-biggest annual increase in franchise history. Houston is just the fifth team in the last 30 years to follow up a 60-loss season with a non-losing campaign. Given those clear signs of progress, owner Tilman Fertitta recently rewarded GM Rafael Stone and assistant GM El...

In a loaded Western Conference, the goal of advancing to the 2024 postseason proved to be too ambitious for the young and improving Houston Rockets (39-40). Yet, with three games left to play, a more attainable goal of a .500 or better season is still on the table — and that’s a clear point of emphasis for head coach Ime Udoka. With that in mind, Wednesday’s podcast explores the significance of Ho...

Despite a 13-3 record from March onward, a 2024 Western Conference postseason berth is becoming increasingly unlikely for the Rockets (38-37). Thursday’s home game versus the Warriors (41-34), whose recent five-game winning streak has created separation in that race for the West’s final play-in tournament spot, could be Houston’s last hope of making a late charge. Yet, even if the Rockets don’t ad...

The streak continues! The Rockets (36-35) are back above .500 for the first time since early January, and they’ve won nine straight games for the first time in over five years. Their 11-1 record in March leads the NBA, and they’re only a game back of Golden State (37-34) in the Western Conference play-in tournament race. The Warriors play at Houston next Thursday, April 4.  So, how did the Rockets...

The Rockets (32-35) are 7-1 in March with a five-game winning streak, and Jalen Green is the Western Conference Player of the Week . With those recent wins, Houston’s hopes of a play-in tournament push in the West are suddenly very much alive. Where did things turn, and what does it mean in the big picture? Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break it all down in Tuesday’s episode, which also features insi...

Alperen Sengun’s 2023-24 season could be over after a leg injury, but it looks like there won’t be any further impact on his future. Monday’s abbreviated show explores the long-term significance of that news, as well as short-term lineup changes due to Sengun’s absence and whether the Rockets can sustain their encouraging play of late ( 4-1 in March ).

Tuesday’s episode breaks down the good and bad of Houston’s 2-4 stretch out of the All-Star break, which culminated with Jalen Green’s strong showing during Saturday’s win in Phoenix. In particular, Paulo and Ben explore Ime Udoka’s new emphasis on 3-point volume and the unfortunate news of Tari Eason (left tibia surgery) being lost for the season . In addition, with the star-studded Los Angeles C...

After hinting at a potential change to Houston’s starting lineup, head coach Ime Udoka announced at Wednesday’s practice that the Rockets will stay the course for the time being. What does that say about the future of Jalen Green, who has been Houston’s most inconsistent starter? Thursday’s show explores that angle and more, including what the return of Fred VanVleet and Cam Whitmore can do as Hou...

The Rockets (24-30) enter the NBA’s 2024 All-Star break with five losses in six games, and head coach Ime Udoka is hinting at possible changes to his lineup and rotation. What could those be, and will it be worthwhile? Friday’s podcast explores the possibilities, including the pros and cons of potentially starting Amen Thompson or Cam Whitmore over Jalen Green — assuming Fred VanVleet returns from...

After an underwhelming start to the 2023-24 season, third-year guard Jalen Green has exploded of late , averaging nearly 30 points per game on outstanding efficiency over Houston’s last five games. So, is it sustainable, and does it change how the Rockets approach the remainder of the season and the NBA’s February 8 deadline for in-season trades? Friday’s show explores those angles and more, inclu...

After Wednesday’s heartbreaking overtime loss at home to Portland, the Rockets are just 3-8 in their last 11 games. Is it time to reset expectations after a rough January? Friday’s show explores a new sobering reality in Houston, where the Rockets have consistently played below average on both ends of the court since losing Tari Eason to injury. Fortunately, the discussion does find one silver lin...

Friday’s show explores what’s next for the Rockets after a 1-5 road trip that dropped Houston (19-21) outside of the Western Conference play-in tournament field, as things currently stand. Topics include reasons not to be concerned about the squad’s recent defensive downturn — and conversely, why Houston’s season-long struggles on offense are more troubling. The show also explores areas of potenti...

Friday’s show reacts to a heartbreaking Rockets loss in Chicago and shares some lessons learned for upcoming games. Topics include the importance of running late-game offense through Alperen Sengun; missed opportunities for Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore; the impact of the Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason injuries; and more.