New TV analyst Ryan Hollins sees ‘golden time’ in Houston basketball

“This is a golden time in Houston basketball,” said Ryan Hollins, who sees his new role with the Rockets as the “opportunity of a lifetime.”

When the Rockets open their 2021-22 season at home on Tuesday night, it will also mark the debut of new television analyst Ryan Hollins on Houston’s broadcast partner, AT&T SportsNet Southwest.

Hollins, who played in the NBA for a decade, is replacing Matt Bullard in the chair next to play-by-play announcer Craig Ackerman. Bullard moved into a front-office role with the Rockets earlier this offseason.

To reflect on the transition, Ryan Hollins spoke with colleague Cayleigh Griffin, who is returning as AT&T SportsNet’s courtside reporter with the Rockets for a third consecutive season. His comments:

It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. AT&T is a first-class network, and the Rockets are a first-class organization with a rich tradition of championships and winning. I’m ecstatic.

This is a golden time in Houston basketball. You’ve got some of the most young, excitable talent in the league. I can’t think of a roster that I’ve seen this young in a very long time with this amount of talent. You may not see it indicated in the wins and losses columns, but you’re going to see some plays — some 3-pointers, some alley-oops, some lobs and dunks this season that are going to be absolutely memorable. You get a chance to see these guys come into their own and grow. This is going to be a very long, but a very, very fun season, I guarantee you that.

For Hollins and the Rockets, whose 2021-22 roster includes prized rookies Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, the journey begins with Tuesday night’s preseason opener versus Washington. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Central from Toyota Center, with AT&T SportsNet airing the game.

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