Tag: Locked on Rockets

Podcast: Key takeaways from Rockets extending Kevin Porter Jr.

In Tuesday’s episode of @LockedOnRockets, Jackson Gatlin and Ben DuBose offer their immediate reaction and key takeaways related to Kevin Porter Jr.’s new contract extension.

In Tuesday’s episode of “Locked On Rockets,” credentialed Houston media members Jackson Gatlin and Ben DuBose offer their immediate reaction and key takeaways related to Kevin Porter Jr.’s new contract extension that starts with the 2023-24 season.

The unique structure of the deal, which includes numerous team options and trigger dates, means it could be worth as much as four years and $82.5 million or as little as one year and $15.9 million.

In the podcast discussion, Gatlin and DuBose explore what the surprising deal shows regarding the positive relationship and trust established between Porter and the Rockets. Other topics include:

  • The incentive it gives Porter to put past mishaps behind him
  • What it means for Houston’s future salary cap picture
  • Why it should be considered a win for both general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Stephen Silas

Tuesday’s “Locked on Rockets” episode can be listened to via Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher and nearly all major podcast distributors. It can also be watched on YouTube (see embed below).

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Podcast: Previewing Thursday’s NBA trade deadline for the Houston Rockets

With a Rockets focus, Wednesday’s trade deadline preview with Jackson Gatlin and Ben DuBose includes final predictions for Christian Wood, Eric Gordon, John Wall, James Harden, and more.

Should they stay, or should they go? As Thursday’s trade deadline approaches for the 2021-22 NBA season, that’s the multi-million-dollar question for the rebuilding Houston Rockets pertaining to key veteran players like big man Christian Wood and guard Eric Gordon.

It’s also the key question for the Nets, since they have to decide whether to keep All-Star guard James Harden or trade him to Philadelphia. The ripple effects of that decision will be felt in Houston, since the Rockets own first-round draft assets from Brooklyn through 2027.

Wednesday night’s episode of the “Locked on Rockets” podcast with host Jackson Gatlin and analyst Ben DuBose breaks down those topics and beyond, including whether a blockbuster John Wall-Russell Westbrook trade remains possible with the struggling Los Angeles Lakers.

Other topics and tidbits include potential trade destinations for Wood and Gordon; which decisions are most important to general manager Rafael Stone; and final predictions on what happens with Harden, Wood, Gordon, Wall, Daniel Theis, David Nwaba, and DJ Augustin.

Wednesday’s “Locked on Rockets” episode can be listened to via Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher and nearly all major podcast distributors. It can also be watched on YouTube (see embed below).

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Best Houston Rockets podcasts for the 2022 NBA trade deadline

As the NBA’s Feb. 10 trade deadline approaches, here’s a look at some of the most active podcast channels covering the Houston Rockets, along with where to follow the hosts on social media.

At RocketsWire, we strive to give you the best written coverage of the Houston Rockets. We do have a podcast channel (RocketsWire Extra) for occasional longer interviews, but our wheelhouse is text content.

For other media outlets, audio is king. That includes Locked on Rockets, where I (Ben DuBose) hosted the show for three years before taking this job in August 2019 and handing things off to Jackson Gatlin.

But LOR, as it is best known, is far from alone when it comes to Rockets discussions in the multimedia space. As the Feb. 10 trade deadline for the 2021-22 season approaches, here’s a look at many of the leading Houston podcasts that you may want to follow for conversational analysis of various rumors and any moves that are made by the team.

P.S. Make sure you’re also following the hosts on Twitter, because many are now hosting live Twitter Spaces conversations with fans, as well.

Podcast: Trade deadline rumors, why Rockets have regressed, and beyond

Wednesday’s Locked on Rockets show explores the recent 1-10 stretch and the latest trade rumors surrounding Eric Gordon and Christian Wood.

Wednesday’s new episode of the “Locked on Rockets” podcast with host Jackson Gatlin and analyst Ben DuBose breaks down Houston’s recent downturn, as shown in a 1-10 record over the last 11 games.

Is tactical strategy on offense or effort on defense the bigger concern, and how much blame should go to head coach Stephen Silas? The new show debates that and much more, including personnel groupings and reasonable growth targets for the second half of the 2021-22 season.

The episode also explores recent trade rumors and suggestions involving veteran guard Eric Gordon and big man Christian Wood, with extended analysis on the likelihood of each player being dealt, key factors to consider, and what acceptable deals to the Rockets might look like.

Wednesday’s “Locked on Rockets” episode can be listened to via Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher and nearly all major podcast distributors. It can also be watched on YouTube (see embed below).

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Podcast: Assessing Houston’s historic winning streak, new Tilman Fertitta interview

Tuesday’s Locked on Rockets dives into Houston’s historic six-game winning streak, as well as encouraging new comments by owner Tilman Fertitta.

Tuesday’s fresh episode of the “Locked on Rockets” podcast with host Jackson Gatlin and analyst Ben DuBose breaks down Houston’s newly historic streak, which makes them the first team in NBA, NFL, MLB, or NHL history to win six straight games after 15+ losses in a row.

Topics on the new show include improvements from Christian Wood during the winning streak; the positive attitude by owner Tilman Fertitta toward the franchise’s rebuilding efforts; why the streak shouldn’t be attributed to the absence of rookie Jalen Green; who Houston’s starters are likely to be once everyone is finally healthy; and much more.

Tuesday’s “Locked on Rockets” episode can be listened to via Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher and nearly all major podcast distributors. It can also be watched on YouTube (see embed below).

The Rockets (7-16) will look to keep their momentum rolling when former teammate James Harden leads his Brooklyn Nets (16-7) into Toyota Center on Wednesday night. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Central.

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Podcast: How the Rockets should maximize Jalen Green, Christian Wood

Should Houston fans be concerned by Christian Wood’s usage, or by Jalen Green’s slow start compared to fellow rookie Evan Mobley? Let’s discuss.

Tuesday’s new episode of the “Locked on Rockets” podcast with host Jackson Gatlin and analyst Ben DuBose breaks down Houston’s admittedly frustrating 1-9 start to the 2021-22 NBA season.

Though the young Rockets played quite competitively over the past week with close road losses to the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Denver Nuggets, they did not win any of those games. That frustration may have boiled over in Sunday’s loss at Golden State, where star big man Christian Wood was very unassertive on offense. In postgame comments, head coach Stephen Silas acknowledged the frustration.

As the losses mount, can Silas keep Wood and other key players in the right frame of mind to continue optimizing their development? What can be done to make Jalen Green more efficient, and is it a concern that he’s off to a much slower start than fellow rookie Evan Mobley? Are there reasons to be concerned about Kevin Porter Jr. at point guard? Those are among the many topics explored and debated on the latest podcast.

Tuesday’s “Locked on Rockets” episode can be listened to via Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher and nearly all major podcast distributors. It can also be watched on YouTube (see embed below).

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Podcast: Making sense of latest John Wall, Ben Simmons chatter for Rockets

In Wednesday’s Locked on Rockets, Jackson Gatlin and Ben DuBose explore new intel on Jalen Green, Danuel House Jr., John Wall, and beyond.

Wednesday’s episode of the Locked on Rockets podcast with host Jackson Gatlin and analyst Ben DuBose breaks down the latest wave of NBA rumors connected to Houston in recent days.

Is trading John Wall a priority for Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, and would it hypothetically be worth sending some of the team’s future draft assets to Philadelphia for disgruntled All-Star Ben Simmons? If so, how many should Stone be willing to send, and which ones?

Those are among the topics debated on Wednesday’s show, which also features analysis of a new report indicating on-court success by Rockets veteran Danuel House Jr. and prized rookie Jalen Green. Is the debate over desired jersey numbers overplayed, and might House be a candidate for a bounce-back year after an underwheming 2020-21?

Wednesday’s “Locked on Rockets” episode can be listened to via Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher and nearly all major podcast distributors. It can also be watched on YouTube (see embed below).

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Podcast: Vernon Maxwell on his desire to get more involved with Rockets

Maxwell also shared why he’s confident Houston would have beaten Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in a hypothetical NBA Finals meeting.

Former Houston Rockets guard Vernon Maxwell joined host Jackson Gatlin on Thursday’s episode of the Locked on Rockets podcast.

Maxwell was the starter at shooting guard on the 1993-94 Rockets, which became the first team in Houston history to win a championship in one of the major U.S. professional sports leagues. He hit the dagger 3-pointer in Game 7 of the 1994 NBA Finals to effectively seal the title.

More recently, the 55-year-old has indicated a desire to get more involved with the Rockets in a formal capacity. With that in mind, topics discussed on Thursday’s half-hour episode include:

  • What Maxwell would like to do in a more official role with the franchise, including his aspirations to become an announcer, assistant coach, or member of the front office
  • His desire to build a better relationship with owner Tilman Fertitta
  • Differences in the modern NBA game to Maxwell’s era
  • His personal rivalries (and bad blood) with the Utah Jazz and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls
  • Why he’s confident there are no “asterisks” attached to Houston’s championships in 1994 and 1995, despite the unique circumstances of Jordan’s mid-career retirement

Thursday’s Locked on Rockets episode can be listened to via Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, and nearly all major podcast distributors.

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Podcast: Bill Worrell on his epic career, legendary Rockets stories

Friday’s podcast features a historical look at the Rockets through the eyes of legendary broadcaster Bill Worrell, who is retiring.

Friday’s episode of the Locked on Rockets podcast features an exclusive interview with broadcasting icon Bill Worrell. After working nearly 40 years as Houston’s play-by-play broadcaster for television game broadcasts, Worrell recently announced his decision to step down.

Worrell will remain as a special contributor to AT&T SportsNet Southwest broadcasts next season before fully retiring. That will allow him to work a full 40 years with the hometown NBA franchise.

With Jackson Gatlin leading the way as host and interviewer, topics discussed on Friday’s podcast with Worrell include:

  • The origins of his legendary announcing career
  • The NBA’s evolution in playing style over the years
  • Who he views as the best NBA player of all-time
  • His broadcast partners over nearly 40 years as an announcer
  • His first impressions of Hakeem Olajuwon, as well as the birth of the “Dream Shake” nickname for Olajuwon’s primary move
  • Personal stories from his friendships with Hall of Famers Calvin Murphy and Rudy Tomjanovich
  • Why he supports the NBA’s growing social justice movement
  • Why he believes Stephen Silas can win a championship in Houston

The complete podcast can be listened to below, as well as via major distributors including Apple, Google, and Spotify.

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Podcast: Where the Houston Rockets are with their rebuild after 2020-21

Thursday’s episode of the Locked on Rockets podcast features analysis of the team’s rebuild to date, along with highlights of the season.

Thursday’s episode of the Locked on Rockets podcast with host Jackson Gatlin and analyst Ben DuBose discusses the state of Houston’s rebuild following the recently completed 2020-21 regular season.

Though the Rockets (17-55) finished with the league’s worst record, they did see encouraging development from young players such as Kevin Porter Jr., Jae’Sean Tate, KJ Martin, Armoni Brooks, and beyond.

Topics discussed on Thursday’s new podcast include:

  • How Houston’s rebuild could be ahead of schedule, depending on results of the NBA’s June 22 draft lottery
  • Top games and plays from the 2020-21 season
  • Why criticism of general manager Rafael Stone from many in the national media is missing the mark
  • Transitioning from the James Harden era
  • Reflections on the departure of legendary broadcaster Bill Worrell and the promotion of Gretchen Sheirr to president of business operations (effectively replacing Tad Brown)

Thursday’s Locked on Rockets episode can be listened to via Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, and nearly all major podcast distributors.

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