Tag: The Lager Line

Podcast: Rockets creative director Jose Lopez on Houston’s new 2023-24 City jerseys and beyond

Jose Lopez, senior creative director for the Rockets, shares exclusive details on the process leading to Houston’s new City Edition uniforms and Toyota Center court.

Jose Lopez, senior creative director for the Rockets, joins Friday’s “The Lager Line” podcast with exclusive details on the process leading to Houston’s new City Edition uniforms and corresponding court at Toyota Center for the 2023-24 NBA season.

In an extended interview with Ben DuBose, Lopez explains the process of working with the league office and apparel manufacturer Nike on jersey development, as well as creative insight on what ultimately led to a matching court design and alternate logo(s).

Other discussion topics include Lopez’ career highlights after two decades of creative work with the Rockets; his excitement for this season’s new-look team; what future uniforms may look like; and the importance of collaborating with Houston sports legends such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler and Jim Nantz.

Friday’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below in its entirety. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Reaction to Houston’s hot start in 2023-24 preseason

Can Cam Whitmore force his way into Ime Udoka’s rotation? Today’s @TheLagerLine explores that and other key takeaways from Houston’s 2-0 start to the preseason.

Our latest “The Lager Line” podcast reacts to Houston’s 2-0 start to the 2023-24 preseason, in which the Rockets have compiled top-five metrics in overall net rating, offensive rating and defensive rating.

Led by hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, topics include the team’s improved defensive principles under Ime Udoka; why Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson are among the early standouts; and whether Cam Whitmore can force his way into the regular-season rotation.

The show also explores two upcoming exhibition games in San Antonio, which should feature a star-studded matchup between Smith and Victor Wembanyama, 2023’s No. 1 draft pick. Wembanyama, a rookie, is off to a strong preseason start with the Spurs.

Today’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below in its entirety. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Rockets’ future draft outlook, FIBA Dillon Brooks takeaways

How should #Rockets fans feel about their future NBA draft assets? Today’s @TheLagerLine explains why the value is potentially underrated.

Our latest episode of “The Lager Line” features insight on Houston’s future NBA draft outlook relative to other teams, and why it could be better than a recent Bleacher Report article believes.

The updated list of first- and second-round draft assets for the Rockets through 2030 is available here, and it includes both unprotected assets arriving from Brooklyn and protected picks that could go to Oklahoma City. As part of the podcast, hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves explain why understanding those protections is critically important, including for potential trade purposes.

Other discussion topics include takeaways from Dillon Brooks’ strong performance on Canada’s 2023 FIBA World Cup team, as well as the implications of Oklahoma City waiving former Rockets prospects Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington Jr. and what it tells fans about Rockets general manager Rafael Stone.

Today’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below in its entirety. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Reaction to Joel Embiid rumors and Houston’s new 2023-24 schedule

Today’s @TheLagerLine features reaction to Houston’s newly released 2023-24 schedule and analysis of whether a Joel Embiid trade is feasible for the #Rockets in the months ahead.

In Friday’s “The Lager Line,” Rockets podcasters Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to Houston’s newly released 2023-24 schedule and whispers of a potential Joel Embiid deal down the line.

If Embiid asks out of tumultuous situation in Philadelphia, as many around the NBA eventually expect him to do, should Rockets general manager Rafael Stone pursue the 29-year-old reigning MVP?

Our latest episode explores the pros and cons, including why a trade may be more feasible than some think. The show also breaks down Houston’s new schedule, including why a relatively soft start could be a significant gift to Ime Udoka and the Rockets.

Friday’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below in its entirety. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Which Rockets have most at stake in 2023-24 season

Which #Rockets players have the most to gain (or lose) in the NBA’s upcoming 2023-24 season? Today’s @TheLagerLine offers a fresh set of rankings, starting with Jalen Green.

In Tuesday’s fresh episode of “The Lager Line,” Houston Rockets podcasters Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to the latest news and rumors surrounding the team and its talented young core.

With third-year guard Jalen Green off to a strong start with the U.S. Select Team, what does that mean for his potential performance in the NBA’s upcoming 2023-24 season?

Furthermore, with Green as a leading storyline, which members of the Rockets have the most to gain (or lose) once training camp officially opens in early October? DuBose and Alves offer their insight on players to watch, including Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, and Dillon Brooks.

Tuesday’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Amen Thompson debuts as summer Rockets make big impression

Jabari Smith Jr. had more late heroics in Houston’s summer-league opener and Amen Thompson dazzled before leaving early with an injury. Today’s @TheLagerLine explores key #Rockets takeaways.

Rookie point guard Amen Thompson was extremely impressive in his Houston debut, and second-year Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. scored 29 second-half points and drilled a buzzer-beating 3-pointer for a feel-good victory to open 2023 summer league play.

That’s the good news from Friday night, which also included a strong performance by Tari Eason. The bad news was Thompson sprained his ankle late in the game and will not play for the Rockets again until 2023-24 preseason games in October.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Rockets finally made official all of their complicated acquisitions and departures from the opening days of 2023 free agency while also learning their five group opponents in the NBA’s new in-season tournament, which debuts this fall.

Rockets podcasters Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the positives and negatives from a busy weekend as part of their latest episode. Sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, Sunday’s full show can be listened to below. Each episode is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Reaction to Houston’s chaotic start in 2023 free agency

Sunday’s @TheLagerLine breaks down Houston’s 2023 free agency to date, including the Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks additions and a Brook Lopez rejection. #Rockets

In a whirlwind start to the NBA’s 2023 free agency window, the Houston Rockets landed two of their three preferred targets: Toronto guard Fred VanVleet and Memphis wing Dillon Brooks. They missed, however, on Milwaukee big man Brook Lopez.

The Rockets also made a string of other deals as they reshuffled their roster for new head coach Ime Udoka. They sent out KJ Martin, Usman Garuba, TyTy Washington and Josh Christopher while bringing in veteran role players Jeff Green and Jock Landale.

So, for a window in which Houston achieved some of its goals but not all, how should Rockets fans feel about the offseason work of general manager Rafael Stone? Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves dive into both the positives and negatives as part of their latest podcast.

Sunday afternoon’s show, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Final thoughts entering 2023 Rockets free agency

Tonight’s @TheLagerLine explores all the considerations for #Rockets general manager Rafael Stone entering a crucial 2023 free agency period, which opens at 5:00 p.m. Central on Friday.

In a newly released episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves offer their final preview of Houston’s goals entering 2023 NBA free agency, which starts at 5 p.m. Central on Friday. The Rockets should have a league-leading figure of approximately $60 million in available space beneath the salary cap for the 2023-24 season.

Is Houston’s apparent pivot from a James Harden-led offseason the correct choice? And if any pursuit of a top target such as Fred VanVleet, Brook Lopez or Dillon Brooks fails, what should general manager Rafael Stone have in mind as a backup plan?

The free-agency themed show explores many contingencies, including potential trades KJ Martin, Jae’Sean Tate, Usman Garuba and Josh Christopher.

Wednesday’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Draft reaction as Rockets land Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore

#Rockets podcasters @BenDuBose and @PauloAlvesNBA offer their analysis on Houston’s 2023 draft haul of Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, along with what it means for the future.

In a new episode of “The Lager Line,” Rockets podcasters Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves offer their initial reactions to Houston landing Amen Thompson (No. 4 pick, Overtime Elite) and Cam Whitmore (No. 20, Villanova) in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft.

After unexpectedly securing two of the draft’s most desirable prospects, Houston is receiving high grades from NBA analysts. As such, the podcast explores what each player could bring to the young and rebuilding Rockets in the 2023-24 season and beyond.

The show also addresses what the well-received draft says about Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, as well as what the draft haul could mean for 2023 free agency when it opens next weekend.

Saturday’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Evaluating the Thompson twins and Houston’s 2023 draft targets

Is Amen or Ausar Thompson the best fit for the #Rockets in the 2023 NBA draft, and does each make sense in tandem with a James Harden deal? Friday’s @TheLagerLine explores the options.

Rockets fan and NBA draft analyst Nathan Fogg joins Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves on Friday’s “The Lager Line” to scout Houston’s potential first-round options at No. 4 and No. 20.

With a particular emphasis on the twin brothers of Amen and Ausar Thompson, the roundtable discussion compares and contrasts Houston’s most likely possibilities with its high lottery pick.

Other topics of debate include whether it makes to pursue both James Harden and a rookie point guard, such as Amen Thompson or Scoot Henderson; trade scenarios (up, down or out) that Rockets general manager Rafael Stone may consider at No. 4; and a preliminary list of options involving the No. 20 pick, along with prospects in that range.

Friday’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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