Tag: The Lager Line

Podcast: Initial observations on 2022-23 Rockets training camp

Stephen Silas says day one of #Rockets training camp was the best he’s seen in all his NBA years. Today’s podcast explores reasons for optimism, starting with Kevin Porter Jr.’s growth.

In Wednesday’s new episode of “The Lager Line” podcast, Brian Barefield and Ben DuBose explore key storylines for the Houston Rockets at the start of training camp for the 2022-23 season, which began Tuesday, Sept. 27 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

With insight based on new interviews and on-court activities, discussion topics include the personal growth and maturity of Kevin Porter Jr.; top rookie prospect Jabari Smith Jr. showing qualities as a vocal leader; reasons for relative optimism this year; and much more.

Head coach Stephen Silas referred to Day 1 of training camp as the best he’s seen of his 20-plus years in the NBA, and Brian explains the encouraging signs he’s witnessed early in camp.

Wednesday’s full episode can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790, as well as to all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Key training camp storylines for the 2022-23 Houston Rockets

Our @BenDuBose breaks down key training camp and preseason storylines in Houston, led by growth from Kevin Porter Jr. and Stephen Silas.

In Tuesday’s episode of “The Lager Line” podcast, we explore key Houston Rockets storylines to watch entering 2022-23 training camp, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 27 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

With a contract extension deadline looming next month for Kevin Porter Jr., a strong camp and preseason might help make the case to the Rockets and general manager Rafael Stone to invest early.

Other discussion topics include the importance of better finishing by Porter and Jalen Green on drives; adapting to Alperen Sengun as an offensive hub; rotation battles to keep an eye on, starting with Eric Gordon versus Jae’Sean Tate for a starting lineup spot; and the massive importance of this season to head coach Stephen Silas.

Tuesday’s full episode can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790, as well as to all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Auburn’s Bruce Pearl on Jabari Smith Jr. and the Rockets

Bruce Pearl, head coach at Auburn, joins our podcast with reaction to Jabari Smith Jr.’s initial NBA summer league games with the Rockets, along with insight on his potential fit with Jalen Green.

Bruce Pearl, who was Jabari Smith Jr.’s head coach at Auburn University, joins Wednesday’s episode of The Lager Line podcast to break down the start to Smith’s young NBA career with the Houston Rockets.

Topics include reaction to Smith’s initial summer league games and how to best utilize him in Houston; what his potential fit alongside Jalen Green looks like; memories at Auburn and on the recruiting trail; early impressions of fellow rookies Tari Eason and TyTy Washington; and more.

“He is going to be a guy that coaches can point to with what time he gets in the locker room, and how he practices every single day,” Pearl said of his expectations for Smith with the Rockets. He continued:

He’s going to be incredibly consistent, and he’s not going to have highs and lows like a lot of rookies, because he’s not immature. He doesn’t have any distractions off the floor. You can coach him, and he wants to be coached hard.

So if Coach (Stephen Silas) wants to get after his No. 3 pick and get into him, that’s not going to bother Jabari one bit. But it sends a message that, ‘If I’m going to chew on this guy, I’m going to chew on your ass, as well.’

He’ll be able to set a really good standard. That’s one of the reasons why his teams win.

Wednesday’s complete episode can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790, as well as to all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Key takeaways from Houston’s 2-1 start at NBA summer league

In Monday night’s podcast, Brian Barefield (@BigSargeSportz) shares his summer league impressions from Las Vegas regarding Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and the rest of the young Rockets.

LAS VEGAS — Our Brian Barefield has followed the Houston Rockets (2-1) for the first three games and associated practices at the NBA’s 2022 summer league, so we welcomed him to The Lager Line podcast Monday to share what he’s learned watching Jabari Smith Jr. and company.

Though Smith struggled in his first two games as a shooter, the 19-year-old was very efficient with 19 points in Monday’s win over San Antonio, and he’s regularly delivered a significant impact on the defensive end.

With that in mind, topics discussed on the podcast include:

  • Reaction to Smith’s summer league start and his mentality, and why the good has clearly outweighed the bad
  • Early impressions of fellow rookies Tari Eason and TyTy Washington
  • The competition between Washington and Daishen Nix for potential backup point guard minutes in the 2022-23 season
  • Optimal usage patterns for Josh Christopher
  • Aric Holman as a potential backup big candidate for the 2022-23 Rockets, behind Alperen Sengun

Monday’s complete episode can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790, as well as to all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Previewing Rockets draft week with USA TODAY’s Bryan Kalbrosky

Is Paolo Banchero a lock at No. 3, or are other options still in play? NBA draft guru Bryan Kalbrosky breaks down the latest news on the Rockets, who suddenly have three first-round draft picks.

Longtime NBA writer and draft expert Bryan Kalbrosky, who covers the league for the USA TODAY Sports Media Group, joins the latest episode of The Lager Line podcast to preview the 2022 NBA draft.

Thanks to Wednesday’s trade sending Christian Wood to Mavericks, the Houston Rockets suddenly have three first-round selections at No. 3 overall, No. 17 (via Brooklyn), and No. 26 (via Dallas).

Will they keep all three of those selections, or are further trades possible in the final days leading up to the draft on Thursday, June 23?

Other topics discussed on Friday’s podcast include:

  • Value obtained by Rockets general manager Rafael Stone in the Wood trade
  • Options at No. 17 and No. 26 in the order
  • Whether Paolo Banchero is a lock at No. 3, or if other names (Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren, or Jaden Ivey) could still be in play
  • Potential options for Stone and the Rockets leading up to the NBA’s 2022 free agency period at the end of June

Friday’s complete episode can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790, as well as to all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Podcast: Rockets voice Craig Ackerman on 2022 draft lottery, Jalen Green’s award, and more

In our new podcast, Craig Ackerman — voice of the Rockets — shares his reaction to the NBA’s 2022 draft lottery results, Jalen Green’s award-winning rookie season, and much more.

Craig Ackerman, voice of the Houston Rockets as the team’s lead play-by-play broadcaster for games on its regional television network, joins Thursday’s episode of The Lager Line podcast.

Ackerman recently completed his first season as Houston’s full-time TV broadcaster for AT&T SportsNet Southwest alongside new analyst Ryan Hollins and courtside reporter Cayleigh Griffin.

With the 2022 offseason now in full swing, topics discussed on the show (sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing) include:

  • Immediate reaction to the Rockets landing the No. 3 overall pick via the 2022 NBA draft lottery
  • Reflections on Jalen Green’s rookie season, which culminated with a spot on the All-Rookie First Team, along with offseason priorities
  • Observations on the future outlook in Houston for Kevin Porter Jr., Christian Wood, and Stephen Silas
  • Highlights from the first year of the Ackerman-Hollins TV pairing

The complete episode with Ackerman and podcast host Ben DuBose can be listened to below. Each episode of the show will also be available through Houston’s flagship radio station SportsTalk 790.

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Podcast: Rockets president Gretchen Sheirr on 2021-22 season and the future

Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Rockets, joins The Lager Line (@karbachbrewing) to reflect on the recently completed 2021-22 season and look ahead to the future.

Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Houston Rockets, joins the inaugural episode of The Lager Line podcast, sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing.

Topics on the show include highlights and takeaways from her first year as president of the Rockets; the importance of stability and diversity in the team’s leadership; strategies to get fans, sponsors, and partners on board with a rebuild; what the 2022 offseason and 2022-23 season may look like in terms of business and events; and much more.

“We’re taking a fresh look at how we’ve done things and using this opportunity in this new journey during this rebuild — or whatever it is that you want to call it — to make sure that we’re exploring every opportunity possible and doing new and creative things, and taking risks where we need to take risk,” Sheirr says of the team’s plans.

The complete episode can be listened to below. Each show will be available through flagship radio station SportsTalk 790, and listeners can subscribe to The Lager Line through all major podcast distributors.

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Listen to “Gretchen Sheirr, Rockets president of business operations” on Spreaker.

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