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PODCAST

Rockets LaunchPod

Ben DuBose, longtime Rockets media member, writer, and podcast host, discusses the 2025-26 Rockets season with Paulo Alves and special guests. Basketball topics include the performance of star players such as Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun; potential transactions in 2025 and beyond; weekly game recaps; and much more.

sports basketball

All Episodes

19:43

Kevin Porter Jr. on Rockets’ start, new Sukuta venture

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/11/17

Fresh off a much-needed Rockets win in Dallas, Thursday’s episode welcomes starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr. to the show for a review of the 2022-23 season to date.For the season, Porter is averaging a career-high 19.1 points (41.0% FG, 33.8% on 3-pointers), 6.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.3 steals, and he’s potentially sticking around in Houston for several more years after signing a contract extension in October.Topics discussed include Porter’s assessment of the team’s season to date and his

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55:03

Mark Schindler on the progress of Houston’s young core

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/11/16

Wednesday’s episode welcomes national NBA writer Mark Schindler to the show for a roundtable discussion with hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves.Though the Rockets are clearly in a rebuilding movement, the 2-12 start — which, entering Wednesday, is the NBA’s worst record — has clearly underwhelmed many fans.One prominent reason for those struggles is Houston’s struggling offense, which ranks in the bottom five of the NBA despite featuring numerous scorers and playmakers. With that in mind, the show

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82:29

What can Rockets learn from the Astros’ dynasty?

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/11/08

In the aftermath of another World Series title for the Astros, Tuesday’s show explores what lessons Houston’s basketball franchise should take from its baseball peers, particularly when it comes to team building.The remainder of the show features storylines from Monday’s win in Orlando. Topics include:— Jabari Smith Jr.’s early struggles as a rookie, relative to Paolo Banchero;— What Eric Gordon’s ideal role should be;— Strategies to find more minutes for Tari Eason;— When a KJ Martin contract

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64:20

How can Rockets’ offense take the next step?

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/10/28

Friday’s new episode features reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to the first five games of the NBA’s 2022-23 regular season for the Houston Rockets (1-4).Relative to 2021-22, the young Rockets have improved from No. 30 in the league to No. 20 in net defensive rating (entering Thursday), but they’ve stagnated at an identical No. 26 spot on offense. With that in mind, Friday’s show explores areas of potential improvement for head coach Stephen Silas, point guard Kevin Porter Jr., and shooting

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66:57

Matt Moore on how Jalen Green can evolve into a...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/10/21

In Friday’s episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves are joined by The Action Network’s Matt Moore (@HPBasketball on Twitter) to explore this week’s prominent Rockets storylines.With the 2022-23 regular season underway, what does Jalen Green need to do to become an impactful, winning player? On the show, Moore adds context to his controversial podcast remarks from last week while sharing some new insight from watching the Rockets on film.Other discussion topics on the show include Houston’s surprising

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59:45

Craig Ackerman on key storylines entering the regular...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/10/14

Play-by-play broadcaster Craig Ackerman joins Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to discuss key storylines for the 2022-23 season, along with some lessons learned from the preseason.Topics include the ongoing process of integrating Alperen Sengun into Houston’s starting lineup, along with promising signs of development shown by young prospects such as Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Tari Eason, and KJ Martin.Other discussion points involve Ackerman’s career perspective and his new broadcast team at AT&T

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65:40

Rockets-Thunder trade reaction, preseason opener preview

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/09/30

Friday’s episode features reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to an eight-player trade between the Rockets and Thunder, which brought Derrick Favors and a future second-round pick to Houston, along with three other players. Discussion topics include financial and draft motivations for the deal, along with a look at its basketball merits.The show concludes with a preview of Sunday’s preseason opener versus San Antonio and a look back at the first week of training camp, with an emphasis on the

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35:18

Brian Barefield on the start of Rockets’ training camp

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/09/28

Brian Barefield joins Ben DuBose from Houston Rockets training camp in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with insight on the latest interviews and on-court activities.Topics include the personal growth and maturity of Kevin Porter Jr.; prized rookie prospect Jabari Smith Jr. embracing the spotlight with vocal leadership; reasons for relative optimism this season; and much more.

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64:34

Key training camp storylines for the 2022-23 Houston...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/09/20

In this episode, our Ben DuBose explores key storylines to watch for entering 2022-23 Rockets training camp, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 27 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.The show begins with a look the importance of a strong camp and preseason for Kevin Porter Jr., particularly given the looming contract extension deadline in October.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

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40:33

EuroBasket takeaways for Alperen Sengun, Usman Garuba

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/09/08

In Wednesday’s episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves discuss group-stage performances by second-year Rockets prospects Alperen Sengun and Usman Garuba at EuroBasket 2022.Through five games at the conclusion of group-stage play, Sengun is averaging 18.2 points (63.3% FG), 8.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 30.8 minutes for Turkey, while Garuba is averaging 4.4 points (69.2% FG) and 4.8 rebounds in 16.4 minutes for Spain.Discussion topics include growth shown by Sengun since his rookie season; which

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57:54

Julian Duncan, Paul Suarez on 2022-23 Rockets...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/08/19

Julian Duncan, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer with the Rockets, and Paul Suarez, Vice President of Digital Marketing, join us for Friday’s new episode of The Lager Line (sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing).In the podcast, Duncan and Suarez share what they see as highlights from Houston’s newly released 2022-23 season schedule, as well as thoughts on the epic video that accompanied its reveal on social media. Other topics include the process of working with the NBA to put the

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47:21

Adam Wexler on Key Rockets Decisions in 2022-23

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/08/15

Rockets Radio Network analyst and SportsTalk 790 host Adam Wexler shares insight on Houston’s key decisions and priorities over the remainder of the 2022 offseason and the NBA’s 2022-23 season. Topics include how to evaluate head coach Stephen Silas; why Kevin Porter Jr. could be worth a contract extension prior to the season; what to watch for with the league’s impending schedule release; and second-year points of emphasis for Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.Wexler also offers tidbits regarding his

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55:12

August 2022 Rockets financial update with David Weiner

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/07/29

David Weiner, NBA salary cap guru for ClutchFans, joins us with a Rockets financial update covering the remainder of the 2022 offseason and 2023 free agency. Topics include trade aggregation possibilities in August involving players acquired from Dallas for Christian Wood; what Houston’s 2023 salary cap flexibility could bring; rotation battles entering 2022-23 training camp; and much more.

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16:03

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

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/07/13

Bruce Pearl, Jabari Smith Jr.’s head coach at Auburn University, joins us to break down the start to Smith’s young NBA career with the 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 (and SEC rivals) Tari Eason and TyTy Washington; and much more.

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49:22

Brian Barefield, Ben DuBose on Houston’s 2-1 summer...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/07/12

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 in Las Vegas, so we welcomed him to The Lager Line podcast Monday night 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.Topics

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43:59

Matt Moore on Houston’s road back to NBA relevancy

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/06/30

Matt Moore, national NBA writer for The Action Network (@HPBasketball on Twitter), joins us to recap the 2022 NBA draft and upcoming free agency period for the Houston Rockets.Was the unexpected draft outcome of landing Auburn forward Jabari Smith, rather than Duke’s Paolo Banchero, a net positive for Houston’s rebuild? Moore joins us to discuss that and much more in Wednesday’s show.Other topics include a potential new contract for Jae’Sean Tate; likely strategies in free agency for the Rockets;

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41:03

Michael Scotto on Houston’s 2022 draft, free agency...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/06/24

Michael Scotto, NBA insider for HoopsHype, joins our June 24 episode to preview free agency for the Rockets and recap Houston’s strong 2022 draft class — led by Auburn forward Jabari Smith.In the show, Scotto explains why he concurs with the rave reviews of Rockets general manager Rafael Stone for his work bringing Smith, LSU’s Tari Eason, and Kentucky’s TyTy Washington to Houston.Topics include Smith’s fit with the Rockets and the surprise of Paolo Banchero going No. 1 to Orlando; why Scotto is a

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62:45

Rockets draft week preview with USA TODAY’s Bryan...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/06/17

Bryan Kalbrosky, veteran NBA draft writer for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, offers his analysis on the trade value Houston received for Christian Wood and potential picks/considerations for the Rockets with No. 3, No. 17, and No. 26 in the 2022 first round. In the episode, Kalbrosky explains that while Paolo Banchero remains the favorite at No. 3, other scenarios — even including Jabari Smith — shouldn't be ruled out.

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42:53

Cayleigh Griffin on her Houston career and Rockets’...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/06/08

Cayleigh Griffin, courtside reporter for AT&T SportsNet Southwest, joins our podcast to reflect on her first three seasons covering the Houston Rockets for television game broadcasts.Since joining the official television crew in October 2019, Griffin has watched the Rockets evolve from a veteran title contender built around former MVPs James Harden and Russell Westbrook to the current rebuild, led by talented 20-year-old prospect Jalen Green.Media topics include how Griffin’s role has changed over

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50:57

Dave Hardisty on Rockets and 2022 NBA draft, free agency

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2022/06/03

Dave Hardisty, owner of legendary Rockets website ClutchFans, chats with our Ben DuBose about the latest news and rumors surrounding the NBA’s upcoming draft and free agency periods.Topics include whether Purdue’s Jaden Ivey is a realistic alternative to Duke’s Paolo Banchero at No. 3, along with trade options; criteria at No. 17 and names to watch; whether trades can be found for veterans like Eric Gordon, Christian Wood, and John Wall; and financial considerations heading into 2022 free

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203 results

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