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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

60:48

Reed ready? Highs and lows from Rockets’ 2024 summer...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/07/18

Thursday’s show features reaction to Houston’s 2-1 start at the NBA’s 2024 summer league. Topics include insight on Reed Sheppard’s sensational debut; inconsistent shooting performances by Cam Whitmore; and whether Orlando Robinson’s strong play could earn a contract with the Rockets for the 2024-25 season.

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14:41

Minicast: Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore balling out at...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/07/15

In this July 15 segment from SportsTalk 790’s next up, Ben DuBose and Stan Norfleet react to Houston’s 2-0 start at the NBA’s 2024 summer league. Topics include the extremely positive impressions made by young guards Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore, as well as the looming rotation crunch if these elite prospects continue to develop.

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74:36

In busy draft week, Rockets add Reed Sheppard, AJ...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/06/28

Thursday’s episode has reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston’s busy 2024 NBA draft week, which culminated with the selection of Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard at No. 3 overall and trading a second-round pick to Atlanta for sharpshooting forward prospect AJ Griffin.The show winds down with a deeper look at Tuesday’s Rockets-Nets trade involving future draft picks, including a potential pursuit of Suns guard Devin Booker as a driving force behind the deal.

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32:07

Rockets-Nets blockbuster trade reaction

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/06/26

Wednesday’s show features reaction to the blockbuster trade between the Rockets and Brooklyn Nets involving upcoming draft assets, including what it means and doesn’t mean for Houston’s future and eventual trades.

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56:39

As 2024 draft nears, Rockets also finalizing free...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/06/25

As Wednesday’s 2024 NBA draft nears, the Rockets and general manager Rafael Stone are also finalizing plans for next Sunday’s start of free agency.With that in mind, topics in Monday’s full show (featuring both Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves) include final considerations with the No. 3 overall pick of the first round; why Houston could pass on using its non-taxpayer mid-level exception in the initial wave of free agency; and considerations to weigh in any potential trade pursuit of Clippers star Paul

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28:04

Rockets primer entering 2024 NBA draft, free agency...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/06/23

As key dates on the NBA calendar loom, Sunday’s episode features a preview from our Ben DuBose regarding Houston’s draft and free agency window for the 2024 offseason.Topics include why Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard or a trade lead the possibilities at No. 3 overall; why a blockbuster trade (Donovan Mitchell, Paul George) remains plausible for the Rockets; and free agents potentially in play for Houston’s non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NT-MLE).

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10:06

Minicast: As draft nears, NBA Finals lessons for Rockets

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/06/20

In a brief interview with Stan Norfleet (host of SportsTalk 790’s “Next Up”), our Ben DuBose shares some key takeaways from the 2024 NBA Finals that could apply to the Rockets. Topics include extra fuel to the fire for Ime Udoka, Boston’s former coach; how the Celtics winning the championship without a Top 5 player gives more options to build out rosters; and optimal fits from the 2024 NBA draft, where Houston is slated to pick at No. 3 overall.

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32:08

Exploring Houston’s salary cap outlook with Yossi Gozlan

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/06/16

The Rockets expect to operate above the NBA’s salary cap in the upcoming 2024 offseason, but they could potentially have a significant amount of financial flexibility in 2025.For general manager Rafael Stone, that could present numerous opportunities via trade to leverage that potential space. With that in mind, NBA salary cap guru Yossi Gozlan recently joined our Ben DuBose for an exclusive interview regarding Houston’s financial outlook.Beyond trade opportunities, the show also explores the

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71:51

June update: Rockets draft intel with Nathan Grubel...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/06/13

With two weeks to go until the 2024 NBA draft, Houston continues to own the No. 3 overall pick in the first round. Draft guru Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) joins Ben and Paulo to discuss the latest news and rumors, including deep dives on Donovan Clingan, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, and more. Thursday’s show also explores various trade possibilities, including a hypothetical deal with Portland involving Anfernee Simons.

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80:20

ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty on 2024 Rockets offseason

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/05/31

Dave Hardisty, founder of ClutchFans, joins Friday’s show to discuss the latest news and notes surrounding the Rockets and the NBA’s 2024 offseason. Topics include preferences for Houston’s No. 3 overall draft pick in June; the implications of top prospect Donovan Clingan sharing an agent with Alperen Sengun; trade considerations; and much more.

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81:42

USA TODAY’s Bryan Kalbrosky on Rockets, NBA Draft...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/05/23

Bryan Kalbrosky, national NBA staff writer at USA TODAY’s For The Win, shares the latest intel and scouting analysis related to the Rockets and their No. 3 overall draft pick in the 2024 draft.Topics in the May 23 episode — as always, hosted by our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves — include a recent wave of Reed Sheppard rumors, as well as alternative options such as Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, trade scenarios, and more.

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66:47

How landing the No. 3 draft pick changes Houston’s...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/05/13

Monday’s episode features immediate reaction to the Rockets unexpectedly securing the No. 3 overall pick (via Brooklyn) in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery.Topics include plausible candidates (Alex Sarr, Donovan Clingan, Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham) to draft if Houston keeps its high first-round pick, as well as potential trade options to consider (Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges, Lauri Markkanen) if general manager Rafael Stone looks to trade the pick for more veteran, win-now help.

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67:39

NBA playoffs storylines to watch for the Rockets

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/05/03

Though their 41-41 record was much improved from last season, Houston didn’t quite qualify for the 2024 NBA playoffs. Yet, among the teams competing, there are quite a few storylines that could become very relevant to the future of the Rockets.On Friday’s show, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves dive into a wide range of Rockets-centric angles from the postseason. Topics include player and team comparisons; the encouraging implications of expensive teams going out early; and plausible trade options with

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82:22

Rockets launch 2024 offseason with Rafael Stone...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/04/19

The Rockets (41-41) finished 2023-24 at .500, and their 19-win jump from last season was the largest of any NBA team and the second-biggest annual increase in franchise history. Houston is just the fifth team in the last 30 years to follow up a 60-loss season with a non-losing campaign.Given those clear signs of progress, owner Tilman Fertitta recently rewarded GM Rafael Stone and assistant GM Eli Witus with contract extensions.With that in mind, Friday’s episode explains many of the factors pushing

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66:52

As season winds down, Rockets have key milestones in...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/04/11

In a loaded Western Conference, the goal of advancing to the 2024 postseason proved to be too ambitious for the young and improving Houston Rockets (39-40). Yet, with three games left to play, a more attainable goal of a .500 or better season is still on the table — and that’s a clear point of emphasis for head coach Ime Udoka.With that in mind, Wednesday’s podcast explores the significance of Houston potentially recording a non-losing season for the first time in four years. Our Ben DuBose and

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58:28

As play-in hopes fade, why Rockets’ future remains...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/04/03

Despite a 13-3 record from March onward, a 2024 Western Conference postseason berth is becoming increasingly unlikely for the Rockets (38-37). Thursday’s home game versus the Warriors (41-34), whose recent five-game winning streak has created separation in that race for the West’s final play-in tournament spot, could be Houston’s last hope of making a late charge.Yet, even if the Rockets don’t advance, there’s still a strong case to be made that it was a successful season in Houston. With that in

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77:03

Jalen Green’s star rises as Rockets win nine straight

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/03/27

The streak continues! The Rockets (36-35) are back above .500 for the first time since early January, and they’ve won nine straight games for the first time in over five years. Their 11-1 record in March leads the NBA, and they’re only a game back of Golden State (37-34) in the Western Conference play-in tournament race. The Warriors play at Houston next Thursday, April 4. So, how did the Rockets dramatically turn this season around? Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break it all down in Wednesday’s

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71:24

Rockets, Jalen Green suddenly can’t stop winning

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/03/19

The Rockets (32-35) are 7-1 in March with a five-game winning streak, and Jalen Green is the Western Conference Player of the Week. With those recent wins, Houston’s hopes of a play-in tournament push in the West are suddenly very much alive.Where did things turn, and what does it mean in the big picture? Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break it all down in Tuesday’s episode, which also features insight on Amen Thompson’s promotion to the starting lineup and areas for further growth within the team.

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35:54

Rockets relieved as Alperen Sengun avoids major injury

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/03/12

Alperen Sengun’s 2023-24 season could be over after a leg injury, but it looks like there won’t be any further impact on his future. Monday’s abbreviated show explores the long-term significance of that news, as well as short-term lineup changes due to Sengun’s absence and whether the Rockets can sustain their encouraging play of late (4-1 in March).

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55:53

VanVleet vs. Harden, Tari Eason update, Houston’s new...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/03/05

Tuesday’s episode breaks down the good and bad of Houston’s 2-4 stretch out of the All-Star break, which culminated with Jalen Green’s strong showing during Saturday’s win in Phoenix. In particular, Paulo and Ben explore Ime Udoka’s new emphasis on 3-point volume and the unfortunate news of Tari Eason (left tibia surgery) being lost for the season.In addition, with the star-studded Los Angeles Clippers headed to Houston for Wednesday’s nationally televised game, this episode revisits the 2023

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