In a weekend episode, 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 can potentially bring to the young and rebuilding Rockets in the 2023-24 season and beyond.The show also addresses what the well-received draft class says about Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, as well as what the draft haul could mean for 2023 free agency next weekend.

Draft reaction as Rockets land Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore

Ben DuBose, longtime Rockets media member, writer, and podcast host, discusses the 2023-24 Rockets season with Paulo Alves and special guests. Basketball topics include the growth of Houston’s top prospects, such as Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr.; potential transactions in 2024 and beyond; weekly game recaps; and much more.

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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.

ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty on 2024 Rockets offseason

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.

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

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.

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

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 those underachieving teams, such as a deal for Clippers star Paul George. The show wraps up with a preliminary look at internal decisions to come involving Houston’s pending free agents and players with 2024 team options. Those include Jock Landale, Aaron Holiday, Jae’Sean Tate, Jeff Green, Reggie Bullock Jr., and more.

NBA playoffs storylines to watch for the Rockets

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 Fertitta in that direction. Other topics include offseason tidbits gleaned from Stone’s end-of-season press conference, as well as a preliminary look at storylines from the 2024 playoffs that could impact Houston.

Draft reaction as Rockets land Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore

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