Kelly Iko, Rockets beat writer for The Athletic, shares his observations after spending a week at the 2022 NBA draft combine in Chicago. In addition to watching prospects, Iko also spoke with many Rockets executives and staffers — including general manager Rafael Stone — after Houston secured the No. 3 overall pick in the draft lottery. As part of this podcast, Iko fills us in on some key takeaways from those conversations.

Other topics on this episode include analysis of why Duke’s Paolo Banchero could be the best fit at No. 3; potential options with the No. 17 pick, which belongs to the Rockets via Brooklyn; what draft prospects stood out during on-court drills at the combine; and what Houston is likely to look for as it replaces outgoing assistant coaches Will Weaver and Jeff Hornacek.