Podcast
Rockets LaunchPod
Hosted by Ben DuBose · EN
Ben DuBose, longtime Rockets media member, writer, and podcast host, discusses the 2026-27 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 2026 and beyond; weekly game recaps; and much more.
37episodes
Episodes
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Rockets add ‘shot doctor’ Chip Engelland to coaching staff
2w ago00:56:33Tap to summarize.The Rockets entered the NBA’s 2026 offseason with a clear shooting deficiency, and their most important acquisition to try and fix that may not be a player.In Tuesday’s show, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down all the implications of Houston hiring “shot whisperer” Chip Engelland as an assistant coach. Topics include what it means for the current roster and its outlook for next season and beyond, as well as what the investment says about team owner Tilman Fertitta and head coach Ime Udoka.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.
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Summer league takeaways and 2026 offseason strategy
4w ago01:11:31Tap to summarizeThe Rockets are off to a 3-1 start at summer league, and Bruce Thornton and Isaiah Crawford are each showing promising signs for an NBA future.In Wednesday’s show, our Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and Dave Hardisty (Editor of ClutchFans) share key takeaways from Las Vegas while also looking ahead to the remainder of the 2026 offseason. If Thornton and Marcus Smart prove to be Houston’s flagship external additions, is that enough to be a Western Conference contender in 2026-27? Ben, Dave, and Paulo break down the pros and cons.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.
Transcribe →Tari Eason re-signs as Rockets remain active in NBA free agency
Jul 801:20:59Tap to summarizeThe Rockets opened 2026 free agency with a series of moves, including the external signings of Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic; the re-signing of restricted free agent Tari Eason; and the departures of Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie.In Wednesday’s show, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to all the latest developments in Houston, including what appears to be a strategy to dip below the NBA’s luxury tax line for the 2026-27 season.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.
Transcribe →Free agency reaction: Rockets sign Marcus Smart, Bogdan Bogdanović
Jul 100:38:45Tap to summarizeThe NBA’s 2026 free agency window is now open for business, and the Rockets quickly reached agreements to sign both Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanović. In Wednesday’s show, Ben DuBose reviews the basketball and salary cap implications of both deals while also exploring the implications for the remainder of Houston’s roster and the rest of the offseason.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.
Transcribe →Rockets free agency: Fred VanVleet opts in, Marcus Smart possibly on way
Jun 3001:04:50Tap to summarizeAs the NBA’s 2026 free agency window opens, the Houston Rockets suddenly find themselves with more veteran insurance in the backcourt. Fred VanVleet officially opted into the final year of his previous contract, while Lakers guard Marcus Smart looks to be on the way as an external addition.Featuring Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Tuesday’s show breaks down all the key implications of those moves while also providing additional analysis on recent draftee Bruce Thornton.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.
Transcribe →Draft reaction: Rockets add Bruce Thornton, Quadir Copeland
Jun 2600:52:23Tap to summarizeThis week’s NBA draft concluded with the Houston Rockets adding Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton (second round) and North Carolina State guard/wing Quadir Copeland (UDFA) to their 2026-27 roster. In Thursday’s show, our Ben DuBose reacts to the implications of both additions.The episode also looks ahead to the June 30 launch date of 2026 free agency, including internal contract considerations for Fred VanVleet and Tari Eason and analysis of why a major external trade (Jaylen Brown?) could be difficult to execute.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.
Transcribe →Draft week preview: What options do the Rockets have?
Jun 2300:13:19Tap to summarizeTuesday’s SportsTalk 790 interview features insight from Ben DuBose on what the Rockets are likely to do and consider during this week’s NBA Draft. Topics include players that could be on the trading block; whether Houston could move into the first round; and considerations for the team’s two second-round selections at No. 39 and No. 53, overall.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.
Transcribe →What lessons should Houston take from the 2026 NBA Finals?
Jun 1101:11:31Tap to summarizeHosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Thursday’s show features insight and analysis pertaining to the 2026 NBA Finals, and specifically those Spurs-Knicks storylines with implications for the Rockets.The initial segment explores what fans should (and shouldn’t) take away from Stephon Castle’s stated preference to land in San Antonio — and not Houston — in the 2024 draft. The episode then transitions to a discussion of what the Spurs and Knicks have shown us regarding team-building strategies, as well as New York’s unique tactical blueprint to try and slow Victor Wembanyama.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.
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New-look Rockets: Behind the scenes of uniform, logo changes
Jun 400:53:16Tap to summarizeChampionship yellow is back, as is the Dunkstronaut! Jose Lopez, senior creative director of the Rockets, and Taylor French, director of marketing operations, speak with Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty regarding Houston’s new look for the 2026-27 season and beyond.Discussion topics include the intentionality behind changing the logos, jerseys, and uniforms; the process of working with the NBA, Nike, and other key stakeholders; feedback from players and ownership; and what the new look will mean for fans and the organization over the years ahead.The complete press release announcing the changes, along with photos and videos of the new threads, can be read at clutchfans.net.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.
Transcribe →Can Rockets adapt to the NBA’s latest “super team” era?
May 2001:24:24Tap to summarizeAfter a few years of relative parity, the Spurs and Thunder appear to be entrenched juggernauts atop the West standings. As San Antonio and Oklahoma City square off in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, each features an MVP frontrunner and other young stars who should all remain in elite form for years to come.So, what does that mean for those teams a few slots beneath them, including the Houston Rockets? With a eye toward long-term roster planning, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves mull over all the scenarios in our latest podcast.Topics include the merits of a “strategic step back” this offseason; why “all-in” transactions are becoming increasingly undesirable; and whether Houston has the right leadership in place to execute a longer-term plan built around drafting and developing young players.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.
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