Podcast
Rockets LaunchPod
Hosted by Ben DuBose · EN
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.
35episodes
Episodes
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Tari Eason re-signs as Rockets remain active in NBA free agency
1w ago01:20:59Tap 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.
Transcribe →Free agency reaction: Rockets sign Marcus Smart, Bogdan Bogdanović
2w ago00:38:45Tap 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.
Transcribe →Rockets free agency: Fred VanVleet opts in, Marcus Smart possibly on way
2w ago01:04:50Tap 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.
Transcribe →Draft reaction: Rockets add Bruce Thornton, Quadir Copeland
3w ago00:52:23Tap 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.
Transcribe →Draft week preview: What options do the Rockets have?
3w ago00:13:19Tap 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.
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.
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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.
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.
Transcribe →Crash landing: Pivotal offseason awaits as Lakers ground Rockets
May 501:06:43Tap to summarizeTo quote Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, a “frustrating and disappointing season” concluded with Friday’s series-ending loss in Game 6 versus the Los Angeles Lakers. For a second straight year, Houston went 52-30 in the regular season before bowing out in the first round of the NBA playoffs.With that in mind, hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to all the latest developments surrounding the Rockets, including an intriguing end-of-season press conference held by Stone and head coach Ime Udoka. Topics include the reasons for Houston’s bouts of offensive ineptitude in the playoffs; whether Kevin Durant meshes with the team’s young core; the complicated on-court fit of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard; offseason trade possibilities; and much more.
Transcribe →Game 5: Matt Thomas calls via Rockets’ radio network
Apr 3000:09:21Tap to summarizeToday’s episode features Matt Thomas, radio play-by-play voice of the Rockets, calling the second-half highlights of Wednesday’s thrilling Game 5 victory in Los Angeles. With the Lakers now up 3-2 in the series, Game 6 is Friday night in Houston. The Rockets are hoping to become the first team in NBA playoff history (0-160) to overcome a 3-0 series deficit to win, and they are already one of only 16 teams to push a series to Game 6 after losing the first three games.
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