Red Nation Hoops

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Bleacher Report's Dan Favale (@danfavale) discuss:-How surprising is the Rockets hot start?-Is there an element of luck with some of this?-Dan recalibrates his views on Alperen Sengun-Has the Rockets front office regained some respect?-Ime Udoka's impact on Dillon Brooks-Why we shouldn't discredit GM Rafael Stone for any of this-Jalen Green will take some time and that's okay Plus: -What do the Rockets do as an organization now? -Should Alperen Sengun be viewed as the franchise player now? -How should the Rockets build around Sengun? -Who's untouchable in a theoretical star player trade? -Should Houston make a big swing or stand pat? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) talks with Sports Radio 610's Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) about the Rockets 4-game winning streak. Topics include:-What's changed from the first 3 games? -What's sustainable and what's unsustainable? -Why fans are overthinking Jalen Green -Why aren't Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun playing more together? -How have Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks helped the Rockets? -Will the Rockets make an upgrade at the trade deadline? Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) of the Houston Chronicle come up with 5 stat-free observations for the early season Rockets. Topics include: * Alperen Sengun's undeniability * Rockets concerning bench units * Cam Whitmore's absence from the rotation * Ime Udoka resonating with the young talent * Dillon Brooks' two-way impact * Jalen Green and Jabari Smith's defense * Houston's continued shooting woes * Ways the Rockets can adjust moving forward * Looking ahead at the next five Rockets games * The NBA's in-season tournament Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) previews the 2023-24 Houston Rockets with play-by-play broadcaster Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) of Space City Home Network. Topics include:* Reasonable internal/external goals for the season? * Will Ime Udoka give Alperen Sengun a fair shake? * Is Jabari Smith due for a snap-back season? * Can Amen Thompson be in the Rookie of the Year race? * Does Cam Whitmore stay in the rotation this season? * Will Jalen Green have a third year leap? * Win total prediction Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and  @LockedOnFantasyBasketball  host Josh Lloyd (@redrock_bball) project the Houston Rockets from a fantasy basketball perspective and, more broadly, as prospects moving forward. The two also discuss how much of an upgrade Ime Udoka could be to Stephen Silas.Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter:www.RedNationHoops.comLook for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe

Salman (@SalmanAliNBA) talks with Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) USA Today Sports about the Kevin Porter Jr. situation before previewing media day.Topics include:-Will KPJ's contract get voided by the league? If it happens, how would that impact the Rockets (if at all)? -How likely is it that KPJ is just waived outright by the Rockets? -If KPJ is dumped in a trade, what could a return look like? -Is Buddy Heild realistic? Robert Williams? Malcom Brogdon? etc... -How badly did the Rockets front office mess up here? -What does this all say about Houston's internal team culture? -When will the Rockets come to a resolution by? Then, the two preview media day by: -Outside of Rafael Stone, who are we most interested in hearing from? -What questions would we like answered? -How will Ime Udoka restructure the organization on and off the floor? -Why did Fred VanVleet pick Houston? -Is Jabari Smith poised for a leap? All that and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com Look for RNH on Apple, Google,

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) talks with Rockets PA Announcer Jonathan Sanford (@TheJSanford) to discuss his years with the Spurs, his move to Houston, his relationship with Ime Udoka, what Udoka will bring to the Rockets going forward, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) discusses Houston's offseason with Bleacher Report's Dan Favale (@DanFavale) before ranking their young prospects based on:-Overall belief in the players-Ceiling of the players-Likelihood to be the best player on the RocketsAli and Favale also discuss the importance in Houston finding their "North Star" prospect as soon as possible, Rafael Stone's tenure as a GM, and more.Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter:www.RedNationHoops.comLook for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) down the Rockets Summer League w/ Rafael Barlowe (@Barlowe500) of NBA Big Board including:-All things Jabari Smith-How did Cam Whitmore fall to Houston at 20?-How will the Rockets manage all this young talent?-Will any player get lost in the shuffle?-Can Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks aid in player development?-How will Ime Udoka approach roles, minutes, and usage?-Will everything truly be up for grabs?-What does Houston's Brook Lopez pursuit say about their faith in Alperen Sengun? Should we be concerned?-Will Jalen Green take the proverbial leap?-What does a leap look like for Green? How can he get there?+ more Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter:www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) discuss:* The Rockets choosing Fred VanVleet over James Harden* Ime Udoka’s influence over free agency* What does Fred VanVleet bring to the Rockets?* How does he make Jalen Green better?* Houston’s asset mismanagement and failed pursuit of Brook Lopez* How Alperen Şengün could make Houston’s summer look foolish* Why Salman believes the Dillon Brooks contract is fine* How Ime Udoka can optimize Dillon Brooks on offense* Excitement for Rockets Summer League roster* Final grades for the offseason* Big picture takeaways from Houston’s offseason+ moreLook for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter:www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Dave Hardisty (@clutchfans) discuss:* The Rockets 4th overall selection of OTE’s Amen Thompson* How does Amen Thompson fit on the Rockets long-term?* Where did we each have Thompson ranked on our boards?* How did Cam Whitmore fall to the Rockets at 20th?* What made Whitmore a Top 10 draft prospect?* Grading the Rockets draft-record through Phase 1 of their rebuild?* How does Ime Udoka find minutes for everyone on the roster?* Who gets cut or traded to open roster spots for free agents?* What free agents are the Rockets targeting?* Who are they likely to sign?* Is the James Harden to Houston officially dead-on-arrival?* Why is Houston so interested in Brook Lopez? Does it make sense?* How will Lopez impact Alperen Sengun?* What will it take for Sengun to prove himself?* Is Fred VanVleet a realistic target? What’s VanVleet’s asking price?* How will some of these contracts look?+ moreLook for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNati

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Adam Spinella of The Box and One (@TheBoxAndOne_) preview the 2023 NBA Draft from a Houston Rockets perspective:* Who is Charlotte going to take at 2?* Should Scoot Henderson vs. Brandon Miller be a real conversation?* What options will be left for Houston at 4th?* What makes Amen Thompson special?* What should we take away from the Cam Whitmore to Houston buzz?* Who does Adam think the Rockets should select at 4?* Rockets options at 20 (if they keep the pick)* What does Adam think of Houston’s young core?* Was Jabari Smith’s rookie season concerning?* Ranking Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, and the unselected 4th overall pick in terms of their upside* Can Alperen Sengun be an offensive hub?+ moreLook for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.Subscribe to the RNH newsletter (free all summer):www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.c

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) discuss:* How did the Rockets react to getting the 4th pick? How has that changed over time?* Will the Rockets keep the pick? Will they move up or trade down?* If they keep the pick, who will they draft?* What will Houston do with the 20th pick?* How interested are the Rockets in James Harden?* Would they offer a 4-year max?* If not James Harden, how will the Rockets spend their $60 million in space?* How will they have the roster spots to sign players?* How did the Ime Udoka hire come together so quickly?* How involved will Udoka be in Houston’s free agency process?+ more Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.Subscribe to the RNH newsletter (free all summer):www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and  USA Today's Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) cut through all the James Harden to Houston noise to answer the real question we’ve all been dodging: Do we still believe in James Harden?Sub-topics include:* Is James Harden actually coming to Houston?* What would Harden’s role be if he comes to Houston?* Would either of us give Harden a four-year max?* What would prevent us from giving him a four-year max?* Where do fears of a bad 37-year-old James Harden stem from?* Are those fears valid? Is he actually declining fast?* Can the Rockets manage his minutes long-term?* How much do Harden’s playoff performances color those fears?* Can Harden still be a major cog for a title contender?+ moreLook for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.Subscribe to the RNH newsletter (free all summer):www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and draft expert Rafael Barlowe (@Barlowe500) discuss the current crop of young Rockets and the best players of the 2023 NBA Draft. Plus: * If the Rockets keep their pick, who will they draft?* Will a possible Harden/Houston reunion affect the pick? Should it?* What does Rafael think about a Harden/Houston reunion?* Who is Charlotte going to take at #2 and how will it affect what Portland does at #3?* Will Charlotte actually pass up on the chance to draft Scoot Henderson? Will Portland?* Will Houston trade-up in the draft? Trade out? * Who may fall to Houston at 20th? * What will it take for Alperen Sengun to be featured more? * What will Ime Udoka do differently to get the most out of the young players? Listen to the Red Nation Hoops Podcast on iTunes, Google Play Music, Stitcher, and Spotify.Watch on YouTube here:www.YouTube.com/RedNationHoops This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoop

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Dave Hardisty (@clutchfans):-React to the NBA lottery results-Speculate on who will be available for Houston at #4-Debate whether Portland will trade the 3rd pick-Would Salman trade Sengun to move up?-Would Dave trade Jabari to move up?-New reporting from Philadelphia on James Harden’s future-Do the 76ers want Harden back? Will they offer a four-year max?-Does Dave want Harden back? Should the Rockets offer a four-year max?-How will the Rockets spend their cap space if they don’t get Harden?+ moreLook for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.Subscribe to the RNH newsletter (free all offseason):www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Kyle Chilek (@kchile22), formerly of RedNationHoops.com, layout all their pre-lottery thoughts, nerves, and feelings. Then the two branch off into a larger debate about a Harden/Houston reunion.Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.Subscribe to the RNH newsletter (free all offseason):www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and The Athletic's Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) break down what Ime Udoka brings to the Rockets on and off the court. Plus other Rockets offseason chatter.Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.Subscribe to the RNH newsletter (free all offseason):www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Bleacher Report's Dan Favale (@danfavale) react to the Rockets hiring of Ime Udoka and break down all the possible implications.Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.Subscribe to the RNH newsletter (free all summer):www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and  USA Today's Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) discuss:* New reporting from Woj on James Harden’s interest in Houston* Ben’s thoughts on the 2022-23 Rockets season. Was it a success? Failure?* What qualities should the Rockets look for in a new head coach?* Ranking preferred candidates* Why would the Raptors fire Nick Nurse?* Would Nurse be a good fit in Houston?* Is Ime Udoka worth the risk?* Is Scott Brooks unfairly scrutinized?* Who else should the Rockets consider?* Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller?* Odds that Harden returns to Houston* If he does, how different will the Harden experience be this time around?+ moreLook for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.Subscribe to the RNH newsletter:www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com