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101 episodes
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The Lager Line SportsTalk 790 (KBME-AM)
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- Sport
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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As 2024 draft nears, Rockets also finalizing free agency plans
As Wednesday’s 2024 NBA draft nears, the Rockets and general manager Rafael Stone are also finalizing plans for next Sunday’s start of free agency.
With that in mind, topics in Monday’s full show (featuring both Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves) include final considerations with the No. 3 overall pick of the first round; why Houston could pass on using its non-taxpayer mid-level exception in the initial wave of free agency; and considerations to weigh in any potential trade pursuit of Clippers star Paul George. -
Rockets primer entering 2024 NBA draft, free agency window
As key dates on the NBA calendar loom, Sunday’s episode features a preview from our Ben DuBose regarding Houston’s draft and free agency window for the 2024 offseason.
Topics include why Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard or a trade lead the possibilities at No. 3 overall; why a blockbuster trade (Donovan Mitchell, Paul George) remains plausible for the Rockets; and free agents potentially in play for Houston’s non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NT-MLE). -
Minicast: As draft nears, NBA Finals lessons for Rockets
In a brief interview with Stan Norfleet (host of SportsTalk 790’s “Next Up”), our Ben DuBose shares some key takeaways from the 2024 NBA Finals that could apply to the Rockets. Topics include extra fuel to the fire for Ime Udoka, Boston’s former coach; how the Celtics winning the championship without a Top 5 player gives more options to build out rosters; and optimal fits from the 2024 NBA draft, where Houston is slated to pick at No. 3 overall.
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Exploring Houston’s salary cap outlook with Yossi Gozlan
The Rockets expect to operate above the NBA’s salary cap in the upcoming 2024 offseason, but they could potentially have a significant amount of financial flexibility in 2025.
For general manager Rafael Stone, that could present numerous opportunities via trade to leverage that potential space. With that in mind, NBA salary cap guru Yossi Gozlan recently joined our Ben DuBose for an exclusive interview regarding Houston’s financial outlook.
Beyond trade opportunities, the show also explores the outlook for potential contract extensions within the Rockets — including the ideal timing for reaching agreements with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun over the next year. -
June update: Rockets draft intel with Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper)
With two weeks to go until the 2024 NBA draft, Houston continues to own the No. 3 overall pick in the first round. Draft guru Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) joins Ben and Paulo to discuss the latest news and rumors, including deep dives on Donovan Clingan, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, and more. Thursday’s show also explores various trade possibilities, including a hypothetical deal with Portland involving Anfernee Simons.
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ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty on 2024 Rockets offseason
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.