Rockets LaunchPod

Ben DuBose
  • 2.5 (2)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 19 hrs ago

    Rockets add ‘shot doctor’ Chip Engelland to coaching staff

    .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.

  2. 16 July

    Summer league takeaways and 2026 offseason strategy

    The 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.

    Summer league takeaways and 2026 offseason strategy

  3. 8 July

    Tari Eason re-signs as Rockets remain active in NBA free agency

    The 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.

    Tari Eason re-signs as Rockets remain active in NBA free agency

  4. 1 July

    Free agency reaction: Rockets sign Marcus Smart, Bogdan Bogdanović

    The 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.

    Free agency reaction: Rockets sign Marcus Smart, Bogdan Bogdanović

  5. 30 June

    Rockets free agency: Fred VanVleet opts in, Marcus Smart possibly on way

    As 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.

    Rockets free agency: Fred VanVleet opts in, Marcus Smart possibly on way

  6. 26 June

    Draft reaction: Rockets add Bruce Thornton, Quadir Copeland

    This 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.

    Draft reaction: Rockets add Bruce Thornton, Quadir Copeland

  7. 23 June

    Draft week preview: What options do the Rockets have?

    Tuesday’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.

  8. 11 June

    What lessons should Houston take from the 2026 NBA Finals?

    Hosted 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.

    What lessons should Houston take from the 2026 NBA Finals?
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Ratings & Reviews

2.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben DuBose
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    231
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright SportsTalk 790 (KBME-AM)
  • Show Website
    Rockets LaunchPod

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