Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On ...

The Locked On Rockets Podcast, hosted by Houston native and credentialed media member Jackson Gatlin, is the BEST and ONLY daily (Mon-Fri) Houston Rockets basketball podcast. Every day Jackson shares the latest news, speculation and analysis on Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, the Draft, Free Agency and the rest of the NBA. Previous guests include former Rockets Matt Bullard and Vernon Maxwell, legendary broadcaster Bill Worrell, current players Armoni Brooks, Jae'Sean Tate and more.


Part of the Locked On Podcast Network.

Sports
Basketball
251
Houston Rockets Offense Better With Alperen Sen...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss the Houston Rockets coming up just short against the Dallas Mavericks at home + their Rockets New Year's resolutions. Jalen Green shooting struggles, but aggressiveness in getting to the foul line, Jabari Smith Jr. with some fantastic defense on Luka Doncic in the first half and late in the game, what allowed the Mavs to get back into the game in the second half, Alperen Sengun returns to the lineup and makes the offense look SO MUCH better, Rockets New Year's resolutions and more.
40 min
252
Eric Gordon Says "No Improvement" After Houston...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) reacts to and discusses Eric Gordon's damning "no improvement" comments after the Houston Rockets ugly 108-88 loss to the New York Knicks on New Year's Eve. Unpacking Gordon's FULL postgame comments and the reasons for them, was this EG's last game as a Rocket, turnovers and poor execution against the Knicks and more.
40 min
253
Jabari Smith Jr. Hot Start, But Rockets Struggl...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets frustrating 129-114 loss to the Dallas Mavericks after a promising first quarter. Jabari Smith Jr. ON FIRE early in the game, but the Rockets failed to go back to him over the course of the next three quarters, lack of urgency in transition, poor body language and effort leading to defensive lapses, Alperen Sengun foul trouble, and Usman Garuba's impact + Jackson shares the BEST and WORST from 2022 in the final podcast of the year.
38 min
254
Houston Rockets Hierarchy: How Should Jalen Gre...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss the Houston Rockets player hierarchy, how the team prioritizes Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., things that each player can do to make life easier for teammates on the floor + could Devin Booker's injury force the Phoenix Suns to trade for Eric Gordon?
35 min
255
Kevin Porter Jr. & Jalen Green Strong Nights In...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss encouraging signs and a competitive Houston Rockets game despite the 126-102 final score against the Boston Celtics. Jalen Green struggling in the first half then going OFF in the third quarter, Kevin Porter Jr. carrying the offense early and having a flawless playmaking game (9 assists 0 Turnovers), TyTy Washington's play helping elevate the Rockets bench unit, competitive game against the best team in the NBA on the second night of a back-to-back, Alperen Sengun a non-factor offensively (0 points, 0/3 FG, 22 minutes), Jabari Smith Jr.'s shooting slump continues and more.
39 min
256
Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. & Alperen Sengun ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. & Alperen Sengun combining for 85 points(!) and leading the Houston Rockets to a big-time win against the Chicago Bulls 133-118. KPJ with his best game as a Rocket since dropping 50 and 11 against the Bucks, Jalen Green on fire early, Alperen Sengun insanely efficient night + LOTS of dunks, unselfishness creating good ball movement and quality offense, Rockets responding to the Bulls with a HUGE 17-1 run in the third quarter, good game management and rotations by Stephen Silas in the second half and more.
33 min
257
James Harden Considering Free Agency Return To ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the the holiday Woj bomb that James Harden is reportedly "seriously considering a return to the Houston Rockets in free agency this July" and what that would mean for the Rockets timeline moving forward. Why would Harden want to leave Philly? Is this possibly just a leverage play? How would Harden returning benefit guys like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.? What would the expectations be for a Harden-led Rockets team this time around?
32 min
258
Should The Houston Rockets Sign James Harden Ne...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss the latest rumor shared by ESPN's Tim MacMahon that the current buzz around the league is to watch out for a potential James Harden return to Houston if it doesn't work out in Philly. What are the pros and cons to a Harden homecoming? Would it be the right move for this young group?
41 min
259
Jalen Green & Kevin Porter Jr. Struggle As Hous...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets getting blown out by the San Antonio Spurs for the second time in less than two weeks and what this loss tells us about the team. Backcourt struggles for Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun the only positive out of the Rockets starters, defensive issues containing the Spurs as FIVE players scored in double-figures off the bench, reporting on trade interest surrounding Eric Gordon, Jae'Sean Tate, Tari Eason and more.
32 min
260
Houston Rockets Positive Defensive Trend, TyTy ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss takeaways from the last two Houston Rockets games against the Miami Heat and Portland Trailblazers, focusing on the confidence the group is playing with defensively, especially at the end of games, how that is raising the floor of the overall defense, TyTy Washington starting to get legitimate rotation minutes, pros and cons of TyTy vs. Daishen Nix, how the Rockets have attempted to balance a 12-13 man rotation so far and more.
40 min
261
Should The Houston Rockets Trade KJ Martin Or O...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss the latest report concerning KJ Martin and Eric Gordon trade rumors, with KJ reportedly "hoping to be moved to a team that can give him a more significant role", how the Rockets should handle KJ moving forward, what does a good return even look like for Gordon at this point, and lastly the two discuss encouraging defensive developments for the young Rockets, spearheaded by Jabari Smith Jr.
36 min
262
Jalen Green & Jabari Smith Jr. Strong Games As ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) talks discusses the Houston Rockets 111-97 win against a depleted Phoenix Suns team missing Devin Booker and Cam Johnson completely, and Deandre Ayton and Cam Payne not playing in the second half. Jalen Green finding ways to be efficient despite the outside shot not falling, Jabari Smith Jr. with a great first half, but then forgotten about in the second, Alperen Sengun being a monster on the glass, Kevin Porter Jr. struggling throughout the game, too many turnovers and an overall poor shooting night for Houston, and lastly Jackson explores the idea of "fake wins" and all the factors that add context to this game.
31 min
263
Eric Gordon & KJ Martin In Latest Houston Rocke...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss the latest reported NBA trade buzz concerning Eric Gordon, KJ Martin and the Houston Rockets possibly being involved in a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks. What does a good return look like for Gordon at this point? Why does KJ's name keep popping up in trade rumors? Is there more to be gained by packaging those players together?
37 min
264
Houston Rockets Get Emotional Win Behind Jabari...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets gutsy, emotional win against the Milwaukee Bucks in the absence of their head coach Stephen Silas, behind a GREAT defensive performance from Jabari Smith Jr. and an incredibly efficient 30-point night from Jalen Green. How the Rockets slowed down Giannis Antetokounmpo with Jabari as his primary defender, capitalizing on good defense by getting out in transition, Jalen working the two-man game with Alperen Sengun, Kevin Porter Jr. with two key defensive stops late in the game and more.
27 min
265
Houston Rockets National Criticism Fair? + Alpe...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss and react to national criticism of the Houston Rockets by ESPN's Zach Lowe and Jonathan Givony, who voiced concerns over Houston's lack of offseason structure and how that's impacting Jabari Smith Jr.'s development, but also praised players like rookie Tari Eason and KJ Martin. The two then share data on the Rockets primary ball handlers (Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and Eric Gordon) and how they've looked this season operating with Alperen Sengun as the primary screener.
32 min
266
Houston Rockets Changing Narratives? + Jalen Gr...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss the Houston Rockets chances to start changing the narrative surround the team, it's players, and head coach Stephen Silas as the schedule eases up here in December with a 7-game homestand, Jalen Green splits this season (road vs. home, month to month, etc.), and the future of the small forward spot between Jae'Sean Tate (is he still alive?), KJ Martin and Tari Eason.
39 min
267
Kevin Porter Jr. & Jalen Green Lead Houston Roc...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets impressive DOUBLE OVERTIME win against Joel Embiid, James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers with so many different players contributing in key ways down the stretch. Jalen Green's huge night scoring in the paint, Kevin Porter Jr.'s game-saving plays against Harden and Embiid, Tari Eason's huge spark off the bench in the third quarter, Alperen Sengun staying aggressive on defense with five fouls, Jabari Smith Jr.'s big-time threes and more.
32 min
268
Jalen Green Leads Comeback In Houston Rockets W...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets back-to-back slate of weekend games with Friday's 122-121 comeback win against the Phoenix Suns and Saturday's 120-101 stinker against the Golden State Warriors. Jalen Green's HUGE 20-point third quarter to spearhead the Rockets comeback against the Suns, followed by Kevin Porter Jr. and Bruno Fernando carrying in the fourth, perimeter defense allowing Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole to go off, the Rockets refusal to make Alperen Sengun a focal point, capitalizing on positive chemistry between Jalen/Sengun and KPJ/Bruno and more.
26 min
269
Houston Rockets Discipline, Defense Issues, Min...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss the disappointing level of the play from the Houston Rockets second game in Denver after a promising three quarters in game one against the Nuggets, how the rotations at center will likely look moving forward with Alperen Sengun, Usman Garuba, and Bruno Fernado, and a deep-dive on what's happening with the Rockets defense and ideas on how it can be improved.
36 min
270
Houston Rockets Blowout Loss To Denver Nuggets ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets 120-100 blowout loss against the Denver Nuggets, focusing on the slow start on both sides of the ball. What changed from game one to game two against Denver, why the Rockets are getting off to slow starts, how this loss is NOT the end of the world and more.
29 min
271
Rockets Rookie Tari Eason Exclusive On Offensiv...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) sits down with Houston Rockets rookie forward Tari Eason (@TAR13ASON) to discuss working with the coaching staff to become a better finisher around the rim, where his competitiveness comes from, how he and Josh Christopher push each other behind the scenes, defensive impact off the bench and more.
4 min
272
Alperen Sengun & Houston Rockets Strong First H...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets 129-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets, where they were competitive and played a strong first half, responded to multiple Denver runs in the third quarter, but didn't have an answer for the Nuggets final burst in the third period. Alperen Sengun going toe-to-toe with Nikola Jokic and receiving a HUGE endorsement from the two-time MVP after the game, Jalen Green struggling against Nuggets ball pressure, foul trouble limiting Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. for portions of this game, losing track of Jamal Murray in the third quarter, Josh Christopher putting in postgame work and more.
25 min
273
Jabari Smith Jr. Exclusive On Houston Rockets G...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) sits down with Jabari Smith Jr. (@jabarismithjr) to discuss settling into his rookie season, on and off the court growth, working with head coach Stephen Silas, using his voice on the court and in the locker room, and developing his relationship with Jalen Green.
6 min
274
Houston Rockets Quarter Season Grades For Jalen...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to do a Houston Rockets quarter season report card handing out letter grades assessing both individual and team performance across the roster. Where do Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun and the rest of the Rockets grade out at now that we are 1/4 of the way through the season?
47 min
275
Jalen Green & Alperen Sengun Set Career-Highs I...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets blowout win against the OKC Thunder behind two HUGE games from Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Jalen with a career-high 9 assists to go with his 28 points, Al-P with 21 points, a career-high 19(!) rebounds and 7 assists in his return to the lineup, Jabari Smith Jr. rebounding well and letting it fly from deep, Kevin Porter Jr. struggling early but bouncing back in the second half, Rockets showing maturity by building and *maintaining* their lead against the Thunder and more.
35 min