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
301
Houston Rockets Culture Reset Led By Jalen Gree...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss the Houston Rockets culture reset and tone headed into the 2022-2023 NBA season, differences between this year and last year highlighted by Stephen Silas, the growth and maturity of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., how the Rockets are trying to unlock offensive potential with Bruno Fernando as a vertical spacing threat, key matchups between Jalen, KPJ, Trae Young, Dejounte Murray and other things to watch for in Rocket-Hawks and more.
36 min
302
Kevin Porter Jr. Receives Contract Extension Fr...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss the Houston Rockets bombshell news that Kevin Porter Jr. received a four-year, $82.5 million contract extension with some incredibly team-friendly terms on it, including non-guaranteed money in years two & three and a team-option in year four. Framework of KPJ's new deal, why the Rockets were able to make it work before the deadline passed, "trust" being shared between KPJ and Rafael Stone, KPJ's initial reaction to the news, Stephen Silas' reaction and relationship with KPJ and more.
34 min
303
Jalen Green Drops 33 Points, Kevin Porter Jr. A...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets final preseason game against the Indiana Pacers that saw Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. combine for 55 points as the Rockets shot lights out from long-range (46.2%) improving to 3-1 across preseason. Jalen showing exactly why he will one day lead the NBA in scoring, KPJ continues to look more confident and comfortable on the floor, Alperen Sengun bounces back from his struggles against the Miami Heat, the Houston forward brigade getting it done on the glass, Josh Christopher possibly the man on the outside looking in, why Houston likely waived Derrick Favors and more.
37 min
304
Jalen Green's Former Coach Talks His Growth Wit...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by Jalen Green's former coach Joey Fuca (@coachfuca) to discuss Jalen's adjustment to the NBA game throughout his rookie season, his leadership qualities both on and off the floor, what Jalen spent time working on this past offseason, unselfishness in wanting to get teammates involved, negative media labels, expectations for this upcoming season and more.
26 min
305
Alperen Sengun Adjusting To Role + Houston Rock...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses Houston Rockets updates like Stephen Silas returning from health and safety protocols + Jabari Smith Jr. returning to practice, but still being held out for the final preseason game against the Indiana Pacers, followed by highlighting Silas' thoughts on Alperen Sengun adjusting to his new role here as a starter and in the offensive system, then Jackson shares the report that the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat and Portland Trailblazers all have interest in forward KJ Martin, whether moving KJ is the right move at this time, and what those teams could potentially offer in a trade package.
29 min
306
How Do The Houston Rockets Balance Jalen Green,...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to first share thoughts on the media negativity and labels currently being attached to Jalen Green before diving into the discussion of how the Houston Rockets can balance and get the most production out of Jalen, Kevin Porter Jr. and Alperen Sengun this season, either by staggering the backcourt minutes or allowing Al-P the chance to run the second-unit.
38 min
307
Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. Light It Up, Alpe...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets 118-110 loss against the Miami Heat in their third preseason game of the year. Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. both getting it done offensively, scoring 20+ each... but at the expense of Alperen Sengun who's role was reduced to just setting screens, Rockets losing control of the game early in the second quarter with a questionable at best lineup off the bench, Tari Eason and KJ Martin continue to impress on the wing, Garrison Mathews still misfiring from long-range, and Josh Christopher struggling badly early on before coming alive late.
33 min
308
Alperen Sengun Huge Test Against Bam Adebayo, M...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by new weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss the biggest storyline going into the Houston Rockets third preseason game: how will new starting center Alperen Sengun handle the upgraded competition against Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat + the looming Rockets roster crunch with the season just over a week away, who is the most likely name to be cut/traded to get the roster down to 15 players, and other storylines to pay attention to in Rockets-Heat like Tari Eason, KJ Martin, and Kevin Porter Jr.
43 min
309
Jalen Green & Tari Eason Lead The Way As Housto...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by Raj Nair (@reezySZN) to discuss and react to the Houston Rockets preseason win against the Toronto Raptors 116-100, behind 23 points from Jalen Green and 24 points from Tari Eason off the bench. Jalen's electric play, scoring at all three levels, getting to the free throw line and hitting some INSANELY tough shots, Tari staking his claim for a rotation spot sooner rather than later, the Rockets wreaking havoc defensively with so many switchable wings on the floor, Kevin Porter Jr. looking to be more "in control" so far, and a pair of rough nights for Garrison Mathews and Daishen Nix.
43 min
310
Jabari Smith Jr. Injury, Jalen Green's Aggressi...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly co-host Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss the news that Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) and Eric Gordon (rest) will both be OUT for the Houston Rockets second preseason game against the Toronto Raptors. The two talk about Jabari's impact on both sides of the floor against the San Antonio Spurs, Jalen Green's aggressive mentality, how the 4-out-1-in offense has looked so far, Jabari's ability to play off of Alperen Sengun, who steps into the starting lineup against the Raptors, expectations/predictions for the Toronto game and more.
32 min
311
Jalen Green & Kevin Porter Jr. Expectations, Ho...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by Houston Rockets broadcaster Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) to discuss expectations for year two Jalen Green, what does Kevin Porter Jr. need to showcase to prove he is the long-term point guard, the Houston Rockets offensive and defensive goals for this season, how impressive Jabari Smith Jr. has looked through camp and the preseason opener, Alperen Sengun as an offensive hub, and the marquee matchup between the two top prospects of the 2023 NBA Draft, Victor Wenbanyama and Scoot Henderson.
39 min
312
Jabari Smith's Ceiling, KJ Martin's New Role Fo...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by Madison Moore (@MadManLeaks) to discuss Jabari Smith's ceiling as a player after some VERY high praise from assistant coach John Lucas at Rockets practice, KJ Martin's new role(!?) as a small forward and his growth as a player, Usman Garuba's impact defensively in the preseason opener and what he needs to do to carve out a consistent role in Houston, and how impressive TyTy Washington looked in limited minutes.
36 min
313
Houston Rockets New Identity, Jabari Smith & Al...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss the identity and culture forming with this young Houston Rockets team, how some fans may be undervaluing Jae'Sean Tate's importance to the organization, how well Jabari Smith and Alperen Sengun play off of each other and what more we can expect from the young frontcourt, and Bruno Fernando earning a four-year deal, his role on the team, and the impact it will have elsewhere on the roster.
38 min
314
Jabari Smith Jr. ON FIRE & Tari Eason DOMINANT ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets blowout of the San Antonio Spurs 134-96 behind 21 points each from Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason. Jabari being ON FIRE from long range, Spurs with no answer for Tari inside, new defensive identity developing in Houston, Bruno Fernando's new contract (???) and possible backup center role, Alperen Sengun as the offensive hub, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green struggling offensively, but why that is OK, Garry Bird with only five minutes of run and Josh Christopher as the 12th man off the bench.
35 min
315
Houston-OKC Trade & Rockets Training Camp: Jaba...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss the Houston-OKC Thunder trade sending OUT David Nwaba, Sterling Brown, Trey Burke & Marquese Chriss for Derrick Favors, Ty Jerome, Moe Harkless, Theo Maledon and a 2025 second-round pick via Atlanta AND takeaways from Rockets training camp day three, focusing on Jabari Smith's IMPRESSIVE defensive display, how he impacts the Rockets defensive identity, new offensive schemes being implemented by Stephen Silas and how the new offense will help Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and Alperen Sengun.
40 min
316
Houston Rockets Training Camp: Lineups, Eric Go...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) of the Houston Chronicle to discuss takeaways from Houston Rockets training camp day two, including potential lineups and the Rockets likely fifth starter, Eric Gordon's impact going beyond the traditional "veteran leadership" role, defensive adjustments hinted at by both Stephen Silas and players, Jalen Green becoming more vocal and more.
38 min
317
Houston Rockets Training Camp: Conditioning Tes...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses sights, sounds and takeaways from day one of Houston Rockets training camp, focusing on Stephen Silas' conditioning test to set the tone for the group, Jalen Green working on shot mechanics with John Lucas, Usman Garuba's role and impact, Jabari Smith growing into his role as a vocal leader and TyTy Washington's mentality as a combo-guard.
32 min
318
Houston Rockets Media Day! Kevin Porter Jr Matu...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses takeaways from Houston Rockets media day for the 2022-2023 NBA season, highlighted by Kevin Porter Jr.'s genuine and mature answers, Jalen Green's offseason growth, Jabari Smith's defensive prowess, Stephen Silas and Rafael Stone's vision for the season, Alperen Sengun's masterclass in english public speaking, BOBAN BEING BOBAN, Josh Christopher all about the vibes, Jae'Sean Tate describing the culture in Houston as "electric" and KJ Martin stating "I'm just here to do my job."
32 min
319
Houston Rockets Questions & Storylines Going In...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the biggest questions and storylines heading into Houston Rockets media day for the 2022-2023 NBA season + two recent talking points brought up by The Athletic's Kelly Iko regarding the futures of both veteran guard Eric Gordon and third year wing KJ Martin. Is this the make or break year for Stephen Silas? What about Kevin Porter Jr.? What has Jalen Green worked on this offseason? How much will the addition of Jabari Smith elevate the Rockets defense? What did Alperen Sengun and Usman Garuba learn from playing in EuroBasket? Who will be the Rockets fifth starter, Eric Gordon or Jae'Sean Tate? Will Tari Eason and TyTy Washington be in the rotation early or be sent to the G League?
33 min
320
Are Jalen Green, KPJ & Jabari Smith The Houston...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by Kris Gardner (@TheHRReview) of Houston Roundball Review to discuss Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jabari Smith as the three most important pieces of the Houston Rockets rebuilding timeline, attributes that standout, areas of needed improvement, expectations for this upcoming season and more.
34 min
321
Jalen Green & Kevin Porter Jr. ESPN & CBS Prese...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses Jalen Green on the ESPN top-100 player ranking list (No. 62) and Kevin Porter Jr. NOT on the CBS top-22 point guard list ahead of the 2022-2023 NBA season, whether these are fair evaluations based on where each player is at, parallels between Jalen and Anthony Edwards previous ESPN rankings, and possible NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement ramifications further down the line for the Houston Rockets.
36 min
322
Stephen Silas Optimistic About Houston Rockets ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly co-host Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss head coach Stephen Silas' recent one-on-one with Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen ahead of Houston Rockets training camp, optimism heading into the season, reasons why this year feels different compared to the last two, and expectations for his third season in Houston + KJ Martin's uncertain future, has he shown enough to cement himself a role on a roster with so much young talent all deserving of minutes?
34 min
323
Houston Rockets Rotations Test: Stagger KPJ & J...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by Paulo Alves (@PauloAlvesNBA) to have some fun with a Houston Rockets rotation thought experiment and discuss some of the difficult variables Stephen Silas will face trying to balance playing time for so many different players this season. Should Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green be staggered or not? Can the Rockets afford to play two non-shooters at the same time? Is a 10 or 11 man rotation realistic at all?
41 min
324
Rockets Important Dates, Jalen Green & Jabari S...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) talks over upcoming important dates for the Houston Rockets, including media day, training camp, preseason opener and the final date for rosters to be set headed into the NBA season, followed by highlighting the importance of NBA strength and conditioning programs and how adding strength and size will greatly benefit Jalen Green, Jabari Smith and other Rockets. Lastly, Jackson discusses EUROBASKET CHAMPION Usman Garuba and his impact throughout the tournament and how his passing should have fans incredibly optimistic about his ability to thrive in lineups next to Green and Kevin Porter Jr.
25 min
325
How EuroBasket Is Helping Houston Rockets Cente...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly co-host Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss takeaways from Alperen Sengun's EuroBasket play, promising signs of his growth as a player both offensively AND defensively, how playing in EuroBasket is preparing Sengun for the grind of the NBA regular season + the two take a look at the newest bromance in Houston between Tari Eason and Boban Marjanovich, as well as the impact Boban will have on the locker room.
34 min