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., Kevin Porter Jr., Jae'Sean Tate, Josh Christopher, Tari Eason, 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
201
Kevin Porter Jr. Shines, Jalen Green Struggles ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets hard fought game and fourth quarter collapse against the Phoenix Suns, spearheaded by a fantastic night from Kevin Porter Jr., despite Jalen Green's continued shooting struggles and Jabari Smith Jr.'s quiet night. KPJ making solid reads and LIVING at the free throw line (career-high 14 attempts), Jalen continues to shoot poorly from the floor, down to 26% over these last three games, Jabari still adjusting to the speed of the NBA, UZ ALL MIGHTY Usman Garuba's impact off the bench, Rockets defensive miscues against Suns pick-and-roll, fourth quarter meltdown and more.
33 min
202
Houston Rockets Offensive Issues, Why Jalen Gre...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss the issues with the Houston Rockets offense over the last couple of games against the Utah Jazz, most notably the drastic increase in isolation plays, players falling into bad habits, spacing issues and more, why some of these problems have started popping up over the last couple games, ways the coaching staff can adjust moving forward to get things back on track, and a deep breakdown of one possession that encapsulates many of the issues this young Rockets team is dealing with.
39 min
203
Kevin Porter Jr. Fourth Quarter Comeback Not En...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets ugly game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, with one of the few silver linings being Kevin Porter Jr.'s play in the fourth, spearheading the Rockets comeback. KPJ struggling through three quarters but finding his rhythm in the fourth and clawing the Rockets back into the game, Jalen Green's individual defense continues to impress despite offensive struggles, Rockets offense devolving into ISO after ISO with little-to-no off-ball actions or wrinkles to generate easy shots, too many turnovers leading to fast break opportunities for the Jazz and more.
31 min
204
Evaluating Kevin Porter Jr.'s Play Through Four...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss Kevin Porter Jr.'s performance through the first handful of games this season, how to evaluate his play as the point guard for this Houston Rockets team, whether some of the criticisms of his game are fair or not and more + the two share extended thoughts on the bench moment between Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. late against the Utah Jazz as well as the adjustments and things they hope to see out of Rockets-Jazz part two in Salt Lake City.
35 min
205
Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. & Jabari Smith Jr...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets picking up their first win of the season against the red-hot Utah Jazz behind 20+ nights from each of Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jabari Smith Jr. and key buckets late from Eric Gordon. Jabari starting at the five with no Bruno Fernando and no Alperen Sengun, KPJ with a big night but questionable shot diet, Jalen Green goes for an efficient 25 points through three quarters, then only gets one shot in the fourth, a small dust-up on the Rockets with 30 seconds left to play between Jalen and Jabari that was blown way out of proportion on social media and more.
33 min
206
Usman Garuba Starts, Jalen Green & KPJ Struggle...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets 125-105 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, very much looking like they were playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Why did the Rockets decide to start Usman Garuba over Alperen Sengun in the absence of Bruno Fernando, Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. struggling against the Bucks defense, Giannis doing Giannis things, Garuba with an impressive night all things considered, Jabari Smith Jr. still settling in and more.
34 min
207
Jalen Green Scores 33, Alperen Sengun Adds 23, ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets home opener of the season, an electric, high-octane battle against the Memphis Grizzlies where Jalen Green and Ja Morant went head-to-head and both had MONSTER games. Jalen's scoring burst to start the game, Morant responding after his first stint on the bench, how the Rockets struggled to contain Morant in the pick and roll, Alperen Sengun's impressive night off the bench, Jabari Smith Jr. not being involved enough offensively, the Rockets matching the intensity and physicality of the Grizzlies throughout the game and more.
30 min
208
Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. & Houston Rockets...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses takeaways from the Houston Rockets season opener loss against the Atlanta Hawks 117-107, a hard-fought game that was within striking distance until the final few minutes. The battle of the backcourts between Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, TURNOVERS (both forced and unforced), Alperen Sengun coming off the bench with Bruno Fernando getting the starting nod, trying to defend the Hawks PnR offense, rotations used and more.
37 min
209
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
210
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
211
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
212
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
213
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
214
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
215
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
216
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
217
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
218
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
219
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
220
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
221
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
222
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
223
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
224
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
225
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