Podcast appearances and mentions of ben dubose

Ben DuBose of Rockets Wire and The Lager Line podcast joins me to discuss the Houston Rockets upcoming offseason. We go over who the Rockets consider core players, their trade package for a star and where they should draw a line, Fred VanVleet's contract situation, and potential future cap casualties.PROMO: I'll be a Salary Cap instructor at Sports Business Classroom (SBC) this summer. It's a weeklong educational and networking program that has helped many young people break into the industry over the past decade.There are still spots available. It'll be from July 13-19 this year. If you sign up with the code THIRDAPRON, you will receive a lifetime subscription to my Third Apron newsletter.SBC registration: https://www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/business-of-basketball-registration/#registerYou can follow Ben on:Twitter: https://x.com/TheRocketsWireBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bendubose.bsky.socialAnd see his Rockets content regularly on Rockets Wire and The Lager Line podcast.Please subscribe and share if you enjoyed this. You can follow me on:Third Apron: https://thirdapron.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/YossiGozlanBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yossigozlan.bsky.socialSalary cap sheets: www.capsheets.comLinks: https://linktr.ee/yossigozlan

Seth and Sean dive into the scariest numbers for those of us hoping for a Rockets comeback in this series as outlined by Ben DuBose, and say goodbye to an underrated broadcaster who recently passed away in Mike Patrick.

Is the fifth time the charm? With a first-round series against their nemesis coming up, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves explain why 2025 should finally be the time for the Rockets to beat the Warriors in the playoffs.Discussion topics on our series preview show include key storylines to watch for; predictions for what is likely to happen; and the role of players such as Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Fred VanVleet as potentially crucial variables for the Rockets.

Ben DuBose is the News Editor at AMPP.   In this episode of Specified Growth Podcast, Ben talks about his journalism background and how he got into the coatings industry. He also discusses the importance of understanding your market and audience, how to maximize the value of your digital content to connect with your customers, the future role of AI in the coatings industry, and more. Don't miss this episode of Specified Growth Podcast!     Please reach out if you have any feedback or questions. Enjoy!    Twitter: @TatsuyaNakagawa Instagram: @tats_talks LinkedIn: Tatsuya Nakagawa  YouTube: Tats Talks www.tatstalk.com www.castagra.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite trailing by 25 points in the second half, the winning streak is somehow at seven games and counting for the Rockets (44-25, No. 2 in West) after Monday's bizarre victory over Philadelphia.In Wednesday's show, our Ben DuBose reacts to all the latest developments, including an increasingly important home-court advantage; clear signs of progress for Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.; and why Alperen Sengun's second-half benching versus the Sixers shouldn't be a major concern.

Bleav Host Robert Land asks USA Today's Rockets Wire & Lager Line Host Ben DuBose if the 'Double Big' Steven Adams lineup is ideal for Sengun, if Jabari and the 'Triple Big' will be something, if Sengun's recent run is real, what he thought of Amen being left in the Pelicans game & looking at the big Texans moves in the last week. (1:38) Is Sengun's Offensive Surge Real? (3:58) Has Udoka helped Sengun's passing? (6:00) Is the Double Big best for Rockets & Sengun's future? (9:33) Should N'Faly Dante get run? (12:23) Thank you, Mavericks? (14:02) Why hasn't Udoka experimented more? (19:03) Did Udoka make horrific mistake with Amen Thompson? (28:55) Which Rockets game would you want to see in history - if you could go back in time? (32:31) Thoughts on Texans big movies? Subscribe on Youtube, Spotify, Apple & iHeart X @HSTPodcast #alperensengun #jabarismithjr #amenthompson

Dr. Mersedeh Akhoondan is joining the Materials Performance (MP) Magazine team as Technical Editor. In that role, she is replacing Jack Tinnea, who is retiring in April 2025 after a distinguished career. In this position, Akhoondan is responsible for selecting and reviewing MP's technical articles. She will collaborate with authors, members, and the magazine's editorial advisory board to provide readers with timely and accurate technical content. Dr. Akhoondan, an active AMPP member and a corrosion specialist for HDR Engineering, brings over 15 years of experience in corrosion control and condition assessment of water and wastewater facilities, bridge infrastructures, solar power plants, and transit systems.  This 1-on-1 conversation with Ben DuBose, AMPP News Editor, explores her impressive career and outlook for the new position with MP (a member magazine of AMPP).

After losing six straight games earlier this month, the Rockets (35-22, No. 4 in the West) entered this week with three wins in their last five games. Tuesday's podcast explores areas of encouragement, starting with a healthier roster out of the All-Star break, along with a few concerning trends — such as defensive inconsistency and issues on the second game of back-to-backs. Other topics on this week's show, again sponsored by Houston's Karbach Brewing and hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, include analysis of potential starting lineup changes for head coach Ime Udoka and the underwhelming rookie season of Reed Sheppard.

In Thursday's interview segment with Ross Villarreal of SportsTalk 790, our Ben DuBose explains why he thinks Amen Thompson has likely locked up a long-term starting role with the Rockets (27-12). Other topics include encouraging signs from Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore during Houston's current five-game winning streak, as well as why general manager Rafael Stone shouldn't be under any pressure to make a move at the NBA's Feb. 6 in-season trade deadline.

Ross Villarreal of "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" and Dan Mathews of "The A-Team" recap the Houston Rockets defeating the Denver Nuggets 128-108 to earn their fifth straight victory. Jalen Green scored 34 points, and Alperen Sengun had 20 as the Rockets are 10-3 in their last 13 games. Ross and Dan also:preview the Rockets facing the Sacramento Kings in the second of back-to-back games with Ben DuBose, editor of The Rockets Wirediscuss the Texans facing the Kansas City Chiefs on the road for a Divisional Round matchup with NFL quarterback veteran and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovskyreact to the Ravens claiming Diontae Johnson off waiverstalk about the latest update on free agent Alex Bregmansay "I Just Don't Get It" and more.

Ross Villarreal of "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" and Dan Mathews of "The A-Team" recap the Houston Rockets defeating the Denver Nuggets 128-108 to earn their fifth straight victory. Jalen Green scored 34 points, and Alperen Sengun had 20 as the Rockets are 10-3 in their last 13 games. Ross and Dan also:preview the Rockets facing the Sacramento Kings in the second of back-to-back games with Ben DuBose, editor of The Rockets Wirediscuss the Texans facing the Kansas City Chiefs on the road for a Divisional Round matchup with NFL quarterback veteran and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovskyreact to the Ravens claiming Diontae Johnson off waiverstalk about the latest update on free agent Alex Bregmansay "I Just Don't Get It" and more.

Bleav Host Robert Land asks Ben DuBose what it'd take for the Rockets to get De'Aaron Fox, if there's any downside, Devin Booker vs. Fox & if there are other potential trade targets. (1:12) Rockets interest in Jimmy Butler? (4:49) Why shouldn't Rockets pursue Fox? (17:08) What Assets should Rockets give up? (19:02) Which of Rockets young core is off-limits in trade? (27:24) What's hard about including Jalen Green in trades this season? (33:20) Potential Rockets lower-level Trade Target? (38:23) Appreciating Rockets media legend Jonathan Feigen (43:07) Last Plea for De'Aaron Fox Subscribe on Youtube, Spotify, Apple & iHeart X @HSTPodcast #rockets #sacramentokings

Two weeks into the new 2024-25 NBA season, the Houston Rockets are 4-3 and tied for the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference. In Wednesday's episode, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down some of the key early storylines. Topics include the increasing importance of Amen Thompson and Tari Eason; inconsistency from Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet; and areas of both concern and opportunity entering the next few games.

After a statement win at Dallas and a nearly historic comeback versus Golden State (which fell short in overtime), the Rockets (3-3) remain stuck on the launch pad as they hover near .500 early in the 2024-25 NBA season.Prior to Monday's home game versus New York, this interview segment explores the highs and lows leading to that inconsistency. Voices include The Lager Line's Ben DuBose and SportsTalk 790's Chris Gordy and Stan Norfleet.Topics include promising signs by Tari Eason; potential counters as teams increasingly commit defensive resources to Jalen Green; and reasons for slow starts by Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet.

Tuesday's show is a brief interview between our Ben DuBose and SportsTalk 790's Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy. Topics include the reasons for Houston's 2-2 start to the 2024-25 NBA season, including a scoring binge by Jalen Green; inconsistent play by Alperen Sengun; the healthy return of Steven Adams; and whether occasional rebounding issues for the Rockets are an area of concern.

Tuesday's episode features immediate reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston's newly announced contract extensions with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Discussion topics include the motivations for each deal; why both make sense for the Rockets; and what the agreements indicate about the remainder of Houston's roster and its potential blueprint moving forward.

Monday's episode offers a complete 2024-25 season preview featuring Craig Ackerman, the Rockets' TV play-by-play voice for Space City Home Network. In a conversation with our Ben DuBose, discussion topics include whether postseason expectations are realistic; if Jalen Green and/or Alperen Sengun are ready to take an All-Star leap; behind-the-scenes intel on Ime Udoka, training camp, and Houston's recently completed preseason; and much more.

With preseason play officially underway for the NBA's 2024-25 season, Wednesday's show features reaction from our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to early performances from the Rockets.Topics include encouraging signs by Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson; the seemingly healthy return of Steven Adams; and what to watch for as other Houston players such as Tari Eason, Dillon Brooks, and Jock Landale make their exhibition debuts in the days ahead.

After Monday's Rockets Media Day, Ben DuBose joined SportsTalk 790's Next Up to discuss possible contract extensions for Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green.Şengün had a breakout year last season, finishing third in Most Improved Player voting while averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. While it was previously thought that Houston was not likely to extend Şengün and Green prior to the 2024-25 season, there is now reportedly a "realistic chance" for the Rockets to reach a Şengün deal ahead of the Oct. 21 deadline. Tuesday's interview also explores how newer players on the roster, such as Steven Adams and rookie Reed Sheppard, could make an impact as the Rockets work to return to the Western Conference playoffs for the first time in five years.

Friday's episode features reaction from our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston's newly released schedule for the 2024-25 NBA season. Topics include the opportunity for a fast start (and the importance of one) thanks to a relatively soft opening month; the challenges of a difficult second half of the season, both collectively and to select individual players; and whether the Rockets have potential to make a run in the second edition of the NBA Cup.The show concludes with reflections on the recently completed 2024 Olympics and a look ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, including insight on whether any current Houston players have a path to playing for Team USA.

In this July 15 segment from SportsTalk 790's next up, Ben DuBose and Stan Norfleet react to Houston's 2-0 start at the NBA's 2024 summer league. Topics include the extremely positive impressions made by young guards Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore, as well as the looming rotation crunch if these elite prospects continue to develop.

Thursday's episode has reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston's busy 2024 NBA draft week, which culminated with the selection of Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard at No. 3 overall and trading a second-round pick to Atlanta for sharpshooting forward prospect AJ Griffin.The show winds down with a deeper look at Tuesday's Rockets-Nets trade involving future draft picks, including a potential pursuit of Suns guard Devin Booker as a driving force behind the deal.

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.

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) discuss: -Will the Rockets keep or trade the 3rd overall pick? -What sort of return would Houston want for #3? -Is trading out or trading down more feasible? -Who do we think the Rockets ultimately take? Who's going to be available? -Who do we want the Rockets to take? Best fit? -Are Donovan Clingan and Reed Sheppard underrated prospects? -Salman bashes "Wing Culture" on NBA Draft Twitter -What makes Reed Sheppard such an interesting prospect? -What are Sheppard's weaknesses? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe

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).

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.

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.

Bryan Kalbrosky, national NBA staff writer at USA TODAY's For The Win, shares the latest intel and scouting analysis related to the Rockets and their No. 3 overall draft pick in the 2024 draft.Topics in the May 23 episode — as always, hosted by our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves — include a recent wave of Reed Sheppard rumors, as well as alternative options such as Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, trade scenarios, and more.

Though their 41-41 record was much improved from last season, Houston didn't quite qualify for the 2024 NBA playoffs. Yet, among the teams competing, there are quite a few storylines that could become very relevant to the future of the Rockets.On Friday's show, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves dive into a wide range of Rockets-centric angles from the postseason. Topics include player and team comparisons; the encouraging implications of expensive teams going out early; and plausible trade options with those underachieving teams, such as a deal for Clippers star Paul George. The show wraps up with a preliminary look at internal decisions to come involving Houston's pending free agents and players with 2024 team options. Those include Jock Landale, Aaron Holiday, Jae'Sean Tate, Jeff Green, Reggie Bullock Jr., and more.

Seth and Sean dive in and assess Ben DuBose's idea that the Astros have struggled due to suffering similar fates so far this season to the Texans in 2013.

HOUR 3 - Seth and Sean lay out the top 8 stories of the day, dive in and assess Ben DuBose's idea that the Astros are essentially the baseball version of the 2013 Texans, and wonder where all the S2 test scores that leaked last draft season have been so far?

In a panel discussion, member leaders Dawn Eden and Sandy Williamson join Ben DuBose, News Editor with AMPP Publications, to explore the association's latest efforts and intel related to materials sustainability. Topics include what's new within AMPP's Sustainability Task Force; key takeaways and insights from the recently completed 2024 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo; and what they see on the horizon as AMPP ramps up its global outreach around this fast-paced growth topic.

Host Robert Land asks Ben DuBose about the Rockets offseason. Should Dillon Brooks start next year? How should Rockets use their 1st rd pick from Brooklyn? Who's the starting 5 in November?(:27) Did Rockets season end Tuesday night? (Silver Linings?)(3:25) Should Rockets offer Jalen Green & Sengun max deals?(8:33) Is Dillon Brooks playing injured? And will they deal Brooks?(10:50) Should Dillon Brooks start next year? (15:48) Who's Ben's Rockets Starting 5 next yr?(17:57) Would Jabari be helped coming off the bench?(22:03) More Likely: Rockets draft Brooklyn pick or deal for a role player?(26:16) Is the Rockets Trading for a star not likely to happen?Subscribe on Youtube, Spotify, Apple, iHeart & GoogleTiktok @HoustonSportsTalkRobertX @HSTPodcast @bendubose #tarieason #amenthompson #jabarismithjr #jalengreen #alperensengun #dillonbrooks

In a panel discussion, member leaders Dawn Eden and Sandy Williamson join Ben DuBose, News Editor with AMPP Publications, to explore the association's latest efforts and intel related to materials sustainability. Topics include what's new within AMPP's Sustainability Task Force; key takeaways and insights from the recently completed 2024 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo; and what they see on the horizon as AMPP ramps up its global outreach around this fast-paced growth topic.

The Rockets (32-35) are 7-1 in March with a five-game winning streak, and Jalen Green is the Western Conference Player of the Week. With those recent wins, Houston's hopes of a play-in tournament push in the West are suddenly very much alive.Where did things turn, and what does it mean in the big picture? Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break it all down in Tuesday's episode, which also features insight on Amen Thompson's promotion to the starting lineup and areas for further growth within the team.

Links: WATCH this episode on YouTube! Bleav in Astros Links at LinkTree Jeff Balke's Houston Press Author Page Jeff Balke on Houston Matters

Karthik Prasad (@StanfordKP) joins Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves for a roundtable chat regarding NBA trade season, which unofficially begins each December 15—the annual date at which most players who signed new contracts in the previous offseason can be dealt.From a Rockets perspective, this means that players who signed deals in 2023 free agency (including Jock Landale's tradable contract) can now officially be moved. Victor Oladipo, who was acquired for salary reasons in the trade offloading Kevin Porter Jr. in October, can also be traded in packages since the 60-day aggregation waiting period has expired.With that in mind, what are the possibilities for GM Rafael Stone, and how aggressive should the Rockets be at the start of “phase two” of their rebuild? Karthik, Ben, and Paulo explore the various scenarios, including the potential to acquire a bigger name such as Donovan Mitchell and Dejounte Murray; whether Jalen Green is still the optimal long-term fit at shooting guard; and smaller trade scenarios that could boost this season's team, like a deal for Atlanta big man Clint Capela.

For a second time in under two months, the Rockets (12-9) have won at least four straight games, and they're currently on pace to go 47-35 for the 2023-24 season as a whole. This time, Houston is doing it even amid a sluggish week by third-year prospects Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. So, how are the Rockets getting it done? Hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Friday's episode (sponsored by Karbach Brewing) breaks it all down. Topics include a continued surge by Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr.; steady and perhaps undervalued play by Fred VanVleet; potential reasons for Green and Sengun's underperformance; and Ime Udoka's creative usage of what's becoming a fairly deep rotation.

Host Robert Land asks USA Today Rockets Wire Analyst & Lager Line podcast Host Ben DuBose how Jabari Smith's being used by Udoka, Home Jalen Green vs. Road Jalen Green, concern over VanVleet's usage & an alternative to Reggie Bullock.(:40) Home Jalen vs. Road Jalen(6:55) Where's variety in Jalen Green's game?(10:20) Is Udoka & Rockets using Jabari Smith the right way?(18:27) Does Rockets organization understand Tari Eason's impact on winning?(24:09) Is VanVleet playing too much & what are the options?(31:33) Why are Reggie Bullock & Jock Landale playing instead of other options?Subscribe on Youtube, Spotify, Apple, iHeart & GoogleTiktok @HoustonSportsTalkRobertX @HSTPodcast @ShaunBijani#rockets #jalengreen #jabarismith #tarieason #fredvanvleet #camwhitmore #amenthompson

Tuesday's episode of The Lager Line, sponsored by Karbach Brewing, features reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston's six-game winning streak. Rockets topics include the roles of veterans such as Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jeff Green in closing out games; Alperen Sengun's evolution into a star big man; Ime Udoka's impressive coaching decisions; and what to make of inconsistency by young prospects Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green.

Saturday's episode features analysis from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves regarding the first two games of the 2023-24 NBA preseason for the Rockets. Topics include Houston's improved defensive principles under Ime Udoka; why Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson are among the early standouts; and whether Cam Whitmore can force his way into the regular-season rotation.

Wednesday's show features reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston's recent signing of veteran wing Reggie Bullock. The episode also breaks down key takeaways and quotes from Monday's media day and the ensuing start of 2023-24 Rockets training camp in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Salman (@SalmanAliNBA) talks with Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) USA Today Sports about the Kevin Porter Jr. situation before previewing media day.Topics include:-Will KPJ's contract get voided by the league? If it happens, how would that impact the Rockets (if at all)? -How likely is it that KPJ is just waived outright by the Rockets? -If KPJ is dumped in a trade, what could a return look like? -Is Buddy Heild realistic? Robert Williams? Malcom Brogdon? etc... -How badly did the Rockets front office mess up here? -What does this all say about Houston's internal team culture? -When will the Rockets come to a resolution by? Then, the two preview media day by: -Outside of Rafael Stone, who are we most interested in hearing from? -What questions would we like answered? -How will Ime Udoka restructure the organization on and off the floor? -Why did Fred VanVleet pick Houston? -Is Jabari Smith poised for a leap? All that and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Fresh off Rockets Media Day at Toyota Center, Monday's episode features analysis from Ben DuBose on key themes and takeaways. Topics include Houston's new culture under Ime Udoka and a new-look coaching staff; how the additions of several veterans could play a key role in the 2023-24 season; and why Kevin Porter Jr. already appears to be something of an afterthought for the organization.

Thursday's episode features long-form analysis by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves of the continued Kevin Porter Jr. fallout and what Houston's future looks like without him. Discussion topics include plausible trade options; how losing Porter affects other players on the current team; and what the failed Porter experiment ultimately says (and doesn't say) about the Rockets' front office and ownership.

Jeff Pearlman, bestselling author of the book (Showtime) on which HBO's Winning Time television show is based, joins our Ben DuBose to discuss how storylines related to the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers shaped the modern NBA. Topics include Houston's role as a foil to the Lakers; highlights and key moments from the show; and why it still has relevance to fans outside of Los Angeles.Friday's show also offers insight on the latest reports surrounding Kevin Porter Jr.'s assault arrest and his uncertain future with the Rockets and the NBA, including why a trade could be more realistic than some think.

Stephanie Chizik, Editor-in-Chief of CoatingsPro Magazine, joins Ben DuBose, News Editor with AMPP Publications, to discuss CoatingsPro's annual Contractor Awards. With the 2024 nomination window open now and extending through Oct. 31, 2023, the conversation addresses many frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the program, along with reasons to get involved and potential perks for winners.

Monday's abbreviated episode features reaction from Ben DuBose to the news of Kevin Porter Jr.'s arrest in New York for an alleged domestic assault and strangulation, including why his time with the Rockets is likely over and what it means for the franchise moving forward.

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and  USA Today's Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) cut through all the James Harden to Houston noise to answer the real question we've all been dodging: Do we still believe in James Harden?Sub-topics include:* Is James Harden actually coming to Houston?* What would Harden's role be if he comes to Houston?* Would either of us give Harden a four-year max?* What would prevent us from giving him a four-year max?* Where do fears of a bad 37-year-old James Harden stem from?* Are those fears valid? Is he actually declining fast?* Can the Rockets manage his minutes long-term?* How much do Harden's playoff performances color those fears?* Can Harden still be a major cog for a title contender?+ moreLook for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.Subscribe to the RNH newsletter (free all summer):www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and  USA Today's Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) discuss:* New reporting from Woj on James Harden's interest in Houston* Ben's thoughts on the 2022-23 Rockets season. Was it a success? Failure?* What qualities should the Rockets look for in a new head coach?* Ranking preferred candidates* Why would the Raptors fire Nick Nurse?* Would Nurse be a good fit in Houston?* Is Ime Udoka worth the risk?* Is Scott Brooks unfairly scrutinized?* Who else should the Rockets consider?* Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller?* Odds that Harden returns to Houston* If he does, how different will the Harden experience be this time around?+ moreLook for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.Subscribe to the RNH newsletter:www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com