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
1
Jalen Green Safe As Ime Udoka Says "No Change" ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss the latest news from Houston Rockets practice, including Ime Udoka's decision to NOT change the starting lineup after hinting at a change before the All-Star break, what this says about the approach with Jalen Green, whether or not this is a good or bad move, update on Tari Eason (surprise, he's still out), and concerns about the Rockets offensive efficiency, offensive areas to improve on post-ASB and more.
38 min
2
What Are Houston Rockets Biggest Concerns, Ques...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss the Houston Rockets biggest concerns, biggest questions, and most underrated storylines this season, including whether or not they have a superstar player within the core six of Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore, how will Rafael Stone and the front office navigate the next stages of the rebuilding process, the curious situation regarding Tari's injury maintenance, how close this team is to being consistently good again and more.
41 min
3
Brooklyn Nets Pick Stock Rising, Houston Rocket...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost and NBA Draft enthusiast Madison Moore (@MadManLeaks) to discuss the Brooklyn Nets firing head coach Jacque Vaughn and their plans to build around Mikal Bridges, how that team building strategy helps the value of the Nets picks the Houston Rockets still own from the James Harden trade, whether or not to trade the 2024 Nets pick, possible 2024 NBA Draft targets like NBL's Alex Sarr, Duke's Kyle Filipowski, and Kentucky's Reed Sheppard and more.
35 min
4
Jalen Green Frustrated With Role & Usage? Are H...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the report and story from good friend of the program Roosh Williams about his conversation with Jalen Green, including Jalen's mentality toward not being utilized properly by the Rockets and that he is not a 6th man, have the Rockets coaching staff done enough to put Jalen in positions to be successful, any concerns with Jalen moving forward because of this, and thoughts on NBA All-Star weekend 2024.
37 min
5
Who Belongs In The Houston Rockets Starting Lin...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss Ime Udoka's comments about changing the starting lineup, why Jalen Green is the most obvious player to move to the bench and which other starters could ALSO get get moved, pros and cons to each of Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, and Tari Eason and how each one would fit with the other Rockets starters and more.
40 min
6
Amen Thompson Only Silver Lining In Houston Roc...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) reacts to and discusses the Houston Rockets 121-113 loss to the injury-depleted Memphis Grizzlies. Lack of energy and focus to start the game, offense continues to be a disaster especially without Fred VanVleet to steer things, Rockets three-point shooting numbers in February, Amen Thompson's play as the only silver lining from this loss, Ime Udoka's postgame comments about possibly changing the starting lineup post-ASB and more.
32 min
7
Houston Rockets Get Win Vs New York Knicks Afte...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost and NBA Draft enthusiast Madison Moore (@MadManLeaks) to discuss the Houston Rockets holding on the for the win 105-103 vs the New York Knicks after a questionable foul call put Aaron Holiday on the free throw line with the game tied and 0.3 seconds left in regulation. Was the foul call on Jalen Brunson good or bad, how the Rockets got back to their defensive identity in this game, Amen Thompson's defensive and rebounding impact as well as a couple insane highlight passes to Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, Rockets needing to find ways to get Sengun more involved offensively, rough night numbers wise for Jalen Green but the "process" continues to look good, post-trade deadline comments from Houston Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone and more.
38 min
8
Why Houston Rockets Made NO MOVES At NBA Trade ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) reacts to and discusses the Houston Rockets making NO MOVES at the NBA Trade Deadline, why the Rockets chose to do nothing, the moves we probably *should* have seen them attempt, choosing to maintain flexibility for star hunting by trade or free agency, the associated risks with star hunting, how Ime Udoka is possibly the Rockets secret weapon when it comes to pursuing a star, concerns with Houston's front office asset management and more.
41 min
9
Houston Rockets NBA Trade Deadline Preview: Wha...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss expectations and goals for the Houston Rockets heading into the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, biggest roster needs to make a play-in tournament push this season, possible trade targets like centers Kelly Olynyk or Andre Drummond and shooters like Bojan Bogdanovic or Buddy Hield, not "overpaying" for marginal assets, gauging market value based on early deadline deals, how to approach the Jalen Green situation and more.
47 min
10
Jalen Green's 30 & Amen Thompson Clutch Defense...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) reacts to and discusses the Houston Rockets 132-129 loss to the Indiana Pacers despite 30 points from Jalen Green and some insane defense from Amen Thompson. How Ime Udoka's lineup choices lost this game, lack of offensive hierarchy without Fred VanVleet steering the ship, Jalen with another well-rounded scoring performance, Amen making a HUGE impact in his second career start and more.
36 min
11
How Will Houston Rockets Handle Fred VanVleet's...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the news that Fred VanVleet is OUT with no timetable for return due to a left adductor strain, the severity of the injury and who steps into the starting lineup with Fred gone, the latest Houston Rockets Trade Deadline rumors, including the Chicago Bulls calling about a Jalen Green for Zach LaVine swap, why the Brooklyn Nets are posturing so aggressively when it comes to Mikal Bridges, and postgame comments from Jalen and Alperen Sengun after the loss to the Timberwolves talking about getting out in transition and what that could mean for the team going forward.
36 min
12
Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson & Cam Whitmore Le...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) reacts to and discusses the Houston Rockets 135-106 blowout of the Toronto Raptors, focusing on the career nights of rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore. How Amen was able to carve up the Raptors defense, Cam owning his role as a bench scorer, Alperen Sengun's playmaking on display again because the Rockets are finally CUTTING well, defense keeping Toronto in check, and how a LeBron James trade rumor might help the Rockets.
35 min
13
Houston Rockets Trade For Steven Adams + Jalen ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss and react to the Houston Rockets trading Victor Oladipo and three second round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies for veteran center Steven Adams, why the move makes sense for Houston, what it says about the Rockets approach at this NBA Trade Deadline, is Jalen Green the only part of the "core 6" being offered in trade discussions, how far will the Rockets go in their pursuit of Mikal Bridges with the Brooklyn Nets and more.
36 min
14
New Houston Rockets Trade Rumors: Jalen Green B...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss the newest Houston Rockets trade rumors, starting with the reported interest in Ime Udoka being reunited with his former Celtics center Robert Williams. what a deal could look like with the Portland Trailblazers to get it done, and if it makes sense or not, then the two dive into Jalen Green's recent play, whether or not he's turned a corner, and the trade rumors brought up on the most recent Zach Lowe podcast.
44 min
15
Jalen Green's Best Game Ever As Houston Rockets...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost and NBA Draft enthusiast Madison Moore (@MadManLeaks) to discuss the Houston Rockets cruising past LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 135-119, led by Jalen Green in arguably his best game ever with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists. How Jalen was able to be so effective against the Lakers and why his success feels sustainable compared to some of his past "big" games, Cam Whitmore's scoring explosion off the bench and going directly at LeBron, Fred VanVleet quietly fulfilling his floor general role, Jabari Smith Jr. with a very solid return to the lineup, Alperen Sengun cooking Anthony Davis so badly he was benched in the fourth quarter, and Dillon Brooks getting inside LeBron and Jared Vanderbilt's heads all game.
40 min
16
Houston Rockets Midseason Grades: Jalen Green D...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) for part two of a two-part discussion to talk about and assign Houston Rockets midseason grades as the team sits at 20-23 and just on the outskirts of the NBA play-in tournament, focusing on the dilemma and next steps surrounding Jalen Green and his inconsistent play, major year-two growth from Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, as well as the already impressive impact and moments from Rockets rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore.
51 min
17
Worst Loss Of The Season? Why Houston Rockets C...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) reacts to and discusses the Houston Rockets 137-131 overtime loss to the Portland Trailblazers in easily the worst loss of the season so far. Why were the Rockets struggling against the Blazers, what happened in the third quarter, how did Portland manage to force overtime, why did the Rockets go away from Alperen Sengun late and more.
40 min
18
Why Houston Rockets Are Committed To Jalen Gree...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss Houston Rockets injury updates to Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Fred VanVleet, and Jeff Green ahead of Wednesday night's matchup with the Portland Trailblazers, why the Rockets are stilling committed to finding Jalen Green a role on a winning team, and D'Angelo Russell and Malcolm Brogdon as possible targets ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.
32 min
19
Houston Rockets Trade Rumors & Targets: Quentin...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost and NBA Draft enthusiast Madison Moore (@MadManLeaks) to discuss the latest Houston Rockets trade rumors and possible targets, including Utah Jazz center and former Rocket Kelly Olynyk, New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes, Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Buddy Hield, and a few other interesting names plus a talk about whether a backup big or more shooting is the most important thing for this team right now and why.
34 min
20
Alperen Sengun Star Play In Houston Rockets Ove...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses and reacts to the Houston Rockets pair of weekend games, the 127-126 overtime win against the Utah Jazz and the 116-107 loss the following night to the Boston Celtics. How the Rockets were able to overcome the Jazz in OT, Alperen Sengun's dominance tying his career-high (37 points), Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson insane defense, closing out Utah WITHOUT Fred VanVleet (fouled out), Cam Whitmore's emergence, and hard truths the Rockets have to face about what to do with Jalen Green moving forward.
42 min
21
Houston Rockets Midseason Grades: Alperen Sengu...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) for part one of a two-part discussion to talk about and assign Houston Rockets midseason grades as the team sits at 19-21 and just on the outskirts of the NBA play-in tournament, focusing on Alperen Sengun and his defensive growth this season and what they want to see from him in the second half of the year, Ime Udoka and the Rockets new coaching staff pros and cons so far, veteran impact from Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green and more.
43 min
22
Houston Rockets Trade Rumors: Clint Capela, Dan...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss the latest Houston Rockets trade rumors, including the desire to acquire a backup big man with names like Clint Capela, Daniel Gafford, and Nick Richards being linked to Houston, reported interest in Sacramento Kings veteran 3-and-d wing Harrison Barnes, different ways Houston can use the salaries of Victor Oladipo and Jock Landale to make moves, whether or not Jae'Sean Tate makes it past the deadline and more.
36 min
23
Houston Rockets Defensive Struggles Continue Vs...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost and NBA Draft enthusiast Madison Moore (@MadManLeaks) to discuss the Houston Rockets 124-115 loss to Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Concerns with defensive regressions since the start of the New Year, are Rockets defensive issues personnel-based or deeper than that, offensive and defensive game plan issues vs Sixers, silver linings in Amen Thompson's career-high 14 points and Cam Whitmore continuing to earn valuable minutes and more.
40 min
24
Houston Rockets Blown Out By Celtics In Ime Udo...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) reacts to and discusses the Houston Rockets being blown out by the Boston Celtics 145-113 in Ime Udoka's first return to the city since his suspension and removal from the team back in 2022. Why were the Celtics so unstoppable offensively, how everyone handled Ime Udoka's return, attempting new defensive schemes, Alperen Sengun going at Kristaps Porzingis, Dillon Brooks back in the lineup and frustrated with team's defensive focus, Rockets with odds stacked against them coming into the game, and John Karalis (Host of Locked On Celtics) joins in segment three for additional thoughts and more.
27 min
25
Fred VanVleet & Jabari Smith Jr. CLUTCH Play As...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) reacts to and discusses the Houston Rockets surviving the Detroit Pistons 112-110 and getting an ugly win behind some late-game heroics from Fred VanVleet on offense and Jabari Smith Jr. on defense. How Fred took over the game late offensively, Jabari's key defensive plays, overall defensive growth, and his aggressiveness attacking the rim, Jaden Ivey's attempted game-winner that rimmed in-and-out, Jalen Green's huge second quarter, Alperen Sengun's smooth 29 points, but lack of defense/rebounding in this one, Rockets still searching for a small-forward answer with Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason out and more.
37 min