Red Nation Hoops: A Houston Rockets Pod

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) give their thoughts on the conclusion of the 2025-26 Houston Rockets season. Topics include:-Salman's frustration with Rockets discourse this season-Is everyone overreacting?-Major changes needed?-Should Rafael Stone be fired?-Is a coaching shakeup needed? Can Udoka be trusted?-Should Houston trade Kevin Durant?-Does Durant even want to be in Houston?-Should the Rockets pursue star free agents like Giannis?+ moreLook for RNH on Apple, YouTube, 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

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss: -Kevin Durant’s new extension with the Rockets -Tari Eason reportedly declining $100 million from Houston -Fred VanVleet’s season-ending ACL injury -How do the Rockets look without VanVleet in the first two games? -Should the 0-2 start be a cause for concern? -How can Houston make up for VanVleet’s absence? + more Look for RNH on Apple, YouTube, 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

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) debrief the Houston Rockets offseason in full detail, including long and short-term implications of their decision making. 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

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Dan Favale (@DanFavale) discuss:-Cam Whitmore traded to the Wizards.-Reacting to the details for Dorian-Finney Smith’s contract-Why the DFS signing and the Cam Whitmore trade should be viewed as one big transaction-Will Houston regret trading Whitmore?-Where does Houston stack up in the Western Conference?-Is OKC in a tier of it’s own? Are they a “Warriors’ level threat”?-Can Houston or Denver credibly be at OKC’s level?-How good is Kevin Durant at age 37?-What could hold Houston back as a team?-Is Alperen Sengun still being overlooked nationally?-Could next season be a breakout year for Reed Sheppard?+ moreLook for RNH on Apple, YouTube, 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

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) recap the Rockets known free agency moves. Topics include: -Could anyone have seen this summer coming for the Rockets? -Thoughts on the Jabari Smith extension -Does Smith still possess All-Star potential? -Reacting to the Dorian Finney-Smith contract -Does Cam Whitmore have a future in Houston? -Why did Houston bring Clint Capela back? -Are the Rockets ready to compete with the Thunder in the Western Conference? + more Look for RNH on Apple, YouTube, 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

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) react to the Houston Rockets’ stunning acquisition of 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. Topics include:-Initial reactions to the trade-Grading the deal for both teams-Short and long-term ramifications for the team-How does Kevin Durant fit in Houston?-Will KD and Fred VanVleet get extended soon?-What other moves can Houston make?-Who starts for the Rockets next season? Amen Thompson or Tari Eason?-How good is Houston next year? Can they win the title?+ moreLook for RNH on Apple, YouTube, 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

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) broadly catch up on all things Rockets from the first quarter games of the Rockets season. **Episode was recorded in late November, but remains essentially up-to-date**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

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss:* Why Summer League left Salman speechless* Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore appear too good for Summer League* In-depth observations of Reed Sheppard’s first two games* Why Sheppard is more than just a shooter* What could hold him back in the future?* Cam Whitmore builds upon his Summer League MVP from last year* What has Whitmore worked on this summer? * Why this season is more important than ever for Jalen GreenAll 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

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and The Athletic's Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba):* Analyzing the pre-draft Nets/Rockets trade * Was it smart for Houston to send Brooklyn their picks back? * The upside of the future Suns picks the Rockets acquired * Will they trade for Kevin Durant? Devin Booker? * What is Reed Sheppard's upside as a prospect? * How does he fit with the other "Core 7" Rockets? * Thoughts on Houston trading for AJ Griffin * What are Griffin's strengths and weaknesses as a prospect? * Is Amen Thompson the best prospect on the Rockets? * Can Alperen Sengun be a franchise cornerstone? 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

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