Are the Rockets title contenders right now?

I've been covering sports since just after college. Over that time, what I've learned is that almost every elite athlete gets hurt. And when they do, it's always the same story: nobody's fault, couldn't have seen it coming, or my favorite--it was an act of God. Which is what they used to say about heart attacks, until they learned how the heart actually works. Now we prevent them by the million! So I wrote a book called Ballistic, coming out in May from W.W. Norton & Co., about the people, and the data, who say we could do better. We're about to start a big ol' media blitz, but wanted TrueHoop listeners to learn about it first. It would mean the world to me if you'd consider ordering the book, which you an do so right now at https://www.henryabbott.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Lakers, Nuggets, and Warriors as title contenders The revitalized Detroit Pistons franchise, how far can this go? The Knicks and Grizzlies have excellent records but are a notch below the true contenders, what's the deal? More on the disastrous Luka Doncic trade Top 5 NBA teams right now Programming note: The TrueHoop podcast will be on a hiatus, we hope to be back before the season ends. Stay tuned to truehoop.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's special episode Henry Abbott talks to author and performance coach Steve Magness about his new book "Win the Inside Game: How to Move from Surviving to Thriving, and Free Yourself up to Perform Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss: The continued fallout over the Luka Doncic trade Henry's fantastic article on who controls the game and the way its delivered to fans The NBA says it has processes in place for players to report harassment from gamblers, what could these processes look like when the league takes tons of cash from sportsbooks? Ja Morant and the fragility of superstardom The Blazers look like they have some legit players Congrats to Kevin Durant on joining the exclusive 30,000 point club Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Cavaliers bolstering their title chances by acquiring De'Andre Hunter The Hawks are shedding salary, do these deals mean they are moving on from Trae Young? The Nets and Ben Simmons are working on buyout. Does he have a future in the NBA? The Grizzlies moved on from Marcus Smart in anticipation of signing Jaren Jackson Jr. to a supermax extension Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: How David helps his players manage trade season The impact of the Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis trade Henry Abbott's fantastic article on Mavericks' owner Miriam Adelson Warriors trade for Jimmy Butler The Spurs future with Wemby, De'Aaron Fox, and Devin Vassell The Pelicans traded Brandon Ingram to the Raptors. Is the teardown on? Is Zion next to be moved? The Bucks swap Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma, David thinks it won't be long before Giannis wants out The Grizzlies are the #2 seed in the west and Jaren Jackson Jr. is playing at an All-NBA level Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The red hot Rockets, Pacers, and their chances at title contention this year Young phenom Amen Thompson The Grizzlies have a core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane what does their path for title contention look like? David's article on how teams need to rethink their approach to the draft Top 5 NBA teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's special mini episode Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss: The OKC Thunder are young, elite, and have the potential to be dynastic. They also have 15 draft picks over the next three years that they have to consolidate, and move. Can they turn some of those picks and some young talent into better odds at landing Cooper Flagg in the June draft? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Detroit Pistons are the league's best story, how are they getting it done after winning only 14 games last year? Cade Cunningham is healthy The evolution of J.B. Bickerstaff What's going on with Jimmy Butler? Rethinking the NBA Draft NBA Europe Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Henry Abbott, Jarod Hector, and David Thorpe discuss: The TrueHoop draft debate. The Magic are young and very good right now, are they on a path to actual title contention in the next five years? If not, should they trade Paolo Banchero? Which teams besides the Thunder look like title contenders over the next five years? Which teams can afford to be very choosy at the trade deadline? Review of the Cavaliers/Pacers and Rockets/Grizzlies mini-series, what does David see as a problem for Indiana and Memphis? Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices