Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

Bruce Thornton Rockets DEEP DIVE: Ohio State PG EXACTLY What Houston Needs + Possible STAR Upside?

Houston Rockets target upside with Bruce Thornton at No. 31—could he be their breakout star? Despite his 6-foot frame, Thornton’s efficient three-level scoring and strong physicality have draft experts buzzing about his unique offensive profile and rare potential. Are the Rockets building their future around a second-round gem?

Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost and NBA Draft enthusiast Madison Moore (@MadManLeaks) break down Thornton's strengths, including his standout rim finishing, sharp three-point shot, and underrated playmaking, plus his fit alongside Fred VanVleet and Reed Sheppard. The conversation focuses on how Thornton’s physical defense and aggressive style could translate to the NBA, memorable comps like Jalen Brunson and Terry Rozier, and what his selection signals for Houston’s roster direction. Is Thornton the piece the Rockets have been missing? Don’t miss this deep look at why Houston’s front office is all-in on their newest guard.

#Rockets #NBA #Draft #Trade #BruceThornton

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FanDuel – Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

#HoustonRockets #Rockets #NBA #KevinDurant #AlperenSengun #AmenThompson #JabariSmithJr #TariEason #ReedSheppard #FredVanVleet #DorianFinneySmith #StevenAdams #AaronHoliday #JaeSeanTate #JeffGreen #ClintCapela #JoshOkogie #BruceThornton #QuadirCopeland

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Rockets TRADE UP To Select Ohio State's Bruce Thornton | RISKY Gamble OR Draft Night STEAL?

Houston Rockets shake up NBA Draft night, trading up to snag Ohio State’s bulldog guard Bruce Thornton with the 31st pick. Can this hyper-efficient, do-it-all playmaker become the steal of the draft and elevate Houston’s backcourt? Bruce Thornton’s elite finishing, commanding presence, and analytics-driven resume spark instant comparisons to Jalen Brunson, but questions loom about his size and defensive upside.

Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) recaps the aggressive trade with the New York Knicks, unpacks fan reactions, and spotlights the team’s savvy addition of Quadir Copeland on a two-way deal. The discussion explores Houston’s strategy to inject young, NBA-ready talent alongside veterans as Summer League approaches. Will Rafael Stone’s front office moves and Ime Udoka’s system speed up the Rockets’ climb out of rebuilding mode? Get the latest insights on Houston’s draft philosophy, roster construction, and what to watch for as the Rockets reload for next season.

#Rockets #NBA #Draft #Trade #BruceThornton

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For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Everydayer Club – If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY – Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com. 

Odoo – Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

Quo – Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

KALSHI – For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

Rugiet – Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed – Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime – Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel – Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

#HoustonRockets #Rockets #NBA #KevinDurant #AlperenSengun #AmenThompson #JabariSmithJr #TariEason #ReedSheppard #FredVanVleet #DorianFinneySmith #StevenAdams #AaronHoliday #JaeSeanTate #JeffGreen #ClintCapela #JoshOkogie

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NO MOVES: Rockets Stay QUIET During NBA Draft Round One | BEST Players Still Available In Round Two?

Houston Rockets stand pat as Round 1 of the 2026 NBA Draft unfolds. Did the front office miss a key opportunity to reset the franchise timeline or strengthen the roster with fresh talent? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) reacts to misses, rumors, and what the lack of aggressive moves means for Houston’s direction as teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs make savvy picks and strategic trades.

Key topics include the Rockets’ best options for Round 2—including prospects like Trevon Brazile, Emanuel Sharp, and Henri Veesaar—plus analysis of late-first round targets and ongoing trade scenarios involving Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, and the possibility of landing Jaylen Brown. Gatlin breaks down what Houston must do to compete with powerhouses like the Thunder, questions the organization’s asset management at the margins, and challenges whether Rafael Stone will seize this chance at reinvention.

#Rockets #NBA #Draft

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For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Everydayer Club – If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY – Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com. 

Odoo – Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

Quo – Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

KALSHI – For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

Rugiet – Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed – Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime – Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel – Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

#HoustonRockets #Rockets #NBA #KevinDurant #AlperenSengun #AmenThompson #JabariSmithJr #TariEason #ReedSheppard #FredVanVleet #DorianFinneySmith #StevenAdams #AaronHoliday #JaeSeanTate #JeffGreen #ClintCapela #JoshOkogie

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Braden Smith Rockets NBA Draft Profile: Houston's SOLUTION To Much-Needed Backup PLAYMAKING?

Houston Rockets target Purdue’s Braden Smith as answer to their backup point guard puzzle—can an undersized floor general elevate Houston’s offense? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost and NBA Draft enthusiast Madison Moore (@MadManLeaks) examine Smith’s elite playmaking, passing vision, and three-point shooting, weighing these strengths against his defensive limitations and slight frame. With Fred VanVleet’s future uncertain, is Smith the insurance policy the Rockets need to keep Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. operating efficiently in the half-court?

Discussion also covers Smith’s NBA draft range, potential comps like Tyus Jones and Pablo Prigioni, and his fit within Ime Udoka’s system. The hosts debate whether Smith’s basketball IQ and ability to run sets can offset his size, especially in late-second-round consideration. Will Houston take a gamble on a traditional floor general to address their playmaking and turnover woes, or seek a higher-upside prospect with a different skillset?

#Rockets #NBA #Draft #BradenSmith

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For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Everydayer Club – If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY – Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com. 

Odoo – Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

Quo – Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

KALSHI – For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

Rugiet – Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed – Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime – Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel – Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

#HoustonRockets #Rockets #NBA #KevinDurant #AlperenSengun #AmenThompson #JabariSmithJr #TariEason #ReedSheppard #FredVanVleet #DorianFinneySmith #StevenAdams #AaronHoliday #JaeSeanTate #JeffGreen #ClintCapela #JoshOkogie

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Bucks TRADE Giannis To Heat | Rockets IMPACT + Can Houston CAPITALIZE In The Aftermath?

Giannis Antetokounmpo lands with the Miami Heat in a blockbuster trade, sending shockwaves across the NBA and officially removing the Houston Rockets from the superstar sweepstakes. How will this seismic move impact Houston’s offseason and the league’s power structure? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down the ramifications for the Rockets, exploring potential fallout for Bobby Portis, Tyler Herro, and the shifting trade market.

Key topics include the ripple effects on Houston’s draft strategy, possible trade avenues involving Jaylen Brown and Myles Turner, and whether the Rockets should sacrifice depth for star power. With the NBA Draft now split across two nights and late first-round trades swirling—could Houston make a surprise move? Get essential insights on team direction, player fit, and what the future holds for Rockets fans after a turbulent league shakeup.

#Rockets #NBA #GiannisAntetokounmpo

📺 Subscribe On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LockedOnRockets

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🎧 Follow/Subscribe/Listen:

Locked On Rockets Anywhere: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnRockets

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For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Everydayer Club – If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY – Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com. 

Odoo – Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

Quo – Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

KALSHI – For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

Rugiet – Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed – Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime – Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel – Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

#HoustonRockets #Rockets #NBA #KevinDurant #AlperenSengun #AmenThompson #JabariSmithJr #TariEason #ReedSheppard #FredVanVleet #DorianFinneySmith #StevenAdams #AaronHoliday #JaeSeanTate #JeffGreen #ClintCapela #JoshOkogie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.