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Artwork for Rockets LaunchPod

Rockets LaunchPod

Ben DuBose
Houston Rockets
Alperen Sengun
Kevin Durant
NBA
Jalen Green
Amen Thompson
Jabari Smith Jr.
Fred Vanvleet
Tari Eason
Reed Sheppard
Steven Adams
NBA Playoffs
NBA Draft
Golden State Warriors
Ime Udoka
Oklahoma City Thunder
Western Conference
Dorian Finney-Smith
Cam Whitmore
Phoenix Suns

Ben DuBose, longtime Rockets media member, writer, and podcast host, discusses the 2026-27 Rockets season with Paulo Alves and special guests. Basketball topics include the performance of star players such as Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun; potential transactions in 2026 and beyond; weekly game recaps; and much more.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes245Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BasketballSports

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Artwork for Rockets LaunchPod

Latest Episodes

Marcus Smart and Jabari Smith Jr. had impressive showings, but the short-handed Rockets didn’t have enough firepower to keep pace with the Mavericks in Sunday’s 132-115 exhibition loss. With that result, Dallas and Houston split their two-game presea... more

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With 17 points, 7 assists, five 3-pointers, and only one turnover, Fred VanVleet was dynamic in his return from injury as Houston opened its preseason by routing the Dallas Mavericks.

Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Friday’s “ClutchFans Live... more

YouTube

Training camp is now underway for the 2026-27 Rockets, and Houston’s roster appears deeper and better thanks to the offseason addition of Marcus Smart and the healthy returns of Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams to on-court activity.

Hosted by Ben DuBo... more

YouTube

In Wednesday’s show, Ben DuBose (USA TODAY’s Rockets Wire) and Dave Hardisty (ClutchFans) break down the key takeaways and themes as Houston opens training camp for its 2026-27 season.

Topics include why Fred VanVleet (with a new knee) and Tari Easo... more

YouTube

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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Kevin Durant
Professional basketball player, Rockets forward
Houston Rockets
Episode: Media Day interviews: Kevin Durant, Tari Eason
Tari Eason
Rockets player
Houston Rockets
Episode: Media Day interviews: Kevin Durant, Tari Eason
Fred VanVleet
Veteran guard, Rockets player
Houston Rockets
Episode: Media Day interviews: Fred VanVleet, Bruce Thornton
Bruce Thornton
Rookie guard who joined the Rockets
Houston Rockets
Episode: Media Day interviews: Fred VanVleet, Bruce Thornton
Alperen Sengun
Basketball player for the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
Episode: Media Day interviews: Alperen Sengun, Clint Capela
Clint Capela
Basketball player for the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
Episode: Media Day interviews: Alperen Sengun, Clint Capela
Reed Sheppard
Rockets guard
Houston Rockets
Episode: Media Day interviews: Reed Sheppard, Bogdan Bogdanović
Bogdan Bogdanović
Professional basketball player
Houston Rockets
Episode: Media Day interviews: Reed Sheppard, Bogdan Bogdanović
Amen Thompson
Professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
Episode: Media Day interviews: Amen Thompson, Jae’Sean Tate

Hosts

Ben DuBose
Host of Rockets LaunchPod; longtime Rockets media member and writer
Paulo Alves
Co-host participating in discussion; analysis and discussion of Rockets topics

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 70 ratings
  • Good but repetitive

    Ben’s insights are good, but he repeats himself as nauseum, sometimes even using the exact same phrases. I don’t mind longer pods, but it is exhausting to hear the same argument 4 times in a row with nothing else added. If you hear him say “again”, just fast forward 90 seconds. Paolo is much better in this regard, but doesn’t have as much insight.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    cmlmel
    United Statesa year ago
  • Best Rockets Podcast

    Ben is the best Rockets analyst imo

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GoRockets100
    United Statesa year ago
  • 👍

    👍

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nordseg
    United Statesa year ago
  • Insightful analysis from Ben, amateur hour from the cohos

    Can hardly understand Paulo and his takes are too biased driven. Would much prefer a solo Ben pod.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    dshaw3233
    United Statesa year ago
  • Good Podcast but…

    I like the Podcast, it‘s interesting and insightful but paolo alves is difficult to understand i know he isn‘t a nativ speaker but that is very unfortunate since the most important thing in a podcast is speaking. If it wasn‘t for that it would get 5 stars from me.

    Further criticism update 19.12.24

    Since i am only interested in basketball and not houston sports in generall (i am from europe) i don‘t like the topics where the texans or astros are being discussed since this podcast is advertised ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    CjM96CH
    Switzerland2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many appreciate insider perspective and confidence in roster-building discussions.
Listeners praise deep, data-driven Rockets analysis while noting occasional repetition from one host.
Some feedback calls out accent/comprehensibility and preference for tighter pacing.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Media Day interviews: Fred VanVleet, Bruce Thornton
Q: What does it take to be ready for your rookie season and learn under a coach like Ime Udoka, given your college experience and the different coaching style?
Emphasized staying ready, embracing the learning curve, and applying preparation to both offense and defense to impact winning.
Media Day interviews: Fred VanVleet, Bruce Thornton
Q: Hey, Fred, what did you learn really about your teammates from the sideline and about yourself throughout last season?
Highlighted growth, resilience in adversity, and a focus on maximizing basketball IQ and the group's best version.
Media Day interviews: Fred VanVleet, Bruce Thornton
Q: Hey Fred, welcome back. Last season on your show with Kevin, you mentioned kind of talking about the process was f'ed up with this team last year. Kind of, what did you see with the process changing throughout the season and how, what are your hopes for the process kind of this season with your return in particular?
Believes everybody can slide back into natural positions, that the team is built for specific roles, and that things should become more organized as the season progresses.
Media Day interviews: Fred VanVleet, Bruce Thornton
Q: Two things. First off, how difficult was last season for you to just, I mean, I know you helped off the court, but just to only be able to sit there and not be able to contribute on the court?
Described as tough and not fun, with the surgery and the long season, but emphasized learning from the experience and focusing on returning to full strength and contributing again.
Media Day interviews: Alperen Sengun, Clint Capela
Q: Hey Clint, in terms of the summer work and how deep this team has gotten over the summer, how excited are you for the months to come, given the tough Western Conference schedule?
Capela emphasizes the return of a more experienced, healthier roster and the expectation that veteran leadership and a deeper bench will help the team competently navigate a demanding schedule.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rockets LaunchPod

What is Rockets LaunchPod about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show delivers in-depth, data-driven analysis of the Houston Rockets, focusing on roster development, front-office decisions, and the team's long-term trajectory. Episodes frequently dissect offseason planning, draft outcomes, free-agent moves, and cap considerations, while also weighing branding, marketing strategies, and fan engagement. A standout is the host duo's willingness to blend tactical basketball insight with business and acquisition discussions, often referencing real-world cap mechanics, player development, and the evolving Western Conference landscape. The format tends toward brisk, analytically rigorous takes with occasional guests, making it valuable for listeners who want practical perspectives on building a competitive,... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Rockets LaunchPod?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Rockets LaunchPod:

1. Rocket Fuel - A Houston Rockets Show
2. Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets
3. Rockets Daily | Daily Houston Rockets Podcast
4. Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective
5. RealGM Radio

How many episodes of Rockets LaunchPod are there?

Rockets LaunchPod launched 4 years ago and published 245 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Rockets LaunchPod?

Recent guests on Rockets LaunchPod include:

1. Kevin Durant
2. Tari Eason
3. Fred VanVleet
4. Bruce Thornton
5. Alperen Sengun
6. Clint Capela
7. Reed Sheppard
8. Bogdan Bogdanović

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