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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 2025-26 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 2025 and beyond; weekly game recaps; and much more.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes228Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BasketballSports

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Artwork for Rockets LaunchPod

Latest Episodes

The NBA’s 2026 free agency window is now open for business, and the Rockets quickly reached agreements to sign both Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanović. In Wednesday’s show, Ben DuBose reviews the basketball and salary cap implications of both deals w... more

YouTube

As the NBA’s 2026 free agency window opens, the Houston Rockets suddenly find themselves with more veteran insurance in the backcourt. Fred VanVleet officially opted into the final year of his previous contract, while Lakers guard Marcus Smart looks ... more

This week’s NBA draft concluded with the Houston Rockets adding Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton (second round) and North Carolina State guard/wing Quadir Copeland (UDFA) to their 2026-27 roster. In Thursday’s show, our Ben DuBose reacts to the implic... more

YouTube

Tuesday’s SportsTalk 790 interview features insight from Ben DuBose on what the Rockets are likely to do and consider during this week’s NBA Draft. Topics include players that could be on the trading block; whether Houston could move into the first r... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Ben DuBose
Rockets Wire writer and longtime Rockets media member
Rockets Wire
Episode: Draft week preview: What options do the Rockets have?
Jose Lopez
Senior Creative Director, Rockets
Houston Rockets
Episode: New-look Rockets: Behind the scenes of uniform, logo changes
Taylor French
Director of Marketing Operations, Rockets
Houston Rockets
Episode: New-look Rockets: Behind the scenes of uniform, logo changes
Stéphane Castel
Special guest mentioned in discussion
Episode: Can Rockets adapt to the NBA’s latest “super team” era?
Dylan Harper
Mentioned as a prospective future star by speakers
Episode: Can Rockets adapt to the NBA’s latest “super team” era?
Adam Clanton
Sports commentator on SportsTalk 790
SportsTalk 790
Episode: Rockets 111, Spurs 106: Reed Sheppard leads valiant comeback
David Wiener
Guest brought in to discuss Rockets topics and provide analysis
Episode: Thunder silence Rockets as Houston’s offense lacks firepower
Michael Shapiro
Writer at cron.com covering Rockets and other sports
cron.com
Episode: Rockets 120, Nets 96: Win streak reaches four on New Year’s Day
Craig Ackerman
Play-by-play voice of the Rockets on Space City Home Network
Space City Home Network
Episode: 2024-25 Rockets season preview with Craig Ackerman

Hosts

Ben DuBose
Host of Rockets LaunchPod and Rockets media/Clutch Fans coverage
Paulo Alves
Co-host on Rockets LaunchPod, frequent contributor and analyst

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 69 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.

Guests and co-host dynamics are a strength, offering diverse perspectives within a coherent Rockets-focused lens.
Overall strong analytical quality with passionate Rockets fandom, though some listeners crave tighter editing and fewer repetitive arguments.
Positive reception of data-driven, insider-style discussions and candid critique of front-office decisions.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Consistent inconsistency: Is it time to reset expectations in Houston?
Q: Are we basically getting to a point where it's just get to the playoffs healthy?
I don't think they're out there looking to prove themselves.
Consistent inconsistency: Is it time to reset expectations in Houston?
Q: Paulo, where are you at with this team as far as the big picture?
I do think that this team is still a 55-win team, and I think there are a few things that have worked into, or a combination of factors that have led to this shaky kind of 500 stretch.
Quarter pole review: Key takeaways, questions for 15-6 Rockets
Q: Will the Rockets make a trade using any salary other than minimum guys before the deadline?
It's possible that they will, especially considering Clint Capella's contributions and potential moves related to other players like Fred VanVleet.
Quarter pole review: Key takeaways, questions for 15-6 Rockets
Q: What can the Rockets do to better get Kevin Durant the ball late in games?
They need to find better tactics for ball movement and ensure better screens are set to free Durant, preventing defenses from being overly focused on him.
Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela in, Cam Whitmore out?
Q: Do you see any other small moves maybe that need to be made in order for anything else to be thought about?
They may need to resolve what to do with Cam Whitmore, potentially considering either integrating him into the rotation or finding a trade for him.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Rockets LaunchPod

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

A sharp Rockets-focused analysis show that blends in-depth front-office debates with on-court breakdowns of the 2025-26 season. Hosts routinely discuss star players like Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun, explore potential moves, and weigh strategies from rebuilding around younger core pieces to pursuing veteran help. Episodes often include game recaps, roster-building debates, and speculative scenarios that push the envelope on what could reshape Houston's championship timeline. This podcast stands out for its data-informed takes, candid management critiques, and clear fan-rooted enthusiasm from hosts who are deeply embedded in Houston basketball media.

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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 Collective
4. Rockets Daily | Houston Rockets Daily Podcast
5. Game Theory Podcast

How many episodes of Rockets LaunchPod are there?

Rockets LaunchPod launched 4 years ago and published 228 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. Ben DuBose
2. Jose Lopez
3. Taylor French
4. Stéphane Castel
5. Dylan Harper
6. Adam Clanton
7. David Wiener
8. Michael Shapiro

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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