Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

Locked On Podcast Network, Jackson Gatlin

Locked On Rockets podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Houston Rockets and the NBA. Hosted by Houston native and credentialed media member, Jackson Gatlin, the Locked On Rockets podcast provides your daily Rockets fix with expert, local analysis, game recaps, opponent check-ins, and coverage of all aspects of the Rockets franchise. Locked On Rockets takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Rockets’ locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Rockets podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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21 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes21

Newest first

Yesterday · 16 min
Houston Rockets WAIVE JD Davison OPENING Final Roster Spot | Russell Westbrook Or Victor Oladipo?
Houston Rockets waive JD Davison to duck luxury tax and spark speculation over the final roster spot. Was ownership’s move driven by the threat of the repeater tax, or do bigger roster ambitions loom? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) explores the financial rationale behind Davison’s departure, the team’s current 14-man roster, and why a Russell Westbrook reunion is out of the question for Houston’s playoff aspirations. Discussion centers on potential fits for the 15th spot, including the intrigue
July 31 · 31 min
BLOCKBUSTER: Should Houston Rockets TRADE For Stephen Curry And REUNITE Him With Kevin Durant?
Houston Rockets hypothetical—could Steph Curry reunite with Kevin Durant in Houston? As the Golden State Warriors stumble and hint at a rebuild, speculation swirls about the Rockets making a bold play for the NBA’s greatest shooter. Would a package featuring Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, and key draft capital be enough to pry Curry away from the Bay Area, or is including Alperen Sengun the real tipping point? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down the implications of such
July 30 · 29 min
Houston Rockets Offseason LESSONS: Alperen Sengun's RETURN To Form, Amen Thompson's EXTENSION & More
Houston Rockets double down on two-timeline strategy as Alperen Sengun’s All-Star expectations soar. Can a revamped roster and new shooting coach Chip Engelland restore the team’s lost identity and push them beyond a first-round playoff exit? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by sports reporter for Chron.com Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) break down the Rockets’ offseason moves, including the impact of Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams returning, the additions of Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanov
July 29 · 20 min
LeBron James SHOCKS NBA With Philadelphia 76ers Move | What Does It Mean For Houston Rockets?
LeBron James stuns NBA fans by signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal, shaking up the title race and setting his sights on a historic fourth championship with a different team. Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) examines LeBron’s legacy-driven choice, the 76ers’ fit issues, and the domino effect across the league—leaving the Golden State Warriors scrambling and impacting the Houston Rockets’ buyout market outlook. Key topics include KCP’s likely move to Philly, the Lakers’ retooled
July 28 · 34 min
Houston Rockets & Alperen Sengun DIFFICULT Conversations After Season | MAKE Or BREAK Year Coming?
Houston Rockets push Alperen Sengun to level up after “difficult conversations” at season’s end. Is this a make-or-break year for the talented Turkish big man as his role evolves alongside Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) unpacks ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne report, highlighting the Rockets’ expectations for Sengun’s habits, defense, and offensive efficiency. Key topics include Sengun’s defensive regression, turnover issues, and the urgent need for improved three-point
July 27 · 25 min
Houston Rockets RE-SIGN Jae'Sean Tate & Give Isaiah Crawford A CHANCE With Standard NBA Contract
Houston Rockets make strategic roster decisions as Jae'Sean Tate returns and Isaiah Crawford secures a standard NBA contract, fueling speculation on how these moves shape the team’s chemistry and depth. Key questions arise: Will Tate’s familiarity and locker room presence outweigh past frustrations with his role, and does Crawford have the tools to carve out meaningful minutes? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down Houston’s roster outlook, including Exhibit 10 deals for Julian Phillips an
July 23 · 34 min
Rockets HIRE "Shot Doctor" Coach Chip Engelland | Alperen Sengun & Amen Thompson Shooting Leap SOON?
Houston Rockets land elite “shot doctor” Chip Engelland to transform Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson’s shooting woes. Can this coaching addition unlock superstar ceilings and elevate the Rockets’ offensive firepower in the loaded Western Conference? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down Engelland’s remarkable impact with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, including his role in developing Kawhi Leonard’s jumper and boosting OKC’s three-point rankings. Key topics include the s
July 20 · 36 min
Houston Rockets Summer League STANDOUTS | Bruce Thornton READY For NBA Opening Night Rotation Spot?
Houston Rockets fans have reason to be excited as Bruce Thornton shines in Summer League, averaging 18.6 points and showcasing defensive grit that draws Fred VanVleet comparisons. Is Thornton ready to carve out a rotation spot by opening night, or will the Rockets take a patient approach with their new guard depth? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by sports reporter for Chron.com Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) break down Houston’s standout Summer League performances, grading contributions fr
July 19 · 23 min
Rockets Run ENDED By Grizzlies Despite Quadir Copeland's BREAKOUT As Bruce Thornton STRUGGLES
Houston Rockets’ Summer League run ends as Quadir Copeland’s breakout 24-point performance isn’t enough to overcome the Memphis Grizzlies’ suffocating defense. Can Copeland’s dynamic slashing and playmaking force his way onto the Rockets’ full roster? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down Copeland’s aggressive, next-level handle and how the Grizzlies’ length stifled the backcourt duo of Bruce Thornton and Tristan Newton. Key moments include Cedric Coward’s 28-point explosion for Memphis, C
July 18 · 22 min
Bruce Thornton & Tristen Newton POWER Rockets Past Nets To CLINCH Summer League Playoff Spot
Houston Rockets clinch Summer League playoff spot as Bruce Thornton shines in a dominant 100-83 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Can Bruce Thornton’s all-around performance and Tristen Newton’s clutch fourth-quarter scoring fuel a SL championship run? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) recaps the blowout win, spotlighting Bruce Thornton’s 23-point outing, Newton’s late-game heroics, and the fiery on-court moments—including Isaiah Crawford’s surprising ejection. Key topics include Copeland’s developi
July 15 · 22 min
Rockets Bruce Thornton ROTATION READY? | Isaiah Crawford STRONG Case For Standard NBA Contract
Houston Rockets dominate Philadelphia 76ers in Summer League Game 3 as Bruce Thornton’s two-way brilliance and Isaiah Crawford’s breakout spark major rotation debates. Can Thornton force his way into Ime Udoka’s opening night lineup and will Crawford earn a standard NBA contract, reshaping Houston’s bench depth? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down the Rockets’ emphatic 90-64 win, spotlighting Thornton’s poise, strong decision-making, and defensive grit against bigger competition. Key top
July 13 · 23 min
Rockets FALL To Hot-Shooting Raptors | Bruce Thornton Showcases PROMISING Shooting & Playmaking
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down the Rockets' 102–89 loss to the Toronto Raptors, spotlighting Bruce Thornton’s gritty 17-point, 6-rebound, 6-assist, 5-steal performance, and the impact of Seth Lundy’s lights-out three-point barrage. Key highlights include Quadir Copeland’s perimeter defense, Tristan Newton’s flashes as a creator, and concerns over the offensive lulls without Thornton on the floor. The show also features insights from GM Rafael Stone on Marcus Smart’s fit, Reed Sheppa
July 11 · 23 min
Bruce Thornton SHINES In Rockets Summer League DEBUT | Quadir Copeland SPARKS 4th Quarter TAKEOVER
Houston Rockets secure a 97-86 Summer League opener win as Bruce Thornton and Quadir Copeland fuel a dominant fourth-quarter surge. Can Thornton’s poised playmaking and Copeland’s two-way impact signal the arrival of Houston’s new young talent? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down the Rockets’ promising building blocks, spotlighting Thornton’s 27-point showcase, Copeland’s versatile stat line, and Isaiah Crawford’s relentless hustle on both ends. The analysis highlights how Oscar Cluff’s
July 9 · 29 min
Rockets Summer League EXPECATIONS | Bruce Thornton Ready To SHINE In Houston Debut?
Houston Rockets set the stage for a surprise Summer League run as rookie Bruce Thornton draws comparisons to Fred VanVleet and Jalen Brunson with his elite playmaking, floor general presence, and physicality. Could Thornton leapfrog Reed Sheppard in the rotation? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by sports reporter for Chron.com Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) explore how Thornton’s college efficiency and leadership might shake up Ime Udoka’s lineup decisions. The episode spotlights new additi
July 8 · 22 min
BOGUS Kevin Durant To Detroit Rumors | Why Rockets WILL NOT Trade KD To Pistons
Kevin Durant isn't going anywhere—despite swirling rumors, the Houston Rockets have no plans to trade their superstar forward to the Detroit Pistons. Why does this make sense for both Houston's playoff ambitions and Ime Udoka’s win-now mindset? The conversation focused on debunking the legitimacy of recent NBA trade rumors and dissecting the media’s hierarchy of reliable sources. Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses how the Rockets’ current roster construction, including the vital roles of
July 7 · 29 min
Rockets LOSE Josh Okogie To Jazz | Houston's BEST Remaining Free Agency Targets?
Houston Rockets reshuffle bench as Josh Okogie heads to Utah Jazz—can key signings ensure a deep playoff run? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) assesses the Rockets’ loss of defensive ace Josh Okogie, examining why his veteran leadership and three-point shooting set a high standard for bench contributors. The discussion spotlights top remaining free agent targets like Gary Trent Jr., Gabe Vincent, and Matisse Thybulle, factoring in Houston’s need for perimeter shooting and injury insurance. With D
July 3 · 20 min
Rockets SIGN Tari Eason To INCREDIBLE Contract | Dorian Finney-Smith SALARY DUMPED In Hornets Trade
Houston Rockets secure Tari Eason on a team-friendly five-year, $81.5 million fully guaranteed deal, raising hopes for long-term flexibility—but Eason’s cryptic reaction leaves fans questioning his future role. Does this strategic move signal a changing approach from GM Rafael Stone, and will Eason’s desire for a bigger role create tension within the roster? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) analyzes the implications of the Dorian Finney-Smith salary dump, which cost the Rockets three valuable sec
July 2 · 29 min
Time For Rockets To TRADE Fred VanVleet | Can Jrue Holiday OR Kyrie Irving Make Houston CONTENDERS?
Houston Rockets face a pivotal offseason: should they move on from Fred VanVleet to become true contenders? With VanVleet’s injury status uncertain and his expiring contract in play, trade speculation heats up as potential replacements like Jrue Holiday, Kyrie Irving, and Malik Monk emerge as top targets. Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down how each possible deal could reshape the Rockets’ backcourt and complement Kevin Durant as he enters his age-38 season. One concept discussed was the
July 2 · 35 min
Rockets SIGN Former DPOY Marcus Smart | Salary Cap UPDATE + Tari Eason Contract PREDICTIONS
Houston Rockets continue NBA free agency by signing former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to a team-friendly two-year deal. Is Smart’s gritty leadership and defensive intensity the missing piece for Houston’s playoff push? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down Smart’s fit alongside Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson, weighing his high-impact defense against concerns about age, injuries, and his unpredictable offense. Key topics include Houston’s reshaped salary cap
July 1 · 27 min
Rockets SIGN Veteran SHARPSHOOTER Bogdan Bogdanovic | Why Bogi Is The PERFECT Vet For Houston
Houston Rockets land sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic on a one year deal, addressing their most glaring weakness: floor spacing. Is this the strategic move that finally unlocks Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson’s offensive potential? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down Bogdanovic’s elite three-point shooting stats, examines his fit as a versatile 2/3 wing, and weighs concerns over his recent injury history and defensive limitations. The show also explores how Lakers, Bulls, a