Red Nation Hoops: A Houston Rockets Pod

Salman Ali

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20 episodes
Updated May 4

Episodes20

Newest first

May 4 · 1 hr 16 min
Why Rockets fans need to calm the hell down w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) give their thoughts on the conclusion of the 2025-26 Houston Rockets season. Topics include: -Salman's frustration with Rockets discourse this season -Is everyone overreacting? -Major changes needed? -Should Rafael Stone be fired? -Is a coaching shakeup needed? Can Udoka be trusted? -Should Houston trade Kevin Durant? -Does Durant even want to be in Houston? -Should the Rockets pursue star free agents like Giannis? + more Look for RNH on Apple, YouTube, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Oct 31, 2025 · 55 min
Can the Rockets compete without VanVleet? Plus reacting to KD and Tari Eason news w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss: -Kevin Durant’s new extension with the Rockets -Tari Eason reportedly declining $100 million from Houston -Fred VanVleet’s season-ending ACL injury -How do the Rockets look without VanVleet in the first two games? -Should the 0-2 start be a cause for concern? -How can Houston make up for VanVleet’s absence? + more Look for RNH on Apple, YouTube, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Oct 31, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Rockets offseason debrief w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) debrief the Houston Rockets offseason in full detail, including long and short-term implications of their decision making. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Jul 15, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Where do the Rockets stack up in the West? w/ Dan Favale
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Dan Favale (@DanFavale) discuss: -Cam Whitmore traded to the Wizards. -Reacting to the details for Dorian-Finney Smith’s contract -Why the DFS signing and the Cam Whitmore trade should be viewed as one big transaction -Will Houston regret trading Whitmore? -Where does Houston stack up in the Western Conference? -Is OKC in a tier of it’s own? Are they a “Warriors’ level threat”? -Can Houston or Denver credibly be at OKC’s level? -How good is Kevin Durant at age 37? -What could hold Houston back as a team? -Is Alperen Sengun still being overlooked nationally? -Could next season be a breakout year for Reed Sheppard? + more Look for RNH on Apple, YouTube, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Jul 3, 2025 · 49 min
Can the Rockets compete with the Thunder now? w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) recap the Rockets known free agency moves. Topics include: -Could anyone have seen this summer coming for the Rockets? -Thoughts on the Jabari Smith extension -Does Smith still possess All-Star potential? -Reacting to the Dorian Finney-Smith contract -Does Cam Whitmore have a future in Houston? -Why did Houston bring Clint Capela back? -Are the Rockets ready to compete with the Thunder in the Western Conference? + more Look for RNH on Apple, YouTube, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Jun 23, 2025 · 45 min
Reacting to the KD Trade w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) react to the Houston Rockets’ stunning acquisition of 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. Topics include: -Initial reactions to the trade -Grading the deal for both teams -Short and long-term ramifications for the team -How does Kevin Durant fit in Houston? -Will KD and Fred VanVleet get extended soon? -What other moves can Houston make? -Who starts for the Rockets next season? Amen Thompson or Tari Eason? -How good is Houston next year? Can they win the title? + more Look for RNH on Apple, YouTube, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Dec 10, 2024 · 37 min
Catching up on all things Rockets w/ Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS)
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) broadly catch up on all things Rockets from the first quarter games of the Rockets season. **Episode was recorded in late November, but remains essentially up-to-date** Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Jul 17, 2024 · 49 min
Do the Rockets have too much young talent? w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss: * Why Summer League left Salman speechless * Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore appear too good for Summer League * In-depth observations of Reed Sheppard’s first two games * Why Sheppard is more than just a shooter * What could hold him back in the future? * Cam Whitmore builds upon his Summer League MVP from last year * What has Whitmore worked on this summer? * Why this season is more important than ever for Jalen Green All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Jul 8, 2024 · 45 min
How good can Reed Sheppard be? w/ Tony Jones
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and The Athletic's Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba): * Analyzing the pre-draft Nets/Rockets trade * Was it smart for Houston to send Brooklyn their picks back? * The upside of the future Suns picks the Rockets acquired * Will they trade for Kevin Durant? Devin Booker? * What is Reed Sheppard's upside as a prospect? * How does he fit with the other "Core 7" Rockets? * Thoughts on Houston trading for AJ Griffin * What are Griffin's strengths and weaknesses as a prospect? * Is Amen Thompson the best prospect on the Rockets? * Can Alperen Sengun be a franchise cornerstone? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Jun 24, 2024 · 43 min
Is Reed Sheppard to the Rockets a lock? w/ Ben DuBose
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) discuss: -Will the Rockets keep or trade the 3rd overall pick? -What sort of return would Houston want for #3? -Is trading out or trading down more feasible? -Who do we think the Rockets ultimately take? Who's going to be available? -Who do we want the Rockets to take? Best fit? -Are Donovan Clingan and Reed Sheppard underrated prospects? -Salman bashes "Wing Culture" on NBA Draft Twitter -What makes Reed Sheppard such an interesting prospect? -What are Sheppard's weaknesses? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Jun 20, 2024 · 1 hr 9 min
More NBA Draft talk + Can Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson play together long-term? w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss: * Debating one last time if Houston should keep or trade the 3rd overall pick * What player checks the most boxes that could be available at 3? * Which 3-4 prospects do we believe the Rockets should try and keep out of theoretical trade packages this summer? * Can Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün play together long-term? What makes it difficult? * What can Thompson and Sengun do to become more complementary towards each other? * If the Rockets have to decide between the two eventually, who should they pick? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Jun 5, 2024 · 1 hr 15 min
Analyzing the 2024 NBA Draft w/ @ChuckingDarts
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and NBA draft analyst @ChuckingDarts discuss: * How strong is the of the 2024 NBA Draft? * Which prospects are most likely to become All-Stars? * Why is there so much skepticism about Donovan Clingan and Reed Sheppard? * The cases for drafting Zaccharie Risacher and Matas Buzelis in the Top 5 * Is Zach Edey being undervalued in this draft? * Who should the Rockets select at #3? * Is it worth drafting for fit this year? * Should Houston trade for Mikal Bridges? What would that package look like? * Ranking the Core 6 Rockets prospects * Can Jalen Green become a tentpole player for Houston? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
May 29, 2024 · 1 hr 19 min
Rafael Stone extended, Rockets climb to 3rd in the draft, and more w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss: * An overview of the 2023-24 Houston Rockets season * Thoughts on Rockets GM Rafael Stone receiving an extension * Houston climbing to 3rd in the 2024 NBA Draft * Should Houston keep or trade the pick? What’s a good asking price? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Apr 5, 2024 · 59 min
Is Jalen Green better without Alperen Sengun? w/ Forrest Walker
(Recorded March 31st) Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss: * On the Rockets continued success * Can Houston make the Play-In Tournament? * Other than shooting, where is Jalen Green improving? * Is Green playing better because of Alperen Sengun’s absence? * How does Sengun fit into Houston’s long-term plans? * Reacting to the latest buzz about the Rockets itching for a superstar trade All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Mar 26, 2024 · 1 hr 4 min
Can the Rockets make the Play-In Tournament w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discusses the Houston Rockets winning 9 straight games and putting themselves in position to make the NBA Play-In Tournament. Topics include: -How are the Rockets winning without Sengun? -Ime Udoka’s adjustments -Is Jalen Green back on track to stardom? -Dissecting Green’s streaky scoring efficiency -Amen Thompson emergence -Jabari Smith’s steadiness throughout the run and this season as a whole -Was the NBA’s suspension justified? -Can Houston actually make the Play-In? Does it matter? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Mar 18, 2024 · 44 min
How excited should the Rockets be about Jalen Green's recent play? w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss: * Alperen Sengun likely out for the season * Cam Whitmore out for three weeks * What are the Rockets remaining goals for the season? * Amen Thompson excitement * Reacting to Jalen Green's scoring outbursts * Where does Green rank among Houston's other prospects? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Mar 7, 2024 · 56 min
Dissecting Rafael Stone's tenure, the Jalen Green conundrum, and Tari Eason's season-ending surgery
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss: -Possible fallout from Tari Eason’s season ending surgery -Reacting to Jalen Green’s latest scoring outburst -What is the proper way to react to these games? -Has Green put concerns about his starting spot to bed? -Grading Rafael Stone’s tenure as GM of the Rockets -Where does Stone rank among all NBA GMs? -How does he compare to his predecessor, Daryl Morey? -Are some fans wrong to feel let down by Stone? -Should Stone receive a contract extension? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Jan 29, 2024 · 1 hr
Are the Rockets still not embracing Alperen Şengün? w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss: -Rockets bench Alperen Şengün in crunch time -Houston's reluctance to embrace Sengun as the franchise player -The continued pushback of this reality -Why is Houston still feverishly pursuing centers at the deadline? -What should they aim to achieve at the trade deadline? -Who are some realistic targets? -Jalen Green's much improved play -Is Green safe at the deadline now? -Why Green's best chance at stardom is as a point guard (long-term) -Should Houston trade Brooklyn's 2024 1st rounder? -Could a star player be available for the Rockets? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Jan 23, 2024 · 31 min
Should the Rockets make a panic trade? w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss: -Why have the Rockets struggled so much since Christmas? -Is Houston regressing to the mean as a team? -If they miss the play-in tournament, is this season a failure? -What is a reasonable goal for the remainder of the season? -Should the Rockets make a trade for the sole purpose of making the play-in tournament? -What kinds of trades should they pursue? -Are any of the core 6 players up for grabs? -What return should Houston want in a Jalen Green trade? -Should Jalen Green be starting anymore? -What are some more reasonable deals the Rockets could make at the deadline? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe
Jan 9, 2024 · 1 hr
Is Jalen Green still on the hot seat? w/ Forrest Walker
Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) discuss: -Jalen Green's improved play -Has Green secured his starting spot? -Cam Whitmore's monster production -Is Whitmore a better prospect than Green? -How did so many teams pass on Whitmore? -The competition for Green's spot in Houston's core -Alperen Sengun's ridiculous 3-week stretch -Will Sengun make the All-Star team this year? -Can Sengun be the best player on a title contender? -Houston's tough long-term financial decisions -Besides Sengun, who will the Rockets be willing to pay? -Some long overdue praise for Jabari Smith Jr. -Has Smith secured his spot alongside Sengun? -Will Tari Eason break into Houston's long-term core? All that and more. Look for RNH on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Subscribe to the free RNH newsletter: www.RedNationHoops.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rednationhoops.com/subscribe