ROCKET LAUNCH
Let's discuss the most exciting Rockets storylines this preseason
Oct 11, 2021, 2:04 pm
ROCKET LAUNCH
This Houston Rockets team so far is entertaining, energetic, and fun to watch, but is still trying to understand the learning process of the NBA. In the preseason, this young core went against the Washington Wizards and Miami Heat, which was a huge difference between the two competition wise.
The Wizards are in a similar process because of the new acquisitions they have on their team (Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Aaron Holiday). While the Heat had the experienced veteran team with a former a Rocket, PJ Tucker, and newly acquired Kyle Lowry.
The Rockets matched up well against the Wizards, as there was a slight pull in the 2nd quarter because of the veteran player Bradley Beal. But it was entertaining to see Kevin Porter Jr. counter with a great performance of 25 points, 50 percent around the three-point line, and 52 percent from the field. He showed a combination of step-backs, handles, and composure. Porter looks more commanding of the point guard position, which is good. He seems to understand how the five-out offense works for Stephen Silas. It was fun to watch Porter allow the actions (offensive plays) of the offense to create for themselves.
Porter looks confident as a point guard to run the offense for the Rockets and keep his teammates involved with creative passing across the other side of the court, pick-and-roll, and in transition. He understands his duties on the court while knowing scoring is still important for him. The Heat played incredible physical defense and knew how to close the driving lanes for the Rockets. Porter is learning how to get to the free throw line with a unique skill set, which is like his favorite player, James Harden (former Rocket). He shot 66 percent at the free throw line versus the Heat.
The Heat challenged the backcourt of Jalen Green and Porter. Green struggled from three the previous night against the Wizards but still showed his incredible speed, first-step, and aggressive driving techniques at the basket. I cannot forget Green's incredible skill set as a dribbler at 6'6. In his debut versus the Wizards, Green had 12 points, but had a better night against the Heat with an impressive 20 points, 44 percent at the three-point line, and 40 percent from the field. Green had to get creative because of the closures in the driving lanes and physicality of the Heats' defense. Green made a statement on the Heats' physicality on defense.
I asked Rockets rookie guard Jalen Green about opposing veteran players trying to bully him on the defensive end:
“I am 19-years old playing against these grown men. They are going to try to do that the whole game."#Rockets #Sarge pic.twitter.com/yAQRsvorCt
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) October 8, 2021
He made an incredible showcase of shooting the basketball versus the Heat, as they had tight defense the whole night. Green had to make tough shots and show his creativity with the basketball, including making open shots when given. Silas was impressed with Green's strong performance versus the Heat.
“He is like guys I have coached in the past that are super dedicated to the craft," Rockets HC Stephen Silas said about rookie Jalen Green. #Rockets #Sarge pic.twitter.com/fIgwyIvTjQ
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) October 9, 2021
So far, Green and Porter have combined for 69 points in the two games that they played together, and love playing with each other. Hopefully, the combination continues to grow as John Wall and Silas encourage the two to keep growing.
“John gives me a lot of advice on the court because he sees a lot of himself in me, except he says I shoot better," said Jalen Green about the conversations between him and John Wall during the game. #Rockets #Sarge @JohnWall @JalenGreen pic.twitter.com/QB4m9KGogy
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) October 8, 2021
As I move onto the frontcourt, which is Alpren Sengun, Daniel Theis, and Christian Wood, this group of big men is promising, but it could still take some time, as Silas mentioned.
"Still work in progress. Christian does a great job of rebounding the ball and pushing it up the floor and rarely makes mistakes in those situations," as Silas said. "He usually gets to the rim or a handoff to a teammate and that's a way to get him involved and get him the ball. And with Theis, he is a great screener and roll. He likes a little short roll, and he makes that little shot. It's going to take time for those two to learn how to play off each other."
Wood and Theis are trying to challenge each other by guarding 1-5 on defense, as that could help the younger backcourt of Green and Porter. These big men have the length and wingspan to challenge guards on defense. Wood did have a 112 defensive rating and struggled in drop coverage last season on guards, which were switches (1.18 points per possession and 5.4 percentile in guarding the pick-and-roll ball handler)
Theis has mentioned that Wood has improved on his defense and continues to get better.
“I think I was better to than last year defensively with my ability to switch 1-5 and being able to drop down on the pick-and-rolls"
Christian Wood elaborates on defense but just to credit to Kelly on talking to DT. #Rockets https://t.co/zxAvW0czMC pic.twitter.com/iOStC55E3L
— Zach Allen (@RenzoTheDon) October 1, 2021
Wood will be tested on defense but thankfully Theis is around to help. It also seems to me that Wood is putting the ball on floor more, which is good. Being versatile around the perimeter could put him in the company of Anthony Davis. His versatility will keep defenses on their feet, and he'll be more unpredictable this season.
Theis has provided his screen mobility and rim running ability for the Rockets in preseason. His leadership has been pivotal for this young core. Green said:
"I talk to him all the time. I look at him as my big bro already. He is just giving me advice off the pick-and-roll and how to come off it. He just has so much knowledge."
It's proven that Theis has a great ability when making unique moves toward the basket and hanging around the rim for lobs. He has helped Porter in pick-and-roll and used his voice with Green. Theis is showing the ability to force his opposing player into tough shots because of his lateral quickness and size as a big man. He was worth the three-year deal he received from the Rockets in the offseason so far. Theis' duties so far are keeping this young core together and doing the dirty work, which is screening and finishing around the rim.
Sengun has shown a lot of the scoring but also being creative at dribble-hand-offs and passing the ball in tight spots. I have seen a decent amount of rebounding from Sengun. Sengun can develop a knack around the basketball as a rebounder (seven rebounds per game). The impressive thing about Sengun is the passing, as he is averaging three assist a game in the preseason. He slightly reminds me of Nikola Jokic. Theis said that he reminds him of Enes Kanter too on media day. "His skill set is big, he is a post player, and reminds me of Enes Kanter," Theis said.
Alperen Sengun passing highlights in two pre-season games so far
You see the vision? 👀 pic.twitter.com/Llzu3viHXS
— arian (@arxanii) October 9, 2021
Josh Christopher has shown great resilience in the 4th quarter for the Rockets, as he is not trying to play in the G-League. He has provided life for the Rockets because of his great transition skills. Christopher is averaging 11.5 points per game for the Rockets in the preseason and shooing the three-ball at 42.9 percent. His three-point shooting has impressed spectators the most. Silas will love that the most because in the five-out offense, shooting is important. I love that Christopher plays hard and is patient with the playing time that is received. Hopefully, his versatility on offense and defense is seen more this preseason.
The Rockets take on Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors on Monday, so hopefully more growth is seen.
Nick Chubb didn’t expect to be a Houston Texan. At least, not until he got the call on a quiet Saturday at home and was on a flight the next day. It happened fast — too fast, even, for the four-time Pro Bowler to fully process what it all meant. But now that he’s here, it’s clear this wasn’t a random landing spot. This was a calculated leap, one Chubb had been quietly considering from afar.
The reasons he chose Houston speak volumes not only about where Chubb is in his own career, but where the Texans are as a franchise.
For one, Chubb saw what the rest of the league saw the last two seasons: a young team turning the corner. He admired the Texans from a distance — the culture shift under head coach DeMeco Ryans, the explosive rise of C.J. Stroud, and the physical tone set by players like Joe Mixon. That identity clicked with Chubb. He’d been a fan of Ryans for years, and once he got in the building, everything aligned.
“I came here and saw a bunch of guys who like to work and not talk,” Chubb said. “And I realized I'm a perfect fit.”
As for his health, Chubb isn’t running from the injuries that cost him parts of the past two seasons, he’s owning them. But now, he says, they’re behind him. After a full offseason of training the way he always has — hitting his speed and strength benchmarks — Chubb says he’s feeling the best he has in years. He’s quick to remind people that bouncing back from major injuries, especially the one he suffered in 2023, is rarely a one-year journey. It takes time. He’s given it time.
Then there’s his fit with Mixon. The two aren’t just stylistic complements, they go way back. Same recruiting class, same reputation for running hard, same respect for each other’s games. Chubb remembers dreading matchups against the Bengals in Cleveland, worrying Mixon would take over the game. Now, he sees the opportunity in pairing up. “It’ll be us kinda doing that back-to-back against other defenses,” he said.
He’s also well aware of what C.J. Stroud brings to the table. Chubb watched Stroud nearly dismantle Georgia in the College Football Playoff. Then he saw it again, up close, when Stroud lit up the Browns in the postseason. “He torched us again,” Chubb said. Now, he gets to run alongside him, not against him.
Stroud made a point to welcome Chubb, exchanging numbers and offering support. It may seem like a small thing, but it’s the kind of leadership that helped sell Chubb on the Texans as more than just a good football fit — it’s a good locker room fit, too.
It appears the decision to come to Houston wasn’t part of some master plan. But in retrospect, it makes perfect sense. Chubb is a player with a no-nonsense work ethic, recovering from adversity, looking to write the next chapter of a career that’s far from over. And the Texans? They’re a team on the rise, built around guys who want to do the same.
You can watch the full interview in the video below.
And for those wondering how Joe Mixon feels about Nick Chubb, check out this video from last season. Let's just say he's a fan.
I’ve seen some speculation indicating that Joe Mixon may not be happy the Texans signed Nick Chubb. If that is what you believe, watch this clip from an interview with @greenlight pod last year & get back to me. pic.twitter.com/3vaip85esj
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) June 11, 2025
*ChatGPT assisted.
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