RocketsWire Extra
By Ben DuBose
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RocketsWire ExtraMar 27, 2020
How new Rockets president Gretchen Sheirr sees the 2021-22 season
Gretchen Sheirr, who was recently named as the new president of business operations for the Houston Rockets, joins our podcast to share her personal story and reflect on her first few months running the business side of the franchise.
Sheirr is one of the only women in the NBA to lead a team's business operations, and she's part of a diverse leadership group in Houston that also includes Rafael Stone and Stephen Silas — who are among a very small number of Black general manager-head coach partnerships. In the podcast, Sheirr offers her thoughts on the importance of that diversity, along with her perspective on working closely with owner Tilman Fertitta.
Other topics include business changes for the 2021-22 season; new ticketing promotions and fan engagement initiatives at Toyota Center; the business impact of the June 22 draft lottery and Jalen Green's arrival; and the team's messaging strategy to fans. Tune in!
Bobby Brown on what he learned playing next to Jalen Green
Former Houston Rockets guard Bobby Brown joins us to discuss his time playing alongside top 2021 NBA draft prospects Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga. Brown, Green, and Kuminga were each regular starters in the 2021 G League "bubble" for the G League Ignite team, with Brown and Green often lining up together in the starting backcourt.
With Houston defying the odds to land the No. 2 overall pick in Tuesday's draft lottery, Green is suddenly among the top candidates to join the Rockets this offseason. Topics discussed on Friday's new episode include:
- The value of the NBA's new "professional pathway" program to prospects like Green and Kuminga
- What Green's demeanor is like, on and off the court
- How Green improved during his season in the G League
- Potential NBA comparisons for both Green and Kuminga
- Why Brown wants Green to be Houston's choice at No. 2 overall
- What comes next for Brown, now that more international basketball opportunities could open up next season
Jalen Tate on NBA draft prep and his brother, Jae'Sean Tate
University of Arkansas product Jalen Tate, who could be selected in the NBA’s upcoming 2021 draft, joins us to discuss his ongoing draft preparations. Topics include Tate’s strengths and weaknesses as a player; what he’s learned from workouts with professional teams; his mindset and approach to defense; and how the success of his brother (Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate) might help him, as well.
What a Houston Rockets rebuild may look like
With Houston's 2020-21 season less than two weeks from its conclusion, Monday's podcast covers the team's upcoming offseason and broader rebuilding efforts. Topics discussed on the episode include:
- The timetable of Houston's rebuilding plan
- How the NBA's changes in player movement and draft lottery percentages may influence the thinking of Rockets general manager Rafael Stone
- What the new NBA rebuilding model looks like, and how a high lottery pick, Kevin Porter Jr., and Christian Wood could increase Houston's desirability to current star players
- Why the Rockets fell off so quickly in 2020-21, going from a title contender to the league's worst team
- Reasons to keep an open mind with regards to the futures of Stone and Houston owner Tilman Fertitta
Cayleigh Griffin on her first season with the Rockets
Cayleigh Griffin, courtside reporter for AT&T SportsNet Southwest, joins Ben to break down her first season covering the Houston Rockets.
Topics include include Griffin's insight on the team and its season to date; life in the era of social distancing; initiatives by her network to provide Rockets entertainment during the COVID-19 hiatus; and the unique enthusiasm she brings to her role.
The episode also explores Griffin's bond with Houston Astros field reporter Julia Morales, whom Griffin says has been a key mentor.
Rockets CEO Tad Brown optimistic on NBA's return
With the NBA on an indefinite hiatus due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Houston Rockets CEO Tad Brown explains why he believes the season will ultimately resume.
Ben McLemore on his COVID-19 relief efforts
In a new interview with RocketsWire, Houston Rockets guard Ben McLemore explains his determination to assist with COVID-19 relief efforts — including a plan to increase the availability of N95 respirator masks to hospitals in need.