HOUSTON — General manager Rafael Stone, head coach Stephen Silas and select players from the 2022-23 Rockets are meeting with media members Monday at Toyota Center to preview the upcoming season, which begins with the Sunday, Oct. 2 preseason opener.
The rebuilding Rockets remain one of the NBA’s youngest teams, and they finished with the league’s worst record (20-62) last season. Yet, there were clear signs of development and growth from prospects such as Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
This offseason, Houston reinforced its youth movement with three first-round picks in the 2022 NBA draft, led by Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. at No. 3 overall. Later on, LSU forward Tari Eason (No. 17) and Kentucky guard TyTy Washington (No. 29) joined the fray.
Scroll on for updates from all of Monday’s interviews. With the spotlight on those prized prospects, Houston’s training camp begins Tuesday in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and continues there for three days before shifting back to Houston to prepare for exhibition games. The 2022-23 regular season will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 19.
Other than Marquese Chriss, everyone is healthy and available to start #Rockets training camp, per Rafael Stone
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 26, 2022
Stephen Silas says Josh Christopher wasn’t on his radar to be in the rotation last year, “but he bullied his way into the rotation and stayed there.”
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 26, 2022
Stephen Silas says the experience Alperen Sengun and Usman Garuba had in Euroleague will be valuable for them this season.
On Sengun: “It’s going p be a different role for him this year. He’s going to be playing against starting centers. That’s a hard step.”
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) September 26, 2022
Silas says the team will tinker with things they did last year, and can go quicker than last season.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) September 26, 2022
Stephen Silas on Sengun: "Started off a little bit slow (w/Turkey in EuroBasket), but he was someone they really depended on. It was another confidence builder for him…. He's going to be playing against starting centers. That next step is going to be a hard step to deal with."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
"We'll see the 2nd yr version of @JalenGreen , which isnt the best he'll be, but is a better version of the player we saw at the beginning of last season, "#Rockets Silas on player development. He noted the great play/value for Garuba & Sengun playing internationally in offseason
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) September 26, 2022
Jalen Green – Year 2 ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/fUNn5uEqp0
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) September 26, 2022
Silas on Jalen Green building off his strong close to 2021-22:
"He carried that into the summer, got stronger. We'll see a second-year version of Jalen Green."
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) September 26, 2022
#Rockets GM Rafael Stone: "Our whole team is young."
Good point.— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) September 26, 2022
Stephen Silas: "I believe if you're playing in a way that's difficult to play against, then you're building winning habits."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Silas jokingly on his growth as a head coach: “I definitely don’t feel like a fire year head coach anymore… I may have a few more grey hairs because of those first couple years. “
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) September 26, 2022
Stephen Silas on his players: “To some extent they have a chip on their shoulders which I love.”
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 26, 2022
“The main thing is we’re going to be super hard to play against.” #Rockets HC Stephen Silas on what will be different/improved from previous season. @SportsTalk790 #RocketsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/d71wzatEdo
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) September 26, 2022
Stephen Silas says this is nothing like his first season but he’s excited about this group and their future.
“This year has been more normal. We had a long summer and had a bunch of guys in all summer. Super competitive and to some extent they have a chip on their shoulder.”
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) September 26, 2022
Silas and Stone were reluctant to give specific goals for the Rockets this year.
Stone: “Are we hard to play against? That’s the measure of success.
Silas: “There has to be a level of improvement. When we play the Spurs post All-Star break, we have to be better than pre break.”
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) September 26, 2022
Rafael Stone says no one has been in the gym more than Kevin Porter Jr. this offseason https://t.co/yWJm9ET2HB
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 26, 2022
With wins/losses not the #1 barometer this season and a very young squad filling the roster, Rafael Stone says the thing they're looking for out of the Rockets is: "Are we hard to play against?"
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Stephen Silas: “There has to be steady and marked improvement.”
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 26, 2022
Rafael Stone: "If we are a team that is very hard to play on both ends of the court, if day in and day out, we are a team that is tough to guard and on the other end makes the game hard on other teams, that's the stuff we're looking for."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Stephen Silas: “I’m exited for the work that these guys have put in this summer. I’m excited that we had the whole team here this summer working on their games and working on their bodies.
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) September 26, 2022
Stephen Silas on Jabari Smith: "He is such a gifted defensive player now. Him as a defender is what I'm so, so excited about. He's a big piece to that."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) September 26, 2022
.@alperennsengun: “Maybe not this season, maybe next season..but we’re gonna be the best in this league. I believe this and I think my teammates believe this too..We’re gonna be the best in this league one day, I believe.” pic.twitter.com/SyQ3QfSZBX
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 26, 2022
BREAKING: Alperen Sengun is happy. pic.twitter.com/DZtfmoKIp4
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 26, 2022
“Kevin seems like he is in a real happy place and had a really good summer,” said Rockets GM Rafael Stone about KPJ. #LightTheFuse #Sarge #RocketsWire
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) September 26, 2022
Funny that the only question Sengun needed the translator to help was about how his English improved so much in the off-season. He added "I'm not a shy guy. I'm always talking."
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) September 26, 2022
Alperen Sengun said he felt like a stranger when he arrived to training camp last season. New team, new country, new language. He is much more comfortable now and he says being able to speak english is a big reason why
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) September 26, 2022
Gordon on finishing his career in Houston: That was always my goal when I came here. Winning is first and foremost though. Business is not in my control and it’s not in my hands. All I can do is come to work and play hard.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) September 26, 2022
Tari Eason: "It's super special. We're a really young team. We've got a lot of opportunity to learn, grow and come together as a team. I'm super fortunate, super thankful to be in this position (with the #Rockets)."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Eric Gordon asked if he wants to finish his career: “When I first got here that was my goal, but I am all about winning.” pic.twitter.com/ZSLCkpQiYo
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 26, 2022
Tari Eason on how his defensive skills could give the Rockets other options with schemes. "My defensive versatility has definitely been a conversation."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Jae'Sean Tate said he worked hard on overall shooting but especially his corner threes: "Just getting reps up. Making sure constantly shooting the same shot every time."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Jae’Sean Tate (@o_tate_) says the Rockets are going to be “electric..We’re gonna be the team that people hate to play against because you’re gonna have to bring your track shoes.” pic.twitter.com/OU7j2nQa2i
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 26, 2022
Asked Jae'Sean Tate to describe the culture the #Rockets are building:
"Electric. I like the word electric. We're gonna be the team people hate to play against."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) September 26, 2022
Jae'Sean Tate feels like his ability as an off-ball cutter fits well with Alperen Sengun, who he sees as the best passer that he's played with in the NBA. Agrees with Silas that it's harder for defenses to put the 5 on him, and thinks it's a "tough read" for opponents
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 26, 2022
Jae'Sean Tate on Alperen Sengun: "He's one of the best big man passers, if not the best big man passer, that I've played with in my career."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Jalen Green, asked about Alperen Sengun’s statement that the #Rockets will be the NBA’s best team one day:
“That’s a fact. Sooner than later.” pic.twitter.com/QCAPd5RDPh
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 26, 2022
Jalen Green on his expectations: "Carry my team to more wins than last year and hopefully be an All-Star."
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) September 26, 2022
Jalen Green agreed that the game slowed down for him at the tail end of last season mentioned tightening his handle and getting into smoother pick and rolls has been a focus going into Year 2.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) September 26, 2022
"I started eating a lot more. I got a chef in the middle of last year and that carried over."
He said he eats 3-4 meals a day and works hard with his trainer. He says he actually started getting hungrier from it. https://t.co/tV9CtFRjWG
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Says @BobanMarjanovic on playing with the #Rockets: "The guys here have a great heart and a great soul. To be around them is a blessing."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Boban’s assessment of the young #Rockets roster.
“They’re really nice kids, by the way.”
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) September 26, 2022
#Rockets veteran C @BobanMarjanovic is very impressed with the “really nice kids” on the roster. Loves how they work. “The guys are flying all around jumping from the floor to the roof.” pic.twitter.com/l9y1ZAplrm
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) September 26, 2022
Garrison Mathews says he put on weight this offseason in an attempt to be better defensively. Thinks he’ll hold up better at the point of attack and should have more strength when guys try to back him down. pic.twitter.com/Zac7QqJFM7
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 26, 2022
Garrison Mathews on rookies Jabari Smith and Tari Eason: "They're long, very good defenders. They can score it… they can score it really well. It will be fun. They're very talented." (question asked by @JTGatlin)
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Garrison Mathews said he spent the majority of the summer in Houston working out with John Lucas. He worked on staying balanced on his shot and his defense. He also put on weight
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) September 26, 2022
Jabari Smith says he's most looking forward to playing against LeBron James and Kevin Durant this season.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) September 26, 2022
Jabari Smith now at the podium.
“I fit right in with my defense and versatility.”
Says he feels comfortable both at the 4 and the 5 pic.twitter.com/WjSCt9B6Ko
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) September 26, 2022
Jabari Smith Jr.: "My will to win will help us tremendously." #Rockets
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 26, 2022
Jabari Smith Jr. says his defensive strengths are his feel for where to be on the floor, where to help, watching film and the mental aspect. Also mentions his lateral quickness and length.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) September 26, 2022
Jabari Smith on his growth since summer league, being in the gym at Toyota Center and working with #Rockets coaches: "I feel like I'm a whole different player."
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 26, 2022
Jabari Smith on his height being 6'10 or 6'11: "I think I have grown. My Dad thinks I have grown. I haven't been measured since before the Draft, but I think I have (grown)."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
KJ Martin: “I’m just here to do my job. Everything else is between upper management and my agent.” #Rockets pic.twitter.com/VVmGItqgpb
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 26, 2022
Josh Christopher says the players on the team love Alperen Sengun: "He's just a good dude." He says he's proud of how much his English has improved.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Josh Christopher: "I stay in the gym. When Stephen Silas calls my name, I'll be ready."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Josh Christopher said he watched himself make plays, let the game come to him and reading off of that was key for his summer development.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) September 26, 2022
Josh Christopher to @JTGatlin on the culture #Rockets are building: "Electric. Young legs and young vibes."
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 26, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr. said he is in a good place (with a great deal of detail.) How he got there: "I got sick of being in my own way, basically."
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) September 26, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr on how he got to this happy "space" he's in now:
"Just a little more understanding myself, looking at myself in the mirror, looking back at everything I've been through."— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
KPJ said trusting one another was a big factor in the growth between himself and Jalen Green down the stretch. Said the game slowed down for that both of them at the same time.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) September 26, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr. on not having an extension yet: "I stopped worrying about that last year. I got a team that represents me and they handle that part. I just come in here and try to become the best player I can. It hasn't been weighing on me because that's been my mindset."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr. on Alperen Sengun: "He is one of the most talented players I've ever been around."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr says the space he’s in now “is a beautiful space to be in.” pic.twitter.com/2xC7yyoH3w
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 26, 2022
KPJ: "We're filled with fire. We want to become better. We want to be the best."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
KPJ on attacking the basket: "I'm comfortable in the catch and shoot. I'm comfortable taking threes. …. we'll have to see if my finishing is better, but I'll say I feel more comfortable."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 26, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr. said Jabari Smith Jr. "Can shoot the thing out of the ball."
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) September 26, 2022
