Podcast: How Daryl Morey’s smaller Rockets are ready for liftoff

Monday’s edition of the HoopsHype Podcast with Alex Kennedy breaks down all things Houston with Rockets Wire editor Ben DuBose.

The Rockets (36-20) entered Monday as one of the NBA’s hottest teams, having won seven of their last nine games while moving into the top four of the Western Conference standings.

Topics on the podcast include the integration of newcomer Robert Covington and reasons for the recent decision by GM Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D’Antoni to move to a full-time smaller lineup.

Other points of discussion include why the smaller lineup opens more driving lanes for Russell Westbrook; how to get the most out of undersized starting center P.J. Tucker; media and fan narratives regarding James Harden and officiating; and D’Antoni’s future beyond this season, given his lack of a long-term contract with the Rockets.

The episode concludes with a look at some apparent shade thrown Harden’s way by Giannis Antetokounmpo, and why the league’s last two MVPs might not be on the best of terms at the moment. Tune in:

New podcast episode: @BenDuBose of @TheRocketsWire joins me to discuss the Houston Rockets' no-center strategy, Mike D'Antoni's future, Robert Covington's impact, James Harden's polarizing play, Giannis Antetokounmpo's beef with Harden and more. LISTEN: https://t.co/BCc3mpWDQ5

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 24, 2020