Michael Scotto, NBA insider for HoopsHype, joins The Lager Line podcast to preview free agency for the Rockets and recap Houston’s strong 2022 draft class — led by Auburn forward Jabari Smith.
In the show, Scotto explains why he concurs with the rave reviews of Rockets general manager Rafael Stone for his work bringing Smith, LSU’s Tari Eason, and Kentucky’s TyTy Washington to Houston. “A really good draft, no questions about it,” Scotto concludes.
Topics on Friday’s newly released episode include:
- Scotto’s level of surprise in seeing Orlando draft Duke’s Paolo Banchero, rather than Smith, at No. 1 overall
- How Smith and other 2022 rookies may fit with the Rockets
- Whether Kyrie Irving is likely to leave the Nets in free agency, and the potential impact on Brooklyn’s draft assets due to Houston
- If the James Harden trade from January 2021 is aging better than expected for Stone and the Rockets, given Brooklyn’s uncertainty
- Possible centers that Houston could pair with Alperen Sengun in 2022 free agency, which begins June 30
- Updates on the potential offseason trade markets for John Wall and Eric Gordon, as well as the contract buyout option for Wall
- An assessment of the value received by the Rockets in the Christian Wood trade, which ultimately resulted in Washington and two future second-round picks
Friday’s complete episode can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790, as well as to all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”
