To show appreciation for Juneteenth, Rockets and Toyota Center employees took part Friday in a company-wide day of service at historic Freedmen’s Town, located in Houston’s Fourth Ward.
As part of the event, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Ime Udoka led dozens of staffers as they conducted cleanup tasks throughout Saulnier House, Wiley Park, and the Freedmen’s Town Association. In 2020, the organization produced a video highlighting the site’s historical significance to the community.
Saulnier House was one of the original homes built in Freedmen’s Town after emancipation was proclaimed in Texas on June 19, 1865.
Before their service work, Stone, Udoka, Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. took media questions about what could be a pivotal offseason in Houston’s franchise rebuild. The Rockets hold the No. 4 and No. 20 picks in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft on June 22, and they should have about $60 million in salary cap space once free agency negotiations open on June 30.
As part of Friday’s extended media session, here’s a look at their most pertinent observations and insights.
Quotes, videos from Rockets interviews
I asked Rafael Stone about the role Ime Udoka has in #Rockets personnel moves, both in the draft and free agency.
“We need to understand his vision. It doesn’t make any sense to go get a great player whose strengths are in a style of basketball that Ime doesn’t want to play.” pic.twitter.com/ItauuH6dcb
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 2, 2023
I asked Rafael Stone if there’s a connection between the draft and free agency, in terms of drafting based on FA or vice versa.
He firmly shook his head. “No, it’s best available.” #Rockets pic.twitter.com/VwfeU9KYTE
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 2, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr says his workout plan this off-season has included:
-Yoga
-Boxing
-lots of time in the weight room
-working out with his dadSpent time at home in the Atlanta area but is now back in Houston. Year two loading! @jabarismithjr
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) June 2, 2023
I asked @HoustonRockets head coach Ime Udoku about James Harden and although he didn’t mind talking about a nearby restaurant he just smiled and said “Thank you” when I asked him if he’d like James to play for the Rockets. Here’s that exchange. @KHOU pic.twitter.com/aTdAFGWaKV
— Matt Musil (@KHOUSportsMatt) June 2, 2023
Today’s #Rockets service crew at Freedmen’s Town in Houston’s historic Fourth Ward. Ime Udoka, Rafael Stone, Jabari Smith Jr., and Kevin Porter Jr. pic.twitter.com/RxbxkJL8vs
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 2, 2023
Kevin Porter Jr. snapped off part of a tree as part of #Rockets service work, and he was very proud of it pic.twitter.com/kLea1Vwcz9
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 2, 2023
Kevin Porter Jr. says Ime Udoka is bringing a “different aura, different energy” to the #Rockets
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 2, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr. says yoga, boxing, and the weight room are among his priorities early in the offseason. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/7iecne1Zd6
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 2, 2023
Rafael Stone, Jabari Smith Jr., Ime Udoka, and Kevin Porter Jr. are among the #Rockets helping out in today’s community service day at Freedmen’s Town pic.twitter.com/samVErrinZ
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 2, 2023
“It’s a big deal, but how I am, I will use it for motivation,” said Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. about being selected to the All-NBA Rookie Second Team. “I underachieved for my standards this year and I know I have to be better next year.” #Rockets #Sarge @TheRocketsWire pic.twitter.com/dduz7oQeir
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) June 2, 2023
Kevin Porter Jr. on the potential of major roster changes this offseason:
“I trust Ime [Udoka] with that. With whatever we’ve got right now, whoever comes in, whoever stays… I’m with it. Whoever is part of the lineup, we’ll be ready.” #Rockets pic.twitter.com/Z4cmQtvhSZ
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 2, 2023
Rafael Stone on the 2023 NBA playoffs:
“We should all be watching. The game is changing, it’s evolving. Some of the things they see in the playoffs — including just how hard you have to play — are things we need to be all about, starting Game 1 next year.” #Rockets pic.twitter.com/x0oUf8v2AO
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 2, 2023
Kevin Porter Jr, says his finishing efficiency around the rim is an offseason emphasis. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/tIrf1fh8k4
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 2, 2023
