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The Latest Breaking News from Rafael Stone

Rafael Stone on Rockets rookie Amen Thompson: ‘When you see something special, you know it’

“When you see something special, you know it’s special,” #Rockets general manager Rafael Stone says of Amen Thompson. “What Amen can do, to me, jumps out.”

USA Today Sports Media Group

Even as rookie, Amen Thompson ready to make immediate contributions to Rockets

“Leadership, defense, intangibles, being a good locker-room guy... I can bring that to the team immediately,” #Rockets rookie Amen Thompson says of his mindset entering the season.

USA Today Sports Media Group

WATCH: Rockets make draft calls to welcome Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore to Houston

Rafael Stone, Ime Udoka, and Patrick Fertitta all reached out to Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore to welcome in Houston’s new draft picks. Here’s what it looked and sounded like. #Rockets

USA Today Sports Media Group

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NBA draft grades: Rockets effusively praised after landing Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore

With an impressive haul consisting of Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, the #Rockets and general manager Rafael Stone are earning high draft grades from NBA analysts.

USA Today Sports Media Group

‘Hyper-athletic’: Rockets enter rebuild’s next phase by doubling down on team philosophy

“We already were athletic, and we doubled down,” Rafael Stone said after the 2023 NBA draft. “It is never a bad thing to be a hyper-athletic team, and I think we will be just that.” #Rockets

USA Today Sports Media Group

‘Chip on my shoulder’: Rockets draft a highly motivated Cam Whitmore

“Where you get picked has zero determination on how successful you are,” Rafael Stone tells @BigSargeSportz of Cam Whitmore’s slide. Stone says the #Rockets have no concerns over his health.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Rockets GM Rafael Stone reacts to drafting Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore

“Today was a really good day,” #Rockets GM Rafael Stone says after drafting Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore. “We improved the potential of our team going forward.”

USA Today Sports Media Group

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Cam Whitmore perplexed by draft slide, says he’s healthy and motivated for Rockets

New #Rockets draft pick Cam Whitmore doesn’t understand the medical concerns that potentially caused him to fall to No. 20. “I feel fine,” he says. “I have no idea.”

USA Today Sports Media Group

Reaction: Rockets stunningly draft Cam Whitmore at No. 20 to pair with Amen Thompson

A few days ago, Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson were said to be in close competition for the No. 4 pick. Somehow, Houston emerged with both on draft night. #Rockets

USA Today Sports Media Group

Thursday’s NBA draft-day rumors: Rockets expectations for June 22

Entering NBA draft night, there’s some late intrigue as to whether Amen Thompson or Brandon Miller will be the best prospect available at No. 4. Here’s our final #Rockets rumors roundup.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Tuesday’s NBA draft-week rumors: New Rockets intel for June 20

”He’s the best athlete anyone has ever seen,” a #Rockets source tells @JTGatlin of Amen Thompson. Here’s our roundup of Tuesday’s draft-week rumors.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Podcast: Key takeaways as Rockets, Rafael Stone answer media questions

Rafael Stone wants the #Rockets to watch and learn from the 2023 playoffs, and today’s @TheLagerLine explores the key themes — starting with organizational culture and alignment.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Rockets hold company service day at Houston’s historic Freedmen’s Town

Rafael Stone, Ime Udoka, Jabari Smith Jr., and Kevin Porter Jr. joined numerous #Rockets staffers to take part in Friday’s company-wide service day at Freedmen’s Town in Houston.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Rockets interviews: Rafael Stone, Ime Udoka, Kevin Porter Jr., Jabari Smith Jr. on 2023 offseason

At Friday’s #Rockets service day, Ime Udoka, Rafael Stone, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jabari Smith Jr. all addressed their plans for the 2023 offseason, which could be pivotal in Houston.

USA Today Sports Media Group

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Rafael Stone: In 2023 offseason, Rockets to prioritize best player available, fit with Ime Udoka

In the 2023 draft and free agency, #Rockets GM Rafael Stone plans to utilize a “best available player” approach, as long as it meshes with Ime Udoka’s vision for the team and its growth.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Report: Rockets receiving multiple trade offers for No. 4 draft pick

“Multiple teams have already expressed [trade] interest in acquiring Houston’s lottery pick ahead of the June 22 draft,” @KellyIko reports. #Rockets

USA Today Sports Media Group

Key dates, deadlines for Houston Rockets in NBA’s 2023 offseason

A crucial offseason for Rafael Stone and the #Rockets is underway, with the 2023 NBA draft (June 22) and the start of free agency talks (June 30) among the key dates.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Reports: Rockets already open to trading No. 4 overall draft pick

Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) of Bleacher Report and Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) of The Athletic expect the #Rockets to be active in trade talks involving the No. 4 overall draft pick.

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Rockets GM Rafael Stone envisions ‘uber-talented’ player with No. 4 draft pick

“This is a really good draft,” #Rockets general manager Rafael Stone said after landing the No. 4 overall pick. “I’m very confident there are uber-talented players that will be available.”

USA Today Sports Media Group

2023 NBA draft prospects who Rockets have interviewed or worked out

With the 2023 NBA draft combine coming up, here’s our latest list of prospects who have reportedly interviewed or worked out with the #Rockets in the pre-draft process.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Report: Rockets focused on value contracts in 2023 free agency

In 2023 free agency, Rafael Stone and the #Rockets will balance their need for short-term upgrades with a desire for value contracts, per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

USA Today Sports Media Group

‘Youth is not an excuse’: Ime Udoka sends initial message to Rockets

“One of my first messages (to #Rockets players) will be that youth is not an excuse,” Ime Udoka says. “I’m just trying to expedite the process of becoming professionals.”

Sports Illustrated

Ime Udoka Breaks Silence on Boston Exit As He Takes Over in Houston

The former Celtics coach was remorseful as he spoke publicly about the rocky end to his tenure in Boston for the first time. He now has a sizable task ahead in Houston.

USA Today Sports Media Group

‘Sky is the limit’: Ime Udoka explains why Houston was the right fit

Citing young talent, salary cap space, and an attractive destination market, new #Rockets coach Ime Udoka explained why he’s a big believer in Houston’s future.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Rockets coach Ime Udoka makes first unscripted comments on Boston scandal

For the first time since losing his job with the Celtics, new #Rockets coach Ime Udoka met with the media and briefly addressed his previous workplace scandal.

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