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The Latest Breaking News from Rafael Stone

Rafael Stone: Rockets focused on internal growth, not short-term trades

Rafael Stone on his trade outlook: “Once you get through the draft and beginning of free agency, it’s more about your group. For us, we're looking for internal growth. We’re not one piece away.”

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When should Houston capitalize on its future Brooklyn draft picks?

The Houston Rockets own Brooklyn’s draft capital until 2027. Should they stand pat, or look to cash in some of those assets in the 2022 offseason? Here’s our look at the pros and cons.

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Rafael Stone wants Rockets focused on process over ‘shot luck’

“Playing well is not about making shots,” Rockets general manager Rafael Stone says. “One of the keys to success in the NBA is making people understand that.

USA Today Sports Media Group

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Rockets GM Rafael Stone sees throwback point guard in Daishen Nix

Rockets general manager Rafael Stone: “We’re really excited about Daishen (Nix). He’s kind of an old school, throwback point guard. He pushes pace. He sees the court really well.”

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ESPN’s Tim MacMahon: Tilman Fertitta listening to Rockets GM Rafael Stone

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on Tilman Fertitta: “Rebuilding is not fun for a guy who spent $2.2 billion to buy an NBA franchise. But he is listening to Rafael Stone. He’s not trying to fast track it.”

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ESPN’s Zach Lowe sees Rockets as sleeping giant in 2023 free agency

ESPN’s Zach Lowe on the rebuilding Rockets: “There just aren’t many teams that are this well set up for the future, in the whole league. Free agents will go to Houston.”

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Report: Rockets open to joining Kevin Durant, Nets trade as third-team facilitator

If Brooklyn trades Kevin Durant, @KellyIkoNBA reports that Houston is open to potentially serving as a third-team facilitator. Here’s why it could make sense for the Rockets and Nets.

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Reports: Rockets, 76ers remain active in Eric Gordon trade talks

The 76ers reportedly remain interested in trading for Rockets guard Eric Gordon. But Houston wants a future draft asset more than Matisse Thybulle, so any deal likely needs a third team.

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Report: Rockets interested in Mo Bamba, Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency

Per Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Rockets will enter 2022 free agency with at least some interest in Magic big man Mo Bamba, as well as Isaiah Hartenstein of the Clippers.

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Rockets, John Wall agree to contract buyout prior to free agency

John Wall will give back approximately $7 million in salary to the Rockets in exchange for a contract buyout prior to free agency, Chris Haynes reports. Wall plans to sign with the Clippers.

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No surprises: Rockets picking up 2022-23 contract option on Jae’Sean Tate

The Rockets have gotten starting-caliber production from Jae’Sean Tate for two years, so picking up the final-year option on his initial NBA contract was a very easy call for Rafael Stone.

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TyTy Washington ready to bring winning spirit, confidence to Rockets

“One thing I bring to the table, no matter where I’m at, is my winning spirit,” TyTy Washington said in his introductory press conference with the Rockets. “I always want to win."

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Podcast: Michael Scotto on Houston’s 2022 draft, free agency plans

Michael Scotto, NBA insider for HoopsHype, joins us to preview free agency and recap Houston’s strong draft class — led by Jabari Smith.

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Draft grades, reaction: How experts rank the 2022 Houston Rockets rookie class

The Rockets finished with three first-round additions, including a potential No. 1 pick at No. 3 overall. To no surprise, Rafael Stone received high marks from draft experts for his work.

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Excited Rafael Stone reacts to Jabari Smith addition, 2022 Rockets draft

It was a busy draft night for the Rockets, starting with the addition of Auburn forward Jabari Smith at No. 3 overall. Here’s what stood out to general manager Rafael Stone.

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PHOTOS: Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, TyTy Washington Jr. drafted by Rockets

Thursday was a banner night for Auburn’s Jabari Smith, LSU’s Tari Eason, and Kentucky’s TyTy Washington Jr., who were drafted in the NBA’s 2022 first round by the Rockets.

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Rafael Stone, Stephen Silas prioritizing development over wins in 2022-23

Rafael Stone on developing the younger Rockets: “You don’t want to stunt their growth by trying to steal a win here or there. Philosophically, we’re very cognizant of that.”

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Patrick Fertitta praises Rafael Stone, Eli Witus for Harden trade decision

Per ESPN, Patrick Fertitta credits Rafael Stone and Eli Witus for “making the hard and, at the time, very unpopular decision” to prioritize draft capital in the Harden trade.

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‘Aggressive’ Rockets GM Rafael Stone finds support from Tilman Fertitta

Rafael Stone on Houston’s pre-draft approach: “That’s probably the biggest commonality that Tilman and I bring. We’re aggressive people. We’re going to call everybody 5,000 times.”

USA Today Sports Media Group

Suns, 76ers reportedly showing trade interest in Rockets veteran Eric Gordon

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says the 76ers and Suns are two interested trade suitors for veteran Rockets guard Eric Gordon. Talks appear to be ongoing.

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Tilman Fertitta stresses longer-term perspective, draft emphasis with Rockets rebuild

With Houston clearly aggressive in trade talks leading up to the 2022 NBA draft, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta made it clear Tuesday that longer-term perspective is most important.

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Rockets GM Rafael Stone vows to be aggressive as 2022 NBA draft nears

In his final pre-draft media availability, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone took questions on Houston’s draft-day options and beyond. Here’s a look at his most noteworthy responses.

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Can KJ Martin aid Houston with trading up into the draft lottery?

If the Rockets are considering KJ Martin deals after his apparent trade inquiry, it could make sense to try and package Martin with 2022 draft assets to move up in the first-round order.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Report: Rockets receiving significant trade interest in No. 17 draft pick

Houston isn’t expected to trade its No. 3 pick, but the calculus at No. 17 on Thursday could be different, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Report: Trade talks picking up involving Rockets veteran Eric Gordon

“The (trade) conversations surrounding (Eric) Gordon are a bit more frequent now than they were around last year’s trade deadline,” The Athletic’s Kelly Iko writes.

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