Something new! The great @kellyiko.bsky.social and I will be chopping it up on Yahoo Sports this season, as we go back and forth on multiple topics throughout the year. First up, Kelly and I discuss the willing mid-tier teams. sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

Next up: I wrote about the Magic, who paid a heavy price in pursuit of a championship-caliber offense: yhoo.it/4hcoFxz And @kellyiko.bsky.social (!) popped in to write about the Rockets, and whether they really were just a Kevin Durant away from a title: yhoo.it/3W4uAev

Excited to announce The IkoSystem is back on @yahoosports.bsky.social ! Our first preseason edition takes a look at Alperen Şengün's spacing solvent in Houston', the Devin Booker/Jordan Ott distribution relationship and hope for the Lakers' rim protection. sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

KD to the Rockets is a perfect fit, says @kellyiko.bsky.social in our latest Athletic Spotlight video. Watch the full video here. www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...

The Rockets intend to sign F Jabari Smith Jr. to a five-year, $122 million extension that contains no team or player options, sources tell @kellyiko.bsky.social.

SOURCES: The Rockets maintained a firm stance in their refusal to include these young players in the Kevin Durant trade: ◽️ Reed Sheppard ◽️ Jabari Smith Jr. ◽️ Tari Eason H/T @samamick.bsky.social, @kellyiko.bsky.social

www.nytimes.com/athletic/643... Kevin Durant trade latest: Why Timberwolves can’t be completely ruled out just yet. Reporting with @samamick.bsky.social and @kellyiko.bsky.social

Good read from @kellyiko.bsky.social on how, even in curtailed minutes and with a shifting role, Isaiah Hartenstein has made a major impact for the Thunder in these Finals: www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...

In contrast to the trade deadline, Durant's preference won’t likely be a deciding factor in a trade. This makes a deal with the Rockets and Spurs unlikely for now. Full intel from @samamick.bsky.social, @jonkrawczynski.bsky.social and @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...

SOURCES: The Suns have been aggressive in recent efforts to trade Kevin Durant, per @kellyiko.bsky.social. Phoenix has reached out to the Houston Rockets to discuss a deal, with the Suns looking to regain full control of their draft capital.

The true measure of the Nuggets’ greatness is amplified when Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray are working in tandem. But Sunday in Denver, Lu Dort won the Murray matchup — pivotal to Oklahoma City taking Game 4. More, from @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...

Diving into the Rockets offseason, with intel on all of the star player scenarios that might be in play if they take a swing, at @theathletic.bsky.social (yes, including that Giannis guy) W/ @kellyiko.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...

Great stuff here from our @kellyiko.bsky.social on Dillon Brooks and the Rockets www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...

Steve Kerr pulled the plug with 18 minutes still left in Game 5. The Rockets' defense was stifling Golden State's stars. Meanwhile the Warriors didn't bring the proper level of defensive focus. @kellyiko.bsky.social and @anthonyvslater.bsky.social have more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...

In Game 1, Amen Thompson’s usage (16.8) was less than it had been all season long. Putting the ball back in his hands, playing off his drives and finding easier shots for his teammates is a smart counterpunch for Game 2. New for @theathletic.bsky.social shorturl.at/MtTAA

For @theathletic.bsky.social w/ @dannyleroux.bsky.social — Examining Houston’s cap structure in the short and longterm: Fred VanVleet’s future, looming extensions, Suns leverage and much more. www.nytimes.com/athletic/620...

When the Rockets announced that 4 of their starters would be out vs. OKC, the intrigue of the matchup dissipated — or so I thought. On Jabari Smith Jr.’s 2-way glue, Jalen Green’s playmaking, the case for Cam and a Reed sighting. For @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/617...

The Cade Cunningham-Jalen Green rivalry is a beef that goes back years, long before both parties declined a pregame handshake on Monday afternoon. On celebrating competition and everything it entails For @theathletic.bsky.social —

New for @theathletic.bsky.social - teamed up with our @kellyiko.bsky.social to talk about Houston's trade options heading into the deadline. www.nytimes.com/athletic/606...

Karma from the basketball gods, the Spurs’ three-point Achilles’ heel and how the Bucks — and Brook Lopez — repeatedly broke San Antonio’s typically solid “defensive shell” in front of a national audience. New for @theathletic.bsky.social shorturl.at/xZvv3

As the calendar flips to 2025, what does the new year look like for some members of the 2024 rookie class? A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social New for @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...

As the calendar flips to 2025, what does the new year look like for some members of the 2024 rookie class? A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social New for @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...

Memphis' depth is such that Desmond Bane's scoring dip isn't as alarming — taking and making less 3s, averaging nearly 10 less points per game than last season — but the Grizzlies need him to regain some juice at some point. Truly think he's their X-factor when everything is clicking.

New for @theathletic.bsky.social — I watched a bunch of #Rockets set plays and ATOs and wrote about a system overly dependent on Fred VanVleet — and the subtle tweaks necessary to lessen his load and get Houston’s offensive efficiency back on track. www.nytimes.com/athletic/600...

New for @theathletic.bsky.social The Rockets let their frustrations boil over on Saturday night, but Houston’s failure to advance to the cup final was less about the Thunder’s stifling defense and more about their persistent offensive issues. shorturl.at/X174o

At some point, Rockets need to capitalize on these 2nd-chance opportunities -- already up to 10 offensive rebounds tonight.

New for @theathletic.bsky.social On inheriting beef, the infectious disease that is defense and why the Rockets have success on their minds as they head to Vegas. shorturl.at/EAIoH

Udoka has spoken at length about Şengün needing to impose his will early -- 6 points on 3-for-3 shooting so far in the 1st. HOU offense has struggled with efficiency recently, but they'll need to attack GSW small ball w/ a heavy dosage of the Turkish big.

The IkoSystem, new on @theathletic.bsky.social • How #Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells is navigating Memphis’ defense, one screen at a time. • Alperen Şengün’s improved footwork paying dividends for the #Rockets at both ends of the floor shorturl.at/NYNXn

MAILBAG TIME ‼️ Taking all Rockets, Grizzlies and Spurs questions this week — Send them in! www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...

MAILBAG TIME ‼️ Taking all Rockets, Grizzlies and Spurs questions this week — Send them in! www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...

New for @theathletic.bsky.social Got together with my esteemed colleagues to debate NBA award winners at this point in the season — MVP, ROTY, COTY, 6MOY and MIP. shorturl.at/9ZE13

Nice piece from @kellyiko.bsky.social on Fred VanVleet's evolving leadership, with two minutes of garbage time from me. www.nytimes.com/athletic/595...

Fred VanVleet's leadership shift from an on-court professor to a teaching assistant has pushed Houston to new heights — but in order to give the #Rockets a better future, he had to learn from his past. An @theathletic.bsky.social exclusive: shorturl.at/fPNIZ

Fred VanVleet's leadership shift from an on-court professor to a teaching assistant has pushed Houston to new heights — but in order to give the #Rockets a better future, he had to learn from his past. An @theathletic.bsky.social exclusive: shorturl.at/fPNIZ

Update: SGA saw this. He's 7-for-7 from the field since, up to 27 points and spearheading a 16-4 Thunder run. OKC leads 93-85 with 2 minutes left in the 3Q.

Rockets doing a good job of making things difficult for SGA -- throwing multiple defenders at him and crowding his airspace. He's shooting just 2-for-7 after the 1st.

Ja Morant has his hands all over this Pelicans team on both ends early -- 7 points, 5 assists and 2 steals so far in the 1Q. Memphis leads 28-23 w/ 3:42 remaining.

Seven 3s for the Grizzlies in the 1Q (avg 12.7 per game) MEM continues to be my sleeper in the West -- Taylor Jenkins flying under the radar for the job he's doing in spite of a slew of injuries. Ja Morant's dynamism + a high-octane offense that can reel off 3s is dangerous.

Examining the first month of the season for the Rockets, Grizzlies and Spurs through a financial lens — salary cap storylines aplenty w/ @dannyleroux.bsky.social shorturl.at/PLnLk

This Rockets team is the exact profile of a fiesty group that could benefit longterm from a deep NBA Cup run -- especially if they continue to wreak havoc on the defensive end like this.

Tari Eason and Rick Carlisle briefly exchanged some words following a Pacers timeout --- Rockets lead 94-73 with 1:49 remaining in the 3Q. Carlisle, who also picked up a tech tonight, is not a happy camper right now.

Says a lot about Jaylen Wells and the trust Taylor Jenkins has in him defensively --- won't find too many rookies assigned to chase both Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray in the same game.

For as much progress as the youthful Rockets have made — especially defensively — Monday night’s loss to the Bucks was a tactical reminder in veteran savvy and countering counters. NEW for @theathletic.bsky.social shorturl.at/uWY1v

For as much progress as the youthful Rockets have made — especially defensively — Monday night’s loss to the Bucks was a tactical reminder in veteran savvy and countering counters. NEW for @theathletic.bsky.social shorturl.at/uWY1v

MIL/HOU a good example of a chess match. Bucks technically play a jumbo version of small ball with Brook Lopez launching 30-footers, Rockets like to move Şengün around and ask him to cover a ton of ground -- chasing drivers at the rim or jumping out to the 3PT line.

Really like what Jock Landale has given when his number is called -- underrated passer, rim protector and can hit the occasional 3. Rockets have a ton of depth behind Şengün and don't have to overload Steven Adams' minutes during the regular season.

Udoka has been adamant about making Alperen Şengün a more consistent floor-spacing big, but his improvement as a rim protector is what will take the Rockets from Play-In hopefuls to postseason mainstays. Just looks like a different player in that department in his fourth season.

On this week’s edition of The IkoSystem, we sit down with Rockets F Tari Eason to explore the wonderful world of forcing turnovers + Keldon Johnson’s driving and cutting is opening up San Antonio’s offense — www.nytimes.com/athletic/591...