Salman Ali
@salmanalinba.bsky.social
Independently covering the Houston Rockets for www.RedNationHoops.com and skeeting about progressive politics.
Email: salman.ali1220@gmail.com
Email: salman.ali1220@gmail.com
Wemby is disgusting.
Your best bet on defense is prayer, but at 7’4”, he’s got better cell reception to God.
Your best bet on defense is prayer, but at 7’4”, he’s got better cell reception to God.
October 23, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Wemby is disgusting.
Your best bet on defense is prayer, but at 7’4”, he’s got better cell reception to God.
Your best bet on defense is prayer, but at 7’4”, he’s got better cell reception to God.
Also…. I’d give this a few more games, but I’m tempted to break the in-case-of-emergency Aaron Holiday minutes.
Only 1 game so there’s time for him to catch his bearings, but it felt like too big a role for Reed Sheppard tonight.
Only 1 game so there’s time for him to catch his bearings, but it felt like too big a role for Reed Sheppard tonight.
October 22, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Also…. I’d give this a few more games, but I’m tempted to break the in-case-of-emergency Aaron Holiday minutes.
Only 1 game so there’s time for him to catch his bearings, but it felt like too big a role for Reed Sheppard tonight.
Only 1 game so there’s time for him to catch his bearings, but it felt like too big a role for Reed Sheppard tonight.
That one stings, but I’m actually encouraged at the FVV-less squad.
A clear big three has emerged. They need some more chemistry and a healthy DFS.
A clear big three has emerged. They need some more chemistry and a healthy DFS.
October 22, 2025 at 3:04 AM
That one stings, but I’m actually encouraged at the FVV-less squad.
A clear big three has emerged. They need some more chemistry and a healthy DFS.
A clear big three has emerged. They need some more chemistry and a healthy DFS.
And did not receive the timeout.
So again… what’s the anger about? Lmao
So again… what’s the anger about? Lmao
HOU didn’t have any timeout and KD called a timeout…
October 22, 2025 at 2:43 AM
And did not receive the timeout.
So again… what’s the anger about? Lmao
So again… what’s the anger about? Lmao
I’m trying to understand what OKC is complaining about here.
That they got confused and stopped playing? lol
That they got confused and stopped playing? lol
October 22, 2025 at 2:41 AM
I’m trying to understand what OKC is complaining about here.
That they got confused and stopped playing? lol
That they got confused and stopped playing? lol
Sometimes I think about how Stephen Silas used to play Daniel Theis over Alperen Sengun.
October 22, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Sometimes I think about how Stephen Silas used to play Daniel Theis over Alperen Sengun.
It’s S3ngun season now? Oh man.
October 22, 2025 at 1:44 AM
It’s S3ngun season now? Oh man.
…Is the shot clock a circle now?
October 22, 2025 at 12:50 AM
…Is the shot clock a circle now?
I've said it before, but this signing reinforces it:
The Rockets have a lot of institutional faith in Reed Sheppard. Instead of using their 14th spot on a ball handler who can shoot, they doubled down on wing defense.
The Rockets have a lot of institutional faith in Reed Sheppard. Instead of using their 14th spot on a ball handler who can shoot, they doubled down on wing defense.
FROM SHAMS:
Free agent forward Josh Okogie has agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. Okogie enters his 8th NBA season and gives the Rockets another active wing defender who has averaged 6.3 points over 416 games. https://t.co/RazV3afZq1
Free agent forward Josh Okogie has agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. Okogie enters his 8th NBA season and gives the Rockets another active wing defender who has averaged 6.3 points over 416 games. https://t.co/RazV3afZq1
Tweet
FROM SHAMS:
Free agent forward Josh Okogie has agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. Okogie enters his 8th NBA season and gives the Rockets another active wing defender who has averaged 6.3 points over 416 games. https://t.co/RazV3afZq1
twitter.com
July 22, 2025 at 7:12 PM
I've said it before, but this signing reinforces it:
The Rockets have a lot of institutional faith in Reed Sheppard. Instead of using their 14th spot on a ball handler who can shoot, they doubled down on wing defense.
The Rockets have a lot of institutional faith in Reed Sheppard. Instead of using their 14th spot on a ball handler who can shoot, they doubled down on wing defense.
Reposted by Salman Ali
the journalist in me would like to tease this by saying we had a spirited debate about how much kd can do for the rockets offense.
the masterclickbaiter in me would like all the aggregating teenagers to know the "kd isn't worth a minimum contract" talk starts at the 15:18 mark.
the masterclickbaiter in me would like all the aggregating teenagers to know the "kd isn't worth a minimum contract" talk starts at the 15:18 mark.
New @rednationhoops.bsky.social episode:
Where do the Rockets stack up in the West? w/ @danfavale.bsky.social
www.rednationhoops.com/p/where-do-t...
Where do the Rockets stack up in the West? w/ @danfavale.bsky.social
www.rednationhoops.com/p/where-do-t...
Where do the Rockets stack up in the West? w/ Dan Favale
Podcast muscles are still rusty
www.rednationhoops.com
July 15, 2025 at 2:09 AM
the journalist in me would like to tease this by saying we had a spirited debate about how much kd can do for the rockets offense.
the masterclickbaiter in me would like all the aggregating teenagers to know the "kd isn't worth a minimum contract" talk starts at the 15:18 mark.
the masterclickbaiter in me would like all the aggregating teenagers to know the "kd isn't worth a minimum contract" talk starts at the 15:18 mark.
New @rednationhoops.bsky.social episode:
Where do the Rockets stack up in the West? w/ @danfavale.bsky.social
www.rednationhoops.com/p/where-do-t...
Where do the Rockets stack up in the West? w/ @danfavale.bsky.social
www.rednationhoops.com/p/where-do-t...
Where do the Rockets stack up in the West? w/ Dan Favale
Podcast muscles are still rusty
www.rednationhoops.com
July 15, 2025 at 1:29 AM
New @rednationhoops.bsky.social episode:
Where do the Rockets stack up in the West? w/ @danfavale.bsky.social
www.rednationhoops.com/p/where-do-t...
Where do the Rockets stack up in the West? w/ @danfavale.bsky.social
www.rednationhoops.com/p/where-do-t...
The Rockets have managed to keep a large sum of non-essential salaries on their roster throughout their entire rebuild (last year they had $45 million).
This has given them a ton of flexibility in trade negotiations for potential star trades should opportunities come up.
This has given them a ton of flexibility in trade negotiations for potential star trades should opportunities come up.
By February, the Rockets will have over $40 million in tradable salary that doesn't include Fred VanVleet, Kevin Durant, or any of their young pieces.
Incredible work by Rafael Stone.
Incredible work by Rafael Stone.
July 7, 2025 at 6:35 PM
The Rockets have managed to keep a large sum of non-essential salaries on their roster throughout their entire rebuild (last year they had $45 million).
This has given them a ton of flexibility in trade negotiations for potential star trades should opportunities come up.
This has given them a ton of flexibility in trade negotiations for potential star trades should opportunities come up.
By February, the Rockets will have over $40 million in tradable salary that doesn't include Fred VanVleet, Kevin Durant, or any of their young pieces.
Incredible work by Rafael Stone.
Incredible work by Rafael Stone.
July 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
By February, the Rockets will have over $40 million in tradable salary that doesn't include Fred VanVleet, Kevin Durant, or any of their young pieces.
Incredible work by Rafael Stone.
Incredible work by Rafael Stone.
Okay this DFS contract takes A LOT of the sting out of the Cam Whitmore trade.
It's incredibly team-friendly and will likely turn into a valuable trade piece down the road for Houston.
If the price of this deal was Cam's place on the team, I'm more okay with how it went down.
It's incredibly team-friendly and will likely turn into a valuable trade piece down the road for Houston.
If the price of this deal was Cam's place on the team, I'm more okay with how it went down.
Update: The Houston Rockets signed Dorian Finney-Smith to a four-year, $53 million deal, which is fully guaranteed the first two seasons, has a third-year non-guaranteed salary, and a fourth-year non-guaranteed salary and player option, league sources told @hoopshypeofficial.bsky.social.
July 7, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Okay this DFS contract takes A LOT of the sting out of the Cam Whitmore trade.
It's incredibly team-friendly and will likely turn into a valuable trade piece down the road for Houston.
If the price of this deal was Cam's place on the team, I'm more okay with how it went down.
It's incredibly team-friendly and will likely turn into a valuable trade piece down the road for Houston.
If the price of this deal was Cam's place on the team, I'm more okay with how it went down.
Pros for HOU moving Cam:
-No path for minutes/can't be showcased
-Makes the long-term financials easier
-He doesn't want to be here
Cons for HOU moving Cam:
-If he becomes an All-NBA talent, the above points are irrelevant
If he tops out as an All-Star, it stings a lot less.
-No path for minutes/can't be showcased
-Makes the long-term financials easier
-He doesn't want to be here
Cons for HOU moving Cam:
-If he becomes an All-NBA talent, the above points are irrelevant
If he tops out as an All-Star, it stings a lot less.
July 5, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Pros for HOU moving Cam:
-No path for minutes/can't be showcased
-Makes the long-term financials easier
-He doesn't want to be here
Cons for HOU moving Cam:
-If he becomes an All-NBA talent, the above points are irrelevant
If he tops out as an All-Star, it stings a lot less.
-No path for minutes/can't be showcased
-Makes the long-term financials easier
-He doesn't want to be here
Cons for HOU moving Cam:
-If he becomes an All-NBA talent, the above points are irrelevant
If he tops out as an All-Star, it stings a lot less.
So the Rockets have essentially locked in on the young core they want to keep (for now):
Alperen Sengun
Amen Thompson
Jabari Smith
Reed Sheppard
Tari Eason
Alperen Sengun
Amen Thompson
Jabari Smith
Reed Sheppard
Tari Eason
July 5, 2025 at 8:30 PM
So the Rockets have essentially locked in on the young core they want to keep (for now):
Alperen Sengun
Amen Thompson
Jabari Smith
Reed Sheppard
Tari Eason
Alperen Sengun
Amen Thompson
Jabari Smith
Reed Sheppard
Tari Eason
Said it on @rednationhoops.bsky.social:
While I understand the logic, I hate that Houston is giving up on Whitmore. This price in particular, feels meager.
I think he's going to blow up in Washington.
While I understand the logic, I hate that Houston is giving up on Whitmore. This price in particular, feels meager.
I think he's going to blow up in Washington.
FROM SHAMS:
The Houston Rockets are trading Cam Whitmore to the Washington Wizards for two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. The deal gives Whitmore a tremendous opportunity for an increased role as he turns 21 on Tuesday and returns to the DMV area.
The Houston Rockets are trading Cam Whitmore to the Washington Wizards for two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. The deal gives Whitmore a tremendous opportunity for an increased role as he turns 21 on Tuesday and returns to the DMV area.
July 5, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Said it on @rednationhoops.bsky.social:
While I understand the logic, I hate that Houston is giving up on Whitmore. This price in particular, feels meager.
I think he's going to blow up in Washington.
While I understand the logic, I hate that Houston is giving up on Whitmore. This price in particular, feels meager.
I think he's going to blow up in Washington.
New @rednationhoops.bsky.social episode w/ @dunots.voidsent.com:
Rockets free agency wrap up
www.rednationhoops.com/p/can-the-ro...
Rockets free agency wrap up
www.rednationhoops.com/p/can-the-ro...
Can the Rockets compete with the Thunder now? w/ Forrest Walker
What a summer
www.rednationhoops.com
July 4, 2025 at 3:14 PM
New @rednationhoops.bsky.social episode w/ @dunots.voidsent.com:
Rockets free agency wrap up
www.rednationhoops.com/p/can-the-ro...
Rockets free agency wrap up
www.rednationhoops.com/p/can-the-ro...
Unless something changes, it seems clear that the Rockets have a great deal of faith in Reed Sheppard and intend to rocket him up to 15-20 minutes per game next season.
June 30, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Unless something changes, it seems clear that the Rockets have a great deal of faith in Reed Sheppard and intend to rocket him up to 15-20 minutes per game next season.
I don’t understand the panic from Rockets fans about guard depth. They’re fine.
To me, the clear need is wing shooting - especially if Cam gets traded.
To me, the clear need is wing shooting - especially if Cam gets traded.
Starters:
Fred VanVleet
Amen Thompson
Kevin Durant
Jabari Smith Jr.
Alperen Sengun
Bench:
Reed Sheppard
Cam Whitmore (?)
Tari Eason
Steven Adams
Deep Bench:
Aaron Holiday
Jae'Sean Tate
Jeff Green
Fred VanVleet
Amen Thompson
Kevin Durant
Jabari Smith Jr.
Alperen Sengun
Bench:
Reed Sheppard
Cam Whitmore (?)
Tari Eason
Steven Adams
Deep Bench:
Aaron Holiday
Jae'Sean Tate
Jeff Green
June 30, 2025 at 4:56 PM
I don’t understand the panic from Rockets fans about guard depth. They’re fine.
To me, the clear need is wing shooting - especially if Cam gets traded.
To me, the clear need is wing shooting - especially if Cam gets traded.
Starters:
Fred VanVleet
Amen Thompson
Kevin Durant
Jabari Smith Jr.
Alperen Sengun
Bench:
Reed Sheppard
Cam Whitmore (?)
Tari Eason
Steven Adams
Deep Bench:
Aaron Holiday
Jae'Sean Tate
Jeff Green
Fred VanVleet
Amen Thompson
Kevin Durant
Jabari Smith Jr.
Alperen Sengun
Bench:
Reed Sheppard
Cam Whitmore (?)
Tari Eason
Steven Adams
Deep Bench:
Aaron Holiday
Jae'Sean Tate
Jeff Green
June 30, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Starters:
Fred VanVleet
Amen Thompson
Kevin Durant
Jabari Smith Jr.
Alperen Sengun
Bench:
Reed Sheppard
Cam Whitmore (?)
Tari Eason
Steven Adams
Deep Bench:
Aaron Holiday
Jae'Sean Tate
Jeff Green
Fred VanVleet
Amen Thompson
Kevin Durant
Jabari Smith Jr.
Alperen Sengun
Bench:
Reed Sheppard
Cam Whitmore (?)
Tari Eason
Steven Adams
Deep Bench:
Aaron Holiday
Jae'Sean Tate
Jeff Green
Jabari Smith opted against betting on himself for financial security.
I totally get it, but if he held out and had an All-Star season, he could've demanded a $250 million contract next summer.
I totally get it, but if he held out and had an All-Star season, he could've demanded a $250 million contract next summer.
June 30, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Jabari Smith opted against betting on himself for financial security.
I totally get it, but if he held out and had an All-Star season, he could've demanded a $250 million contract next summer.
I totally get it, but if he held out and had an All-Star season, he could've demanded a $250 million contract next summer.
Wow. Less than 18% of the salary cap for a 3rd overall pick with still a lot of upside.
That's a hell of a deal for Houston.
That's a hell of a deal for Houston.
FROM SHAMS:
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. intends to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Rockets officials and Smith's agent, Wallace Prather of LIFT Sports Management, negotiated the fully guaranteed deal through 2030-31 season.
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. intends to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Rockets officials and Smith's agent, Wallace Prather of LIFT Sports Management, negotiated the fully guaranteed deal through 2030-31 season.
June 30, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Wow. Less than 18% of the salary cap for a 3rd overall pick with still a lot of upside.
That's a hell of a deal for Houston.
That's a hell of a deal for Houston.
Short term for Houston on FVV extension: Great
Long-term for Houston on FVV extension: We’ll see
Although Rafael Stone and his front office deserve the benefit of the doubt. They’ve been pitch-perfect in the long-term planning department.
Long-term for Houston on FVV extension: We’ll see
Although Rafael Stone and his front office deserve the benefit of the doubt. They’ve been pitch-perfect in the long-term planning department.
June 25, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Short term for Houston on FVV extension: Great
Long-term for Houston on FVV extension: We’ll see
Although Rafael Stone and his front office deserve the benefit of the doubt. They’ve been pitch-perfect in the long-term planning department.
Long-term for Houston on FVV extension: We’ll see
Although Rafael Stone and his front office deserve the benefit of the doubt. They’ve been pitch-perfect in the long-term planning department.
Hmm, I love the number and hate the player option.
Solid piece of financial work for the Rockets. Opens up financial instruments to use in free agency.
My hope is KD gives at least two years of team control to Houston in his extension.
Solid piece of financial work for the Rockets. Opens up financial instruments to use in free agency.
My hope is KD gives at least two years of team control to Houston in his extension.
FROM SHAMS:
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet intends to sign a two-year, $50 million contract to stay with the franchise, with a player option in 2026-27, sources tell ESPN. Rockets are declining VanVleet's $44.9 million team option and land the new deal with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet intends to sign a two-year, $50 million contract to stay with the franchise, with a player option in 2026-27, sources tell ESPN. Rockets are declining VanVleet's $44.9 million team option and land the new deal with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.
June 25, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Hmm, I love the number and hate the player option.
Solid piece of financial work for the Rockets. Opens up financial instruments to use in free agency.
My hope is KD gives at least two years of team control to Houston in his extension.
Solid piece of financial work for the Rockets. Opens up financial instruments to use in free agency.
My hope is KD gives at least two years of team control to Houston in his extension.