How's everybody doing.

How's everybody doing.

I want to welcome you into a very very special episode of NBA Rookie Life with Ryan Hollins, and this one is I know, I keep telling y'all every episode is a fun one, but this is a fun one because I have somebody who's spent twenty nine or so years will debatable, we'll get into that years in the Rockets organization.

I want to welcome you into a very very special episode of NBA Rookie Life with Ryan Hollins, and this one is I know, I keep telling y'all every episode is a fun one, but this is a fun one because I have somebody who's spent twenty nine or so years will debatable, we'll get into that years in the Rockets organization.

He has worked his way and his ranks up.

He has worked his way and his ranks up.

He was doing the part time radio, then he was full time radio, then it's.

He was doing the part time radio, then he was full time radio, then it's.

Part time TV.

Part time TV.

And we have come in together and this man is the one, the only, the voice of the Rockets, the great crag Cocker man, Craig.

And we have come in together and this man is the one, the only, the voice of the Rockets, the great crag Cocker man, Craig.

What's going on? What's up?

What's going on? What's up?

I don't know about all that. I appreciate it, but it's nice to be with you. And frankly, I guess I could have just as easily just driven over to your house.

I don't know about all that. I appreciate it, but it's nice to be with you. And frankly, I guess I could have just as easily just driven over to your house.

We could have done this in the same room together.

We could have done this in the same room together.

You could have you know, when I had Jabbari on, Jabbari's junior was playing, well, we'll talk about him a little later on this.

You could have you know, when I had Jabbari on, Jabbari's junior was playing, well, we'll talk about him a little later on this.

Oh Jabari. Actually, I was like, dude, we can do a remote.

Oh Jabari. Actually, I was like, dude, we can do a remote.

He was like, no, I want to come out like he drove over here after practice. Oh okay, and we did it in person, shout out.

He was like, no, I want to come out like he drove over here after practice. Oh okay, and we did it in person, shout out.

And I don't know I live much. I'm assuming I live much closer to you than Jabbari does. We live like three miles from one another or something like that.

And I don't know I live much. I'm assuming I live much closer to you than Jabbari does. We live like three miles from one another or something like that.

So and then isn't it so weird? Like we ride home, we do everything together. Now that there's no time I don't even see you, and like there's I feel like logically we should be hanging out and doing stuff, but there's a weird like I'm going to see him a whole lot.

So and then isn't it so weird? Like we ride home, we do everything together. Now that there's no time I don't even see you, and like there's I feel like logically we should be hanging out and doing stuff, but there's a weird like I'm going to see him a whole lot.

We do spend a lot of time with one another, but you're busy podcasting and hooping.

We do spend a lot of time with one another, but you're busy podcasting and hooping.

I'm kind of busy doing whatever it is that I do in the summers as well.

I'm kind of busy doing whatever it is that I do in the summers as well.

But but yeah, hey, you know what, what about three more months we'll be right back at it again.

But but yeah, hey, you know what, what about three more months we'll be right back at it again.

So I'm looking forward to all.

So I'm looking forward to all.

Right, Craig, So before we say anything, you got to let me know this, Like, you know, however many days, how many years and three quarters?

Right, Craig, So before we say anything, you got to let me know this, Like, you know, however many days, how many years and three quarters?

So you don't get.

So you don't get.

Credit for a full get like what happened. I know players miss games. I think people don't give us broadcasters credit because we grind, we travel, we go through a lot man. You listen, the team wins a championship, we get rings to Craig, so talk to me about this this game allegedly that is not on the slate for you.

Credit for a full get like what happened. I know players miss games. I think people don't give us broadcasters credit because we grind, we travel, we go through a lot man. You listen, the team wins a championship, we get rings to Craig, so talk to me about this this game allegedly that is not on the slate for you.

Well, okay, So, I mean a lot of people in our profession are able to keep track of how many games they've worked, and honestly, I have. I got to be honest, I really have no clue. It's been a lot, but I just don't know how money. And so the joke whenever that comes up with me is that it's something and something in three quarters games, because there actually was a game that I didn't complete. No, actually, you know, I maybe rob in my first full time season doing radio for the Rockets. So this was two thousand and eight, two thousand and nine ers somewhere in that area. I had the two gentlemen who preceded me, the legends of Rockets radio, g Peterson and Jim Fully had their night where at Toyota Center where they honored them for their careers, and part of that was them coming in and one last time having a chance to call a game together, which I thought was really cool. And so you know, they had their halftime ceremony in which they were honored in front of the crowd, and then they came in and worked the fourth quarter together. I think we might have been playing Denver that night, but I can't remember, And so I kind of stepped aside in the fourth quarter and let them do their things. So again my joke is whether I've called I don't know, fifteen hundred, eighteen hundred, ten thousand, I don't know how many games, but it's always that number in three quarters. And there you go, because I sat out a quarter, let Gin and Jim do their thing one more time.

Well, okay, So, I mean a lot of people in our profession are able to keep track of how many games they've worked, and honestly, I have. I got to be honest, I really have no clue. It's been a lot, but I just don't know how money. And so the joke whenever that comes up with me is that it's something and something in three quarters games, because there actually was a game that I didn't complete. No, actually, you know, I maybe rob in my first full time season doing radio for the Rockets. So this was two thousand and eight, two thousand and nine ers somewhere in that area. I had the two gentlemen who preceded me, the legends of Rockets radio, g Peterson and Jim Fully had their night where at Toyota Center where they honored them for their careers, and part of that was them coming in and one last time having a chance to call a game together, which I thought was really cool. And so you know, they had their halftime ceremony in which they were honored in front of the crowd, and then they came in and worked the fourth quarter together. I think we might have been playing Denver that night, but I can't remember, And so I kind of stepped aside in the fourth quarter and let them do their things. So again my joke is whether I've called I don't know, fifteen hundred, eighteen hundred, ten thousand, I don't know how many games, but it's always that number in three quarters. And there you go, because I sat out a quarter, let Gin and Jim do their thing one more time.

That was a big of you, Craig, Hey, I got a show.

That was a big of you, Craig, Hey, I got a show.

Listen, make no mistake, Okay, if we give a big shout out to the big Bull Clyde or any of the I am stepping all the way aside.

Listen, make no mistake, Okay, if we give a big shout out to the big Bull Clyde or any of the I am stepping all the way aside.

Okay, there's no there's no question.

Okay, there's no there's no question.

There's no shout out to Clyde.

There's no shout out to Clyde.

By the way, Man just saw Clyde.

By the way, Man just saw Clyde.

He's doing a great job as commissioner over there at the Big Three.

He's doing a great job as commissioner over there at the Big Three.

You know, people don't understand, man.

You know, people don't understand, man.

We go through some ups and downs, like we had to avoid COVID with the players. As broadcasters, you know, we get stuck on a couple of flights you know that are crazy.

We go through some ups and downs, like we had to avoid COVID with the players. As broadcasters, you know, we get stuck on a couple of flights you know that are crazy.

We go through a lot with these guys.

We go through a lot with these guys.

Now it's not the same grind as being a player, but I have a respect for this that crack man. Have you had some little ups and downs, you know, as you know when the call of duty, because you know what rains leading snow man, We worked through it.

Now it's not the same grind as being a player, but I have a respect for this that crack man. Have you had some little ups and downs, you know, as you know when the call of duty, because you know what rains leading snow man, We worked through it.

I'll just leave it at this unless there are unforeseen extreme circumstances. I am like the postman. I'm going to deliver and rain, sleep, shine or snow. Let me just leave it at that.

I'll just leave it at this unless there are unforeseen extreme circumstances. I am like the postman. I'm going to deliver and rain, sleep, shine or snow. Let me just leave it at that.

We don't want to talk about any tryumph, you know.

We don't want to talk about any tryumph, you know.

Situations, not at all, Not at all. It's a running it's a running joke amongst us. But uh no, no, I ref from that.

Situations, not at all, Not at all. It's a running it's a running joke amongst us. But uh no, no, I ref from that.

So all right, stay tuned.

So all right, stay tuned.

You're gonna find out how long it takes Craig Ackerman to prepare for an NBA game coming up next. I don't know if you'll believe this, Stay tuned.

You're gonna find out how long it takes Craig Ackerman to prepare for an NBA game coming up next. I don't know if you'll believe this, Stay tuned.

I'll say this about you, Craig.

I'll say this about you, Craig.

What I love about you that I get to see and I say this are You'll be easily the most hardest working partner teammate I've had. You prepare like a maniac, like you're it's amazing to me how overqualified you are. Like the fans don't know. Let's say there's a game, there's information, right, you probably get in a fourth, a fifth, a tenth of the information that you know on these guys to actually put out. So you know, I'll go pound for pound with you. I don't know if you notice it. I'll test you every once in a while and say how about this? How about and you've got something you know just about for everything?

What I love about you that I get to see and I say this are You'll be easily the most hardest working partner teammate I've had. You prepare like a maniac, like you're it's amazing to me how overqualified you are. Like the fans don't know. Let's say there's a game, there's information, right, you probably get in a fourth, a fifth, a tenth of the information that you know on these guys to actually put out. So you know, I'll go pound for pound with you. I don't know if you notice it. I'll test you every once in a while and say how about this? How about and you've got something you know just about for everything?

Man? What talk to me about?

Man? What talk to me about?

I guess the preparation going into calling a rocket game or going in what do you do just give the people for or some kids maybe watching us to say, hey, man, I want to go into broadcasting.

I guess the preparation going into calling a rocket game or going in what do you do just give the people for or some kids maybe watching us to say, hey, man, I want to go into broadcasting.

What is this like? Man? They just call the game? Man? Anybody can do that?

What is this like? Man? They just call the game? Man? Anybody can do that?

Yeah, you know, I think you're going to go into broadcasting, especially play by play broadcasting. I think you have to also be and love might be too strong of a word, but you have to appreciate the am.

Yeah, you know, I think you're going to go into broadcasting, especially play by play broadcasting. I think you have to also be and love might be too strong of a word, but you have to appreciate the am.

No it is love. Love is right on. I'm sorry, Craig for this job. Love is just as much a part of it.

No it is love. Love is right on. I'm sorry, Craig for this job. Love is just as much a part of it.

You have to enjoy and or love the preparation part of it. I think because I think the more prepared that you are, the better off your show is because, as you mentioned, things do occasionally pop up that you need to sort of reference. Now, there are things that you miss and you make some mistakes on. But yeah, I mean I prepare, I prepare like crazy, and you're right, you ultimately end up using very little of it.

You have to enjoy and or love the preparation part of it. I think because I think the more prepared that you are, the better off your show is because, as you mentioned, things do occasionally pop up that you need to sort of reference. Now, there are things that you miss and you make some mistakes on. But yeah, I mean I prepare, I prepare like crazy, and you're right, you ultimately end up using very little of it.

When you say prepare like crazy, what is prepare like crazy?

When you say prepare like crazy, what is prepare like crazy?

What is like a day of preparation or a week or whatever preparation look like for you?

What is like a day of preparation or a week or whatever preparation look like for you?

When you play a team for the first time, obviously you have to rebuild your spotting boards.

When you play a team for the first time, obviously you have to rebuild your spotting boards.

I minor what's a spotting board? I don't know what a spotting What is a spotting board?

I minor what's a spotting board? I don't know what a spotting What is a spotting board?

Spotting board is basically what play by play people use to the information where you have the players listed and statistics and so forth. And everybody's spotting board honestly is different. No one uses the same thing might happen to be electronic. I use word documents, and I have everything on my laptop and so I always have that in front of me, and so I can able to kind of scroll up and down as I need to. A lot of people print them out, some people handwrite them. It varies I mean, again, everybody's spotting board is different, but that's how you basically access your information quickly and again to each his own, because everybody accesses information a different way, and ultimately, over time and experience, you find different ways to use your spotting boards that are best suited to you. But that has all the various information that you need. Sort of equate it to if you were in school and your professor said, okay, look we're going to have an exam, but you're going to have an opportunity to write down anything and everything that you want to on a sheet of paper and bring that exam into class with you to use in reference while you're ultimately taking that exam, And so it's kind of an open book test, right. So your test is the game, because no two games are alike, and so you never know what's going to be happening next.

Spotting board is basically what play by play people use to the information where you have the players listed and statistics and so forth. And everybody's spotting board honestly is different. No one uses the same thing might happen to be electronic. I use word documents, and I have everything on my laptop and so I always have that in front of me, and so I can able to kind of scroll up and down as I need to. A lot of people print them out, some people handwrite them. It varies I mean, again, everybody's spotting board is different, but that's how you basically access your information quickly and again to each his own, because everybody accesses information a different way, and ultimately, over time and experience, you find different ways to use your spotting boards that are best suited to you. But that has all the various information that you need. Sort of equate it to if you were in school and your professor said, okay, look we're going to have an exam, but you're going to have an opportunity to write down anything and everything that you want to on a sheet of paper and bring that exam into class with you to use in reference while you're ultimately taking that exam, And so it's kind of an open book test, right. So your test is the game, because no two games are alike, and so you never know what's going to be happening next.

And so you have your spoting board in front of you to reference information.

And so you have your spoting board in front of you to reference information.

And on that again you have players' names and obviously the how tall they are, where they're from, where they were drafted, all the statistics and background information. I also have career numbers and so forth, and then obviously I do that for both teams, and so it takes a little bit longer the first time around when you play teams because you have to rebuild their boards as rosters change. And then ultimately I take a bit of a dive into some advance and leg numbers to kind of get an idea. I call it my own personal scouting report. You know, teams tendencies and so forth. You know, you know, is this a good offensive rebounding team? Do they shoot well? Do they prefer above the break threes, quarter threes and so forth, And so that way, you're just kind of, you know, you're just kind of prepared for the game, and you understand who your team is because you follow them all the time. But you're also perhaps also more importantly aware of who the opponent team is, and so you can speak intelligently on them as well.

And on that again you have players' names and obviously the how tall they are, where they're from, where they were drafted, all the statistics and background information. I also have career numbers and so forth, and then obviously I do that for both teams, and so it takes a little bit longer the first time around when you play teams because you have to rebuild their boards as rosters change. And then ultimately I take a bit of a dive into some advance and leg numbers to kind of get an idea. I call it my own personal scouting report. You know, teams tendencies and so forth. You know, you know, is this a good offensive rebounding team? Do they shoot well? Do they prefer above the break threes, quarter threes and so forth, And so that way, you're just kind of, you know, you're just kind of prepared for the game, and you understand who your team is because you follow them all the time. But you're also perhaps also more importantly aware of who the opponent team is, and so you can speak intelligently on them as well.

How long does it take you to build these boards.

How long does it take you to build these boards.

The first time we play a team?

The first time we play a team?

I might start the night before, and I mean it probably takes a good I don't know, six to eight hours the first time around, and then probably half that, probably half that each subsequent time. And so and then obviously once if teams make moves around the trade deadline, and then you play them.

I might start the night before, and I mean it probably takes a good I don't know, six to eight hours the first time around, and then probably half that, probably half that each subsequent time. And so and then obviously once if teams make moves around the trade deadline, and then you play them.

You got to readjust things. But yeah, I put a good amount of work into my preparation.

You got to readjust things. But yeah, I put a good amount of work into my preparation.

So for you kids at home you're hearing this, it's taken It's taken eight four to eight hours to build a board. And this is for a man who's experience, who's been in this field, in this cry for twenty nine or so years doing this, and.

So for you kids at home you're hearing this, it's taken It's taken eight four to eight hours to build a board. And this is for a man who's experience, who's been in this field, in this cry for twenty nine or so years doing this, and.

I still miss things. I hate being unprepared.

I still miss things. I hate being unprepared.

But even with all that said, there are still some things that you're just you're just missing. Whenever I do miss something, it drives me crazy. I will it, man, I don't.

But even with all that said, there are still some things that you're just you're just missing. Whenever I do miss something, it drives me crazy. I will it, man, I don't.

I don't. I don't like making mistakes like that, but they're unavoidable.

I don't. I don't like making mistakes like that, but they're unavoidable.

Okay, Craig, enough of the fun stuff. I'm sure people would love to hear me and you rant. But let's get to the stuff that we would like to talk about.

Okay, Craig, enough of the fun stuff. I'm sure people would love to hear me and you rant. But let's get to the stuff that we would like to talk about.

And you know what Craig was.

And you know what Craig was.

You know, it's kind of fun for me right now, and I know you're probably like getting weirded out about it. You're play by play, You're the guy telling me, You're the guy talking to me, setting things up, doing things. I'm asking you the question. Man, You're the analyst right now, You're the you're the guy right now, so we're kind of flipping rolls.

You know, it's kind of fun for me right now, and I know you're probably like getting weirded out about it. You're play by play, You're the guy telling me, You're the guy talking to me, setting things up, doing things. I'm asking you the question. Man, You're the analyst right now, You're the you're the guy right now, so we're kind of flipping rolls.

I admit, Craig, I'm having fun because you're.

I admit, Craig, I'm having fun because you're.

So you're such a great leader and you got to sit back and you know you're taking the shots.

So you're such a great leader and you got to sit back and you know you're taking the shots.

Man, taking a bit of a you know, I'll admit I'm a little bit of a control freak, but I'll roll with it.

Man, taking a bit of a you know, I'll admit I'm a little bit of a control freak, but I'll roll with it.

And it's and it's a great thing.

And it's and it's a great thing.

And and I do like because for those who don't know me and Craig will have gone through a game and he did a great job.

And and I do like because for those who don't know me and Craig will have gone through a game and he did a great job.

And you know, a team was in this.

And you know, a team was in this.

Spot of this spot, and we put out so much information and try to educate the fans and have fun and grow in chemistry. And it's not just Crag being good. Craig's worried about me. So while Craig's doing all this preparational and stuff, he's trying to make sure that I'm the best or he'll be kind enough to allow me to have certain moments within the game and it'll be after the game he'd be like, oh, man, I forgot to mention that.

Spot of this spot, and we put out so much information and try to educate the fans and have fun and grow in chemistry. And it's not just Crag being good. Craig's worried about me. So while Craig's doing all this preparational and stuff, he's trying to make sure that I'm the best or he'll be kind enough to allow me to have certain moments within the game and it'll be after the game he'd be like, oh, man, I forgot to mention that.

He hit four.

He hit four.

Straight three he's three games that go on this same spot and said something building and over Craig, you are great. How of you?

Straight three he's three games that go on this same spot and said something building and over Craig, you are great. How of you?

Who cares? You know?

Who cares? You know?

I don't think anybody's you know, gonna worry about it, but you know the attention to detail, and I do challenge you on the only point. I think love is absolutely a part of it, because there's so much preparation.

I don't think anybody's you know, gonna worry about it, but you know the attention to detail, and I do challenge you on the only point. I think love is absolutely a part of it, because there's so much preparation.

If you don't love basketball, you're not going to get through.

If you don't love basketball, you're not going to get through.

If you don't enjoy it, and it shows in a broadcast and for you the fans can hear it. But I think the fun part for me is like I know, I love this game, and man, you mess you well because there will be moments in the game for those who can't see there. I've literally seen Craig and we've both done it, get up and throw like a fist pumped in air, jump out of his seat, you know, for a big play or an exciting moment, like you love the game, and I don't think that's anything that you detach from. So even though we're not in practice, we're not putting up those points.

If you don't enjoy it, and it shows in a broadcast and for you the fans can hear it. But I think the fun part for me is like I know, I love this game, and man, you mess you well because there will be moments in the game for those who can't see there. I've literally seen Craig and we've both done it, get up and throw like a fist pumped in air, jump out of his seat, you know, for a big play or an exciting moment, like you love the game, and I don't think that's anything that you detach from. So even though we're not in practice, we're not putting up those points.

We're along for.

We're along for.

The ride and their journey in the grind. But I think that love that you have for the game shows too. So let's get let's get to the fun stuff as I said, the NBA Rookie Life Film Room, and we're gonna have some fun with you, Craig. We'll get we'll dive into the past, and we'll dive.

The ride and their journey in the grind. But I think that love that you have for the game shows too. So let's get let's get to the fun stuff as I said, the NBA Rookie Life Film Room, and we're gonna have some fun with you, Craig. We'll get we'll dive into the past, and we'll dive.

Into the future.

Into the future.

So this first clip is something that you had a chance to witness and it's the rockets very first championship.

So this first clip is something that you had a chance to witness and it's the rockets very first championship.

Here's shut off, Mighty bra.

Here's shut off, Mighty bra.

I want to know kind of the thoughts, the feelings, the emotions, the story for the city, behind the scene, what did this mean for Houston basketball? What was going on here?

I want to know kind of the thoughts, the feelings, the emotions, the story for the city, behind the scene, what did this mean for Houston basketball? What was going on here?

And like, Craig, where were you? Man?

And like, Craig, where were you? Man?

Was this a young Craig full had a hair shout out, shout out c j Ackerman.

Was this a young Craig full had a hair shout out, shout out c j Ackerman.

Man, I just see you in so much, so much, CJ.

Man, I just see you in so much, so much, CJ.

And you maybe not the ponytail, but I see.

And you maybe not the ponytail, but I see.

You just kind of free spirited. Man.

You just kind of free spirited. Man.

I was.

I was.

I was twenty years old in nineteen ninety four. I was hanging out with all my buddies and as we watched every single one of these games, and so we were.

I was twenty years old in nineteen ninety four. I was hanging out with all my buddies and as we watched every single one of these games, and so we were.

Hanging out his house and yeah, it was it was. It was awesome.

Hanging out his house and yeah, it was it was. It was awesome.

I had not started working for the organization yet. I actually started interning for the Rockets the very following season. My first year as an interest ninety four ninety five, so this was ninety three, what ninety three ninety four, And first of all, this series with against the next was incredible and yeah, I was just hanging on my buddies and I mean it was It was so much fun. And then ultimately when the game ended, and you know, I got to give a lot of credit when the city of Houston, when the professional teams would won championships, This place is has done it right. We've seen it recently with the Astros winning a couple of World Series, but going back to the May nineteen nineties when the Rockets did at that time, the place to be and the place to go, the hangout spot was basically the West tim or Richmond area of town. And I mean, I don't know how many people were down there, tens of thousands of people were hanging out and just I mean that's where the whole city converged on and people were on feet, they were in their car as traffic was hardly moving.

I had not started working for the organization yet. I actually started interning for the Rockets the very following season. My first year as an interest ninety four ninety five, so this was ninety three, what ninety three ninety four, And first of all, this series with against the next was incredible and yeah, I was just hanging on my buddies and I mean it was It was so much fun. And then ultimately when the game ended, and you know, I got to give a lot of credit when the city of Houston, when the professional teams would won championships, This place is has done it right. We've seen it recently with the Astros winning a couple of World Series, but going back to the May nineteen nineties when the Rockets did at that time, the place to be and the place to go, the hangout spot was basically the West tim or Richmond area of town. And I mean, I don't know how many people were down there, tens of thousands of people were hanging out and just I mean that's where the whole city converged on and people were on feet, they were in their car as traffic was hardly moving.

Everybody was hugging and given high fives and yeah, it was, it was. It was awesome.

Everybody was hugging and given high fives and yeah, it was, it was. It was awesome.

Now, when you joined the team, was there a feeling like a let me not mess this up?

Now, when you joined the team, was there a feeling like a let me not mess this up?

You know, like, how was it.

You know, like, how was it.

I was an intern, so I knew I wouldn't move. I just didn't want to mess anything up for me. Yeah, So I mean I think the Rockets won this, and then I ended up getting an internship with the team starting in October of nineteen ninety fours. It was just a couple of months after this title against New York, and for me personally, it was it was first you got to kind of go back a little bit in terms of where I was when I was younger and what I wanted to do for a living. You know, I did play baseball, and I played baseball in college, and I ultimately wanted to be a professional baseball player. But then when I realized that ultimately that was never going to happen, I started thinking about getting into medicine, you know, either people medicine or veterinary medicine.

I was an intern, so I knew I wouldn't move. I just didn't want to mess anything up for me. Yeah, So I mean I think the Rockets won this, and then I ended up getting an internship with the team starting in October of nineteen ninety fours. It was just a couple of months after this title against New York, and for me personally, it was it was first you got to kind of go back a little bit in terms of where I was when I was younger and what I wanted to do for a living. You know, I did play baseball, and I played baseball in college, and I ultimately wanted to be a professional baseball player. But then when I realized that ultimately that was never going to happen, I started thinking about getting into medicine, you know, either people medicine or veterinary medicine.

And then.

And then.

Advanced chemistry and calculus was just way too much for me to deal with. So I thought, well, I love sports, I love the talk, and so I decided to kind of give this try to the whole media thing, try and then just have an opportunity to to to be given that chance and to be part of an organization that was on top of the world and was the toast of the town at that time.

Advanced chemistry and calculus was just way too much for me to deal with. So I thought, well, I love sports, I love the talk, and so I decided to kind of give this try to the whole media thing, try and then just have an opportunity to to to be given that chance and to be part of an organization that was on top of the world and was the toast of the town at that time.

Was just awesome. It was awesome and it's still frankly now, almost thirty years later, it's still surreal that I'm in this position.

Was just awesome. It was awesome and it's still frankly now, almost thirty years later, it's still surreal that I'm in this position.

Do you feel like almost spoiled?

Do you feel like almost spoiled?

Like some people have to start out and the team's not too good? Is it like, like do you feel kind of like spoiled in like yo, like I saw I came in and the team was at the peak at I mean World Champs. Is there like a feeling kind of like yo, like that doesn't happen. That's not normal, you know, And how like hooked were you because of that? And you know, looking back at it now today?

Like some people have to start out and the team's not too good? Is it like, like do you feel kind of like spoiled in like yo, like I saw I came in and the team was at the peak at I mean World Champs. Is there like a feeling kind of like yo, like that doesn't happen. That's not normal, you know, And how like hooked were you because of that? And you know, looking back at it now today?

Oh no, I mean the Rockets of the nineteen nineties or why I became a Rockets fan and be an NBA fan. I graduated high school nineteen ninety two, and so I mean, this is what drew me to the sport. Loved the Rockets, loved the NBA at the time, watched all the games, listen to them on the radio back in the day, and then again to have an opportunity just to kind of have it.

Oh no, I mean the Rockets of the nineteen nineties or why I became a Rockets fan and be an NBA fan. I graduated high school nineteen ninety two, and so I mean, this is what drew me to the sport. Loved the Rockets, loved the NBA at the time, watched all the games, listen to them on the radio back in the day, and then again to have an opportunity just to kind of have it.

Oh no, you see Murph. Does Murph have his trailers there with it? I think Murph is there, if I'm not mistaken. Shout out to the great Cavin Murphy. He trails the trailer watching it, watching Greg. He gives a hug here, and I think he has his trailers there in the thing.

Oh no, you see Murph. Does Murph have his trailers there with it? I think Murph is there, if I'm not mistaken. Shout out to the great Cavin Murphy. He trails the trailer watching it, watching Greg. He gives a hug here, and I think he has his trailers there in the thing.

Watch what's right now? Right? I'm sorry? Greg?

Watch what's right now? Right? I'm sorry? Greg?

Oh, he does? He does have a spatias with him?

Oh, he does? He does have a spatias with him?

Yea, he must, you know, I don't know if he was, you know, he has his marching thunder band. Maybe they were in attendance and part of the halftime show or postgame festivities.

Yea, he must, you know, I don't know if he was, you know, he has his marching thunder band. Maybe they were in attendance and part of the halftime show or postgame festivities.

I can't remember. But yeah, Calvin Murphy Rockets, legend, love and birth.

I can't remember. But yeah, Calvin Murphy Rockets, legend, love and birth.

But but yeah, I mean that's and then again just to have an opportunity to step in and have obviously an extremely small role as an intern at the time, and then for them to win it again my first year there is an intern was was super special. And then again over the course of time when I eventually finished up school and got hired to work in the office and then produced games, and then started doing stuff with the w NBA with the Houston Comments and we had an Arena Football League team at the time, and then ultimately doing some Rockets radio stuff and then full time play by play and then now on the TV.

But but yeah, I mean that's and then again just to have an opportunity to step in and have obviously an extremely small role as an intern at the time, and then for them to win it again my first year there is an intern was was super special. And then again over the course of time when I eventually finished up school and got hired to work in the office and then produced games, and then started doing stuff with the w NBA with the Houston Comments and we had an Arena Football League team at the time, and then ultimately doing some Rockets radio stuff and then full time play by play and then now on the TV.

It's been, uh, it's been quite the It's been quite the.

It's been, uh, it's been quite the It's been quite the.

Journey I've spent I've spent well over half my life on capacity working.

Journey I've spent I've spent well over half my life on capacity working.

For the Houston Rockets.

For the Houston Rockets.

What a blessing man, Now, Craig, this next clip I want to go through. You were part of another special part of Houston history. Now wasn't a championship, but for you particularly, you were a part of this and this was really cool. And we're talking back in two thousand and eight. You know what I'm talking about that twenty two game win streak. It's still talked about today in Houston history. What do you remember most about this win streak? What was going on?

What a blessing man, Now, Craig, this next clip I want to go through. You were part of another special part of Houston history. Now wasn't a championship, but for you particularly, you were a part of this and this was really cool. And we're talking back in two thousand and eight. You know what I'm talking about that twenty two game win streak. It's still talked about today in Houston history. What do you remember most about this win streak? What was going on?

And why was this special for the city.

And why was this special for the city.

Why did it catch everybody off guard that the team just ran off twenty two in a row man? What do you remember about this and how did this change and affect things in this city?

Why did it catch everybody off guard that the team just ran off twenty two in a row man? What do you remember about this and how did this change and affect things in this city?

Give me the stories?

Give me the stories?

Great, Well, A couple of things stand out.

Great, Well, A couple of things stand out.

There was a Steve Novak shot which kept the streak going, and they believe that was against Sacramento. And then half of the streak was accomplished. Oh boy, I'm trying to remember. It was either without Yao or without team act. One of those guys was out and they were still able to rattle off that mount of wins without their two best players at the time. And then I I and I know, I remember, and when the streak ended, I believe it was was Kobe and the Lakers were in town, the game was on national TV, A lot of hoop. Was an awesome game. But yeah, I mean, you know, it was one of the longest streaks in NBA history, and again they were missing one of the two best players for about half of it. I think it was Yao who was actually out for about half of that. But yeah, it was just it was a It was a lot of fun. These things don't come around very often, and the Rockets ultimately put out a pretty pretty sweet documentary about it. If it's ot there somewhere, if you have, if you have a chance to check it out, it's it's really cool talking about the streak.

There was a Steve Novak shot which kept the streak going, and they believe that was against Sacramento. And then half of the streak was accomplished. Oh boy, I'm trying to remember. It was either without Yao or without team act. One of those guys was out and they were still able to rattle off that mount of wins without their two best players at the time. And then I I and I know, I remember, and when the streak ended, I believe it was was Kobe and the Lakers were in town, the game was on national TV, A lot of hoop. Was an awesome game. But yeah, I mean, you know, it was one of the longest streaks in NBA history, and again they were missing one of the two best players for about half of it. I think it was Yao who was actually out for about half of that. But yeah, it was just it was a It was a lot of fun. These things don't come around very often, and the Rockets ultimately put out a pretty pretty sweet documentary about it. If it's ot there somewhere, if you have, if you have a chance to check it out, it's it's really cool talking about the streak.

And yeah, it was just yeah, yeah, yeah. There was Yao sitting out, so he was the guy that was out, and it was just, yeah, it was it was fun.

And yeah, it was just yeah, yeah, yeah. There was Yao sitting out, so he was the guy that was out, and it was just, yeah, it was it was fun.

It was fun, and I remember they'd shout out to the Kimbay he hadn't kind of played well, or he was older, he was kind of on the punt. I remember him coming in and having major minutes.

It was fun, and I remember they'd shout out to the Kimbay he hadn't kind of played well, or he was older, he was kind of on the punt. I remember him coming in and having major minutes.

It was like, hey, the Kembay's back. You know he's playing. Well, what did this do for like this city?

It was like, hey, the Kembay's back. You know he's playing. Well, what did this do for like this city?

Like what did you see the changes in kind of of like we know it and you know, for me playing, you start playing, or you're part of a winning organization, or you you get hot, like people just get behind you. You know it is it is a pleasant surprise. What type of changes did you see happening around the team?

Like what did you see the changes in kind of of like we know it and you know, for me playing, you start playing, or you're part of a winning organization, or you you get hot, like people just get behind you. You know it is it is a pleasant surprise. What type of changes did you see happening around the team?

Well, I mean this was sort of in that that transition phase a little bit.

Well, I mean this was sort of in that that transition phase a little bit.

And obviously the Rockets had their glory days in the nineteen nineties with the keem Olajuwan as the as the centerpiece and then transition to Steve Francis and Katina Mobley, and this was sort of a new era and a new group of players, and this is sort of, I think where the city really sort of embraced this team. And look, everybody loves winners, right, and everybody loves lining up behind teams that win, and everybody just got caught behind this because again it's it's very difficult to win ten games in a rown, let alone twenty plus and so forth in this league.

And obviously the Rockets had their glory days in the nineteen nineties with the keem Olajuwan as the as the centerpiece and then transition to Steve Francis and Katina Mobley, and this was sort of a new era and a new group of players, and this is sort of, I think where the city really sort of embraced this team. And look, everybody loves winners, right, and everybody loves lining up behind teams that win, and everybody just got caught behind this because again it's it's very difficult to win ten games in a rown, let alone twenty plus and so forth in this league.

And so yeah, it's just it just energize. It just entergized the whole city.

And so yeah, it's just it just energize. It just entergized the whole city.

I mean, it was.

I mean, it was.

It was one of the more exciting things in regards to the Rockets since those mid nineteen ninety years, the championship years, which ultimately culminated unfortunately with that loss in the Western Conference Finals to the Utah Jazz. But it was it was probably the most memorable moment for the organization since the heydays in the nineteen nineties.

It was one of the more exciting things in regards to the Rockets since those mid nineteen ninety years, the championship years, which ultimately culminated unfortunately with that loss in the Western Conference Finals to the Utah Jazz. But it was it was probably the most memorable moment for the organization since the heydays in the nineteen nineties.

Stay tuned, We're going to find out what Craig Ackerman thinks about that huge shot that Jabbar Smith Junior hit during Summer League ice cold man. Okay, now we blasted to the past, but let's get to some of this future stuff. Man, there is a bright future ahead for Houston basketball, Craig. Men, you've been talking about this for a long time, but I think via Summer League, everybody is starting to see it. In buy in and the Rockets, I want to say, we're the toast of the town when it came to the NBA Summer League talk to me about this shot right here that just set off, set off Summer League, got the huge bars, game out, everybody going for one one did a surprise you too?

Stay tuned, We're going to find out what Craig Ackerman thinks about that huge shot that Jabbar Smith Junior hit during Summer League ice cold man. Okay, now we blasted to the past, but let's get to some of this future stuff. Man, there is a bright future ahead for Houston basketball, Craig. Men, you've been talking about this for a long time, but I think via Summer League, everybody is starting to see it. In buy in and the Rockets, I want to say, we're the toast of the town when it came to the NBA Summer League talk to me about this shot right here that just set off, set off Summer League, got the huge bars, game out, everybody going for one one did a surprise you too?

What happens here on this play?

What happens here on this play?

And what is special about it from Jabbari.

And what is special about it from Jabbari.

Throws one up in the air. Smith pot it for the win gods and improbable Summer League opening victory for the Houston Rockets.

Throws one up in the air. Smith pot it for the win gods and improbable Summer League opening victory for the Houston Rockets.

Wow, run a pass?

Wow, run a pass?

Well he this seems to be a thing for him right now. Look, look, look, we gotta be honest. He had a bit of an up and down rookie season. Now, the second half is of rookie season was fantastic. The first one there was there was he there was a lot of roller coaster riding for him. But second half of the season he was terrific. But hit a huge, tough turnaround shot. I believe it was the forced overtime in Indiana. Hit a game winner were at home as well, obviously, I mean with a super quick catch, high release and make this has become apparently becoming a thing with him where you know, game on the line. One shot needed Jabari Smith, you know big shot Jabari, right, I mean he's made several of these already in his very brief career. This was a great Summer League game. I mean, there was a lot of hype surrounding this game with a men Thompson and Scoot Henderson in this game, but unfortunately both guys ended up getting hurt and we're unable to finish the game and never ultimately didn't continue on to the rest of the Summer League. But this was a fantastic game, huge crowd in the building there. Obviously the Spurs and Victor Weman Yama were coming up next, but this was this is this was probably this might this is one of the two or three best games in the Summer League, and Jabbari, who struggled in the first half, just dominated the game in the second half, culminating here with this game winner his buddy Torry Easton with a perfect over the top A lot of inbounds passed right there, the quick catch and release, the heave and the make and yeah, that was that was a lot of fun that that passed to Tory Eason. Got to give them a lot of credit and one other thing. Leading up to that possession, everybody, including myself, thought this game was over. But Jabari got back on defense and blocked a shot at the rim which ultimately set up this possession for the Rockets and everything. This is the clip that everybody's seen and they show. But what people also have to remember is that he also made a defensive play too, which was very encouraging. He never gave up on the play nor the game, and it set up for his eroics here.

Well he this seems to be a thing for him right now. Look, look, look, we gotta be honest. He had a bit of an up and down rookie season. Now, the second half is of rookie season was fantastic. The first one there was there was he there was a lot of roller coaster riding for him. But second half of the season he was terrific. But hit a huge, tough turnaround shot. I believe it was the forced overtime in Indiana. Hit a game winner were at home as well, obviously, I mean with a super quick catch, high release and make this has become apparently becoming a thing with him where you know, game on the line. One shot needed Jabari Smith, you know big shot Jabari, right, I mean he's made several of these already in his very brief career. This was a great Summer League game. I mean, there was a lot of hype surrounding this game with a men Thompson and Scoot Henderson in this game, but unfortunately both guys ended up getting hurt and we're unable to finish the game and never ultimately didn't continue on to the rest of the Summer League. But this was a fantastic game, huge crowd in the building there. Obviously the Spurs and Victor Weman Yama were coming up next, but this was this is this was probably this might this is one of the two or three best games in the Summer League, and Jabbari, who struggled in the first half, just dominated the game in the second half, culminating here with this game winner his buddy Torry Easton with a perfect over the top A lot of inbounds passed right there, the quick catch and release, the heave and the make and yeah, that was that was a lot of fun that that passed to Tory Eason. Got to give them a lot of credit and one other thing. Leading up to that possession, everybody, including myself, thought this game was over. But Jabari got back on defense and blocked a shot at the rim which ultimately set up this possession for the Rockets and everything. This is the clip that everybody's seen and they show. But what people also have to remember is that he also made a defensive play too, which was very encouraging. He never gave up on the play nor the game, and it set up for his eroics here.

Yeah. Correct, Some people say that it's some of the league. It ain't real ross, it ain't this.

Yeah. Correct, Some people say that it's some of the league. It ain't real ross, it ain't this.

It doesn't really work. You know, let's not overblow the things that we're seeing. But I'm asking you, how can something like this translate into the regular season? And have you seen guys kind of play well and summer league and then seeing a carryover situation like that.

It doesn't really work. You know, let's not overblow the things that we're seeing. But I'm asking you, how can something like this translate into the regular season? And have you seen guys kind of play well and summer league and then seeing a carryover situation like that.

Yeah?

Yeah?

Mean, I think generally speaking, the sentiment of okay, what happens in the summer league is relatively irrelevant to what's going to happen in the regular season. I mean, I agree, generally speaking, But for a team like the Rockets, for example, who have over the last three years combined, have had the worst record of the league, and they're in a rebuilding process and they're trying to get back to where they were and have a new coaching staff, have now added some veteran players over the course of free agency to a very young and talented corps to have the kind of Summer League that this group had under those circumstances. Really, I think what's important about that is it sets the tone for training camp that there is a new staff, there are new expectations on this team and on these players. They are going to be better. They are expected to be better. There's going to be more pressure on these players to be more consistant at both ends of the floor. All the wise, they're not going to be getting the same amount of minutes they had been getting over the course of the last three years, and so something like this, this game the Rockets run to the championship final in the Summer League. Really, I think the important thing is it sets the tone for what should be a pretty spirited and pretty competitive training camp and season for these guys as they tried to take the next step.

Mean, I think generally speaking, the sentiment of okay, what happens in the summer league is relatively irrelevant to what's going to happen in the regular season. I mean, I agree, generally speaking, But for a team like the Rockets, for example, who have over the last three years combined, have had the worst record of the league, and they're in a rebuilding process and they're trying to get back to where they were and have a new coaching staff, have now added some veteran players over the course of free agency to a very young and talented corps to have the kind of Summer League that this group had under those circumstances. Really, I think what's important about that is it sets the tone for training camp that there is a new staff, there are new expectations on this team and on these players. They are going to be better. They are expected to be better. There's going to be more pressure on these players to be more consistant at both ends of the floor. All the wise, they're not going to be getting the same amount of minutes they had been getting over the course of the last three years, and so something like this, this game the Rockets run to the championship final in the Summer League. Really, I think the important thing is it sets the tone for what should be a pretty spirited and pretty competitive training camp and season for these guys as they tried to take the next step.

All right, in this next slip, I want to stay on Jabari a little bit. What's the biggest difference. And I know it's Summer League, but I feel like we can see we can see differences Craig within Jabari's game now versus kind of where he finished this season, and like, do you feel like this is e leape that even just you're seeing him the way he's performing, And he went off here he dropped thirty eight points, and I think he kind of put the league on notice. And you mentioned something which is absolutely instrumental. It's a new coaching staff this year, So why would it be valuable for Jabari to kind of make his presence known here in summer League. It's I don't think the young Rockets are approaching Summer League as normal teams. I mean, go oh, let the young guys get up shots, go figure it out.

All right, in this next slip, I want to stay on Jabari a little bit. What's the biggest difference. And I know it's Summer League, but I feel like we can see we can see differences Craig within Jabari's game now versus kind of where he finished this season, and like, do you feel like this is e leape that even just you're seeing him the way he's performing, And he went off here he dropped thirty eight points, and I think he kind of put the league on notice. And you mentioned something which is absolutely instrumental. It's a new coaching staff this year, So why would it be valuable for Jabari to kind of make his presence known here in summer League. It's I don't think the young Rockets are approaching Summer League as normal teams. I mean, go oh, let the young guys get up shots, go figure it out.

We are who we are.

We are who we are.

I think this is an organization young guys trying to play for minutes here. So what do you see here from Jabari and what does it mean? And why was this valuable for him?

I think this is an organization young guys trying to play for minutes here. So what do you see here from Jabari and what does it mean? And why was this valuable for him?

Yeah?

Yeah?

I I don't think people understand the amount of pressure that's on these young guys when they come into the league. Obviously, the level of expectations are even higher for those who were drafted at the top of the draft like Jabari was. But last year as a nineteen year old kid, I guess would be when the season first started in your nineteen years of age, and you're playing against accomplished men who are professionals and have been.

I I don't think people understand the amount of pressure that's on these young guys when they come into the league. Obviously, the level of expectations are even higher for those who were drafted at the top of the draft like Jabari was. But last year as a nineteen year old kid, I guess would be when the season first started in your nineteen years of age, and you're playing against accomplished men who are professionals and have been.

So for a very long time. In many cases, it is confidence probably was real.

So for a very long time. In many cases, it is confidence probably was real.

Imagine after some struggles in the season was relatively low. I know he's got an incredible support structure, especially with his dad having played in the league and all the support that he continues to give him. But then as he started to taste some success as the season went along, his confidence really grew. And I think what we saw here again after a subpar first half, as he just kind of got locked in and as you saw over the next six quarters of his time in the Summer League that he was his confidence level was sky high.

Imagine after some struggles in the season was relatively low. I know he's got an incredible support structure, especially with his dad having played in the league and all the support that he continues to give him. But then as he started to taste some success as the season went along, his confidence really grew. And I think what we saw here again after a subpar first half, as he just kind of got locked in and as you saw over the next six quarters of his time in the Summer League that he was his confidence level was sky high.

Crowd want Smith to get going. Hits another three twenty five seconds to go. Jabari Smith will have the highest scoring game in Summer League right now as he gets an and one situation thirty seven and counting for Jabari Smith.

Crowd want Smith to get going. Hits another three twenty five seconds to go. Jabari Smith will have the highest scoring game in Summer League right now as he gets an and one situation thirty seven and counting for Jabari Smith.

He was dominant, just flat out dominant. Looked like his handles improved, which is good. You know, he's still so young. I know he's put on some additional strengthen weight. Obviously that's a process as these guys continue to get older. But I think the important thing is that his confidence is sky high. He has all of the physical tools and gifts to be a great player in this league. But when you add that to confidence, which I think again he was just pulling up take a tough shot, turnarounds. It couldn't guard him. They knew he couldn't guard him. Again, I think he's I think that that votes very wall for him taking a significantly forward in the second season this year.

He was dominant, just flat out dominant. Looked like his handles improved, which is good. You know, he's still so young. I know he's put on some additional strengthen weight. Obviously that's a process as these guys continue to get older. But I think the important thing is that his confidence is sky high. He has all of the physical tools and gifts to be a great player in this league. But when you add that to confidence, which I think again he was just pulling up take a tough shot, turnarounds. It couldn't guard him. They knew he couldn't guard him. Again, I think he's I think that that votes very wall for him taking a significantly forward in the second season this year.

I couldn't agree more.

I couldn't agree more.

First thing, like you said, his confidence to his physicality, he's finishing much better. You notice when you see a guy land, he's not falling over after these shots, are looking to the referees going I got foult. He's finishing through and forward with contact. And lastly, the handle, which is important because Jabari is not like a center. He's not a stiff. You know, he's going to have to handle the ball, and he has improved upon that. And hopefully in front of coach em Udoka and everybody are going to give him more opportunities.

First thing, like you said, his confidence to his physicality, he's finishing much better. You notice when you see a guy land, he's not falling over after these shots, are looking to the referees going I got foult. He's finishing through and forward with contact. And lastly, the handle, which is important because Jabari is not like a center. He's not a stiff. You know, he's going to have to handle the ball, and he has improved upon that. And hopefully in front of coach em Udoka and everybody are going to give him more opportunities.

But he'll come in ready for his role.

But he'll come in ready for his role.

And and one other things, it looked.

And and one other things, it looked.

Like the coaching staff for the Rockets in the summer league gave him a lot of opportunities to initiate offense.

Like the coaching staff for the Rockets in the summer league gave him a lot of opportunities to initiate offense.

Yes, so something new. Yeah, No, you're right about that.

Yes, so something new. Yeah, No, you're right about that.

You're right about that, and he and he and he excelled in that. All right, next, guy here Man. We got to talk about the guy. I know, we kind of we kind of skipped over, I know, so young. We still had to talk about him. But amen, Thompson thoughts impressions. First, look, I mean I think I was just googly on watching these guys play, Craig because it's like, whoa, Okay, this is this is different. But what were your first thoughts of watching the Amen Thompson here man?

You're right about that, and he and he and he excelled in that. All right, next, guy here Man. We got to talk about the guy. I know, we kind of we kind of skipped over, I know, so young. We still had to talk about him. But amen, Thompson thoughts impressions. First, look, I mean I think I was just googly on watching these guys play, Craig because it's like, whoa, Okay, this is this is different. But what were your first thoughts of watching the Amen Thompson here man?

And who is he as a player?

And who is he as a player?

He's impressive.

He's impressive.

Now for our first impression other men, Thompson at the Rockies uniform is brief unfortunately because of the injury, but man, what a first impression that was. Again for a summer league game, this was like, this was a big time matchup going your opposite of Scoot Henderson and the Blazers.

Now for our first impression other men, Thompson at the Rockies uniform is brief unfortunately because of the injury, but man, what a first impression that was. Again for a summer league game, this was like, this was a big time matchup going your opposite of Scoot Henderson and the Blazers.

So you're talking about the guy was taken rip before you in the draft. This is the matchup we want to see right here.

So you're talking about the guy was taken rip before you in the draft. This is the matchup we want to see right here.

Then Thompson against Scoot Henderson.

Then Thompson against Scoot Henderson.

Two top four picks, right, A lot of hoop loss arounded that for a summer league game. This was a big time atmosphere. Hat tip as well as Scoot Henderson looks like he's gonna have a really good career as well. But Amen Thompson and also his brother, these are impressive young men. They're very poised, they're very mature, very cerebral. Like I Elemit, I didn't watch a single second of overtime elite basketball, right, not a single second, so I had no idea who he was versus the competition they were playing. But you're talking about physical gifts, this young man is blessed beyond belief. Great size six seven, good frame, terrific court vision, high basketball IQ, outstanding defender, everything that you heard about him for people who know what the during when it comes to evaluating draft prospects. You saw this in that one game with Amn Thompson. The poison which he played with the ability to playmate was so impressive. I am super excited about a men Thompson.

Two top four picks, right, A lot of hoop loss arounded that for a summer league game. This was a big time atmosphere. Hat tip as well as Scoot Henderson looks like he's gonna have a really good career as well. But Amen Thompson and also his brother, these are impressive young men. They're very poised, they're very mature, very cerebral. Like I Elemit, I didn't watch a single second of overtime elite basketball, right, not a single second, so I had no idea who he was versus the competition they were playing. But you're talking about physical gifts, this young man is blessed beyond belief. Great size six seven, good frame, terrific court vision, high basketball IQ, outstanding defender, everything that you heard about him for people who know what the during when it comes to evaluating draft prospects. You saw this in that one game with Amn Thompson. The poison which he played with the ability to playmate was so impressive. I am super excited about a men Thompson.

Thompson getting Ryan rupair at half court, no stick back, but Thompson's there to put it in and draw the foul.

Thompson getting Ryan rupair at half court, no stick back, but Thompson's there to put it in and draw the foul.

I just think that he and his brother, it's just they seem to have a terrific foundation that I think will ultimately lead to a lot of success for both.

I just think that he and his brother, it's just they seem to have a terrific foundation that I think will ultimately lead to a lot of success for both.

His brother was very good for Detroit as well over the course of the summer League.

His brother was very good for Detroit as well over the course of the summer League.

I agree with you, Craig. I like, first off, physically, he's not going to be outmatched. I think there are moments where like he's raw, but he's so fast he can make up for plays. He's also defensive minded, which means all else fails. If you can defend, you can kind of find your way on to the court. But I think as he refines these skills, he's so quick to kind of like he just kind of can make things happen. He can make up for mistakes, he can close up ground, and I think as he just gets a little more fundamentally sound like it is really scary, but he just got tools and a lot of times in Craig, you know what you see it and maybe chime in on this. I feel like some of the rookies who aren't physically there, their skill set doesn't take into effect until their physicality gets there. And I think with Amen, physically he's there, so he's going to have a curve.

I agree with you, Craig. I like, first off, physically, he's not going to be outmatched. I think there are moments where like he's raw, but he's so fast he can make up for plays. He's also defensive minded, which means all else fails. If you can defend, you can kind of find your way on to the court. But I think as he refines these skills, he's so quick to kind of like he just kind of can make things happen. He can make up for mistakes, he can close up ground, and I think as he just gets a little more fundamentally sound like it is really scary, but he just got tools and a lot of times in Craig, you know what you see it and maybe chime in on this. I feel like some of the rookies who aren't physically there, their skill set doesn't take into effect until their physicality gets there. And I think with Amen, physically he's there, so he's going to have a curve.

Don't get me wrong.

Don't get me wrong.

By adjusting the NBA basketball, but it won't be the same. I can't finish in the rim, I'm getting knocked around, or I'm just getting out. Physical there's going to be things mentally he'll have to catch up too by playing in the NBA, but physically it won't be like, oh, he's just getting shoved around under there.

By adjusting the NBA basketball, but it won't be the same. I can't finish in the rim, I'm getting knocked around, or I'm just getting out. Physical there's going to be things mentally he'll have to catch up too by playing in the NBA, but physically it won't be like, oh, he's just getting shoved around under there.

Yeah, yeah, I think, I mean a lot can be said the same, very similar for Cam Whitmore, who's a manchild who just turned nineteen himself, right, I mean, he already has an NBA body and doesn't necessary he doesn't need to grow into it. And yes, obviously men Thompson, the will knock on him was will he ultimately ever be a reliable shooter? And we'll find out obviously as that goes along. But apparently he, much like a lot of the young players who are already on the rockets, have incredible work ethic and love being in the gym and will continue to work and try to refine and get better with their respective weaknesses, continue to work on their strengths. But yeah, I think he's been again, He's just he's been very impressive and I wish we would have seen more of him over the course of the Summer League. But to have the potentially has as a jumbo size playmaking guard. Yeah, you can see her with the top of defenses and things like that. That's that's a luxury right there. I mean, what amazing finish that was. Again, it was only one game, but it was a very impressive game and there's a lot of stuff to love about this young man.

Yeah, yeah, I think, I mean a lot can be said the same, very similar for Cam Whitmore, who's a manchild who just turned nineteen himself, right, I mean, he already has an NBA body and doesn't necessary he doesn't need to grow into it. And yes, obviously men Thompson, the will knock on him was will he ultimately ever be a reliable shooter? And we'll find out obviously as that goes along. But apparently he, much like a lot of the young players who are already on the rockets, have incredible work ethic and love being in the gym and will continue to work and try to refine and get better with their respective weaknesses, continue to work on their strengths. But yeah, I think he's been again, He's just he's been very impressive and I wish we would have seen more of him over the course of the Summer League. But to have the potentially has as a jumbo size playmaking guard. Yeah, you can see her with the top of defenses and things like that. That's that's a luxury right there. I mean, what amazing finish that was. Again, it was only one game, but it was a very impressive game and there's a lot of stuff to love about this young man.

Well, before I get you out of here, Craig, last question, shout outs coach Stephen Silenced for an amazing job he did developing these young guys and taking taking the lumps with them. It ain't easy when you got young guys, man, because everything is a first when every first time on the road, first time here, that is always tough.

Well, before I get you out of here, Craig, last question, shout outs coach Stephen Silenced for an amazing job he did developing these young guys and taking taking the lumps with them. It ain't easy when you got young guys, man, because everything is a first when every first time on the road, first time here, that is always tough.

There have been some lumps.

There have been some lumps.

Yeah, there's lumps.

Yeah, there's lumps.

There's lumps, and look I listen dealing with myself at that age, I couldn't imagine. You know what coach sids, you know how to go through with those young guys. But shout out to coach Steven and you know, I know a lot to have a success up to in Detroit.