Media day reaction: Ben DuBose, Dave Hardisty on Houston’s key takeaways

In Wednesday’s show, Ben DuBose (USA TODAY’s Rockets Wire) and Dave Hardisty (ClutchFans) break down the key takeaways and themes as Houston opens training camp for its 2026-27 season. Topics include why Fred VanVleet (with a new knee) and Tari Eason (with a new contract) were standouts during Media Day interviews; what to make of blunt comments by All-NBA forward Kevin Durant; and how the offseason signing of Marcus Smart could already be paying dividends.  Additional topics include reaction to commentary by Ime Udoka, Rafael Stone, Steven Adams, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, and more. If a stream is desired, this episode can be viewed in video form on YouTube (   • ROCKETS ARE BACK! | Houston Rockets 2026 M...  ) . Support our partners and sponsors (https://linktr.ee/RocketsLaunchPod) ! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.