Only minutes before the unexpected arrest of Kevin Porter Jr. was announced, the Houston Rockets held a media availability with general manager Rafael Stone as part of the franchise’s annual “Patriot Day” tribute.
As part of this year’s event, the Rockets and the family of owner Tilman Fertitta hosted a “Heroes Luncheon” at Toyota Center to pay tribute to military members and first responders in remembrance of the tragic events that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.
Buy Rockets TicketsThe luncheon featured members of the U.S. Armed Forces; local police and fire departments; team executives; and four Hall of Famers Cynthia Cooper, Elvin Hayes, Calvin Murphy and Sheryl Swoopes.
This year’s luncheon recognized women in leadership positions and those who have demonstrated exceptional bravery while on duty. Four women were presented with the Hero Award for their outstanding career accomplishments, a commitment to serving their country and their courage and selflessness, according to the team.
In addition to the luncheon, Rockets staff visited Houston-area fire stations and local police stations. Staffers thanked them for their service while distributing tickets and gear to first responders.
As part of the Toyota Center event, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone took a few basketball-related questions from media members in attendance. Here are some of the highlights.
Rafael Stone on FIBA Dillon Brooks
I’m really happy for Dillon. Largely, he’s the player that we thought we were signing. So, it’s not at all surprising. But it’s great. And more so than any player I can really remember in recent memory, there’s a narrative about him that’s odd and wrong. And I think kind of the whole world over the last week has kind of owned that he’s a really good basketball player.
The thing he does at a truly elite level, in a funny way is the one thing that every fan and every coach says is the most important thing. Every single day, every single possession, he competes and he’s always ready. And so, it’s kind of funny that that guy, who embodies that ethos, has taken as many shots in the past few months as he has. But I also think … people are going to realize he’s a really good player. And, most importantly, he just competes his butt off. Obviously, we really like him. He played like we would expect him to, and we’re really excited to get him back and get him integrated. …
Every single team in the NBA needs a guy like that, who’s going to compete every single night. And there’s not a single really good team in the NBA, who doesn’t have multiple of those.
(via Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle)
Rockets GM Rafael Stone not surprised by Dillon Brooks' World Cup performance for Canada, hopes it's a preview of what to expect https://t.co/DC2EzcU8iG via @houstonchron
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) September 12, 2023
Rafael Stone on Alperen Sengun at FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament
Alpi is on the path we want him to be on. I thought he was moving really, really well. I thought his decision-making was good. I liked his defensive effort, overall.
With all our young guys, not just Alpi, we are expecting and demanding constant improvement. I thought he looked really good. I was really happy with it. And he’s been in the gym. He’s in really good shape. And he’s really excited to get going, too.
Rafael Stone on Jock Landale’s ankle injury
Landale is back on the court, but he is not going full five-on-five. I fully anticipate him to be a full go by the start of training camp.
(via Coty M. Davis, Inside the Rockets)
Rockets GM Rafael Stone says Jock Landale is back on the court after injuring his ankle before the World Cup, but he’s not doing an 5-on-5s yet. The Rockets expect him to be full go when camp starts
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) September 11, 2023
Rafael Stone on the future outlook
“We want to be a team no one wants to play,” said Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone when I asked him about the team’s attitude towards the future. #Rockets #Sarge @TheRocketsWire pic.twitter.com/kDDceyqxGA
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) September 11, 2023
