Double Trouble

Former Rockets coach believes Chris Paul-Paul George combo is a real winner for Houston

Former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy predicts the team will win around 60 games next year with Chris Paul added to the lineup, but Paul's biggest impact will come in the post season.

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NBA analyst and former Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy joined the Granato and Raheel with Del show on ESPN 97.5 and shared his thoughts on the Rockets trade for Chris Paul. What really impressed Van Gundy was the Rockets' ability to stay competitive and avoid tanking while they rebuilt the roster. As far as Paul’s fit with the team, he believes that will come down to sacrifice. Paul will have to play with a faster pace and take more three-point shots.

Chris Paul will impact the playoffs

Van Gundy believes the Rockets will win around 60 games next year, but Paul’s biggest impact will come in the post season. When James Harden needs to rest for a few minutes, the Rockets will still have an elite future Hall of Fame guard on the court that can generate offense.

Adding Paul may just be the first move the Rockets make this off-season. Another player that has been linked to the team is the Indiana Pacers’ Paul George. Van Gundy said if George ends up in Houston the team will “take a backseat to no one in the playoffs.” Van Gundy thinks George is the best player out there for any team and he will be heavily pursued. His defense is the key to improving the Rockets because their offense won’t get much better than it was last year. The team has definitely improved with the addition of Chris Paul, but Van Gundy cautions that elevating the defense should be a priority.

Houston teams are looking good

Finally, Van Gundy shared his thoughts on the state of the Texans and Astros. He’s excited about the depth of the Astros and their ability to keep winning after suffering so many injuries to the starting pitching staff. He also expressed his appreciation for the trade the Texans made to move up and draft quarterback Deshaun Watson. He likes that Texans GM Rick Smith was all in on the pick, and respects general managers that make bold moves.

You can hear the entire segment below. Catch Granato and Raheel with Del weekdays from 9-11am on ESPN 97.5 radio. You can listen live or on demand with the ESPN 97.5 radio app.

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Revived Houston Comets franchise will broadcast games on TV for free

Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

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Houston sports fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the Comets, the city’s WNBA franchise. When they’re not able to attend games at Toyota Center, Houstonians will be able to watch all of the team’s games for free.

The Comets announced a multi-year partnership with local TV stations KHOU and KTBU to be the team’s home for local broadcasts. All of the Comets’ games will air for free on KTBU (Channel 55) with select games also airing on KHOU (Channel 11). Fans only need an antenna to pick up the signal and watch the games on their TVs.

Games will also be simulcast on Space City Home Network, the team's regional sports network that it shares with the Houston Rockets and the Houston Astros, and on SCHN+, the direct-to-consumer streaming service.

“KHOU has covered Houston sports for decades, and the Comets’ homecoming is a story we’ve been waiting to tell,” said David Loving, president and general manager, KHOU, in a statement. “As a founding partner, we’re ready to bring Comets action to fans across the region.”

Both stations are owned by TEGNA, a media company that operates 64 stations in 51 markets.

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta paid a reported $300 million to acquire the Connecticut Sun and relocate them to Houston as the Comets. One of the WNBA’s original franchises, the Comets won the league’s first four championships from 1997-2000. The team disbanded in 2008.

The WNBA season typically begins in early May. Earlier this year, the league announced it would move to a 50-game regular season. This year will also mark the debut of two new teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, that will bring the league to 15 total.

Other details about the Comets’ return to Houston, including updated uniforms and logos, have yet to be announced.

“Bringing the Comets back to Houston is about reigniting the passion, pride, and energy that have always connected this organization with its fans and community,” said Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Houston Rockets and Comets. “As the WNBA continues to reach new heights, we’re thrilled to partner with TEGNA to make Comets basketball more accessible to fans across the Houston area through free, over-the-air broadcasts on KTBU and additional coverage on KHOU. We’re excited to bring fans closer to the action and deliver outstanding coverage as we begin this exciting new chapter in Comets history.”

For more information about the Comets, including season ticket information, visit houstoncomets.com.

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