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.

TV Sports

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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hockey news

NHL taps Houston billionaire to launch new Texas hockey franchise

Photo by Morris Molina

Houston has been without a pro hockey team since the Aeros folded.

Hockey fans in either Houston or Austin may have a new opportunity to root for the home team. The NHL has committed to adding a 33rd team in the Lone Star State, according to multiple media reports.

As part of those plans, the NHL has reached an agreement with Pursuit Sports, an arm of the Houston-based Friedkin family. Per the agreement, the NHL has granted The Friedkin Family, led by Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin, the exclusive rights to own the future franchise. Pursuit Sports, the family’s company that owns three European soccer franchises, will evaluate both Houston and Austin as potential homes for the team.

The family issued the following statement about the NHL’s decision. It reads in part:

Each city brings unique attributes that would make a new team a huge success — both have the infrastructure, passionate fan bases, and economic strength needed to support a championship-caliber franchise for years to come.

We have wanted for some time to bring an NHL team to Texas, and we are excited that the process has now begun. Selecting a new market for an NHL franchise is a special and important responsibility, and we are grateful to the league for their faith in us and their support. Working with Commissioner Bettman and the NHL, we will undertake a principled, disciplined, and methodical process to ensure we find the right long-term home for this new franchise.

Houston has been without a professional hockey team since the Houston Aeros folded in 2013.

With a net worth of $11.4 billion, Dan Friedkin ranks No. 279 on the 2026 edition of the Forbes World’s Billionaires List. That’s good for Houston’s third richest resident, behind only Kinder Morgan chairman Richard Kinder (No. 232, $13 billion) and Landry’s owner Tilman Fertitta (No. 268, $11.7 billion).

His wealth primarily stems from his ownership of Gulf States Toyota, which has the exclusive rights to sell Toyota vehicles in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. The company sold more than $13 billion worth of Toyotas in 2025 alone, Forbes reports.

The Friedkin family launched Pursuit Sports last summer. It currently owns three European soccer clubs — A.S. Roma (Italian Serie A), A.S. Cannes (French Championnat National 2), and Everton F.C. (English Premier League).