Hi! 👋 I’m Danielle Lerner, Rockets beat writer for the Houston Chronicle, and I'll be answering your questions about the Rockets and the NBA for this AMA.

Here’s my proof: https://x.com/danielle_lerner/status/1912178751196008545

In four years, the Houston Rockets went from the NBA's basement to No. 2 in the West. Are you surprised? The Rockets aren't. I’ve covered the Rockets since 2021 and the Chronicle is the only news outlet that covers every single game — at home and away — in person.

As Houston gears up for the playoffs this weekend, what questions do you have?

Ask me anything!

28 comments

  1. How accurate do you think the “leaks” from management are? We’ve heard a lot of things over the years about trades, interest in players, and roster/organization drama, but it seems to be inaccurate nearly every time. Is the front office super tight with what they let leak out? Are their actual intentions ever accurate in the media? I think this is highly relevant this offseason with KD/Booker rumors and us having their pick. I would be pretty surprised if we make any of these moves, especially considering we’ve been reluctant to do so in the past (Green+Picks/Mikal swap comes to mind).

  2. What’s the best way to get a DJ gig at one of the home games? Either in between quarters, half time shows etc.

  3. Thanks for your great work! What’s it like preparing for covering the playoffs? In what ways is it a different feel than the regular season?

  4. What do us fans just not get that becomes clear when you spend time around the team?

  5. How is Cam Whitmore regarded internally at this point? And is there an expectation for Reed Sheppard to play real minutes next season?

  6. What was it like covering the nba that first season where there was still some covid limitations?

  7. Why won’t the team bring back Turbo!? Answer the real questions….

    Sincerely – a garrison Matthews fan

  8. How long have you been covering the Rockets? Has it been challenging taking over from Jonathan Feigen?

  9. Any insight into how the front office foresees navigating the salary cap? How likely is it that they’re able to keep the core together longterm? Are there any young prospects the front office doesn’t consider to be part of the core?

    Is there an appetite to use the draft pick if it stays at 9 or 10, or is it more likely the pick is traded? If they draft a player with the pick, what player/position is most likely to be targeted?

  10. During your time covering the team, what’s been the 3 biggest changes you’ve noticed within the organization?

  11. Who is your favorite player to watch and any fun stories you want to share about the Rockets players?

  14. Is the Rockets organization at all worried about in-game attendance? Houston loves the Rockets, but it doesn’t always show during games.

  16. A lot of us want to see the Rockets take down the warriors in the playoffs for once. Is there any sentiment around the team mirroring that, or because they weren’t involved it’s not the same?

  18. What do you love about your job?  What something about the Houston Chronicle that you think fans would like, but is often overlooked?

  19. I sincerely hope we don’t, but do you think we will end up signing KD this off season?

  20. Do you appear on any podcasts?

    From your point of view, will playoff performance dictate what the FO does?

    What are the cap concerns with the team as you understand them? Short term and long term.

    Thanks for this, and hope you’re being treated well in your role.

  21. Thanks for doing the AMA. Any insight as to who the team rather play in round one?

  23. Here’s something I’ve always wondered… NBA referees have a long and storied history of ~~cheating~~ [let’s call it] playing favorites. How much do the younger teams, like Houston, consider this in their game-plans? For instance, should the Rockets face the Warriors in the first round, you know the referees ARE NOT going to be on their side. Amen’s brother has it tough too, as the Pistons are surely going to get royally screwed. Etc…

  24. Who’s the lowkey nicest or funniest dude when not in front of the cameras?

  26. Are people inside the organization as excited as the fans are at the small but nonzero chance of getting Cooper Flagg?

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