Derek Parker

Derek Parker

Derek is the Publisher for InsideTheThunder.com and Draft Digest for Fan Nation, powered by Sports Illustrated. He has been a sports writer in the Oklahoma City market for five years now, primarily covering the Oklahoma City Thunder and NBA Draft.

Oct 28, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after scoring a three-point basket during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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Jalen Green Showing Early Signs of Stardom for Rockets

Jalen Green is finally coming into his own as a Houston Rocket.

Derek Parker
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Jan 26, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) moves against Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
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Rockets to Take on Much-Improved Charlotte Hornets

We could learn a lot from Houston’s impending season-starting bout with Charlotte.

Derek Parker
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Oct 17, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA;  Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after colliding with the goal post against the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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Is Jalen Green’s Deal Worth It for Houston Rockets?

Jalen Green has finally signed a long-awaited extension with the Rockets. But was it worth it for Houston?

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Oct 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) handles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
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Houston Rockets Lock In Alperen Sengun to Five-Year Contract

Houston has locked in its star player to a five-year contract.

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Oct 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
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Ranking the Houston Rockets’ Best Trade Assets

The Rockets have one of the better young cores in the league. But where does it stand in terms of value?

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Oct 9, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) is defended by Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) on a drive to the basket during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Rockets' Rookie Reed Sheppard Shines in Preseason Versus OKC Thunder

Houston’s newest guard saw a better game in his second preseason performance Wednesday.

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Sep 30, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) during Houston Rockets media day. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Fred VanVleet’s Presence Missed in Rockets’ Preseason Bout with Thunder

Houston’s floor general was missed in the team’s second preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Derek Parker
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Sep 30, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) during Houston Rockets media day. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Rockets’ Jalen Green Shows Off Skills in Viral Video

Houston’s talented guard might finally be putting the puzzle pieces of his game together.

Derek Parker
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Apr 14, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) shoots against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Rockets' Fred VanVleet Says Amen Thompson Stood Out this Offseason

A Rockets veteran noted Amen Thompson as a standout player this offseason.

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May 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game four of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Rockets in Better Position After Blockbuster Knicks-Wolves Trade

Houston could face an easier Western Conference after the league’s most recent blockbuster trade.

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Apr 7, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) is guarded by Dallas Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) during the third quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
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The Biggest Questions Ahead of Rockets Media Day

Looking at the Houston Rockets biggest questions just weeks away from NBA preseason.

Derek Parker
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Oct 15, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) warms up prior to the game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
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Rockets’ Steven Adams Reportedly Cleared for Workouts

Houston’s newest big man is reportedly cleared to workout with the team, and has been excelling. 

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