Convenience Big Store: ⚾ Astros rookie delivers best start yet

Leadoff

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - JUNE 26: Commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Reed Sheppard, selected as number three by the Houston Rockets, in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on June 26, 2024 (Photo by Lev Radin/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Rockets say Reed Sheppard was top 2024 prospect by 'quite a bit'

Houston's Rafael Stone had his focus narrowed on one player on Wednesday night.

Spencer Arrighetti #41 of the Houston Astros walks to the dugout in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Minute Maid Park on June 26, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

Astros' César Salazar was key to Spencer Arrighetti's successful start

"I've never seen him that good."

Cheap Seats

Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns holds the ball during the second half of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 27, 2023 in Houston, Texas. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Method to the madness

In the Cheap Seats, Chron sports writers answer burning questions from readers.

Why did the Rockets make a pre-draft trade with the Nets involving future picks?

Chron sports writer Michael Shapiro:

Houston and Brooklyn agreed to a complex swap of draft capital late Tuesday night, in which the Nets recouped their 2026 first-round pick and eliminated Houston's right to receive a first-round pick swap in 2025. What did the Rockets receive in return? A 2025 pick swap with Phoenix, the Suns' 2027 first-round pick, the more favorable of either Dallas' or Phoenix's 2029 first-round pick and pick-swap rights in 2029, four pieces designed as de-facto bets against Phoenix's future.

GM Rafael Stone could very well eye Phoenix as his trade partner in December or January, hoping to flip the team's future draft capital in exchange for Kevin Durant. But Stone stressed Wednesday his trade isn't about Durant. It's not even about any player in particular. Instead, the Rockets are armed to enter the fray on frankly any star trade discussion.