Our interview with Houston Rockets broadcaster and former player Matt Bullard

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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 26: James Ennis #33 of the Detroit Pistons during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on February 26, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: 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. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Knight: Besides Carmelo, what do you think of the new additions?

Bullard: The loss of [Luc] Mbah a Moute and Trevor Ariza really hurt the Rockets defensively. Those two guys had great years last year playing defense in the switching schemes and making threes at a pretty high percentage.

James Ennis, to me, is the same type of player as Ariza and Mbah a Moute, just a younger version of them. James has a chance now to come in and play in a situation that’s really gonna fit his skill set and hopefully, he can have great success.

Michael Carter-Williams is another guy who is not necessarily a three-point shooter, but he can create open shots. I think with the second unit he can really help. Also, having a legit backup point guard for Chris Paul is going to make the Rockets injury-proof. Last year, unfortunately, he had the hamstring injury that ended his season and basically ended the Rockets’ chances for a title. To have a guy like Michael Carter-Williams to take some of the minutes and reduce the workload of Chris Paul throughout the season is going to help Chris stay fresher throughout the season.

Knight: What’s your favorite part about being in the broadcast booth for almost every game?

Bullard: I love my job, it’s so much fun. I loved being an NBA player, there’s nothing better than playing basketball, to me. Being able to transition from playing it, but when my body wore out and I couldn’t play it anymore now I can talk about it, it’s still super fun, I love it. I bleed Rockets red, I’ve been in the Rockets organization for over 20 years and now to have this team and the success that they have, great players, a great coach, I’m a huge Mike D’Antoni fan. Being able to be a part of that by bringing it to the fans on TV is a great joy for me.

Knight: And you still get to win the team three-point contest every now and then.

Bullard: I was just thinking about that three-point contest! I better get in the gym and get some shots up because we’ve got some legit three-point shooters this year.

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Thanks to Matt Bullard for being a fun interview and giving some great insight on the upcoming season! Be sure to listen to his analysis on AT&T Sportsnet this year during the Rockets games!