Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said yesterday that GM Rafael Stone, who oversaw the franchise’s overhaul, "signed a contract extension during the 2023-24 season." In Houston, Jonathan Feigen noted the Rockets agreed on multiyear extensions for Stone and assistant GM Eli Witus in January. Stone, who became GM in November 2020, led the Rockets “through a transformation by rebuilding their stockpile of draft picks and cap space” (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 4/16).
LONG OVERDUE: In D.C., Scott Allen noted the Nationals are “leaning into” the celebration of their 2019 World Series title with the Astros in town for a three-game series beginning Friday. This comes four years after COVID “denied the Nationals and their fans a proper, season-long victory lap.” More than a dozen players and coaches from the Nationals’ World Series-winning roster “are scheduled to return for this weekend’s festivities.” The first 20,000 fans at Saturday’s 4:05pm game “will receive a 2019 World Series replica ring” (WASHINGTON POST, 4/16).
POPULARITY CONTEST: In Phoenix, Duane Rankin reported Suns and WNBA Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia is “viewed as the most-liked NBA team owner,” according to a survey conducted by casino.ca. Ishbia “finished tied” with Spurs owner Peter Holt, with both “receiving a nine out of 10 likability score.” The survey asked 3,000 fans about team owners “to uncover the level of familiarity with their team's owner and gauge the fans' sentiments towards them” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 4/16).
