Michael Shapiro
@michaelshapiro.bsky.social
All things Houston sports Chron.com | Sports Illustrated, UT Austin alum | “I didn’t wanna be Mr. Alienation.”
Get in touch: [email protected]
Get in touch: [email protected]
🚀Morning folks. Let’s talk Fred VanVleet’s future w/some intel 4 days before trade deadline:
• FVV’s NTC makes February trade non-starter. Summer deal possible w/another extension.
• FVV’s $25 million is Rockets “best weapon for aggregating salary,” per source.
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
• FVV’s NTC makes February trade non-starter. Summer deal possible w/another extension.
• FVV’s $25 million is Rockets “best weapon for aggregating salary,” per source.
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
January 30, 2026 at 4:42 PM
🚀Morning folks. Let’s talk Fred VanVleet’s future w/some intel 4 days before trade deadline:
• FVV’s NTC makes February trade non-starter. Summer deal possible w/another extension.
• FVV’s $25 million is Rockets “best weapon for aggregating salary,” per source.
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
• FVV’s NTC makes February trade non-starter. Summer deal possible w/another extension.
• FVV’s $25 million is Rockets “best weapon for aggregating salary,” per source.
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
So, perhaps the Rockets don’t actually have the Victor Wembanyama blueprint…
Filmed a quick 🎥 postgame on Wemby’s dominant 2nd half in a comeback win in Houston.
Filmed a quick 🎥 postgame on Wemby’s dominant 2nd half in a comeback win in Houston.
January 29, 2026 at 7:01 AM
So, perhaps the Rockets don’t actually have the Victor Wembanyama blueprint…
Filmed a quick 🎥 postgame on Wemby’s dominant 2nd half in a comeback win in Houston.
Filmed a quick 🎥 postgame on Wemby’s dominant 2nd half in a comeback win in Houston.
🇫🇷 Plenty of Spurs fans and Victor Wembanyama supports here at Toyota Center.
Rockets-Spurs III tonight. The old rivalry is now back in style.
Almost time for tip-off 🏀
Rockets-Spurs III tonight. The old rivalry is now back in style.
Almost time for tip-off 🏀
January 29, 2026 at 2:38 AM
🇫🇷 Plenty of Spurs fans and Victor Wembanyama supports here at Toyota Center.
Rockets-Spurs III tonight. The old rivalry is now back in style.
Almost time for tip-off 🏀
Rockets-Spurs III tonight. The old rivalry is now back in style.
Almost time for tip-off 🏀
Quick 🏀 news (and views) today:
Can confirm Steven Adams’ season is over after undergoing ankle surgery.
Here’s more @chron.com on Adams’ absence, and a particularly tricky math problem looming for the Rockets ⬇️
www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
Can confirm Steven Adams’ season is over after undergoing ankle surgery.
Here’s more @chron.com on Adams’ absence, and a particularly tricky math problem looming for the Rockets ⬇️
www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
Rockets’ jumbo lineup is officially dead
Houston's superpowered twin towers lineup has come to an unexpected end.
www.chron.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Quick 🏀 news (and views) today:
Can confirm Steven Adams’ season is over after undergoing ankle surgery.
Here’s more @chron.com on Adams’ absence, and a particularly tricky math problem looming for the Rockets ⬇️
www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
Can confirm Steven Adams’ season is over after undergoing ankle surgery.
Here’s more @chron.com on Adams’ absence, and a particularly tricky math problem looming for the Rockets ⬇️
www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
Passing this along from last night, btw:
Ime Udoka wasn’t surprised by NBA’s move to postpone Saturday’s Timberwolves game in Minneapolis.
Udoka: “It’s kind of a second thought to play a basketball game and do that, like I said, with the consistency [of unrest] in that city.”
Full quote ⬇️
Ime Udoka wasn’t surprised by NBA’s move to postpone Saturday’s Timberwolves game in Minneapolis.
Udoka: “It’s kind of a second thought to play a basketball game and do that, like I said, with the consistency [of unrest] in that city.”
Full quote ⬇️
January 27, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Passing this along from last night, btw:
Ime Udoka wasn’t surprised by NBA’s move to postpone Saturday’s Timberwolves game in Minneapolis.
Udoka: “It’s kind of a second thought to play a basketball game and do that, like I said, with the consistency [of unrest] in that city.”
Full quote ⬇️
Ime Udoka wasn’t surprised by NBA’s move to postpone Saturday’s Timberwolves game in Minneapolis.
Udoka: “It’s kind of a second thought to play a basketball game and do that, like I said, with the consistency [of unrest] in that city.”
Full quote ⬇️
Reposted by Michael Shapiro
I spoke to Waco's Kaleb Blain, a transgender pitmaster working to create space for trans people in Texas BBQ. After being doxxed, attacked online and let go from Terry Black's, he's now forging his own path:
"I have to do this for the rest of my life."
www.chron.com/culture/arti...
"I have to do this for the rest of my life."
www.chron.com/culture/arti...
After a doxxing, a transgender Texan pitmaster forges his own way
"There's not a queer space in barbecue yet, so let's create one."
www.chron.com
January 26, 2026 at 10:01 PM
I spoke to Waco's Kaleb Blain, a transgender pitmaster working to create space for trans people in Texas BBQ. After being doxxed, attacked online and let go from Terry Black's, he's now forging his own path:
"I have to do this for the rest of my life."
www.chron.com/culture/arti...
"I have to do this for the rest of my life."
www.chron.com/culture/arti...
Reposted by Michael Shapiro
"It even got nominated for an ESPY that year."
Kevin Durant talks famed Texas, Oklahoma State battle, 19 years later
"It even got nominated for an ESPY that year."
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 9:40 PM
"It even got nominated for an ESPY that year."
Reposted by Michael Shapiro
Statement from CAIR Houston on Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair's fine over his "Stop The Genocide" eye black (courtesy of @michaelshapiro.bsky.social)
"Azeez Al-Shaair’s message was rooted in basic human decency and concern for innocent lives." www.chron.com/sports/texan...
"Azeez Al-Shaair’s message was rooted in basic human decency and concern for innocent lives." www.chron.com/sports/texan...
January 20, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Statement from CAIR Houston on Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair's fine over his "Stop The Genocide" eye black (courtesy of @michaelshapiro.bsky.social)
"Azeez Al-Shaair’s message was rooted in basic human decency and concern for innocent lives." www.chron.com/sports/texan...
"Azeez Al-Shaair’s message was rooted in basic human decency and concern for innocent lives." www.chron.com/sports/texan...
About 1 hour from kickoff in Foxborough. Fired up, @houstontexans.bsky.social fans?
Chance at the first-ever AFC Championship today. A swaggering team embraced the stakes this week.
“The atmosphere, the stadium, the opportunity. … It's time to pop s--t off."
www.chron.com/sports/texan...
Chance at the first-ever AFC Championship today. A swaggering team embraced the stakes this week.
“The atmosphere, the stadium, the opportunity. … It's time to pop s--t off."
www.chron.com/sports/texan...
‘Time to pop s--t off’: Texans ready to break streaks, claim AFC title birth
The biggest game in franchise history awaits Sunday in Foxborough.
www.chron.com
January 18, 2026 at 7:12 PM
About 1 hour from kickoff in Foxborough. Fired up, @houstontexans.bsky.social fans?
Chance at the first-ever AFC Championship today. A swaggering team embraced the stakes this week.
“The atmosphere, the stadium, the opportunity. … It's time to pop s--t off."
www.chron.com/sports/texan...
Chance at the first-ever AFC Championship today. A swaggering team embraced the stakes this week.
“The atmosphere, the stadium, the opportunity. … It's time to pop s--t off."
www.chron.com/sports/texan...
New @chron.com:
Houston ST coordinator Frank Ross:
“Everybody's job in this building relies upon us protecting the football.”
More @houstontexans.bsky.social special-teams talk ⬇️, including why rookie Jaylin Noel is one of Sunday’s most important players
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...
Houston ST coordinator Frank Ross:
“Everybody's job in this building relies upon us protecting the football.”
More @houstontexans.bsky.social special-teams talk ⬇️, including why rookie Jaylin Noel is one of Sunday’s most important players
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...
January 16, 2026 at 7:28 PM
New @chron.com:
Houston ST coordinator Frank Ross:
“Everybody's job in this building relies upon us protecting the football.”
More @houstontexans.bsky.social special-teams talk ⬇️, including why rookie Jaylin Noel is one of Sunday’s most important players
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...
Houston ST coordinator Frank Ross:
“Everybody's job in this building relies upon us protecting the football.”
More @houstontexans.bsky.social special-teams talk ⬇️, including why rookie Jaylin Noel is one of Sunday’s most important players
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...
Received a quick text just now from Oilers’ legend Dan Pastorini:
“I’m happy for Houston. Long overdue.”
Pretty cool. The curse of ‘79 is lifted.
“I’m happy for Houston. Long overdue.”
Pretty cool. The curse of ‘79 is lifted.
January 13, 2026 at 4:18 AM
Received a quick text just now from Oilers’ legend Dan Pastorini:
“I’m happy for Houston. Long overdue.”
Pretty cool. The curse of ‘79 is lifted.
“I’m happy for Houston. Long overdue.”
Pretty cool. The curse of ‘79 is lifted.
New @chron.com:
Ka’imi Fairbairn missed road playoff kicks in both 2024 + 2025. How will he handle swirling winds in Pittsburgh tonight?
Texans kicker shares his plan, with a big assist from one teammate in particular.
“I’ll let Tommy be my weatherman.”
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...
Ka’imi Fairbairn missed road playoff kicks in both 2024 + 2025. How will he handle swirling winds in Pittsburgh tonight?
Texans kicker shares his plan, with a big assist from one teammate in particular.
“I’ll let Tommy be my weatherman.”
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...
January 12, 2026 at 6:36 PM
New @chron.com:
Ka’imi Fairbairn missed road playoff kicks in both 2024 + 2025. How will he handle swirling winds in Pittsburgh tonight?
Texans kicker shares his plan, with a big assist from one teammate in particular.
“I’ll let Tommy be my weatherman.”
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...
Ka’imi Fairbairn missed road playoff kicks in both 2024 + 2025. How will he handle swirling winds in Pittsburgh tonight?
Texans kicker shares his plan, with a big assist from one teammate in particular.
“I’ll let Tommy be my weatherman.”
🔗 www.chron.com/sports/texan...
Strange situation for Rockets in California this weekend:
Houston played in Sacramento on Sunday, but stayed Saturday night in San Francisco. Why? All usual hotels in Sacramento were booked, forcing 90-minute bus ride on gameday.
Rockets lost 111-98 to hapless Kings.
www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
Houston played in Sacramento on Sunday, but stayed Saturday night in San Francisco. Why? All usual hotels in Sacramento were booked, forcing 90-minute bus ride on gameday.
Rockets lost 111-98 to hapless Kings.
www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
Why were Rockets forced to stay in San Francisco before facing Kings?
Ime Udoka's team endured a strange lodging situation this weekend.
www.chron.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Strange situation for Rockets in California this weekend:
Houston played in Sacramento on Sunday, but stayed Saturday night in San Francisco. Why? All usual hotels in Sacramento were booked, forcing 90-minute bus ride on gameday.
Rockets lost 111-98 to hapless Kings.
www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
Houston played in Sacramento on Sunday, but stayed Saturday night in San Francisco. Why? All usual hotels in Sacramento were booked, forcing 90-minute bus ride on gameday.
Rockets lost 111-98 to hapless Kings.
www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
New @chron.com — Dan Pastorini smiled Sunday when the @houstontexans.bsky.social were guaranteed a trip to Pittsburgh.
On the 46th anniversary of a Super Bowl chance ripped away, the Oilers legend talks Houston’s painful playoff past & possible championship future.
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/texan...
On the 46th anniversary of a Super Bowl chance ripped away, the Oilers legend talks Houston’s painful playoff past & possible championship future.
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/texan...
January 6, 2026 at 4:26 PM
New @chron.com — Dan Pastorini smiled Sunday when the @houstontexans.bsky.social were guaranteed a trip to Pittsburgh.
On the 46th anniversary of a Super Bowl chance ripped away, the Oilers legend talks Houston’s painful playoff past & possible championship future.
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/texan...
On the 46th anniversary of a Super Bowl chance ripped away, the Oilers legend talks Houston’s painful playoff past & possible championship future.
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/texan...
Big week for Tatsuya Imai (!)
New @houstonastros.bsky.social pitcher was at Texans’ game yesterday, now at Toyota Center. Raucous ovation here for Imai.
New @houstonastros.bsky.social pitcher was at Texans’ game yesterday, now at Toyota Center. Raucous ovation here for Imai.
January 6, 2026 at 1:30 AM
Big week for Tatsuya Imai (!)
New @houstonastros.bsky.social pitcher was at Texans’ game yesterday, now at Toyota Center. Raucous ovation here for Imai.
New @houstonastros.bsky.social pitcher was at Texans’ game yesterday, now at Toyota Center. Raucous ovation here for Imai.
Ben and Dave are some of the best in the business. Fun, wide-ranging hoops chat to start 2026 ⬇️
Fun #Rockets postgame with @michaelshapiro.bsky.social, and we also got in some Houston-WNBA talk.
Spoiler: "It's happening."
Spoiler: "It's happening."
Houston Rockets vs Brooklyn Nets Postgame | Kevin Durant Amen Thompson
YouTube video by ClutchFans
www.youtube.com
January 2, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Ben and Dave are some of the best in the business. Fun, wide-ranging hoops chat to start 2026 ⬇️
New @chron.com: “I understand & know this is a process, a long process.”
I chatted w/Patrick & Tilman Fertitta at Toyota Center on Saturday. Tilman noted championship hopes. Patrick took a more patient approach, a hallmark of his role with the Rockets
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
I chatted w/Patrick & Tilman Fertitta at Toyota Center on Saturday. Tilman noted championship hopes. Patrick took a more patient approach, a hallmark of his role with the Rockets
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
December 29, 2025 at 11:08 PM
New @chron.com: “I understand & know this is a process, a long process.”
I chatted w/Patrick & Tilman Fertitta at Toyota Center on Saturday. Tilman noted championship hopes. Patrick took a more patient approach, a hallmark of his role with the Rockets
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
I chatted w/Patrick & Tilman Fertitta at Toyota Center on Saturday. Tilman noted championship hopes. Patrick took a more patient approach, a hallmark of his role with the Rockets
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
Reposted by Michael Shapiro
Houston forward Tari Eason is loud, proud and completely correct in his push for a starting spot.
Rockets youngster vocal about starting spot for all the right reasons
Houston forward Tari Eason is loud, proud and completely correct in his push for a starting spot.
bit.ly
December 27, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Houston forward Tari Eason is loud, proud and completely correct in his push for a starting spot.
Fun postgame press conference with Tari Eason last night after Rockets’ win in Los Angeles. Said he was happy “Ime finally trusted me,” with a start in his hometown.
Does Eason want to be a full-time starter?
“Yes. Yes I do.”
Why? Our full chat with Tari ⬇️
Does Eason want to be a full-time starter?
“Yes. Yes I do.”
Why? Our full chat with Tari ⬇️
December 27, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Fun postgame press conference with Tari Eason last night after Rockets’ win in Los Angeles. Said he was happy “Ime finally trusted me,” with a start in his hometown.
Does Eason want to be a full-time starter?
“Yes. Yes I do.”
Why? Our full chat with Tari ⬇️
Does Eason want to be a full-time starter?
“Yes. Yes I do.”
Why? Our full chat with Tari ⬇️
New @chron.com:
“He’s the main culprit I’ve seen for the last 20 years.”
Thursday is the fifth Christmas Day battle between Kevin Durant and LeBron James. It may very well be the last, the final chapter of a rivalry to be appreciated before it’s gone.
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
“He’s the main culprit I’ve seen for the last 20 years.”
Thursday is the fifth Christmas Day battle between Kevin Durant and LeBron James. It may very well be the last, the final chapter of a rivalry to be appreciated before it’s gone.
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
December 25, 2025 at 8:05 PM
New @chron.com:
“He’s the main culprit I’ve seen for the last 20 years.”
Thursday is the fifth Christmas Day battle between Kevin Durant and LeBron James. It may very well be the last, the final chapter of a rivalry to be appreciated before it’s gone.
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
“He’s the main culprit I’ve seen for the last 20 years.”
Thursday is the fifth Christmas Day battle between Kevin Durant and LeBron James. It may very well be the last, the final chapter of a rivalry to be appreciated before it’s gone.
🔗➡️ www.chron.com/sports/rocke...
Happy NFL Sunday, folks. Fun one ⬇️
C.J. Stroud and Cam Ward are both AFC South QBs. They’re both top-5 picks. What else do Stroud and Ward share? Mentorship from Warren Moon, leader of one of the NFL’s most storied clubs.
“This is our fraternity.”
www.chron.com/sports/texan...
C.J. Stroud and Cam Ward are both AFC South QBs. They’re both top-5 picks. What else do Stroud and Ward share? Mentorship from Warren Moon, leader of one of the NFL’s most storied clubs.
“This is our fraternity.”
www.chron.com/sports/texan...
'It's our fraternity': How Warren Moon guides CJ Stroud, NFL's Black QBs
"We all share something in common. It's our fraternity."
www.chron.com
December 21, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Happy NFL Sunday, folks. Fun one ⬇️
C.J. Stroud and Cam Ward are both AFC South QBs. They’re both top-5 picks. What else do Stroud and Ward share? Mentorship from Warren Moon, leader of one of the NFL’s most storied clubs.
“This is our fraternity.”
www.chron.com/sports/texan...
C.J. Stroud and Cam Ward are both AFC South QBs. They’re both top-5 picks. What else do Stroud and Ward share? Mentorship from Warren Moon, leader of one of the NFL’s most storied clubs.
“This is our fraternity.”
www.chron.com/sports/texan...
Can confirm @alexaphilippou.bsky.social + @ramonaespn.bsky.social reporting on expected sale of Connecticut Sun to group led by Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.
Houston Comets should be back in 2027.
Houston Comets should be back in 2027.
December 19, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Can confirm @alexaphilippou.bsky.social + @ramonaespn.bsky.social reporting on expected sale of Connecticut Sun to group led by Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.
Houston Comets should be back in 2027.
Houston Comets should be back in 2027.
Reposted by Michael Shapiro
Houston’s defense delivers its biggest statement on national TV.
Texans wreck Chiefs on national stage. Is this a changing of the guard?
Houston’s defense delivers its biggest statement on national TV.
bit.ly
December 8, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Houston’s defense delivers its biggest statement on national TV.
Incredibly kind of @kissphoria.bsky.social (an ace reporter in her own right!!)
This is also a good reminder to get back posting to here. More ahead 👀
This is also a good reminder to get back posting to here. More ahead 👀
obviously this story is going around bc the game is on but @michaelshapiro.bsky.social really is a great reporter and this is one of my favorite stories he's done since i've known him:
December 8, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Incredibly kind of @kissphoria.bsky.social (an ace reporter in her own right!!)
This is also a good reminder to get back posting to here. More ahead 👀
This is also a good reminder to get back posting to here. More ahead 👀
Reposted by Michael Shapiro
obviously this story is going around bc the game is on but @michaelshapiro.bsky.social really is a great reporter and this is one of my favorite stories he's done since i've known him:
December 8, 2025 at 4:31 AM
obviously this story is going around bc the game is on but @michaelshapiro.bsky.social really is a great reporter and this is one of my favorite stories he's done since i've known him: