Ben Taylor, creator of the popular YouTube channel Thinking Basketball (and author of Thinking Basketball the book) goes deeper on basketball analysis, history, philosophy and theory with co-host Cody Houdek, and a variety of guests ranging from journalists to former players.
Ideal for fans interested in Xs and Os, stats & analytics, coaching and team strategy and adjustments, in-depth breakdowns on player strengths and weaknesses, and who is better and who is best in the NBA. (GOAT debates!)
The podcast Thinking Basketball is created by Thinking Basketball. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Our Xs and Os expert Mike De La Rosa joins for an emergency episode on the first week of the 2025 NBA playoffs: Lakers-Wolves, Clippers-Nuggets, Knicks-Pistons and do the Bucks have any life against the Pacers? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketballSign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.
Clippers-Nuggets! Rockets-Warriors! Lakers-Wolves! What an opening weekend of the playoffs! We also discuss Knicks-Pistons, and a brief acknowledgement of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks. Will Cody make it through the show without saying Andrew Nembhard or Jrue Holiday? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.
We focus on three (potentially) huge series in the Western Conference, along with some light discussion about the potentially competitive Eastern Conference series in the 1st round. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.
It's time for our 7th annual Defensive Awards – we discuss the best defenders in the NBA across categories like best paint protector, best perimeter helper, best point of attack defender and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.
We discuss the Giannis Offense, Zion Williamson and more, and then Cody “presents” his top-32 shooters (or is it April's Fools?) as we think about spacing effects of different shooting skills in today's game. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the exploding (and crumbling) teams in March, players coming out of nowhere like Quentin Grimes and Josh Giddey, tanking, the up and down Lakers and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What exactly has made Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the MVP favorite this season, and where does he stack up historically with some of his skills? We discuss the great MVP race between Shai and Jokic, the all-time seasons their having, and more. But first, the rise of Quentin Grimes and misinformation on NBA Reddit! With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who is the best first option in the league? The best second option? We discuss the top offensive players right now from off-ball big men who space the floor to more heliocentric options who might not fit well with other players. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Ben thinks his camera is flipped, there are 2 new teams in a “dangerous” tier to challenge the Inner Circle title contenders, and Cody and Ben have a big disagreement about a lurking lower seed. But first, the aesthetics of today's offenses and the Celtics. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at CBAMastery.com with code thinkingbasketball for %10 off.
We discuss the importance of depth in today's NBA, focusing on the Knicks, Lakers and Suns, and then break down the incredible history of trading 3 first round picks, and how that high-risk, high-reward move can build a dynasty or completely crater a team's depth. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Become a CBA expert: 10% off at CBAMastery.com with code thinkingbasketball
Who is the best Jalen in the league right now!? We debate Jaylen Brown, Jalen Williams and Jalen Brunson – what are their strengths and weaknesses? How do they compare offensively and defensively? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
How will these new teams fit together after the wild trade deadline? Are the Lakers dangerous? Are the Mavs? We discuss the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis blockbuster, along with De'Aaron Fox in San Antonio next to Wemby, Jimmy Butler in Golden State, Zach Lavine in Sacramento, Brandon Ingram in Toronto, and the biggest move of all, Kyle Kuzma to the Bucks. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at CBAMastery.com with code thinkingbasketball for %10 off.
It's time for our 7th annual Sub All-Star team – who are the best players in the next tier AFTER the All-Stars. Who straddles the line and makes the actual All-Star team? Who were the toughest omissions? And what position of player is deeper than ever? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Oklahoma City Thunder currently have one of the best point differentials ever. How good is their defense? How good are they overall? And how well is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing right now? Before that, we discuss teams suddenly filling up with new (injured) players like the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What are the best offenses doing differently this year? What makes teams like Cleveland, Memphis and OKC so hard to guard? Before that, we address the “non winning” of style of play for LaMelo Ball and the idea of empty stats. Bonus questions on the Thompson Twins and Evan Mobley vs. Jaren Jackson. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the hottest teams in the last month, the standings without bottom-feeding, whether the Nuggets still have life and the red hot Indiana Pacers led by...Andrew Nembhard? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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Wemby Hour! Is he the best defender in the league now? Where does he rank as an offensive player? How good is his passing? And where does this year compare to other 2nd year 21-year old seasons on the 3-point era? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Are the Cavs an inner-circle contender? Where do other hot teams fall in the hierarchy? We discuss some of the potential playoff issues (or strengths) of teams not located in Boston or Oklahoma City. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
After a rousing Part 1, we return to discuss the rest of the best young players in the NBA. Who do we decide to change the order one? Will one team dominant the remaining picks? Will Ben ever be happy with the 25th pick? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who are the best young players in the NBA right now? It's time for our annual under 25 draft, where we pick our way through the top under 25 players in league after a third of a new season. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss a fascinating 2025 MVP race – can Nikola Jokic be dethroned despited having perhaps his best season? Is there are a darkhorse lurking? How will the best players on the top teams in the East fare? With @codyhoudek. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Rockets and Magic are 24-4 in their last 28 combined games. How good are these defenses? Do they have weaknesses? How far can they take each team in the playoffs? And is an all-defense team more dangerous today and all-offense team? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss a wide open 2025 ROY race. Who has emerged in the last few weeks as the favorite? Will another French player win? Can a defensively oriented player win or will an older rookie sneak into contention? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the best defenders of the early season who are candidates for Defensive Player of the Year. Will a candidate emergy from the “defense by committee” teams? Will a dominant defender win from a mediocre team? Which of the former winners has the best chance? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We try to figure out how sustainable some hot (and concerning) starts are. Nikola Jokic's historic pace, Cleveland's incredible offense so far led by Darius Garland, the Thunder (and Clippers) defense, Luka and the Mavs, Wemby's bumpy start and a darkhorse Rookie of the Year candidate.
How good are the Cavs and Warriors? What's going on with the Nuggets and Wolves? Who are the best teams in the NBA after Boston and Oklahoma City, and are there any additions to the inner circle of title contenders? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We react to the opening week of the season, including JJ Redick's coaching in Los Angeles, the “new” officiating, a nickname for Paolo Banchero, the Cavs undefeated start and can Tyrese Haliburton catch fire again? Plus, does Cody know what color uniforms teams wear? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We preview the 2025 NBA season. Who can win the East or the West? Who starts the season in the inner circle of title contenders? Are there sleeper teams? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We bounce around the preseason with thoughts on Reed Sheppard in Houston, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, Paolo Banchero's maturity in Orlando, the importance of aging stars and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We take some our most strongly held beliefs and argue against them. (!) We discuss Nikola Jokic's offensive GOAT case, Jaylen Brown's lackluster plus-minus footprint, the valuing of defensive rebounding and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle blockbuster trade between the Knicks and the Timberwolves. What does this mean for these teams going forward? Are the Knicks going to be better on offense and defense? Will the change influence their style of play? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who were the best teams of the last decade? In Part 2 or a our two part finale, we discuss the best remaining teams, non Finalists and champs, and attempt to stack up a list of the best teams of the last decade. Where will the Rockets, Warriors, Spurs, Cavs and more end up? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who were the best teams of the last decade? In Part 1 or a our two part finale, we discuss the best teams that didn't reach the NBA Finals, and if any were championship quality teams that might make our final list. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who is the best coach in modern basketball? We discuss the great coaches of the last decade, including what makes an effective coach, how do we evaluate coaches, how to partition credit when great players are present and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We continue our “Best of Pace & Space” series by looking at the best offensive players of the last decade. We discuss different archetypes, playoff changes, challenges comparing different styles and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the medal round of the FIBA Olympic Tournament, how would we construct the Team USA roster, Germany, Canada and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We continue our “Best of Pace & Space” series by looking at the best rookies of the last decade? What makes a great rookie? How many of the best rookies red-shirted? How should we handle missed time? And just how good were the best freshman of this period? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
With the knowledge of summer league, Ahmed Jama of Swish Theory joins to discuss the 2024 NBA draft. Are there hidden stars in this class? Are the top picks ready to play right away? And who, if anyone, stood out after Summer League in Vegas? Follow Ahmed @slipthescreen. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We continue our “Best of Pace & Space” series by looking at the best “Three and D” players of the last decade. What's the history of 3&D? Do better teams tend to have more of these players? And who has been the best of this archetype? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We kick off our “Best of Pace & Space” series by looking at the best isolation scorers of the last decade. What does it mean to be a great iso scorer? What types of plays are considered isolation? And how can we interpret “isolation” numbers for different types of passers and scorers? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
After Paul George's move to Philadelphia and O.G. Anunoby's contract with the Knicks, we discuss the importance of big, “two-way” forwards in today's NBA, why they give teams so much versatility, and how they fill a massive playoff need for nearly every contender. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
It's time for the annual top-10 players list. We discuss the players we think are “best” when healthiest, based on adding value to other playoff-level teams, and finally attempt to adjust for their health and injury problems at the end of the year. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who were the best teams this season? How did matchups, injuries an parity influence the results of the 2024 playoffs? First, we wrap up the Celtics-Mavs Finals, then we attempt to rank the best teams based on what we just saw in the playoffs. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals – can the Dallas Mavericks make any adjustments? Why has been Boston been so successful? Who is the Finals MVP thus far? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We preview the 2024 NBA Finals – will the Celtics come in with a matchup advantage against the Mavs? How does Dallas defend Boston's elite offense? Will the Celtics throw a curveball at Luka Doncic? We discuss this and much more in our Finals Preview. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
How has Dallas taken a 3-0 lead over the Timberwolves? What happened to the Minnesota defense? We also discuss playoff narratives, rim finishing after the officiating points of emphasis, and a classic Cody history question at the end. Remember to be kind. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
How did Minnesota dethrone the Denver Nuggets? We break down Game 7, compare this to other classic series, and also discuss an interesting difference between regular season shooting and playoff shooting. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Nuggets are apparently not dead despite the rumors – who is in the driver's seat in that series with 3 games remaining between Denver and the Minnesota Timberwolves? Who has the edge between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder right now? Plus, the Role Player of the Playoffs. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What did the Mavericks do that was so radically different with Luka Doncic from Game 1? Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report and Sports Business Classroom stops by to discuss Game 2 between Oklahoma City and Dallas. Plus, the Cavs find a way to attack the Celtics and take Game 2. Follow @EricPincus. Sign up for Sports Business Classroom with code THINKING BASKETBALLwww.sportsbusinessclassroom.com
Why are the Wolves destroying the Nuggets? How good is their defense? Will it keeps up? We break down that series, along with previewing the other Western Conference Semifinal playoff series between the Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up for Sports Business Classroom with code THINKING BASKETBALLwww.sportsbusinessclassroom.com
Who were the best players of the First round of the playoffs? Ben selects his 1st and 2nd team All-NBA teams based on the opening round of the 2024 playoffs, factoring in opponent quality, role and more. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up for Sports Business Classroom with code THINKING BASKETBALL www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com
The Wolves are the first team to advanced in the 2024 NBA playoffs, and we break down a potential matchup with the Nuggets, the Mavs size and the Clippers offense without Kawhi Leonard and the physical Knicks-76ers series. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We break down the thrilling Game 1 between the Philadelphia 76ers and New Yorks Knicks, the stunning Clippers victory over the Mavs and their gameplan for Luka, and discuss the physical and change in officiating during the first weekend of the 2024 NBA playoffs. Plus out top-8 home court atmospheres. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We preview the 2024 NBA Playoffs! Incredibly pivotal play-in games. Are the Celtics and Nuggets inevitable? Can the Los Angeles teams make a run? Who will be healthy? Is there a sleeper in the East? And what is the exact probability the Timberwolves beat the Suns? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We talk about what players and ideas we're changed our minds on in the recent years, the impact of “little things” adding up in the game, judging impact, fit and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
It's again time for the annual Defensive Awards! We hand out awards for best paint protector, perimeter helper and more, as well as discussing some of the current value-drivers philosophical ideas about defense in the 2024 NBA. What player will show up in the most categories? Will anyone win multiple categories? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The officiating points of emphasis have reigned in scoring and curtailed some penetrators – who will this impact the most in the playoffs? Plus, the Rockets are hot, and who is the best “Jalen” in the NBA? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who will have the best performance in the 2024 playoffs? We draft a team based on breakout stars, supporting stars, role players and sixth men for the 2024 NBA playoffs. Early bird price at Sportsbusinessclassroom.com with signup code THINKING BASKETBALL. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Cleveland, Phoenix and New Orleans have a ton of talent, but have all been inconsistent or mysterious throughout the season. We discuss how the stars fit together, the role player “fit,” the importance of coaching in fit and more. Early bird price at Sportsbusinessclassroom.com with signup code THINKING BASKETBALL. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Are the Golden State Warriors good enough to win a playoff series this year? We discuss their good play of late when Steph Curry is on the floor, but first, there's been a drop in defensive rating and a change in officiating. Also, what are the indicators that a player will translate to the highest level of basketball in the playoffs and NBA Finals? Early bird price at Sportsbusinessclassroom.com with signup code THINKING BASKETBALL. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Boston Celtics are on the most dominant 11-game win streak in NBA history! We rank the most important Celtics for their playoff run, attempt to contextualize some of their regular season success, and attempt to list possible playoff weaknesses for Boston heading into the postseason. Early bird price at Sportsbusinessclassroom.com with signup code THINKING BASKETBALL. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss whether the incredibly young Oklahoma City Thunder can be the youngest team in NBA history to win a title. Plus, what's really wrong with the Milwaukee Bucks after hiring Doc Rivers, and MVP narratives and a darkhorse Cody prediction. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The No Dunks team stops by to discuss the stretch run of the season in the Western Conference (with some Eastern Conference discussion). Who will take the top seed? Where are the Oklahoma City Thunder headed? Can anyone knock off the Denver Nuggets? How do the Clippers and Timberwolves matchup with their size? Follow @TasMelas @treykerby @jeskeets Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What can turnovers tell us about ball-handlers, passers and scorers? Who becomes the most efficient scorers when we account for “scoring” turnovers? In this solo episode, Ben looks at how this impact Nikola Jokic's scoring, Steve Nash and Chris Paul as “aggressive” vs. “conservative” passers, Tyrese Haliburton and Allen Iverson as ball-handlers and more. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up for Sports Business Classroom with code THINKING BASKETBALLwww.sportsbusinessclassroom.com
We select the 6th annual Sub All-Stars or “Almost Stars,” the players who are in the next tier after All-Stars. First, we sort out All-Star level players, then discuss players on the fringe and possible Sub All-Stars. Who makes the cut? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann returns to discuss Wemby's incredible potential after exploding in the last month. What are realistic areas of improvement for him? What does he look like with more size? We discuss his offensive potential, defensive feel and IQ and whether he could have the highest peak we've ever seen. Follow @jkylemann. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Cleveland has moved into the 2nd seed in the East after a bumpy start. Why are so many teams catching fire in the mid season? How do we make sense of a league with so many poor teams at the bottom of the standings? And is there another team waiting to make a run up the standings? Mo Dakhil and John Schuhmann join. Follow @johnschuhmann @MoDakhil_NBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Dave DuFour joins to discuss the surging Knicks since the OG Anunoby trade, what makes him such a good fit in New York, and why the Knicks are so good at offensive rebounding. But first, a big Clippers announcement after the Boston game. Follow @DaveDuFourNBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
There can be a razor's edge for young players putting up big stats on bad teams. We discuss these polarizing players, whether they're miscast as primary options, the inconvenient truth about shooting efficiency, and why we're lower – for this season, at least – on players like Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero because of it. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What makes a great passer? What characteristics set the best apart from the rest? We discuss the different types of passers in the NBA, some archetypes of passers that aren't quite as valuable, and attempt to sort out the best passers in the in 2024 right now. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Is Will Hardy making a push for Coach of the Year? How are the Jazz suddenly playing so well? Are they going to make the playoffs and bump Golden State or the Lakers out? We discuss Utah's white hot month, coaching adjustments, and the all-time legendary team the Jazz remind us of. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We break down the Knicks-Raptors trade involving Immanuel Quickley, R.J. Barrett and O.G. Anunoby, and discuss trading a known commodity versus a potential breakout star in a bench role. Plus, with LeBron James and others excelling in their late 30s, are stars playing longer today than ever before? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Clippers are hot and the Thunder are fighting for the top seed – are either inner circle contenders for the 2024 NBA championship? Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC's creative offense be schemed for? Plus, Cody makes a bold proclamation about Nick Nurse and the 76ers, and there's a violent disagreement (or agreement) about the Bucks. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who are the best young players in the league right now? We draft the top players who are in their age 24 (or younger) season according to basketball-reference, if the playoffs were to start today. What happens when Ben forgets to follow his board and forces Cody to do a re-draft? What do we make of players struggling to start the season? Where should the microwave scorers go? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Offensive rating around the league is up AGAIN! Multiple teams would be “the best offense in NBA history” by efficiency right now – why? What's changed? What's driving this? Will it stop? We discuss three major factors driving the offensive explosion, whether it “should” be changed, and how defenses can be helped going forward. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Boston and Minnesota have the best records in the league, but who has a better playoff defense? We discuss the sustainability of the Timberwolves impressive defensive, along with the makeup of the other top defenses team in the league. Plus, Derrick White, Kirstaps Porzingis, and the incredible way the Celtics assembled their starting 5. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who is better right now, Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo? We discuss the offensive and defensive strengths of these former MVPs, the new context of their seasons (and coaches), Embiid's passing improvement, their defensive versatility and more in this resurrection of the Great Debates series. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Can you have an all-time peak without a big regular season? How important is a “single series” playoff peak? After Anthony Davis's dominant NBA Cup Final (In-season Tournament) for the Lakers over the Pacers, we discuss bully ball, defensive versatility, twin towers and the importance of size in today's NBA. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We make our MVP predictions for the 2024 season, filling out our predicted top-5 ballots by balancing narrative, player performance and team trajectories after the first 20 games of the year. But first, more NBA Cup predictions. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We break down the quarterfinal matchups in the first ever NBA Cup while handicapping the games – will there be adjustments? Added intensity? A massive home-court edge? But before that, we dive into the recent “Luka is overrated” thread and try to make sense of his massive box score stats and underwhelming scoreboard signal. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We attempt to rank the best pairings of current teammates in the NBA, taking into account the fit of each player and building around them. What great duos are in bad situations? Which ones look better because of their team success? Are there any duos that Cody actually likes? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the importance of pace and the shot clock – both offensively and defensively – but first! We break down the top-rated defense in the NBA, what makes them successful, and whether they can sustain this. Along with “do you believe” in great starts like the Timberwolves and Chet Holmgren's outside shooting. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In a crazy episode, The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann discusses his new Rookie rankings, the floater 3-pointer, Chet vs. Wemby, Scoot Henderson's bumpy start and more. With @codyhoudek and @jkylemann. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who is taking a leap? Which players look like the most improved? We discuss our candidates for the Most Improved Player award, and debate whether the Rockets can make the playoffs based on their strong start. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We sort out our “inner circle” contenders, fringe contenders and other possible “really good team” candidates after the first 10 games or so of the so, and discuss the new-look Mavericks and Luka Doncic. Is their 8-2 start for real? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the best defenders of the early season who are candidates for Defensive Player of the Year. How good is this Timberwolves defense? Will there be another non-big in the race at the end of the year? Will a former winner repeat? Who will win our made up competition? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the Thunder's positionless basketball and their young core, the versatility of big men like Joel Embiid and the new look 76ers, and an incredible perimeter defender who is emerging in the midwest. With @codyhoudek. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the exciting start of Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama, the Bucks early start with Damian Lillard, the Lakers bumpy offense, the Magic defense, and Chris Paul's Golden State Warriors. Plus, a look ahead at the first ever NBA cup. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We preview the upcoming NBA season, mapping out the contenders in each Conference, possible surprise teams, arguments over health and availability, the best leg pressers and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We attempt to discuss who the best rim “finishers” (scorers?) of the last 40-something years. How should we balance finishing near the rim as a big man versus driving into the paint? What about roll men versus post up players? How many small players should be considered great rim finishers? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What are the blindspots in analyzing basketball players? What do stats fail to capture, and what concepts are rarely (or never!) discussed that make an impact on the court? We look to some of the Offensive Legends for insights on areas that are overshadowed by Episode 3's “the Tyranny of the Quantifiable.” With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We breakdown the blockbuster trade for Milwaukee, but first we help Cody through the loss of one his all-time favorite Bucks, Jrue Holiday. Also, the first ever “Guess That Number.” With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In the finale, we list possible GOAT peaks, talk about intricacies in turnovers, decision-making, and on-ball primacy while going deep on Larry Bird, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon and more. We also discuss issues with head-to-head matchups or specific playoff series as dispositive measures of ranking players. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In part 2, we discuss the strengths of weaknesses of some specific players, the nature of interactions between teammates, using players optimally, and the value (and confusion) of the scoreboard family of stats. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who REALLY had the best peak in NBA history? In discussing players with “GOAT” cases, we hit on the uncertainty of player rankings, methods of determining player impact, and the evidence that we're heavily influenced by teammate quality when splitting hairs among the best players. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss players on our radar for taking a big leap this season – and some of the teams that might impact – although so much hilarity ensues that we forgot to mention Keegan Murray's possible on-ball expansion. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In part 3 of our series, we look at the best guard defenders since 2008. What makes a small player a good defender? How valuable are they? How do they stack up with bigger defenders, and what's changed in the last 15 years? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In part 2 of our series, we look at the best wing defenders since 2008. Who was the best at his peak since 2008? How has defensive value changed over that time period? And how do these players compare with the best big men? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who were the best defenders of the last 15 seasons, at their peak? How has defensive value changed over that time period? We start this 3-part series on the best big men since 2008. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Directors of the new documentary “Goliath,” Christopher Dillon and Rob Ford, join to discuss the making of the film, Wilt the player and person, what they learned and more. GOLIATH is streaming now on Paramount plus with Showtime. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We “superdraft” players from the 2021, 2022 and 2023 NBA draft in a vacuum to guess at their future career value based on what we know so far. Who goes #1? What team has the best potential? And what will this sound like in 5 years? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
How much “luck” is involved in an NBA game or playoff series? Is it all about outside shooting? How big of a difference does streaky shooting make, and how should we talk about and think about this relative to “skill” or “quality?” We tackle that with some new data, but first, a few impressions of Summer League, and a white debate about whether the new NBA Cup is a good idea. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We break down some of the big trades and free agent signings of the off-season so far, while attempting to remember who plays where and the names of players past and present. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
It's time for the annual top-10 players list, this year in podcast form! We make our way through the best players of the 2023 season, and finish by comparing to a list voted on our by our Patreon subscribers. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Our resident draft expert Chip Jones breaks down the 2023 NBA lottery picks, sleepers, and what teams had the best night in a class highlighted by Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson at the top. Follow @ChipJNBA. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Is Victor Wembanyama the best prospect ever? Is it even fair to expect today's prospects to compete with more “certain” rookies from the past? We discuss the history of great prospects, changes in the draft process, value in later draft selections, and also attempt to list the best prospects to ever come into the league. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Nuggets win the title, the Heatiest heat game, Denver's defense, and Nikola Jokic's 2023 season stacked up historically against the greats. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss Nikola Jokic's defense, the Nuggets role players and more in our Game 4 breakdown. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We break down Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray's historic night, adjustments in the game, Christian Braun's outburt and what the Heat can do to attack Denver's defense. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We break down Miami's Game 1 win over the Nuggets, starting with Erik Spoelstra big adjustment to go big, another ridiculous shooting game from the Heat, and the idea of turning Nikola Jokic into a scorer. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We break down Denver's Game 1 win over the Heat, and how they used size and transition to create mismatches. Is there anything Miami can do to stop Jokic and Murray, and what can the Heat build off for Game 2? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300 off.
We recap the wild Eastern Conference Finals and discuss Nuggets-Heat: Will we see the zone? Will Miami go small? Can the Heat generate enough offense? Is Erik Spoelstra the best coach ever? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketballSignup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300.
The Celtics have won 2 in a row – what are they doing differently? How worried should Miami be heading home for Game 6? We discuss the impact of 3-point shooting variance in the playoffs, Jamal Murray's playoff performances, and the best players in league history to never make an All-Star team. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300 off.
The Heat obliterated the Celtics in Game 3 while the Nuggets took a 3-0 lead over the Lakers. We discuss the incredible Law Firm of Martin, Vincent and Strus, Boston's process issues defending Miami, LeBron James and Nikola Jokic defensively, and Jamal Murray's key scoring explosions for the Nuggets. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
A center has won the last 3 MVPs, and they've also dictated a ton of strategical elements in the playoffs this year. But they also get played off the court. So, are centers less valuable than they used to be? We discuss the changing role of centers and how teams attack (and protect) them as a core part of their strategy, but first, a check in on Game 1 in the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We preview the Conference Finals, but first! A look back at the Celtics-76ers series and the Lakers closing out the Warriors. We also discuss the “certainty” of narratives that will emerge in the next month, despite the parity and current uncertainty around teams, and how that impacts players like Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the conclusion of the wild Conference Semifinals – including actual Eastern Conference discussion – plus we pick our All-playoff first and second teams. What makes Jimmy Butler so good? Where does Devin Booker's play rank? And what is going on with Jokic's plus-minus numbers? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Devin Booker has been on fire over the first 9 games of the playoffs – how sustainable is this hot shooting? We take stock in player's around the league who have moved up (or down) in our minds thus far in the postseason, including a discussion on consistent players versus up-and-down players. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss Denver's great defense Phoenix through 2 games, the role of Big Wings in the playoffs and adaptive coaching in a playoff series. Plus, Warriors-Lakers Game 1 reactions – can Golden State adapt? – Celtics-76ers thoughts, and handing out flowers to Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, and a ton more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We wrap up the incredible Kings-Warriors first round series and look how Golden State and Los Angeles might match up. Plus, Jamal Murray is on fire and the incredible Jimmy Butler 5-on-4 injury situation with Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
After maybe the craziest night in the NBA history, we discuss Jimmy Butler's historic series, Miami's incredible upset of the Bucks, the Knicks taking down the Cavs, and preview the Eastern 2nd round along with the Nuggets and Suns series. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Can you play 2 big men in today's playoffs? Why is scoring down in the playoffs? Before that, we discuss the classic Warriors-Kings Game 4, the Knicks outlasting the Cavs, and if the Grizzlies are on the brink against the Lakers. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss a bunch of early series adjustments and tactics after the first week of the playoffs, the precedent for the Draymond Green suspension, and the incredible Kings defensive approach to start this series. Plus, the Nets fascinating double-team tactics, the Suns-Clippers approach, Jamal Murray and Anthony Edwards duel, and and the “UCLA” Russell Westbrook. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What did we learn from an incredible opening playoff weekend? What games changed our minds? We discuss the Warriors-Kings incredible Game 1 and what it means going forward, the Lakers-Grizzlies matchup, the Clippers victory over the Suns and the Knicks-Cavs. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Athletic's Dave DuFour stops by again for our annual mega playoff preview episode, where canvas the entire NBA, talking Warriors-Kings, the wide open West, a possible Suns-Nuggets series looming, what will change this year tactically in the postseason, and whether Milwaukee or Boston is a looming favorite. Plus, will the offensive boom continue? Sign up at SBC for $300 of with promo code “Thinking Basketball.” Follow Dave @DaveDuFourNBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We pick our 2023 Defensive Award winners in categories ranging from best paint protector to best point of attack defender. Who shows up on the most ballots? And why was this our most evenly distributed year ever? With @codyhoudek. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Coach Stan Van Gundy discusses game-planning for a playoff series, what the strategy was against LeBron James in 2009, facing off against Kobe Bryant's Lakers and more. We also discuss the progression of great offense, and slowing down the hyper-skilled offensive players in today's game. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What is “motor?” How important is it for players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Dennis Rodman? Can it be improved? Before we tackle those questions, we contextualizing a few “misleading” stats making the rounds, from defensive metrics to free throw differentials. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who has the best backcourt in the NBA right now? We think about building teams around current “guards,” attacking their weaknesses, offensive and defensive fit, depth, and more. But first, are you allowed to have arms on defense? Twitter thoughts on the rip through and offensive fouls. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What makes a good coach? How can we evaluate NBA coaches? We tackle this and look at the historical patterns of Coach of the Year to gain some insight into how voters and fans (predictably) credit coaches. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the latest tactics for “hunting” or “targeting” weaker defenders, and how teams are protecting these defenders, especially in the playoffs. How has this tactical arms race evolved recently? And what weaknesses or ramifications do the latest ideas like “peel” switching or “nexting” have going forward? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
More players than ever are averaging 30-points per game. Where do the current scoring seasons rank historically? And how do we compare scoring across different periods with all the changes we've seen to offenses lately? We compare Embiid, Giannis, Jokic, Durant to Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, a scoring model and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss how the incredible offensive explosion changes defense in the playoffs, and what to expect from top defensive teams heading into the playoffs. From the Bucks twin towers, to the possible weaknesses of teams like Phoenix and Dallas, to the rangy forwards on the Cavs and Lakers, what teams are built to guard the new actions in the league this year? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Are the Kings dangerous or pretenders? Are the Lakers a sleeper? We discuss the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the top-9 Western Conference teams, focusing on the Kings pace, the Lakers defense (and health) and more. Plus, where does Damian Lillard rank among the best offensive players in 2023? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Why are so many MVP “debates” about tearing down one player? We dive into the historical criteria of the MVP, the shift in the conversation these days, and more. Plus first, a Quickley apology, Harden's big game, and the Embiid-Giannis (Lopez) battle after the Bucks impressive win streak. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who are the best bench players in the league right now? Why do certain types of players seem to start versus coming off the bench? Should limited scorers be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year? And what player is like garlic? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Kings and Clippers scored an incredible 351 points over the weekend, Damian Lillard scored 71, and offenses continue to explode league-wide. We discuss this, and what can be done – what should be done? – to help defenses moving forward as offenses get better and better. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
James Harden missed the All-Star game for the first time in a decade, but that actually has us wondering if this year makes his career look better. We discuss Harden's fit with Embiid, stylistic changes, challenging seasons from Rudy Gobert, Trae Young, and the art of re-evaluating players with new – and sometime competing – information. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who was the best 18-year old in league history? The best 20-year old? When do players become MVP-level players? In this episode, we discuss Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and a number of other great young players in their earliest seasons. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Today's 3-and-D players are doing more than just spot-up and shoot on offense – we discuss the expanded skills that have added an extra dimension to these role players, the history of 3-and-D, and more. Also, first impressions of 2023 top-pick Victor Wembanyama. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who are the best players at the “other” skills? We discuss under-represented skills like cutting, screening and more, nominating some of the NBA's best in each category. But first, we revisit the Suns-Nets trade through the lens of first-round pick value, looking at the historical data on trades involving big names in exchange for multiple first round picks. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who are the inner circle title contenders after the trade deadline? Are the Suns the new favorite in the West? We break down the primary and fringe title contenders in a wide open league, along with Kevin Durant's trade – how many players this good have been traded in the middle of a season before? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We select the 5th annual Thinking Basketball “Sub” All-Stars – those players in the next tier below All-Stars (the “Almost Stars”) who don't quite make the cut. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Is Luka Doncic's ball-dominance more similar to peak James Harden or LeBron James? Where is he as an all-time offensive player right now? Before that, we discuss his old teammate Jalen Brunson in New York, and his backcourt mate Quentin Grimes. And first, Big Jelly Naz Reid. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who had the best “old” seasons in league history? We compare LeBron's incredible 37 and 38-year old seasons with the best in history while looking ahead to future seasons for him and Kevin Durant. Also, the insanity of Jaren Jackson's statgate and conspiracies. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Golden State has hovered around .500 all season while battling a few injuries. Do they have a big run coming? Or has their competitive advantage over the league shrunk this season? We discuss the changing league dynamics, Klay Thompson's role on offense, the Warriors defense this season and where that leaves them among the NBA's best. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Offenses seem to have a strategic edge of defenses in today's game, so what does this mean for development? Are there differences between International styles of development and the US pipeline? Also, should minutes played be a major determiner when selecting All-Stars? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What happens when players are the only stars on the court? In this episode, we attempt to sort out the best “lone stars” or heavy-lifters who can carry offenses by themselves when other capable offensive focal points head to the bench. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Clippers 5-out offense filled with flexible, switching defenders and strong outside shooters took them to the Conference Finals in 2021. But do they still have that competitive advantage in the playoffs? We also discuss Nic Claxton and his case for an All-defensive team, along with the effect of the “Take Foul” on offensive efficiency this season. With @codyhoudek. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Rookies and sophomores with big scoring numbers create a lot of hype, but sometimes can't even stay in the league! (Brandon Jennings was “the next Iverson!”) We discuss the steep slope of one-dimensional scoring among young prospects, and why role players who contribute in other areas are often much more valuable than these “Fool's Gold” scorers. With @codyhoudek. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the Nets improved defense and the seriousness of the Grizzlies, along with the handful of teams who we think could win the East and the West among an incredible amount of parity. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Is Nikola Jokic having the best offensive season in regular season history? And can the Nuggets defense stop teams in the playoffs with Jokic playing heavy minutes? We discuss the duality of Jokic's transcendent offense and his weaknesses on defense in today's NBA. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who are the best shooters in NBA history? (Or really, of the 3-point era?) We discuss the concept of outside shooting skill and use a model to estimate shooting outside of 15 feet going back to 1980, comparing volume and accuracy relative to league norms to help sort out the greatest outside shooters in league history. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss some of the reasons why we are seeing record-setting offensive efficiency around the league this season. Why have we seen an increase in movement and screening? And does the right player need to come along to create a paradigm shift? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We start with the Pelicans surprising defense and Anthony Davis's resurgence in Los Angeles, and segue into a bigger conversation about how to judge players defensively: What metrics are reliable, and which ones are misleading? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We attempt to draft the 25 best players under 25 this year, based on how good they are right now. There are surprises, twists and turns, and utter agony throughout. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Is it better for young players to play on bad teams with lots of opportunity and experimentation, or good teams with less opportunity where different skills earn paying time? We also react to the Wolves defensive experiment with Karl-Anthony Towns out injured, along with Cody's theory of rim protection. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Should Nikola Jokic shoot more? Is point guard defense more valuable than ever? And are the Kings legit? In this episode we break down Sacramento's start, and whether their 2nd-rank offense is smoke and mirrors, or if De'Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter and Domantas Sabonis can keep this up for the entire season. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Dallas is using Luka Doncic in creative ways, his skills continue to expand, and that expansion creates diversity in the offense (and lineup construction) for the Mavs. By comparison, the Hawks are using a different approach with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, and some of the growing pains they've had early in the season. Plus, Cody's favorite thanksgiving dish. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We look some teams with .500 records or worse that are actually playing better than record and the most notable team above .500 that really looks like their struggling. (Note: We forgot to mention the 6-7 Bulls who are playing better than their record.) Also, is Tyrese Haliburton the best player from the 2020 draft? And is Father Time finally catching up with LeBron James? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Mike Prada from the Athletic discusses his new book “Spaced Out” about the NBA's 3-point revolution. We discuss some major themes of the book that define 2023 (and perhaps future) basketball, including the shift from an individual focus to a collective focus, why we're in a Golden Age of Passing, “positionless basketball,” the tactical arms race of innovation and more. Follow Mike @MikePradaNBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We attempt to make sense of the first few weeks of the season by sorting teams into tiers based on what we've learned. This fails miserably, as Ben constantly changes where he places teams and ends up more confused by the league than before the season started. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Coach Mike D'Antoni stops by to discuss the origins of Pace and Space, the offensive revolution that has changed NBA strategy in the last decade. We discuss his influences in Italy and the ABA, his time in Phoenix with Steve Nash, the Rockets with James Harden and Chris Paul, and more. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Rudy Gobert has changed teams, but he's still being blamed for Minnesota's losses 5 days into the new season. Should we be worried about the 0-3 76ers? Plus, we discuss the value of early season experimentation for teams and players. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Athletic's Dave DuFour returns to preview the 2023 NBA season, filled with wild hot takes, movie arguments, and the Victor Wembanyama Power Rankings. We discuss who we think can win the East and the West, the fascinating circumstances in Minnesota and Cleveland, and how Paolo Banchero breaks physics, Grant Williams breaks shoes and Kawhi Leonard's 40-yard dash time. Follow him @DaveDuFourNBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In the series finale, we discuss the best on-court careers in NBA history from four different eras: Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. We also include the best 8-year primes. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Why are big names like Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony missing from our top-40 career countdown? How far away were players like Dominique from making the list? Did their style of volume scoring limit their offensive value? And how much do defensive limitations hurt inefficient volume scorers if they aren't great playmakers? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In Episode 9 of our top-40 careers series we discuss the unique and complex career of Wilt Chamberlain, from his scoring exploits to his late-career success as a passer and defender. How confident can we be evaluating Wilt? And what should we make of the “dips” and statistical oddities in the middle of Duncan's career and Garnett's career? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In Episode 8 of our top-40 careers series, we compare the offensive and defensive styles of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird and discuss the unique symmetries of their careers. But first, we start with Dirk Nowitzki and Karl Malone -- how impressive is Karl's longevity? And what are the tradeoffs of building around Dirk's defense as a 7-footer? Finally, who in this group moved up or down? And who will crack the top-10? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Was Jerry West actually the best player of the 1960s? In episode 7 of the top-40 career series, we discuss West's extraordinary scoring achievements, the Lakers offensive “dynasty” with him, and how he exploded in the playoffs while Oscar tended to go in the other direction. We also debate the value of Robertson's playmaking without a 3-point line, and how much per possession value these superstars of the 1960s generated compared to current players. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In episode 6 of the top-40 career series, we make the case for Chris Paul as one of the most underrated players in NBA history – has he had the worst “playoff luck” of any modern player? How great was he in the postseason? And what do we make of his defense? Also, how far has Steph Curry moved up the list? How much does he decline in the playoffs? And are his individual and team numbers underwhelming, or actually really impressive in the postseason? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In episode 5 of the top-40 career series, we try to make sense of just how good Julius Erving's peak was, and why he looked so much better in the ABA compared to the NBA. We also discuss Kevin Durant's all-time, flexible scoring, his weaknesses as a primary option and strengths blending with other talent. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In episode 4 of the top-40 career series, we explore the differences and similarities between John Stockton and Steve Nash. What part of Stockton's career is Ben more impressed by lately? Where does Nash separate himself on offense? How many great season did both have and how did they evolve over the course of their careers? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In episode 3 of the top-40 career series, we discuss the different offensive styles of James Harden and Reggie Miller, the (surprising) success of their respective teams in the playoffs, and how they stack up as scorers and all-time offensive players. Plus, why did Jason Kidd never play on a good offense? NB: The playoff “net rating” cited in this series is not a raw net rating, but instead is adjusted for opponent quality based on the opponent's regular season net rating. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In episode 2 of the top-40 career series, we take a long look at Isiah Thomas. Why is Thomas often viewed as one of the 3 or 4 best point guards in NBA history? How responsible was he for the success of the Detroit Bad Boys? And why has he moved up on this update? We also discuss Clyde Drexler Elgin Baylor and debate whether there are generally too many 1960s stars near the top of traditional NBA GOAT lists. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In episode 1 of our top-40 career update, we look at the modern players who may or may not have cracked the top-40 list in the 5 seasons since the original “Backpicks GOAT” project. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard make it? Are there any other newcomers? And what other criteria and key ideas are we going to focus on as we update the 40 best on-court careers in NBA history. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In a follow-up to a recent video on the evolution of NBA rules, we discuss whether changes in officiating can “hurt” the health and popularity of the league. How should players and coaches react based on the continuous changes in the way the game is called? And what should the league, if anything, do about foul-baiting and other controversial elements of the rules? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In the final installment of our series on retro Conference Finals MVPs, we hand out the award in the East from 2011-2021. Again, we asked the Thinking Basketball discord community to vote for a broader perspective. How many will LeBron James win? Who will end up with the most Conference Finals MVPs? And what kind of season does it take to claim all 3 main MVP trophies? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
After finishing the West, we hand out Eastern Conference Finals MVPs awards starting in the Year 2000. Again, we asked the Thinking Basketball discord community to vote for a broader perspective. Who will end up with the most Larry Bird trophies? Where will we get stuck? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In Part 2 of a mega podcast, we go back and select Conference Finals MVPs (Magic Johnson and Larry Bird trophy) before the award was officially handed out in 2022, covering 2011-2021. We asked the Thinking Basketball community to vote as well for a broader perspective. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
In Part 1 of a mega podcast, we go back and select Conference Finals MVPs (Magic Johnson and Larry Bird trophy) before the award was officially handed out in 2022. We asked the Thinking Basketball community to vote as well for a broader perspective. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What is “athleticism” in basketball? Is it merely quickness and a big vertical leap? Eric Leidersdorf, the Director of biomechanics at P3, and neuroscientist Evan Zaucha from SIS join to present and discuss a comprehensive model of athleticism in basketball, from the not-so-obvious physical traits that help players succeed, to the mental side of the game. Model available on www.backpicks.com. Follow them at @EZ_Hoops and @leidersdorf. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
What makes someone a good decision-maker? A good playmaker? Why is this so important in basketball (and other sports)? Daniel Peterson, co-author of “The Playmaker's Advantage” and “The Playmaker's Decisions” discusses the cognitive research on “playmakers” and their training, development, and the decision-making involved in basketball and sports in general. With @DanielPeterson. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss the pros and cons of the Rudy Gobert trade to Minnesota – how competitive will the Timberwolves be in a stacked Western Conference? – along with DeJounte Murray to the Hawks, Macolm Brogdon to the Celtics and Christian Wood to the Mavs. WOTD: Actualized and juice. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Former University of Windsor Coach Chris Oliver and founder of Basketball Immersion discusses player development, the evolution of tactics from lower levels and evaluating modern coaches. NB: This episode was recorded before the 2022 season. Follow Chris at @BballImmersion Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who was robbed of Finals MVP? Using series-specific data, I go back over the Finals series since 2001 and try to outline the strongest statistical cases for the best player in each championship series, including the Finals MVPs I would change if I had a retroactive vote. NB: This episode was recorded before the 2022 Finals, and Steph Curry would still be the choice based on the structure of this episode. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Thinking Basketball's draft guru Chip Jones breaks down nearly every first round pick (and a few sleepers in the second round) as we take a broad sweep of the incoming NBA rookies and what to expect from them moving forward. Follow Chip @ChipJNBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We recap the key factors and players in the 2022 NBA Finals (Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jayson Tatum) and compare a great individual series versus players who struggle to finish the season. Also, are we watching Curry's peak? With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We contrast the offensive philosophies so far in the series, with the Celtics focused heavily on mismatch hunting compared to the Warriors flexible read-and-react offense. We also discuss Curry's “bad” game, Rob Williams's impact and the narrative around Draymond Green's “poor” play in the series. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss Steph Curry's great Game 4, how Boston is defending him, and whether they should play Curry differently. Plus the Celtics offensive stagnation, Jayson Tatum's rim finishing and midrange along with Jaylen Brown's tough-shot making. Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Solo episode breaking down Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Finals in detail, focusing on Boston's adjustments on both ends and the counter-attacking dynamics of the series, especially involving Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Rob Williams. Also, do players need at least a game to adapt to new adjustments? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We break down Game 2 of the 2022 NBA Finals in detail, discussing Golden State's success in Steph Curry pick-and-roll these first two games, the return of Gary Payton II, Rob Williams in pick-and-roll and the state of Boston's offense. Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We break down Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals in detail, noting some wins and losses on both sides of the ball for each team and asking some key questions about the Warriors lineups going forward. Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann and the Athletic's Dave DuFour join for a 3-man preview of the 2022 NBA Finals between the Celtics and the Warriors. Plus a conversation about Steph Curry's legacy and how the perception of the Warriors dynasty. Follow Dave @DaveDuFourNBA and Kyle @jkylemann. Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
How should we evaluate players in a small sample like the Conference Finals? Should primary creators always be seen as more valuable than finishers. We discuss Kevon Looney and Al Horford versus the Steph Curry's and Joel Embiid's of the world, along with rebounding numbers and the slog of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and Celtics. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
It seems like there are huge leads and blowouts every night in the 2022 playoffs – what's going on? We discuss the big quarters from the Heat, the Warriors comeback over the Mavs in Game 2, and whether there are indeed more blowouts in the 2022 playoffs than in prior seasons. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We break down the opening games of the Conference Finals, fawning over the help defense from the Heat and the Warriors in their home victories. Major takeaways, early tactical wins for teams in the series, and expectations moving forward. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We look ahead to the Conference Finals, but first looking back to the Mavs and Celtics victories, Phoenix's inability to adjust to Dallas's counters, the importance of having multiple creators on the floor in the playoffs against these defensive tactics, and the Playoff MVP of the first 2 rounds. Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Larry Coon of Sports Business Classroom stops by, but first, we discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo's floor-raising, Jrue Holiday's amazing game-saving play, and the continuing trend of slower big men being attacked in space by small ball lineups. How many defenders are safe? Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We go deep on the chaotic and controversial Game 3 between the Celtics and Bucks, compare the defensive battles of the Eastern Conference with the offensive explosions in the West, and also discuss the power of DeAndre Ayton, and whether it's better to have no weaknesses on offense or defense. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Sports Illustrated's Howard Beck joins to discuss Gary Payton II, the original Gary Payton, Marcus Smart's DPOY, asymmetries in offensive/defensive awards, and the nature of awards voting itself. Follow @HowardBeck and support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
How much stock should we put in one good or bad series from the first round? Should we ignore the regular season or fall back on it? We reflect on some of the dominant defensive performances of the first round and look ahead to round 2. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
More changes from the regular season to the playoffs than ever before. Coach Gibson Pyper of Half Court Hoops joins to discuss what makes postseason basketball different from regular season basketball in the 2020s, and what that means for star players like Kevin Durant and Trae Young, 3-point shooting, slower big men (Jokic and Gobert), scheme versatility and more. Follow Gibson @HalfCourtHoops. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
After only 1 week of the playoffs, many stars are under fire and many narratives have momentum. We discuss how no one is safe, and whether all the criticisms of Rudy Gobert, Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant and more are fair. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We go deep on the epic Celtics-Nets opener in the East: Tatum's great game, what caused Durant's struggles and more. Plus other thoughts on officiating, physicality, rim pressure and more. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Athletic's Dave DuFour stops by for our annual preview show, where we size up the contenders in the East and the West, including a stunning first round upset pick by Dave in the Eastern Conference. Follow Dave @DaveDuFourNBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Who is the MVP in 2022? Are we prioritizing the right players? Can we even answer this question without defining it clearly? We discuss the concept of awards ballots, the idea of ambiguous definitions, the purpose of awards and the difference between philosophical variety, fallacious arguments and non-contextual data points (Stats Police!) With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
It's time for the second ever defensive awards, where we discuss the best defenders in a variety of categories ranging from the best paint protector to the best point of attack defender to “who is the most switchable defender in the league?” With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We tackle the exciting, difficult, painful task of sorting out the best offensive players in the league this season, including the incredible big men in the league right now and their different approaches, the value of playmaking, spacing and non-scoring effects, and the handful of players with really wide, uncertain ranges of impact heading into the 2022 playoffs. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We discuss Jrue Holiday's great offensive season, the synergy between Giannis, Khris Middelton and Holiday, and the success of the Bucks Big 3 on offense this season. Also, why does it feel like there's no defense played in today's NBA? Would Giannis fail in a prior era? And who is the ideal teammate for LeBron James? With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann (the Dime Drop) joins to discuss how prospects can blow through their projected ceilings by playing in a unique, different way, and what that means for players like Darius Garland, Cade Cunningham, Chet Holmgren and more. Follow Kyle @jkylemann. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
We attempt to stack up the title favorites, but first, an old LeBron tweet reminds us how quickly narratives flip on elite players.Then we try to make sense of the parity, injuries and incredible offensive explosion (and state of foul drawing), along with some Bam Bam moments. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Supportat www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Is Donovan Mitchell one of the best offensive players in the game today? How does he compare to someone like Ja Morant? We discuss some of the game's best penetrators (2011 Derrick Rose) and the potential issue with the “heliocentric” boxes so many guards are put into today. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Supportat www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.