Thinking Basketball 21st century peaks Ep 14 | Rankings & Lessons from the series
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Oct 12, 2025 The hosts explore the discomfort of ranking players and delve into player synergies. They discuss impactful performances, notably from Dwyane Wade and 2017 Kawhi, and analyze Westbrook's unique playing style. The conversation shifts to passing strategies that elevate teammates and the significance of on/off metrics over traditional box scores. They emphasize the interdependent nature of basketball, contemplating hypothetical player pairings for optimal synergy. Ultimately, they rank top offensive players and debate who truly deserves the number one spot.
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Rankings Are Ranges, Not Single Numbers
- Ben says rigid single-list rankings misrepresent player value because many players occupy overlapping ranges.
- He suggests visualizing ranges to show uncertainty and overlap rather than one definitive order.
Look Past The Box Score
- Ben and Cody emphasize moving beyond the box score to measure gravity, pressure points, and teammate interactions.
- They argue on/off-court and teammate true shooting changes reveal impacts box stats hide.
Jason Kidd Film Changed Perspective
- Cody recounts watching Jason Kidd film and discovering how he passes teammates open for layups and free throws.
- He says Kidd's relentless passing and defense unlocked how passing creates massive value.