Thinking Basketball 21st century peaks Ep 4 | Flexibility & gaining/losing value in the playoffs
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Aug 19, 2025 Discover the contrasting styles of basketball legends like Manu Ginobili and James Harden. Explore Ginobili's underrated defense and his vital role in team success, alongside Harden's transition from regular season powerhouse to playoff performer. Delve into how modern coaching impacts player skills and examine the significance of adaptability in various offensive systems. Enjoy humorous anecdotes and deep dives into unique passing abilities, showcasing the multifaceted nature of basketball greatness.
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Manu's Defense Is Underrated
- Manu Ginobili is far more impactful defensively than common memory suggests. Ben Taylor argues Manu should be considered among perennial all-defensive guards due to instincts, rotations, and playoff scaling.
- Cody and Ben highlight Manu's scheme versatility and elite steal rates as underappreciated defensive assets.
Efficient Playoff Scalability
- Manu scaled his scoring in playoffs while staying extremely efficient with futuristic shot selection. Ben cites his three-year playoff peak (2005–2007) at ~25 points per 75 with +8% true shooting.
- That blend of burst scoring and efficiency shows Manu could dial up offense without sacrificing team fit.
Minutes And Role Shape Reputation
- Manu's role choices and limited minutes complicate cross-era comparisons. Ben notes Manu often played ~34–35 playoff minutes, lowering raw accumulative numbers versus marathon minutes stars like Allen Iverson.
- This raises the question: how high would Manu rank if he sought volume rather than optimal team fit?
