Thinking Basketball

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

Guest, codyhoudek, knowledgeable about basketball analysis, explores the blindspots of stats. They discuss the overlooked impact of skills like floor spacing and pick-and-pop gravity. Also, the importance of defensive strategies, lineup changes, and gravity in basketball analysis. They delve into Dirk Nowitzki's offensive abilities, his struggles, and Steve Nash's physical transformation. They highlight the limitations of relying solely on statistics and stress the value of understanding different statistics. Lastly, they explore the often overlooked aspects of basketball, such as screening, decision-making speed, and defense.

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

The podcast discusses possible GOAT peaks, turnovers, decision-making, and on-ball primacy. It goes deep on Larry Bird, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon and more. They also debate the issues with head-to-head matchups and specific playoff series as ranking measures. With @codyhoudek.

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

Exploring the uncertainty of player rankings and the influence of teammate quality on determining the greatest players. The importance of evaluating players' contributions and the impact of injuries and financial constraints. Debating the 'greatest' title and questioning the validity of using championship rings. The significance of plus-minus statistics and box score in determining the GOAT. The creation abilities and box score signals of Magic Johnson and Steve Nash. Analyzing Steve Nash's offensive GOAT argument and debating Kevin Garnett's impact. The influence of teammates on a player's greatness.

Discussion on identifying potential breakout players in the NBA and analyzing their skills and improvements. Specific focus on AJ Griffin, Jalen Johnson, and a Kong Wu from the Atlanta Hawks. Predictions on breakout players for the upcoming NBA season, including Corey Kispert, Cole Anthony, and Killian Hayes. Mention of sponsorship from State Farm and ways to support the show.

Host Ben and guest Cody discuss the challenges of evaluating small defenders and their selection process for the best guard defenders of the last 15 years. They compare the defensive abilities of Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley, analyze single season spikes in defensive impact metrics, explore the defensive prowess of injured players, and discuss the skills of John Wall, Jason Kidd, Marcus Smart, Derek White, and Alex Caruso.