Thinking Basketball
Thinking Basketball
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!)
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!)
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 23min
#236: Top-10 duos in the NBA
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
Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 1min
#235: Do you believe in Magic? (And Thunder? And Pace?)
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
Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 22min
#234: J. Kyle Mann | 2024 Rookies
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
Nov 17, 2023 • 1h 8min
#233: Most Improved Player predictions
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
Nov 13, 2023 • 58min
#232: Power rankings | Are the Mavs legit?
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
Nov 9, 2023 • 59min
#231: Defensive Player of the Year predictions
The podcast discusses early candidates for Defensive Player of the Year, analyzing the defensive strategies against the Timberwolves and 76ers, debating a player's defensive abilities and playing time, exploring all-defense selections, and highlighting a potential dark horse candidate. They also make predictions and rankings for the Defensive Player of the Year award, emphasizing the importance of narrative and team performance.
Nov 6, 2023 • 55min
#230: OKC, modern basketball & an UNREAL perimeter defender
Joel Embiid and codyhoudek discuss the Thunder's positionless basketball, the versatility of big men in modern basketball, and an emerging perimeter defender. They also touch on the performance of NBA teams this season, the importance of dynamic players on both ends of the court, and the evolution of positionless basketball. Lighthearted discussions include random thoughts about the Roman Empire, the Oscars, rocks, movies, and their Patreon support.
Oct 31, 2023 • 56min
#229: A ROY race (!), the new Warriors & LA's offense
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
Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 27min
#228: 2024 NBA season preview
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
Oct 14, 2023 • 1h 25min
#227: Best rim finishers of the 3-pt era
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
