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
Jun 2, 2023 • 48min
#206: NBA Finals game 1
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.
May 30, 2023 • 1h 11min
#205: NBA Finals preview
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.
May 26, 2023 • 56min
#204: Boston's comeback & Best non All-Stars ever
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.
May 22, 2023 • 1h 1min
#203: Surprise! Miami Thrice and Playoff Murray on the brink
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
May 18, 2023 • 1h 7min
#202: How valuable are big men in the playoffs?
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
May 15, 2023 • 1h 13min
#201: Bubble redux preview & 20/20 hindsight!
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
May 11, 2023 • 1h 10min
#200: All-Playoff teams!
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
May 8, 2023 • 1h 5min
#199: Whose stock is up in the playoffs?
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
May 4, 2023 • 1h 5min
#198: Denver's defense & adaptive coaching in the playoffs
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
May 1, 2023 • 56min
#197: Warriors-Lakers preview & Bubble Murray is back
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
