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
Apr 27, 2023 • 58min
#196: Nuggets-Suns preview & Heat-Knicks mania!
After maybe the craziest night in the NBA history, we discuss Jimmy Butler's historic series, Miami's incredible upset of the Bucks, the Knicks taking down the Cavs, and preview the Eastern 2nd round along with the Nuggets and Suns series. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 25, 2023 • 57min
#195: Warriors “twin towers” & Cavs+Grizz on the brink
Can you play 2 big men in today's playoffs? Why is scoring down in the playoffs? Before that, we discuss the classic Warriors-Kings Game 4, the Knicks outlasting the Cavs, and if the Grizzlies are on the brink against the Lakers. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 20, 2023 • 59min
#194: Early adjustments, the Kings D & Murray-Ant duel!
We discuss a bunch of early series adjustments and tactics after the first week of the playoffs, the precedent for the Draymond Green suspension, and the incredible Kings defensive approach to start this series. Plus, the Nets fascinating double-team tactics, the Suns-Clippers approach, Jamal Murray and Anthony Edwards duel, and and the “UCLA” Russell Westbrook. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 17, 2023 • 1h 2min
#193: What changed after the first playoff weekend?
What did we learn from an incredible opening playoff weekend? What games changed our minds? We discuss the Warriors-Kings incredible Game 1 and what it means going forward, the Lakers-Grizzlies matchup, the Clippers victory over the Suns and the Knicks-Cavs. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 13, 2023 • 1h 32min
#192: 2023 Playoff Preview
The Athletic's Dave DuFour stops by again for our annual mega playoff preview episode, where canvas the entire NBA, talking Warriors-Kings, the wide open West, a possible Suns-Nuggets series looming, what will change this year tactically in the postseason, and whether Milwaukee or Boston is a looming favorite. Plus, will the offensive boom continue? Sign up at SBC for $300 of with promo code “Thinking Basketball.” Follow Dave @DaveDuFourNBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 10, 2023 • 1h 35min
#191: 2023 Defensive awards (The Thinkies)
We pick our 2023 Defensive Award winners in categories ranging from best paint protector to best point of attack defender. Who shows up on the most ballots? And why was this our most evenly distributed year ever? With @codyhoudek. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 5, 2023 • 1h 23min
#190: Stan Van Gundy on playoff game-planning & stopping great offense
Coach Stan Van Gundy discusses game-planning for a playoff series, what the strategy was against LeBron James in 2009, facing off against Kobe Bryant's Lakers and more. We also discuss the progression of great offense, and slowing down the hyper-skilled offensive players in today's game. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 3, 2023 • 1h 11min
#189: The importance of Motor & Misleading stats
What is “motor?” How important is it for players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Dennis Rodman? Can it be improved? Before we tackle those questions, we contextualizing a few “misleading” stats making the rounds, from defensive metrics to free throw differentials. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Mar 29, 2023 • 1h 22min
#188: Top-10 backcourts in the NBA
Who has the best backcourt in the NBA right now? We think about building teams around current “guards,” attacking their weaknesses, offensive and defensive fit, depth, and more. But first, are you allowed to have arms on defense? Twitter thoughts on the rip through and offensive fouls. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Mar 24, 2023 • 1h 6min
#187: Evaluating NBA Coaches (Coach of the Year)
What makes a good coach? How can we evaluate NBA coaches? We tackle this and look at the historical patterns of Coach of the Year to gain some insight into how voters and fans (predictably) credit coaches. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
