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
Mar 20, 2023 • 1h 7min
#186: Mismatch hunting & hiding defenders in the playoffs
We discuss the latest tactics for “hunting” or “targeting” weaker defenders, and how teams are protecting these defenders, especially in the playoffs. How has this tactical arms race evolved recently? And what weaknesses or ramifications do the latest ideas like “peel” switching or “nexting” have going forward? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Mar 15, 2023 • 1h 4min
#185: Are we seeing the best scoring seasons in NBA history?
More players than ever are averaging 30-points per game. Where do the current scoring seasons rank historically? And how do we compare scoring across different periods with all the changes we've seen to offenses lately? We compare Embiid, Giannis, Jokic, Durant to Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, a scoring model and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Mar 12, 2023 • 1h 4min
#184: Winning with defense in the playoffs
We discuss how the incredible offensive explosion changes defense in the playoffs, and what to expect from top defensive teams heading into the playoffs. From the Bucks twin towers, to the possible weaknesses of teams like Phoenix and Dallas, to the rangy forwards on the Cavs and Lakers, what teams are built to guard the new actions in the league this year? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Mar 8, 2023 • 1h 2min
#183: The parity in the West; Is Dame top-5 in offense?
Are the Kings dangerous or pretenders? Are the Lakers a sleeper? We discuss the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the top-9 Western Conference teams, focusing on the Kings pace, the Lakers defense (and health) and more. Plus, where does Damian Lillard rank among the best offensive players in 2023? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Mar 5, 2023 • 57min
#182: Embiid-Giannis & the MVP “conversation”
Why are so many MVP “debates” about tearing down one player? We dive into the historical criteria of the MVP, the shift in the conversation these days, and more. Plus first, a Quickley apology, Harden's big game, and the Embiid-Giannis (Lopez) battle after the Bucks impressive win streak. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Mar 3, 2023 • 1h 1min
#181: The best bench players in 2023
Who are the best bench players in the league right now? Why do certain types of players seem to start versus coming off the bench? Should limited scorers be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year? And what player is like garlic? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Feb 27, 2023 • 52min
#180: Defenses need help | A 351 point game!
The Kings and Clippers scored an incredible 351 points over the weekend, Damian Lillard scored 71, and offenses continue to explode league-wide. We discuss this, and what can be done – what should be done? – to help defenses moving forward as offenses get better and better. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Feb 24, 2023 • 1h 10min
#179: The “new” James Harden | Re-evaluating players
James Harden missed the All-Star game for the first time in a decade, but that actually has us wondering if this year makes his career look better. We discuss Harden's fit with Embiid, stylistic changes, challenging seasons from Rudy Gobert, Trae Young, and the art of re-evaluating players with new – and sometime competing – information. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Feb 20, 2023 • 1h 18min
#178: The best Age 21 and younger seasons in NBA history
Who was the best 18-year old in league history? The best 20-year old? When do players become MVP-level players? In this episode, we discuss Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and a number of other great young players in their earliest seasons. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Feb 16, 2023 • 58min
#177: The evolution of 3-and-D players
Today's 3-and-D players are doing more than just spot-up and shoot on offense – we discuss the expanded skills that have added an extra dimension to these role players, the history of 3-and-D, and more. Also, first impressions of 2023 top-pick Victor Wembanyama. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
