Thinking Basketball

In Episode 9 of our top-40 careers series we discuss the unique and complex career of Wilt Chamberlain, from his scoring exploits to his late-career success as a passer and defender. How confident can we be evaluating Wilt? And what should we make of the “dips” and statistical oddities in the middle of Duncan's career and Garnett's career? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In Episode 8 of our top-40 careers series, we compare the offensive and defensive styles of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird and discuss the unique symmetries of their careers. But first, we start with Dirk Nowitzki and Karl Malone -- how impressive is Karl's longevity? And what are the tradeoffs of building around Dirk's defense as a 7-footer? Finally, who in this group moved up or down? And who will crack the top-10? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Was Jerry West actually the best player of the 1960s? In episode 7 of the top-40 career series, we discuss West's extraordinary scoring achievements, the Lakers offensive “dynasty” with him, and how he exploded in the playoffs while Oscar tended to go in the other direction. We also debate the value of Robertson's playmaking without a 3-point line, and how much per possession value these superstars of the 1960s generated compared to current players. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 6 of the top-40 career series, we make the case for Chris Paul as one of the most underrated players in NBA history – has he had the worst “playoff luck” of any modern player? How great was he in the postseason? And what do we make of his defense? Also, how far has Steph Curry moved up the list? How much does he decline in the playoffs? And are his individual and team numbers underwhelming, or actually really impressive in the postseason? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 5 of the top-40 career series, we try to make sense of just how good Julius Erving's peak was, and why he looked so much better in the ABA compared to the NBA. We also discuss Kevin Durant's all-time, flexible scoring, his weaknesses as a primary option and strengths blending with other talent. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 4 of the top-40 career series, we explore the differences and similarities between John Stockton and Steve Nash. What part of Stockton's career is Ben more impressed by lately? Where does Nash separate himself on offense? How many great season did both have and how did they evolve over the course of their careers? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 3 of the top-40 career series, we discuss the different offensive styles of James Harden and Reggie Miller, the (surprising) success of their respective teams in the playoffs, and how they stack up as scorers and all-time offensive players. Plus, why did Jason Kidd never play on a good offense? NB: The playoff “net rating” cited in this series is not a raw net rating, but instead is adjusted for opponent quality based on the opponent's regular season net rating. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 2 of the top-40 career series, we take a long look at Isiah Thomas. Why is Thomas often viewed as one of the 3 or 4 best point guards in NBA history? How responsible was he for the success of the Detroit Bad Boys? And why has he moved up on this update? We also discuss Clyde Drexler Elgin Baylor and debate whether there are generally too many 1960s stars near the top of traditional NBA GOAT lists. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 1 of our top-40 career update, we look at the modern players who may or may not have cracked the top-40 list in the 5 seasons since the original “Backpicks GOAT” project. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard make it? Are there any other newcomers? And what other criteria and key ideas are we going to focus on as we update the 40 best on-court careers in NBA history. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In a follow-up to a recent video on the evolution of NBA rules, we discuss whether changes in officiating can “hurt” the health and popularity of the league. How should players and coaches react based on the continuous changes in the way the game is called? And what should the league, if anything, do about foul-baiting and other controversial elements of the rules? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball