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
Jan 5, 2020 • 53min
#40: Should the Board Man get paid!? | Rebounding 101
How important is rebounding? And how much do rebounding stats really tell us about players today? This episode takes a deep dive into the value of rebounding, the context behind rebounding numbers and the diminishing returns involved. http://basketball-statistics.com/blog1/2009/12/06/the-diminishing-returns-of-rebounds-and-other-stats/ Pomeroy: https://theathletic.com/789794/2019/01/29/kenpom-offensive-rebounding-is-at-an-all-time-low-what-are-teams-really-missing-out-on/ Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and get a FREE week trial at the Athletic at http://www.theathletic.com/thinkingbasketballpod
Dec 28, 2019 • 47min
#39: The post up is dying & the stunning physics of out of bounds calls
An actual physicist joins to explain the stunning reality of out of bounds calls like the LeBron James one on Christmas. Also, diving into modern post ups and Rick Carlise's controversial comments on Kristaps Porzingis and some observations from the Christmas games. Follow Matt at @MrJCrossesRoads Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and get a FREE week trial at the Athletic at http://www.theathletic.com/thinkingbasketballpod
Dec 22, 2019 • 1h 3min
#38: Analyzing trades | Who fits where and what do teams need?
Breaking down a number of proposed trades involving marquee players like Chris Paul, Ben Simmons, Jrue Holiday and more, with an emphasis on how these players fit on contending teams and what those top teams need to get over the hump. Also, is heliocentrism good for basketball? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and get a FREE week trial at the Athletic at http://www.theathletic.com/thinkingbasketballpod
Dec 13, 2019 • 1h 29min
#37: Dirk vs. Barkley vs. Malone | Nate Duncan, Great Debates
In the 2nd episode of the Great Debates series, Nate and I size up Dirk Nowitzki, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone and the best portage systems in Eastern Canada. Who was better at his best? What are the important numbers and trends to know about each player? How do they succeed in the regular season versus the playoffs, and which of these players is best suited for playing next to high-level teammates? Follow Nate @NateDuncanNBA and support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Dec 5, 2019 • 58min
#36: Steve Jones Jr. | The best offenses in the NBA
Former Nets assistant coach Steve Jones discusses the principles of the best offensive teams in the NBA in 2020, including the incredible Raptors, Kemba replacing Kyrie and the LeBron-Anthony Davis partnership. Also, stories of dislocated shoulders. Follow Steve @stevejones20 and support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Nov 30, 2019 • 1h 8min
#35: Designing a more perfect NBA based on fan behavior
I went out to talk to real fans, both casual and hardcore, to research the things NBA consumers love and hate about the current state of the league. Is it load management? Tanking? In a special episode, we'll try to identify the real problems facing the league and use fan feedback to propose ideas for a more perfect NBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Nov 22, 2019 • 1h 20min
#34: Harden vs. Kobe vs. Wade | Great Debates
In the first episode of the Great Debates series, I size up James Harden, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade and deep sea aquatic creatures. Who was better at his best? What are the important numbers and trends to know about each player? How do they succeed in the regular season versus the playoffs, and which of these players is best suited for playing next to high-level teammates? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and get a FREE month trial at the Athletic at http://www.theathletic.com/thinkingbasketballpod
Nov 16, 2019 • 1h 10min
#33: J. Kyle Mann | Luka, Legacies & LeBron Jr.
The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann joins to discuss Luka Doncic, legacies, along with Kevin Garnett and Shaq in the modern NBA. Also, how does having a legendary parent impact young players? And what does that mean for LeBron James Jr. and 2020 draft prospects like Cole Anthony? Following Kyle @jkylemann. Post show at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and get a FREE month trial at the Athletic at http://www.theathletic.com/thinkingbasketballpod
Nov 9, 2019 • 44min
#32: The Science and data of Load Management
Why are do superstars really play fewer minutes today? Does load management work? In this episode I take a deep dive into this hot button issue by looking at available data and unpacking some of the biomechanics involved in basketball. I also answer questions about true shooting percentage and share how my magic facial recognition powers led to some real-life magic. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and get a FREE month trial at the Athletic at http://www.theathletic.com/thinkingbasketballpod
Oct 30, 2019 • 1h 18min
#31: Ben Falk | The one-number debate, film in analytics & measuring defense
#31: Ben Falk | The one-number debate, film in analytics & measuring defense by Ben Taylor experiments
