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
Oct 22, 2019 • 1h 41min
#30: 2020 season preview with Dave DuFour
The Athletic's Dave DuFour joins the podcast for a mega season preview of the upcoming 2020 season! We size up the playoff teams in each conference, the Terminator makes an appearance, and there's even a post show podcast for Patreon subscribers. Follow Dave @DaveDuFourNBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Oct 10, 2019 • 1h 35min
#28: 2020 Regression candidates with Danny Leroux
In part III of our look at the aging curve, Danny Leroux, returns for a (less fun) foray into players we think are candidates to give way a bit to Father Time this year, or just take a meaningful step back for other reasons. Follow Danny on twitter @DannyLeroux. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Oct 1, 2019 • 1h 11min
#27: 2020 Breakout candidates Part II with Danny Leroux
In part 2, Danny Leroux returns to round out our most likely breakout player candidates of 2020. Follow him on twitter @DannyLeroux. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Sep 27, 2019 • 1h 2min
#26: 2020 Breakout candidates with Danny Leroux
In part I, Danny Leroux, Athletic columnist, host of realgm radio and co-host of the Dunc'd On podcast joins me for a deep dive into the breakout player candidates of 2020. We focused mainly on under-25 players, looking at the “how” and “how much” of players likely to improve this year. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Follow Danny @DannyLeroux
Aug 24, 2019 • 46min
#25: The 2010s All-Decade Team
By popular demand, I took a crack at the All-Decade team for the 2010s by sizing up which players had the most championship equity over the last 10 years. I also discuss NBA.com's controversial choices (Kobe Bryant & Carmelo Anthony) and some interesting omissions along with a brief discussion about MVP criteria. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Aug 13, 2019 • 49min
#24: Devin Booker, skill curves & young scorers on bad teams
An exploration of young volume scorers on really bad teams. What happens historically when these players are surrounded by better talent? How often are their numbers “empty?” And how does that influence our perception of young, exciting players like Devin Booker and Zach LaVine? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Aug 2, 2019 • 1h 9min
#23: Top playmakers in NBA history
A look at the greatest playmakers in NBA history using an updated model that balances shot creation, passing ability, turnovers and teammates/team performance to figure out who made life the easiest for their teammates. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Jun 21, 2019 • 1h 40min
#22 Cole Zwicker on the 2019 NBA draft
Draft expert Cole Zwicker joins to discuss draft concepts, draft philosophy, and provide an in-depth breakdown of how this year's rookies fit on their new teams. Following him @colezwicker on twitter. www.thestepien.com. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Jun 17, 2019 • 52min
#21: Incredible stories from Game 6 of the Finals, AD trade
I dive into the final minutes of the NBA Finals and the incredible on-court stories that history might completely forget. Also some reflections on the series as a whole and thoughts on the value of Anthony Davis after the reported Pelicans-Lakers trade. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Jun 8, 2019 • 50min
#20: How the Raptors klawed away at the Warriors
After Game 4, an in-depth breakdown of key players like Steph Curry, how Toronto succeeded on offense against a depleted Warriors defense, the emerging brilliance of Nick Nurse, and Fred Van Vleet's defense / phonetics. I also discuss Kawhi Leonard's narrative along with Kevin Durant and the Warriors supporting cast. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
