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
May 31, 2019 • 50min
#19: Steve Jones Jr. on Game 1 of the NBA Finals
Former Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Steve Jones Jr. stops by for hardcore Xs & Os on the Warriors-Raptors, his theory about Golden State’s “data collection,” adjustments for the rest of the series, Kevin Durant’s defensive value & Toronto’s 2nd-best player. Follow Steve on twitter @stevejones20. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
May 18, 2019 • 39min
#18: Nerds can't tell you how to play | skill vs. strategy
Are the Rockets doomed with their analytics-driven style? Should midrange jumpers make a comeback? In this episode I address the controversy around “letting nerds tell you how to play” and the idea that strategic decisions are separate from on-court skills. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
May 10, 2019 • 1h 1min
#17: Dave DuFour on GoT, NBA Playoffs & the greatness of Steph Curry
The Athletic's Dave DuFour stops by to discuss the greatness of Steph Curry, similarities between Kawhi Leonard and Michael Jordan and why some Toronto players won't shoot. Follow him @DaveDuFourNBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
May 4, 2019 • 58min
#16: Neil Paine on the Battle for Basketball's Soul
Neil Paine of 538 stops by to discuss James Harden's controversial play style, the 3-point revolution, the emergence of the 76ers & some insight into just how influential analytics have become behind the scenes. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 28, 2019 • 36min
#15: Adjustments the Bucks can make in Game 2 & Round 2 thoughts
Reactions to Game 1 between the Bucks and Celtics along with adjustments Milwaukee can make moving forward, overachieving in the playoffs, and brief thoughts on the other 3 second rounds series. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 4, 2019 • 41min
#14: Projecting the best shooters of the 3-pt era
Which 2019 rookies will become great shooters? Can we predict who will be a great shooter based on the beginning of their career and the years before they entered the NBA? What are the statistical patterns of the greatest shooters of the 3-point era? In this episode I explore some of the best shooters ever and their shooting profiles along with forecasting the best shooters of this year's rookies. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Mar 10, 2019 • 45min
#13: Unexpected superstars breaking their ceiling
How many players became superstars by blowing through their ceiling? How often are we surprised by guys becoming better than we could have ever expected? In this episode, I discuss ~20 superstars who entered the league since 1997 and how many of them achieved their potential, and how many reached amazing heights in some unexpected manner. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Feb 23, 2019 • 43min
#12: Mo Dakhil & scouting the East contenders
Former Spurs & Clippers video coordinator Mo Dakhil (@MoDakhil_NBA) stops by to size up Xs and Os among the Celtics, Bucks, 76ers and Raptors. We discuss how to watch a game, Toronto’s 2 different offenses, tradeoffs with defensive schemes for Milwaukee and playoff-defining movie speeches from Draft Day and Any Given Sunday. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Feb 9, 2019 • 40min
#11: The 2019 Sub-All Stars, Trade thoughts
After biting off more than I can chew, I try to list the next best group of players -- the "Sub All-Star Team" -- after the top 25 or so players in the league. I also weigh in on Philadelphia and Toronto and their big deadline moves. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Jan 11, 2019 • 34min
#10: Big man defense in 2019 & James Harden's portability
With new trends toward spacing and faster pace, how valuable are the best defenders in the league in 2019? Also, is James Harden's scoring binge during his hot streak conducive to championship-level basketball? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
