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
Dec 23, 2018 • 32min
#9: Bad signs for Ben Simmons and Donovan Mitchell
The reasons Ben Simmons is already close to his peak and why Donovan's Mitchell's sophomore slump is a bad omen for his future value as a prospect. Plus, the problem with Bill Simmons Trade Value philosophy. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Dec 10, 2018 • 46min
#8: Luka, Jaren and the top rookie seasons ever
Sizing up Luka Doncic and his main ROY competitor Jaren Jackson, where these two exciting rookies rank among the all-time best first-year players in NBA history, and a controversial take on Michael Jordan's rookie year with a surprise pick for best rookie ever. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Nov 13, 2018 • 37min
#7: The Bucks historic start & interpreting modern numbers
The Bucks are off to an incredible start after a month – where does history say they will finish? How have other teams fared who started similarly? And what should we make of the huge numbers being put up by players around the league?
Visual history spacing: http://www.backpicks.com/2017/11/02/the-history-of-nba-spacing/
Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Oct 18, 2018 • 56min
#6: Nate Duncan, Part II - LeBron vs. Jordan
In Part II of our conversation, Nate and I (finally) talk Jordan vs. LeBron, comparing levels of competition, conference disparities, outside shooting, defensive consistency, longevity and the problems with Delorean-free time travel.
If you like it, please support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Oct 15, 2018 • 38min
#5: Nate Duncan, Part I - 2019 League trends & the GOATness of Steph Curry
In Part I, Nate Duncan stops by the show to discuss parity, isoball trends and the liabilities of weak offense and defense. We also discuss Steph Curry’s place among the all-time great seasons and his underrated four-year run.
If you like it, please support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Oct 4, 2018 • 33min
#4: The Lakers Math Problem & the Promise of Passing
In this episode, I discuss the Lakers overload of on-ball players and how the pieces will fit together with LeBron James and the returning talent. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Sep 12, 2018 • 33min
#3: The Problem with Analytics
I discuss the good and the bad of analytics while pondering the single most important philosophical question of our time: Can the Eye Test and Stats ever co-exist? I also reminisce about a controversial Dwight Howard vs. Rudy Gobert comparison. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Aug 25, 2018 • 39min
#2: Best Scorers in NBA History Part II
In part 2, I discuss the value of lower efficiency scorers like Russell Westbrook and Allen Iverson, sort out who improved and declined the most in the playoffs and stack up the best overall scorers in NBA history. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Aug 16, 2018 • 41min
#1: Best Scorers in NBA History Part I
How valuable were Wilt's 50 points per game? Kobe's 35? A new way to measure scoring seasons based on historical impact data reveals just how much big scoring can move the needle compared to other components of offense. Armed with this information, I then stack up the best regular-season scorers in NBA history.
If you like it, please support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
