On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: A listener question about closing out on defense. To ask Coach Thorpe a question, send to truehoop@truehoop.com David's article on why the Thunder need to make a move now The Timberwolves are elite on defense and average on offense with two excellent offensive players, how can this be? What's next for the Pacers in the wake of the Tyrese Haliburton injury? Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Closing in on the halfway point of the regular season, the Celtics, 76ers, Thunder, Nuggets, and Clippers look like contenders. Which means several of the most expensive teams in NBA history (remember all the excitement about the superteams in Golden State, Phoenix, and Milwaukee?) are not, right now, credibly contending.  David saw Stephen Curry looking miserable against the Raptors in a way that reminded him of LeBron in Cleveland before The Decision. Giannis recently went on a bit of rant about how everyone in Milwaukee, including the guy who does the laundry, needs to do better.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Henry Abbott and David Thorpe discuss: A listener question about playing with joy (email your question to truehoop@truehoop.com) which absolutely matters in the case of Immanuel Quickley. How the Raptors are different after trading OG Anunoby. Why the TrueHoop podcast doesn't have sports gambling ads. Why Pascal Siakam would be amazing on the Thunder. Should the Suns trade Kevin Durant? The best team in Los Angeles. The best player in the world. With a time machine, Joel Embiid would destroy Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The league's top five teams. Mentioned in this story: Ben Krauss's Slow Boring article on the perils of sports gambling. The Wirecard executive who was really a Russian spy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of the TrueHoop podcast Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector are joined by author Rafi Kohan.Rafi's latest book Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn't Total Garbage is the subject of today's episode.  How far back does trash talk go? The "Dozens" and the racial components of trash talk? How does trash talk impact performance? Draymond Green We hope you have a happy and healthy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: "Ask Coach Thorpe" where you the audience get to tap into David's big basketball brain. Send questions to truehoop@truehoop.com Derrick White and winning NBA players Should the Thunder go all in now to find an All-Star to slot next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren? The psychology of the Detroit Pistons Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of the TrueHoop podcast Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector are joined by author and sportswriter Roland Lazenby.  Roland has written books about the greatest gladiators in the NBA. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Jerry West and Phil Jackson.  Lazenby's latest book MAGIC: The Life of Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is the subject of today's episode.  We hope you enjoy and have a wonderful holiday season!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Holiday plans The difficulty of being a lead ball handler in the NBA The return of Ja Morant Kawhi Leonard's greatness Christmas Day games preview  Top 5 NBA teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The injury bug that has hit the Cavaliers and Suns and what, if anything, can either team do? The Clippers are the hottest team in the league and David thinks they can be the no. 1 seed in the west Trade ideas for the Heat, Knicks, Pacers, Wolves, Thunder, and Mavericks The importance of the G League  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The NBA's popularity, continuing a great conversation you can read here The Warriors have always had a Draymond Green problem but now it might cost them Steph Curry. David wrote about trading Steph here  Giannis Antetokounmpo was very mad about the game ball after his career scoring night Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The In-Season Tournament championship and possible tweaks going forward The disposition to dominate as seen in Anthony Davis and LeBron James What's next for the Indiana Pacers? Troubling signs with Zion Williamson  The Grizzlies will get Ja Morant back and the Suns will get Bradley Beal back, what does it mean? How can the Warriors improve this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices