
Game Theory Podcast
Sam Vecenie, a Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic, talks all about basketball. From the NBA, to the NBA Draft, to college hoops and even some high school, Vecenie is has you covered in this show. And some thoughts on movies, too.
Latest episodes

Feb 15, 2023 • 1h 22min
2023 NBA Draft Big Picture in February; Everything you need to know about where the draft stands right now; Also: What does Brooklyn do with Ben Simmons?
Adam Spinella joins the show and we re-set the table for the 2023 NBA Draft now that the Super Bowl has passed and we're into February. It's time for a Big Picture look at scouting the 2023 NBA Draft. We'll talk Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, the Thompson twins, the best college prospects, risers, fallers, Duke's guys, and much more. Then, we're going to close on Ben Simmons, and his situation in Brooklyn and why the entire thing is just a bummer right now.LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/theory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 10, 2023 • 2h 13min
KEVIN DURANT TRADED TO PHOENIX! Everything that happened in the 24 hours of NBA Trade Deadline Day
It's a jam-packed NBA Trade Deadline day, and Mark Schindler is here to join me to break down all of the action. We dive deep into everything that happened, including the Kevin Durant trade to Phoenix, the biggest deadline deal in 50-plus years.Then we dive deep into everything else, including the Lakers' continued makeover, Josh Hart to the Knicks, what in the world Toronto is planning after buying at the deadline with Jakob Poeltl, the Warriors cutting ties with James Wiseman, Saddiq Bey to Atlanta, Gary Payton II back to the Warriors, the Matisse Thybulle/Jalen McDaniels/Portland swap, Jae Crowder finally gets to Milwaukee, and the Clippers weird wheeling and dealing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 9, 2023 • 1h 4min
Russell Westbrook Traded in Deal With D'Angelo Russell and Mike Conley! Breaking down the Lakers-Jazz-Wolves trade, and LeBron Passing Kareem! Other Deadline Thoughts!
Cole Huff joins the show to chat a bit about a few topics! We're going to start with the big news of the NBA on Wednesday, which is that the Russell Westbrook era in Los Angeles is over. The Lakers traded him to the Jazz in a three-team deal to acquire D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt. The Wolves will get Mike Conley, and the Jazz will get draft capital in addition to Westbrook.Then, we'll chat about LeBron James passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history! Some fun memories of LeBron, what the moment looked like, and more!Then, we dive into the NBA Trade Deadline. Maybe trades will have happened by then? Or maybe we'll recklessly speculate more! Who's to say? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 6, 2023 • 1h 19min
Kyrie Irving TRADED to DALLAS: How does he fit with Luka Doncic? What do the Lakers, Clippers do?
Adam Spinella joins the show. He and Sam dive deep into into the Kyrie Irving trade saga that exploded over the weekend and culimated in his move to Dallas for Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a first rounder and two second rounders. Was this the best fit? Should Dallas have gotten involved? Should anyone be willing to give Kyrie long-term money? Also, how does this impact Brooklyn?We also talk a bit about Dereck Lively's improved play at Duke, including a breakout game against North Carolina over the weekend, and maybe take some questions at the end of what will be a jam-packed deadline week.Cancel unwanted subscriptions – and manage your expenses the easy way – by going to rocketmoney.com/theory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 3, 2023 • 1h 47min
The Wolves are Hot! Our favorite potential NBA Deadline Fake Trades! Walker Kessler! Breanna Stewart to NY Liberty!
Mark Schindler joins the podcast today, and we break down a bunch of different topics!-How NBA teams seem to be valuing incumbency over potential trades, and how Bird rights have become valuable as a trade asset or retention tool.-The Wolves are on fire with Anthony Edwards!-A week out from the NBA Trade Deadline, what are our favorite moves that could potentially actually swing the title race? It's FAKE TRADE TIME BABY, with OG Anunoby and Jarred Vanderbilt!-Walker Kessler has become a very real NBA starting center and top-three ROY candidate in Year One!-Breanna Stewart to the New York Liberty and how the WNBA season is shaping up!-Mailbag including Cam Reddish, some rookie improvements, and more.Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code NBA23 at Manscaped.com and shoot your arrow with MANSCAPED™ this Valentine’s Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 1, 2023 • 1h 12min
NBA All-Star Reserves Picks! Breaking down the MESS that is picking All-Stars in both the Eastern and Western Conferences with Dave DuFour
In this episode, Dave DuFour joins the show to break down our choices for All-Star Reserves in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. With the starters already chosen, now the fun begins in trying to determine who the best choices are to make the All-Star game. And this is the hardest season I've ever had to consider for All-Star selections with so many great players around the league.Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code NBA23 at Manscaped.com and shoot your arrow with MANSCAPED™ this Valentine’s Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 30, 2023 • 1h 36min
Embiid wins Jokic Showdown! Weird Lakers-Celtics Ending! Myles Turner Extension! Sochan Breakout!
Adam Spinella joins the show for a jam-packed show that includes a breakdown of Joel Embiid's masterclass against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets; the weirdo Celtics-Lakers ending from Saturday night; the Myles Turner extension that remains fascinating; the Jeremy Sochan breakout in recent weeks; plus, a look at some young rotation players that could end up playing critical roles in the NBA playoffs!Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code NBA23 at Manscaped.com and shoot your arrow with MANSCAPED™ this Valentine’s Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 27, 2023 • 1h 55min
The Orlando Magic are Super Fun! Midseason Defensive POY Top-Fives! Also, Brandon Miller and Dariq Whitehead Thoughts!
Mark Schindler joins the show, and they chat about three topics. First, the Orlando Magic! One of the most fun teams in the NBA resides in Orlando. With Jonathan Isaac back, Franz Wagner emerging, Markelle Fultz leading, and Paolo Banchero flashing all-star vibes, the Magic look set to take the NBA by storm sooner rather than later.Then, Schindler and Sam do another Midseason Top-Five! This time, we do midseason Defensive Player of the Year race. They talk Jaren Jackson Jr., Bam Adebayo, Brook Lopez, and plenty more.Finally, Mark wants to talk a bit about Dariq Whitehead and Brandon Miller. We hit Whitehead as one of the hardest prospects to evaluate this year, and Miller's emergence into a top-five prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft this year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 25, 2023 • 57min
What NBA Players Could Use a Change of Scenery at the NBA Trade Deadline? Also, Rui Hachimura traded to the Lakers!
In this episode, Seth Partnow joins the show! We'll start by talking about Rui Hachimura's deal to the Los Angeles Lakers, where the team acquired him for three second round picks. Then, we move on to other players at the trade deadline who could actually use a change of scenery, and where we'd most like to see them. Some of those players include Obi Toppin, John Collins, Malachi Flynn, Eric Gordon, Jaxson Hayes, and more!Cancel unwanted subscriptions – and manage your expenses the easy way – by going to rocketmoney.com/theoryGo to https://www.chime.com/theory to sign up for a Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card today! Thanks to Chime for supporting the show.Get PayPal Honey for FREE at joinhoney.com/theory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 23, 2023 • 1h 33min
2023 NBA Draft: Does Scoot Henderson have a case at No. 1? Also, NBA Rookie of the Year Midseason Top-Fives: Paolo, Mathurin, Kessler, more
Adam Spinella joins the show and we dive deep into two topics. First, we start by investigating something that has been seen as a done deal for years: are we positive that Scoot Henderson does not have a legitimate No. 1 overall case in the 2023 NBA Draft over Victor Wembanyama? The conversation is at least worth an investigation and discussion.Then, we do NBA Rookie of the Year Midseason Top-Five. With every team at least midway through the season, which rookies have truly stood out and become the players that have become difference-makers for their teams? We chat Paolo Banchero, Bennedict Mathurin, Walker Kessler, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices