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!)

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Episodes

#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 23, 2019•43 min

#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

Feb 09, 2019•40 min

#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

Jan 11, 2019•34 min

#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 23, 2018•32 min

#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

Dec 10, 2018•46 min

#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

Nov 13, 2018•37 min

#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 18, 2018•56 min

#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 15, 2018•38 min

#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

Oct 04, 2018•33 min

#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

Sep 12, 2018•33 min

#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 25, 2018•39 min

#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

Aug 16, 2018•41 min

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