Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s David Thorpe, and Jarod Hector discuss: * Ime Udoka and taking time with young coaches. * All-Star weekend—Coach Thorpe is not a fan, particularly of the Rising Stars game. * Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo out on a show on national TV Thursday night. * The three best players right now are all seven footers and not American, what should we make of that? * Is Ja Morant the best American player at his age since LeBron? Coach Thorpe thinks so. Jarod adds in an...
Feb 18, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Today on BRING IT IN—we enter a new era without Zoom or YouTube. Hopefully one of the outcomes is better audio quality? Let us know. Today, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott and David Thorpe discuss: * James Harden’s confusing 13 months in Brooklyn * Coach Thorpe’s accurate prediction (which he didn’t remember lol) that this union of stars would end poorly * How teams work around the "Stepien Rule" by trading swaps in between picks and what that future damage could look like for a franchise. * Put Paul Re...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott, David Thorpe, and Jarod Hector discuss: * Henry ’s writing a new book about how the world of injuries in the sports world has changed. * Some changes are coming to BRING IT IN. From now on, we will be audio only, but you can still find us right here on truehoop.com. * Trade deadline discussion-o-rama: * What trades did the Sixers turn down for Harden? * What do we like about the Pelicans’ trade for CJ McCollum? * And every other trade, or close. REC...
Feb 11, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott and David Thorpe discuss: * The Norman Powell trade shows the extraordinary value of ducking under the luxury tax line. There will be more deals like that. * In the premiership, only a handful of wealthy teams get to compete at the top. The NBA is very different, but might only have a few teams willing to cross the luxury tax line in the years to come, now that it’s so lucrative to be under the line. * David coined “The final jump” — the difference b...
Feb 07, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s David Thorpe and Jarod Hector talk about: * After last night’s Grizzlies win against the Knicks, Ja Morant announced that his team has no fear. “We ain’t ducking no smoke. We’re gonna let everybody know we’re here. We’re gonna play hard, we’re trying to get a win and if you don’t like it? Oh well.” Jarod reminds everyone he’s been on the Grizzlies train for years. * The NFL is being sued for racist hiring practices. Jarod and David wonder if the NBA is any better...
Feb 04, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Today on BRING IT IN, David Thorpe teaches Henry Abbott what it takes to throw a good lob. There’s a lot of technique, but without a springy teammate it’s just unlikely to work. Also: no NBA games are among the 100 most-watched sports events. Which isn’t new but also isn’t great. Mark Cuban weighs in. RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * January 28, 2022 David Thorpe on Pascal Siakam . * January 24, 2022 Chris Herring, author of BLOOD IN THE GARDEN , talks New York Knicks in the 1990s. * January 21, 2...
Jan 31, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s David Thorpe and Jarod Hector talk about": * David’s new piece on the return of Pascal Siakam. * John Hollinger’s best 25 defenders of all time caused some boisterous disagreement on social media. David defends Hollinger . . . except when it comes to Bill Russell. * Cavs have had some big wins, and David thinks it has a lot to do with Coach J.B. Bickerstaff. RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * January 24, 2022 Chris Herring, author of BLOOD IN THE GARDEN , talks New Y...
Jan 28, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott, David Thorpe, and Jarod Hector spoke with Chris Herring, senior writer for Sports Illustrated and the author of BLOOD IN THE GARDEN , the flagrant history of the 1990s New York Knicks. Chris tells the decades-before back story of Starks’ 2-18 shooting night in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, and Pat Riley’s biggest mistake. And something incredible: In 1992, Doc Rivers was traded from the Clippers to the Knicks, where he would play for Pat Riley. Chris He...
Jan 24, 2022•1 hr 3 min
Today on BRING IT IN, R.I.P. to David Thorpe’s father. In David’s absence, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector talk about: * The Lakers’ strange attachment to the past that’s holding back their future. * Decoding Daryl Morey’s fascinating new comments, and evolving stance on trading Ben Simmons. * David Thorpe said Luka seemed not to care about turnovers, which would be easy for him to reduce. How’s that going? RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * January 18, 2022 David Thorpe notices an incredib...
Jan 21, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Today on BRING IT IN, David Thorpe notices an incredibly smart foul, and game awareness, from 25-year-old unheralded Heat guard Gabe Vincent. There’s a false choice: that you can play old, wise players, or athletic learners. The magic is to have it all: incredible young athletes who make heady plays. Of course that’s possible! Henry and David discuss. Also on the show: * David’s latest piece on Joel Embiid . He’s in amazing shape, a giant, and moving like an elite small forward. * Henry’s piece ...
Jan 18, 2022•1 hr
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s David Thorpe and Jarod Hector discussed: * The Bucks are David’s favorite to win the title still, and it’s all about good habits. * David and Jarod contemplated where Jerami Grant should land. David’s idea has him joining the Grizzlies. * James Wiseman reportedly needed additional knee surgery in December, and Jarod wonders how on earth this was kept secret from us for so long. RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * January 11, 2022 The Warriors, Suns, Heat, and Jazz wer...
Jan 14, 2022•1 hr
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott and David Thorpe discuss how the preseason favorites (the Nets and Lakers) are absent from the league’s elite by any conventional measure. The Warriors, Suns, Heat, and Jazz were no one’s pick before the season, but now … are they really the favorites? RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * January 10, 2022 Chris Jones and his new book The Eye Test: A Case for Human Creativity in the Age of Analytics. * January 7, 2022 Triumphant return of Kyrie Irving, Zion...
Jan 11, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Today on a special BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott and David Thorpe speak with Chris Jones, a former writer-at-large for Esquire magazine, winner of two National Magazine Awards and author of the new book The Eye Test: A Case for Human Creativity in the Age of Analytics . It was a lot of fun! Jones argues that data’s supremacy in our daily lives has led to a dangerous strain of anti-expertise and not enough reliance on the wisdom of experience. Henry wanted Jones to show him where, on the b...
Jan 10, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s David Thorpe and Jarod Hector discuss the triumphant return of Kyrie Irving, Zion rehabbing away from the Pelicans, the Blazers train wreck and more. RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * January 3, 2022 Henry Abbott and David Thorpe took a speed tour of the NBA’s COVID status. * December 20, 2021 TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott, David Thorpe, and Jarod Hector offer gifts for each team in the NBA * FRIDAY December 17, 2021 COVID protocols are forcing teams to get creative to ge...
Jan 07, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott and David Thorpe took a speed tour of the NBA’s COVID status, then visited topics like: * Kyrie’s reported return, * Luka’s return, * LeBron-as-center, * the Warriors, * why the Cavaliers should trade Kevin Love, * the Bulls’ ascension, * and the likelihood of a Bucks vs. Suns Finals rematch. RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * December 20, 2021 TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott, David Thorpe, and Jarod Hector offer gifts for each team in the NBA * FRIDAY December ...
Jan 03, 2022•1 hr 1 min
On our FINAL BRING IT IN of 2021, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott, David Thorpe, and Jarod Hector offer gifts for each team in the NBA. * For the Nets, Pfizer or Moderna? * For the Celtics, the spirit of Red Auerbach in the body of Robert Williams. * For the Mavericks, a moment of pause for Luka Doncic. RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * FRIDAY December 17, 2021 COVID protocols are forcing teams to get creative to get the most out of the players that are actually making it on the court. * MONDAY December 13...
Dec 20, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s David Thorpe and Jarod Hector discuss COVID and the NBA. Cases are rising again. How will this impact the league? Also: * COVID protocols are forcing teams to get creative to get the most out of the players that are actually making it on the court. * What are some trades David and Jarod would like to see? * They discuss David’s article about finding players who fit team culture . RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * MONDAY December 13, 2021 Judy’s worried for NBA playe...
Dec 17, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott and David Thorpe discuss: * Judy’s worried for NBA players amid all the talk the game is more violent this season. * Henry visited the Overtime Elite facilities and considers the implications for the NBA. * Coaching in a pandemic: With rosters fluid, David says the trick is have plug-and-play schemes which are easily learned by new additions. * And: DeMar DeRozan credits Gregg Popovich with a lot of what’s going right for him this season. RECENT BRIN...
Dec 13, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s David Thorpe and Jarod Hector talk about the good (Rudy Gobert, new HBO scripted series on the Lakers), the bad (Masai Ujiri tests positive for COVID-19), and the ugly (Anthony Davis’ bad closeout). RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * MONDAY December 6, 2021 David knows why the Rockets have been the first team to go from losing 15 games in a row to winning six. * FRIDAY December 3, 2021 How more physical play leads to more fights , and also maybe better games. * MONDA...
Dec 10, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott and David Thorpe discuss: * A little shift in Stephen Curry’s 2-point shooting. * David knows why the Rockets have been the first team to go from losing 15 games in a row to winning six. * Lots of talk about the Blazers’ strange weekend, Neil Olshey’s firing, and options to reset. Henry wonders, with the Timbers in the MLS Cup, if now is the first time since 1970 that the Blazers aren’t the most popular team in Portland? RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: ...
Dec 06, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s David Thorpe and Jarod Hector discuss how more physical play leads to more fights, also maybe better games. Jarod and David have their first basketball disagreement on Warriors vs. Suns because Jarod thinks the Suns did excellently and are a real threat. David thinks they DID do well, but it doesn’t matter because Stephen Curry is Stephen Curry. RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * MONDAY November 29, 2021 The idea was that the Warriors would be better this year becaus...
Dec 03, 2021•1 hr 1 min
The idea was that the Warriors would be better this year because of the return of Klay Thompson. How are they freaking incredible before he’s even back? They have the league’s best defense, but their offense has improved even more, from the 20th best in the league to the second-best, with a lot of the same personnel. David Thorpe examines the video to explain what’s working so well. Also: * The NBA system chews up players, with 79 players on the injured list right now. Why is this such a dangero...
Nov 29, 2021•1 hr 2 min
On a special Thanksgiving BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott, David Thorpe, and Jarod Hector give thanks for everything from Tommy Sheppard’s extension (because David sees a storm coming, and its name is Bradley Beal) to Costco green tea. But mostly we are resoundingly thankful to you, our subscribers and viewers. Thanks, everyone. We literally couldn’t do this without you. RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * FRIDAY 19, 2021 How much do the Lakers need LeBron? * MONDAY November 15, 2021 Henry asked...
Nov 24, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s David Thorpe and Jarod Hector discuss: * GMs are forming an association to protect themselves against lawsuits. Jarod thinks they’re the wrong people to protect. He says low wage employees of the NBA—potential whistleblowers—should form that kind of organization. * How much do the Lakers need LeBron? * Is Westbrook a lost cause in LA? David thinks he is creating a circus with his inconsistent play. * David talks about Nikola Jokic, who is, in his opinion, the MVP...
Nov 19, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott asked David Thorpe, “Who are the current NBA players who have at least a one percent chance of ever being NBA MVP, ever?” Then they each picked 10 players, the winner is whoever’s list has more MVP titles over the next decade. Also, David made a note for Henry about the Blazers: “They suck.” After scandals and management issues, David worries that it is all adding up to a bunch of spirit-sapping “yuck.” RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * FRIDAY November ...
Nov 15, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s David Thorpe and Jarod Hector: * Compare Jalen Green to young LeBron James. * Question the 76ers’ position in the Ben Simmons’ mental health drama. * Wonder if the Nikola Jokic/Markieff Morris dustup is an early sign that the NBA’s permissive new brand of refereeing has a downside. RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * MONDAY November 8, 2021 Did the Celtics’ defense do anything wrong to allow Luka’s crazy game-winner? * FRIDAY November 5, 2021 David Thorpe and Jarod He...
Nov 12, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott and David Thorpe talk about truth seeking in media and assess the latest batch of young players. * Did the Celtics’ defense do anything wrong to allow Luka’s crazy game-winner? * Recent articles about a decade or two of bad behavior from Robert Sarver and Neil Olshey make clear how rare it is for journalists to share bad news about powerbrokers. * Now that the NBA is permitting much rougher defense, the Nets might have an advantage. RECENT BRING IT I...
Nov 08, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s David Thorpe and Jarod Hector talk early season trends. * How much does the new Wilson ball impact the players’ shooting? David thinks it’s “great big stew” of so many changes at once. * LeBron is out, the Lakers lost to the Thunder, but Jarod isn’t hitting the panic button. What’s up with the Lakers? * David and Jarod give some love to Jaren Jackson, Jr. RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES: * MONDAY November 1, 2021 3 point shooting is down, fouls are being called very ...
Nov 05, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Today on BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott and David Thorpe have what might be the best-organized BRING IT IN of all time, with starters, main courses, and dessert. Really, if you’ve never listened before, this is a good place to start. Some topics: * LeBron (36) outraces Jalen Green (19) for a dunk. He is almost double his age. How can this happen? David explains. * Henry discusses his latest piece about Apollo Global , the NBA’s most important source of cash. A key figure in a giant drug mo...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Joakim Noah was the star of Thursday night, so Friday TrueHoop’s David Thorpe and Jarod Hector kicked off BRING IT IN with some of David’s favorite memories of him as a Florida college player. Also: * David’s not counting out the Lakers yet, but without Horton-Tucker, David is concerned. * The new foul rules are decreasing the number of fouls taken. David says this better for game flow, but the players are going to have to get used to increased physicality. * Anthony Edwards is a treasure! Jarod...
Oct 29, 2021•1 hr 1 min
