Thinking Basketball

Who are the best shooters in NBA history? (Or really, of the 3-point era?) We discuss the concept of outside shooting skill and use a model to estimate shooting outside of 15 feet going back to 1980, comparing volume and accuracy relative to league norms to help sort out the greatest outside shooters in league history. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss some of the reasons why we are seeing record-setting offensive efficiency around the league this season. Why have we seen an increase in movement and screening? And does the right player need to come along to create a paradigm shift? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We start with the Pelicans surprising defense and Anthony Davis's resurgence in Los Angeles, and segue into a bigger conversation about how to judge players defensively: What metrics are reliable, and which ones are misleading? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We attempt to draft the 25 best players under 25 this year, based on how good they are right now. There are surprises, twists and turns, and utter agony throughout. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Is it better for young players to play on bad teams with lots of opportunity and experimentation, or good teams with less opportunity where different skills earn paying time? We also react to the Wolves defensive experiment with Karl-Anthony Towns out injured, along with Cody's theory of rim protection. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Should Nikola Jokic shoot more? Is point guard defense more valuable than ever? And are the Kings legit? In this episode we break down Sacramento's start, and whether their 2nd-rank offense is smoke and mirrors, or if De'Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter and Domantas Sabonis can keep this up for the entire season. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Dallas is using Luka Doncic in creative ways, his skills continue to expand, and that expansion creates diversity in the offense (and lineup construction) for the Mavs. By comparison, the Hawks are using a different approach with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, and some of the growing pains they've had early in the season. Plus, Cody's favorite thanksgiving dish. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We look some teams with .500 records or worse that are actually playing better than record and the most notable team above .500 that really looks like their struggling. (Note: We forgot to mention the 6-7 Bulls who are playing better than their record.) Also, is Tyrese Haliburton the best player from the 2020 draft? And is Father Time finally catching up with LeBron James? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We attempt to make sense of the first few weeks of the season by sorting teams into tiers based on what we've learned. This fails miserably, as Ben constantly changes where he places teams and ends up more confused by the league than before the season started. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Coach Mike D'Antoni stops by to discuss the origins of Pace and Space, the offensive revolution that has changed NBA strategy in the last decade. We discuss his influences in Italy and the ABA, his time in Phoenix with Steve Nash, the Rockets with James Harden and Chris Paul, and more. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Rudy Gobert has changed teams, but he's still being blamed for Minnesota's losses 5 days into the new season. Should we be worried about the 0-3 76ers? Plus, we discuss the value of early season experimentation for teams and players. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In the series finale, we discuss the best on-court careers in NBA history from four different eras: Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. We also include the best 8-year primes. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Why are big names like Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony missing from our top-40 career countdown? How far away were players like Dominique from making the list? Did their style of volume scoring limit their offensive value? And how much do defensive limitations hurt inefficient volume scorers if they aren't great playmakers? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In Episode 9 of our top-40 careers series we discuss the unique and complex career of Wilt Chamberlain, from his scoring exploits to his late-career success as a passer and defender. How confident can we be evaluating Wilt? And what should we make of the “dips” and statistical oddities in the middle of Duncan's career and Garnett's career? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In Episode 8 of our top-40 careers series, we compare the offensive and defensive styles of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird and discuss the unique symmetries of their careers. But first, we start with Dirk Nowitzki and Karl Malone -- how impressive is Karl's longevity? And what are the tradeoffs of building around Dirk's defense as a 7-footer? Finally, who in this group moved up or down? And who will crack the top-10? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Was Jerry West actually the best player of the 1960s? In episode 7 of the top-40 career series, we discuss West's extraordinary scoring achievements, the Lakers offensive “dynasty” with him, and how he exploded in the playoffs while Oscar tended to go in the other direction. We also debate the value of Robertson's playmaking without a 3-point line, and how much per possession value these superstars of the 1960s generated compared to current players. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 6 of the top-40 career series, we make the case for Chris Paul as one of the most underrated players in NBA history – has he had the worst “playoff luck” of any modern player? How great was he in the postseason? And what do we make of his defense? Also, how far has Steph Curry moved up the list? How much does he decline in the playoffs? And are his individual and team numbers underwhelming, or actually really impressive in the postseason? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 5 of the top-40 career series, we try to make sense of just how good Julius Erving's peak was, and why he looked so much better in the ABA compared to the NBA. We also discuss Kevin Durant's all-time, flexible scoring, his weaknesses as a primary option and strengths blending with other talent. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 4 of the top-40 career series, we explore the differences and similarities between John Stockton and Steve Nash. What part of Stockton's career is Ben more impressed by lately? Where does Nash separate himself on offense? How many great season did both have and how did they evolve over the course of their careers? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 3 of the top-40 career series, we discuss the different offensive styles of James Harden and Reggie Miller, the (surprising) success of their respective teams in the playoffs, and how they stack up as scorers and all-time offensive players. Plus, why did Jason Kidd never play on a good offense? NB: The playoff “net rating” cited in this series is not a raw net rating, but instead is adjusted for opponent quality based on the opponent's regular season net rating. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 2 of the top-40 career series, we take a long look at Isiah Thomas. Why is Thomas often viewed as one of the 3 or 4 best point guards in NBA history? How responsible was he for the success of the Detroit Bad Boys? And why has he moved up on this update? We also discuss Clyde Drexler Elgin Baylor and debate whether there are generally too many 1960s stars near the top of traditional NBA GOAT lists. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In episode 1 of our top-40 career update, we look at the modern players who may or may not have cracked the top-40 list in the 5 seasons since the original “Backpicks GOAT” project. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard make it? Are there any other newcomers? And what other criteria and key ideas are we going to focus on as we update the 40 best on-court careers in NBA history. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In a follow-up to a recent video on the evolution of NBA rules, we discuss whether changes in officiating can “hurt” the health and popularity of the league. How should players and coaches react based on the continuous changes in the way the game is called? And what should the league, if anything, do about foul-baiting and other controversial elements of the rules? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In the final installment of our series on retro Conference Finals MVPs, we hand out the award in the East from 2011-2021. Again, we asked the Thinking Basketball discord community to vote for a broader perspective. How many will LeBron James win? Who will end up with the most Conference Finals MVPs? And what kind of season does it take to claim all 3 main MVP trophies? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

After finishing the West, we hand out Eastern Conference Finals MVPs awards starting in the Year 2000. Again, we asked the Thinking Basketball discord community to vote for a broader perspective. Who will end up with the most Larry Bird trophies? Where will we get stuck? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In Part 2 of a mega podcast, we go back and select Conference Finals MVPs (Magic Johnson and Larry Bird trophy) before the award was officially handed out in 2022, covering 2011-2021. We asked the Thinking Basketball community to vote as well for a broader perspective. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In Part 1 of a mega podcast, we go back and select Conference Finals MVPs (Magic Johnson and Larry Bird trophy) before the award was officially handed out in 2022. We asked the Thinking Basketball community to vote as well for a broader perspective. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

What is “athleticism” in basketball? Is it merely quickness and a big vertical leap? Eric Leidersdorf, the Director of biomechanics at P3, and neuroscientist Evan Zaucha from SIS join to present and discuss a comprehensive model of athleticism in basketball, from the not-so-obvious physical traits that help players succeed, to the mental side of the game. Model available on www.backpicks.com. Follow them at @EZ_Hoops and @leidersdorf. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

What makes someone a good decision-maker? A good playmaker? Why is this so important in basketball (and other sports)? Daniel Peterson, co-author of “The Playmaker's Advantage” and “The Playmaker's Decisions” discusses the cognitive research on “playmakers” and their training, development, and the decision-making involved in basketball and sports in general. With @DanielPeterson. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the pros and cons of the Rudy Gobert trade to Minnesota – how competitive will the Timberwolves be in a stacked Western Conference? – along with DeJounte Murray to the Hawks, Macolm Brogdon to the Celtics and Christian Wood to the Mavs. WOTD: Actualized and juice. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Former University of Windsor Coach Chris Oliver and founder of Basketball Immersion discusses player development, the evolution of tactics from lower levels and evaluating modern coaches. NB: This episode was recorded before the 2022 season. Follow Chris at @BballImmersion Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Who was robbed of Finals MVP? Using series-specific data, I go back over the Finals series since 2001 and try to outline the strongest statistical cases for the best player in each championship series, including the Finals MVPs I would change if I had a retroactive vote. NB: This episode was recorded before the 2022 Finals, and Steph Curry would still be the choice based on the structure of this episode. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Thinking Basketball's draft guru Chip Jones breaks down nearly every first round pick (and a few sleepers in the second round) as we take a broad sweep of the incoming NBA rookies and what to expect from them moving forward. Follow Chip @ChipJNBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We recap the key factors and players in the 2022 NBA Finals (Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jayson Tatum) and compare a great individual series versus players who struggle to finish the season. Also, are we watching Curry's peak? With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We contrast the offensive philosophies so far in the series, with the Celtics focused heavily on mismatch hunting compared to the Warriors flexible read-and-react offense. We also discuss Curry's “bad” game, Rob Williams's impact and the narrative around Draymond Green's “poor” play in the series. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss Steph Curry's great Game 4, how Boston is defending him, and whether they should play Curry differently. Plus the Celtics offensive stagnation, Jayson Tatum's rim finishing and midrange along with Jaylen Brown's tough-shot making. Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Solo episode breaking down Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Finals in detail, focusing on Boston's adjustments on both ends and the counter-attacking dynamics of the series, especially involving Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Rob Williams. Also, do players need at least a game to adapt to new adjustments? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We break down Game 2 of the 2022 NBA Finals in detail, discussing Golden State's success in Steph Curry pick-and-roll these first two games, the return of Gary Payton II, Rob Williams in pick-and-roll and the state of Boston's offense. Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We break down Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals in detail, noting some wins and losses on both sides of the ball for each team and asking some key questions about the Warriors lineups going forward. Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann and the Athletic's Dave DuFour join for a 3-man preview of the 2022 NBA Finals between the Celtics and the Warriors. Plus a conversation about Steph Curry's legacy and how the perception of the Warriors dynasty. Follow Dave @DaveDuFourNBA and Kyle @jkylemann. Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

How should we evaluate players in a small sample like the Conference Finals? Should primary creators always be seen as more valuable than finishers. We discuss Kevon Looney and Al Horford versus the Steph Curry's and Joel Embiid's of the world, along with rebounding numbers and the slog of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and Celtics. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

It seems like there are huge leads and blowouts every night in the 2022 playoffs – what's going on? We discuss the big quarters from the Heat, the Warriors comeback over the Mavs in Game 2, and whether there are indeed more blowouts in the 2022 playoffs than in prior seasons. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We break down the opening games of the Conference Finals, fawning over the help defense from the Heat and the Warriors in their home victories. Major takeaways, early tactical wins for teams in the series, and expectations moving forward. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We look ahead to the Conference Finals, but first looking back to the Mavs and Celtics victories, Phoenix's inability to adjust to Dallas's counters, the importance of having multiple creators on the floor in the playoffs against these defensive tactics, and the Playoff MVP of the first 2 rounds. Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Larry Coon of Sports Business Classroom stops by, but first, we discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo's floor-raising, Jrue Holiday's amazing game-saving play, and the continuing trend of slower big men being attacked in space by small ball lineups. How many defenders are safe? Signup with the code THINKING BASKETBALL at sportsbusinessclassroom.com for $300. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We go deep on the chaotic and controversial Game 3 between the Celtics and Bucks, compare the defensive battles of the Eastern Conference with the offensive explosions in the West, and also discuss the power of DeAndre Ayton, and whether it's better to have no weaknesses on offense or defense. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Sports Illustrated's Howard Beck joins to discuss Gary Payton II, the original Gary Payton, Marcus Smart's DPOY, asymmetries in offensive/defensive awards, and the nature of awards voting itself. Follow @HowardBeck and support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

How much stock should we put in one good or bad series from the first round? Should we ignore the regular season or fall back on it? We reflect on some of the dominant defensive performances of the first round and look ahead to round 2. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

More changes from the regular season to the playoffs than ever before. Coach Gibson Pyper of Half Court Hoops joins to discuss what makes postseason basketball different from regular season basketball in the 2020s, and what that means for star players like Kevin Durant and Trae Young, 3-point shooting, slower big men (Jokic and Gobert), scheme versatility and more. Follow Gibson @HalfCourtHoops. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

After only 1 week of the playoffs, many stars are under fire and many narratives have momentum. We discuss how no one is safe, and whether all the criticisms of Rudy Gobert, Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant and more are fair. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We go deep on the epic Celtics-Nets opener in the East: Tatum's great game, what caused Durant's struggles and more. Plus other thoughts on officiating, physicality, rim pressure and more. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball