Who has the best defense in the league? | Thinking Basketball #241 More Thinking Basketball 2026-09-23 | Who has the best defense in the league? | Thinking Basketball #241
The legendary Pacers and the Thunder championship | Thinking Basketball #328 More Thinking Basketball 2025-06-23 | We discuss the Pacers egalitarian “ecosystem” that nearly stunned the NBA world, and the Thunder's unique team construction that led to the 2025 championship. We also discuss OKC's defense and where it ranks historically, along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and get 50% off plus free shipping at www.factormeals.com/GREATDAY50OFF with code GREATDAY50OFF#thinkingbasketball
Indys chances, OKC hatred & SGAs paradigm | Thinking Basketball #327 More Thinking Basketball 2025-06-10 | The first two games of the NBA Finals and the Pacers prospects. Also, OKC's best defender, their historical versatility, why fans hate them and the complaints about their “special” officiating, and how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is introducing a unique paradigm. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
Final Preview + All-Playoff teams | Thinking Basketball #326 More Thinking Basketball 2025-06-05 | Does this Finals represent the future of the sport? Where does this Pacers run rank historically? We discuss this along with our All-playoff teams and a preview of the Thunder-Indiana Finals. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
What weve learned in the 2025 Playoffs | Thinking Basketball #325 More Thinking Basketball 2025-05-28 | What players are we higher on and lower on after seeing them in the 2025 NBA playoffs? What concepts or trends have emerged in these playoffs? From offensive rebounding to zones, we discuss what we've learned so far. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.#thinkingbasketball
Jokic-Caruso war & Conference Finals previews | Thinking Basketball #324 More Thinking Basketball 2025-05-21 | We preview the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, but first, a look back at OKC-DEN. Do we feel differently about different players after the series? How did the Nikola Jokic vs. OKC defense battle shake out? And Ben rants about responses to the physical officiating in the playoffs. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball. For 50% at FACTOR: www.factormeals.com/GREATDAY50OFF and use code GREATDAY50OFF#thinkingbasketball
Rob Mahoney on DEN-OKC! Playoffs vs Regular Season | Thinking Basketball #323 More Thinking Basketball 2025-05-16 | Rob Mahoney of the Ringer is here to discuss the incredible Thunder-Nuggets series before Game 7, how good the play has been, Playoff Jamal Murray, rim finishing differences and coaching moves and Jalen Williams. We also hit on the importance of the regular season versus playoffs today and how today's league could break the traditional championship paradigm. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball (http://www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball) #thinkingbasketball
Themes of the 2025 NBA Playoffs | Thinking Basketball #322 More Thinking Basketball 2025-05-14 | Why are defenses defending stars so well? Why are rotations so short for some teams? We discuss the key themes and trends from the playoffs, from physicality to defensive coverages to the importance of versatile “playoff players” like Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Also, the best defensive game ever and is there a star who could beat the Thunder defense? Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. #thinkingbasketball
The MVPs cant score; Zones are everywhere! The Cavs & Celtics have life!| Thinking Basketball #321 More Thinking Basketball 2025-05-11 | Xs and Os expert Mike De La Rosa returns to break down the latest games of the week, including the insane Nuggets-Thunder OT thriller in Game 3 and how they are defending the MVPs so well. We also discuss Donovan Mitchell's explosions, the Cavs huge zone move, and the Celtics winning in New York. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball (http://www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball)#thinkingbasketball
The 2nd round is crazier than the first! | Thinking Basketball #320 More Thinking Basketball 2025-05-07 | Who should be most worried among Cleveland, Boston and Oklahoma City? Is there something to Shail Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams bumpy offensive starts? Do the Celtics take too many 3s? Do the Pacers have the matchup edge? We break down all 3 top seed losses and then preview (mini) Minnesota and Golden State. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. #thinkingbasketball
3 West finishes + mini East previews | Thinking Basketball #319 More Thinking Basketball 2025-05-03 | ESPN's Bobby Marks joins to discuss the end of the Western Conference 1st round: The Wolves wrapping the Lakers, the Clippers-Nuggets going to the brink behind more Ty Lue magic, and the Warriors trying to survive the Rockets. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. #thinkingbasketball
The best 1st round ever? | Thinking Basketball #318 More Thinking Basketball 2025-04-30 | We discuss the incredible physicality, wild Rockets-Warriors series, the latest in the Nuggets-Clippers classic, the importance of “playoff players” and depth, some Lakers-Wolves and more! Bonus: who has the most “inelastic” move in NBA history? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. #thinkingbasketball
Week 1 emergency reactions! | Thinking Basketball #317 More Thinking Basketball 2025-04-26 | Our Xs and Os expert Mike De La Rosa joins for an emergency episode on the first week of the 2025 NBA playoffs: Lakers-Wolves, Clippers-Nuggets, Knicks-Pistons and do the Bucks have any life against the Pacers? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketballSign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.#thinkingbasketball
Playoff opening weekend! | Thinking Basketball #316 More Thinking Basketball 2025-04-23 | Clippers-Nuggets! Rockets-Warriors! Lakers-Wolves! What an opening weekend of the playoffs! We also discuss Knicks-Pistons, and a brief acknowledgement of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks. Will Cody make it through the show without saying Andrew Nembhard or Jrue Holiday? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. #thinkingbasketball
2025 Playoff Preview | Thinking Basketball #315 More Thinking Basketball 2025-04-17 | We focus on three (potentially) huge series in the Western Conference, along with some light discussion about the potentially competitive Eastern Conference series in the 1st round. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. #thinkingbasketball
The 2025 Thinkies (Defensive Awards) | Thinking Basketball #314 More Thinking Basketball 2025-04-09 | It's time for our 7th annual Defensive Awards – we discuss the best defenders in the NBA across categories like best paint protector, best perimeter helper, best point of attack defender and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. #thinkingbasketball
The Giannis Offense + “Top-10” shooters | Thinking Basketball #313 More Thinking Basketball 2025-04-03 | We discuss the Giannis Offense, Zion Williamson and more, and then Cody “presents” his top-32 shooters (or is it April's Fools?) as we think about spacing effects of different shooting skills in today's game. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
Whats real in March?? | Thinking Basketball #312 More Thinking Basketball 2025-03-27 | We discuss the exploding (and crumbling) teams in March, players coming out of nowhere like Quentin Grimes and Josh Giddey, tanking, the up and down Lakers and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
How good is Shai historically? | Thinking Basketball #311 More Thinking Basketball 2025-03-19 | What exactly has made Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the MVP favorite this season, and where does he stack up historically with some of his skills? We discuss the great MVP race between Shai and Jokic, the all-time seasons their having, and more. But first, the rise of Quentin Grimes and misinformation on NBA Reddit! With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
The best offensive players in the NBA | Thinking Basketball #310 More Thinking Basketball 2025-03-12 | Who is the best first option in the league? The best second option? We discuss the top offensive players right now from off-ball big men who space the floor to more heliocentric options who might not fit well with other players. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
Power ranking the top challengers | Thinking Basketball #309 More Thinking Basketball 2025-03-06 | Ben thinks his camera is flipped, there are 2 new teams in a “dangerous” tier to challenge the Inner Circle title contenders, and Cody and Ben have a big disagreement about a lurking lower seed. But first, the aesthetics of today's offenses and the Celtics. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at CBAMastery.com with code thinkingbasketball for %10 off.#thinkingbasketball
Depth & the crazy history of trading 3 1st round picks | Thinking Basketball #308 More Thinking Basketball 2025-02-26 | Become a CBA expert: 10% off at CBAMastery.com with code thinkingbasketballWe discuss the importance of depth in today's NBA, focusing on the Knicks, Lakers and Suns, and then break down the incredible history of trading 3 first round picks, and how that high-risk, high-reward move can build a dynasty or completely crater a team's depth. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
Great Debates | Jalens vs. Jaylen | Thinking Basketball #307 More Thinking Basketball 2025-02-21 | Who is the best Jalen in the league right now!? We debate Jaylen Brown, Jalen Williams and Jalen Brunson – what are their strengths and weaknesses? How do they compare offensively and defensively? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
2025 Sub All-Stars | Thinking Basketball #305 More Thinking Basketball 2025-02-07 | It's time for our 7th annual Sub All-Star team – who are the best players in the next tier AFTER the All-Stars. Who straddles the line and makes the actual All-Star team? Who were the toughest omissions? And what position of player is deeper than ever? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
How good is OKC? How good is Shai!? | Thinking Basketball #304 More Thinking Basketball 2025-02-01 | The Oklahoma City Thunder currently have one of the best point differentials ever. How good is their defense? How good are they overall? And how well is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing right now? Before that, we discuss teams suddenly filling up with new (injured) players like the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
LaMelos empty stats & Cutting-edge offenses | Thinking Basketball #303 More Thinking Basketball 2025-01-23 | What are the best offenses doing differently this year? What makes teams like Cleveland, Memphis and OKC so hard to guard? Before that, we address the “non winning” of style of play for LaMelo Ball and the idea of empty stats. Bonus questions on the Thompson Twins and Evan Mobley vs. Jaren Jackson. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketballDONATE to LA Fire relief: directrelief.org#thinkingbasketball
January Battle Royale & 2 surging teams | Thinking Basketball #302 More Thinking Basketball 2025-01-15 | We discuss the hottest teams in the last month, the standings without bottom-feeding, whether the Nuggets still have life and the red hot Indiana Pacers led by...Andrew Nembhard? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketballDONATE to LA Fire relief: directrelief.org#thinkingbasketball
Victor Wembanyamas Year 2 Leap | Thinking Basketball #301 More Thinking Basketball 2025-01-10 | Wemby Hour! Is he the best defender in the league now? Where does he rank as an offensive player? How good is his passing? And where does this year compare to other 2nd year 21-year old seasons on the 3-point era? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
Power Rankings | The “playoff-ness” of the Cavs, Grizz and Knicks | Thinking Basketball #300 More Thinking Basketball 2025-01-02 | Are the Cavs an inner-circle contender? Where do other hot teams fall in the hierarchy? We discuss some of the potential playoff issues (or strengths) of teams not located in Boston or Oklahoma City. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
25 under 25 draft Part 2 | Thinking Basketball #299 More Thinking Basketball 2024-12-27 | After a rousing Part 1, we return to discuss the rest of the best young players in the NBA. Who do we decide to change the order one? Will one team dominant the remaining picks? Will Ben ever be happy with the 25th pick? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
25 under 25 draft Part 1 | Thinking Basketball #298 More Thinking Basketball 2024-12-20 | Who are the best young players in the NBA right now? It's time for our annual under 25 draft, where we pick our way through the top under 25 players in league after a third of a new season. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball
MVP predictions | Thinking Basketball #297 More Thinking Basketball 2024-12-11 | We discuss a fascinating 2025 MVP race – can Nikola Jokic be dethroned despited having perhaps his best season? Is there are a darkhorse lurking? How will the best players on the top teams in the East fare? With @codyhoudek. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball #podcast
Rockets, Magic & defensive ceilings | Thinking Basketball Podcast #296 More Thinking Basketball 2024-12-04 | The Rockets and Magic are 24-4 in their last 28 combined games. How good are these defenses? Do they have weaknesses? How far can they take each team in the playoffs? And is an all-defense team more dangerous today and all-offense team? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball #podcast
2025 Rookie of the Year predictions | Thinking Basketball Podcast #295 More Thinking Basketball 2024-11-27 | We discuss a wide open 2025 ROY race. Who has emerged in the last few weeks as the favorite? Will another French player win? Can a defensively oriented player win or will an older rookie sneak into contention? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball #podcast
Defensive Player of the Year predictions | Thinking Basketball #294 More Thinking Basketball 2024-11-20 | We discuss the best defenders of the early season who are candidates for Defensive Player of the Year. Will a candidate emergy from the “defense by committee” teams? Will a dominant defender win from a mediocre team? Which of the former winners has the best chance? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball#thinkingbasketball #podcast
Celtics on the brink| Thinking Basketball #273 More Thinking Basketball 2024-06-11 | We discuss Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals – can the Dallas Mavericks make any adjustments? Why has been Boston been so successful? Who is the Finals MVP thus far?#thinkingbasketball
2024 NBA Finals Preview| Thinking Basketball #272 More Thinking Basketball 2024-06-05 | We preview the 2024 NBA Finals – will the Celtics come in with a matchup advantage against the Mavs? How does Dallas defend Boston's elite offense? Will the Celtics throw a curveball at Luka Doncic? We discuss this and much more in our Finals Preview. #thinkingbasketball
Why are the Mavs cooking the Wolves?| Thinking Basketball #271 More Thinking Basketball 2024-05-29 | How has Dallas taken a 3-0 lead over the Timberwolves? What happened to the Minnesota defense? We also discuss playoff narratives, rim finishing after the officiating points of emphasis, and a classic Cody history question at the end. Remember to be kind.#thinkingbasketball
Size + Defense dominate the start of the playoffs| Thinking Basketball #264 More Thinking Basketball 2024-04-23 | We break down the thrilling Game 1 between the Philadelphia 76ers and New Yorks Knicks, the stunning Clippers victory over the Mavs and their gameplan for Luka, and discuss the physical and change in officiating during the first weekend of the 2024 NBA playoffs. Plus out top-8 home court atmospheres.#thinkingbasketball
2024 Playoff preview| Thinking Basketball #263 More Thinking Basketball 2024-04-16 | We preview the 2024 NBA Playoffs! Incredibly pivotal play-in games. Are the Celtics and Nuggets inevitable? Can the Los Angeles teams make a run? Who will be healthy? Is there a sleeper in the East? And what is the exact probability the Timberwolves beat the Suns?#thinkingbasketball
2024 Thinkies! (Defensive Awards)| Thinking Basketball #261 More Thinking Basketball 2024-04-15 | It's again time for the annual Defensive Awards! We hand out awards for best paint protector, perimeter helper and more, as well as discussing some of the current value-drivers philosophical ideas about defense in the 2024 NBA. What player will show up in the most categories? Will anyone win multiple categories? #thinkingbasketball
2024 Playoff draft| Thinking Basketball #259 More Thinking Basketball 2024-04-04 | Who will have the best performance in the 2024 playoffs? We draft a team based on breakout stars, supporting stars, role players and sixth men for the 2024 NBA playoffs. Early bird price at Sportsbusinessclassroom.com with signup code THINKING BASKETBALL. #thinkingbasketball
Poor fit? The Suns, Cavs and Pelicans| Thinking Basketball #258 More Thinking Basketball 2024-03-21 | Cleveland, Phoenix and New Orleans have a ton of talent, but have all been inconsistent or mysterious throughout the season. We discuss how the stars fit together, the role player “fit,” the importance of coaching in fit and more. Early bird price at Sportsbusinessclassroom.com with signup code THINKING BASKETBALL. #thinkingbasketball
Finals players, defense is back & Cinderella Warriors| Thinking Basketball #257 More Thinking Basketball 2024-03-13 | Are the Golden State Warriors good enough to win a playoff series this year? We discuss their good play of late when Steph Curry is on the floor, but first, there's been a drop in defensive rating and a change in officiating. Also, what are the indicators that a player will translate to the highest level of basketball in the playoffs and NBA Finals? #thinkingbasketball
What are the Celtics weaknesses? | Thinking Basketball #256 More Thinking Basketball 2024-03-12 | The Boston Celtics are on the most dominant 11-game win streak in NBA history! We rank the most important Celtics for their playoff run, attempt to contextualize some of their regular season success, and attempt to list possible playoff weaknesses for Boston heading into the postseason. Early bird price at Sportsbusinessclassroom.com with signup code THINKING BASKETBALL. #thinkingbasketball
Are the Thunder serious contenders? | Blame Doc! | Thinking Basketball #255 More Thinking Basketball 2024-02-28 | We discuss whether the incredibly young Oklahoma City Thunder can be the youngest team in NBA history to win a title. Plus, what's really wrong with the Milwaukee Bucks after hiring Doc Rivers, and MVP narratives and a darkhorse Cody prediction.#thinkingbasketball
The Wild West with No Dunks | Thinking Basketball #254 More Thinking Basketball 2024-02-26 | The No Dunks team stops by to discuss the stretch run of the season in the Western Conference (with some Eastern Conference discussion). Who will take the top seed? Where are the Oklahoma City Thunder headed? Can anyone knock off the Denver Nuggets? How do the Clippers and Timberwolves matchup with their size?#thinkingbasketball
2024 Sub All-Stars! | Thinking Basketball #252 More Thinking Basketball 2024-02-23 | We select the 6th annual Sub All-Stars or “Almost Stars,” the players who are in the next tier after All-Stars. First, we sort out All-Star level players, then discuss players on the fringe and possible Sub All-Stars. Who makes the cut?#thinkingbasketball
Victor Wembanyamas ceiling | Thinking Basketball #251 More Thinking Basketball 2024-02-21 | The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann returns to discuss Wemby's incredible potential after exploding in the last month. What are realistic areas of improvement for him? What does he look like with more size? We discuss his offensive potential, defensive feel and IQ and whether he could have the highest peak we've ever seen.#thinkingbasketball
The Cavs are on fire & the next hot team | Thinking Basketball #250 More Thinking Basketball 2024-02-19 | Cleveland has moved into the 2nd seed in the East after a bumpy start. Why are so many teams catching fire in the mid season? How do we make sense of a league with so many poor teams at the bottom of the standings? And is there another team waiting to make a run up the standings? Mo Dakhil and John Schuhmann join.#thinkingbasketball
Why OG Anunoby changes the Knicks More Thinking Basketball 2024-02-09 | Does OG Anunoby make the Knicks a contender in the East? Why have they been so successful since his trade? This detailed film breakdown examines the New York Knicks new forward, his defensive versatility, guarding 1 through 5 and more. Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/12kpkAvUj6LGxzViDIH0qHSupport at Patreon: patreon.com/thinkingbasketballBook: amazon.com/Thinking-Basketball-Ben-Taylor/dp/1532968175Website: thinkingbasketball.netTwitter: @elgee35Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.Stats courtesy:http://www.pbpstats.com @bballportbasketball-reference.comstats.nba.com-----Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.Music by Brasko (No Lines)#ThinkingBasketball
