PODCAST · sports
Thinking Basketball
by 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!)
Episodes
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#390: 21st century Thinkies Ep 4 | Perimeter Helper, Motor
In Part 4 of our 21st century defensive awards, we discuss the best perimeter helper. Who is the best player at helping from the outside, disrupting drives, sitting in passing lanes and so on. After that important but under-discussed category, we award best motor of the century. Support at...
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#389: Redrafting the last 3 drafts, Cody’s Odyssey!
Cody gives his thoughts on Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey. But first, we attempt to build a draft board (based on their future) from the last 3 rookie classes. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#388: Summer moves (from the summer)
We unearth an unreleased episode from July where we discuss the big off-season movies, including LeBron James going to Philadelphia (at the end), the Jaylen Brown trade, LaMelo Ball moving to Minnesota and more. Plus, helmets. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#387: Top-4 rookie thoughts, MJ with another star
We review the top-4 picks at Summer League in Las Vegas in July, then answer a thought experiment about Michael Jordan winning 6 championships with another star besides Scottie Pippen. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#386: 21st century Thinkies Ep 3 | Ball Screens, Post Defense and Hands
In the most deranged, psychotic podcast we’ve ever done, Part 3 of our 21st century defensive awards covers defending ball-screen driven offenses, guarding great post-up scorers (and Shaq?), and the defenders with the best hands. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#385: 21st century Thinkies Ep 2 | Most Versatile Defender
In Part 2 of our 21st century defensive awards, we discuss the most versatile defender. Who can guard multiple offensive archetypes, provide the most lineup versatility, and play in the widest variety of defensive coverages? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#384: 21st century Thinkies Ep 1 | Perimeter Isolation
In Part 1 of our 21st century defensive awards, we discuss the best isolation defenders on the perimeter. What’s a perfect build? How does era influence impact? And who do we want to stop the best players in the world, 1-on-1, on an island? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#383: Top-10 players of 2026
Who were the best players of 2026? We discuss resurgent players (Kawhi Leonard), sleeping giants (Giannis), elder statesmen (Curry and LeBron), newcomers (Wemby and Cade) along with a number of complicated cases. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#382: Draft evolution with J. Kyle Mann
We discuss the changing landscape and value of the NBA draft in the 21st century, valuing prospects differently, development arcs (eg Kyle Lowry) and some of the most interesting 2026 draftees. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and SportsBusinessClassroom.com Code THINKINGBASKETBALL...
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#381: Thoughts on the Knicks title & the Spurs run
We reflect on the unprecedented New York run and close to the Finals, but first, thoughts on the Spurs incredibly unique season, Victor Wembanyama and more. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and SportsBusinessClassroom.com Code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.
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#380: The Knicks comeback for the ages
The OG tip! We react to the biggest comeback in Finals history. What happened to the Spurs? Is the series over? How did the Knicks come back from 29 points in Game 4 to take a 3-1 Finals lead? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#379: The Knicks magical run
The Athletic’s Fred Katz tries to help explain New York’s magical run and winning streak in the playoffs. What’s changed on offense, defense, with Karl-Anthony Towns, Landry Shamet, and more. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and SportsBusinessClassroom.com Code THINKINGBASKETBALL…
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#378: 2026 NBA Finals Preview, blowing up OKC
We preview the 2026 NBA Finals, matchup dynamics, expectations and more. But first, we reflect on the classic Western Conference Finals and some of the reactions to the Thunder and Chet Holmgren. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and SportsBusinessClassroom.com Code…
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#377: The Thunder-Spurs chess match! Knicks back in Finals
What caused Wemby to have such a poor Game 5? We discuss the incredible back and forth chess match, Oklahoma City’s latest adjustments and more in this classic series, plus New York makes NBA Finals and Ben stays at a Holiday Inn. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and...
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#376: Wemby’s ascension, Spurs-Thunder madness, ECF thoughts
How good is Victor Wembanyama? Is he the best defender ever? We discuss the incredible Thunder-Spurs series, Dylan Harper, the Game 1 classic in Oklahoma City and more. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and SportsBusinessClassroom.com Code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.
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#375: Spurs-Wolves, physicality, on-ball creators + Ajay Mitchell
We discuss the 2nd round, the incredible physicality, the importance of off-the-dribble creators, Wolves-Spurs, the Thunder dominance and a flu game. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and SportsBusinessClassroom.com Code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.
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#374: Round 1 insanity, Round 2 previews + Playoff themes
The Lakers and the 76ers pull off massive comebacks. Joel Embiid and Paul George are back! The Pistons hold Orlando to 19 points in a half. Plus, Wolves-Spurs, Knicks-Philadelphia, Pistons-Cavs and themes from the playoff so far. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#373: Bad matchups break us | Pistons-Magic, Jokic, All-1st round
We discuss how certain matchup warp playoff narratives, the madness that is the Pistons-Magic series, Jokic’s struggles against Minnesota and a premature All-1st round team. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#372: LeBron’s comeback! Celtics War & Playoff surprises
Jordan Dyer joins to discuss the wild Lakers Rockets series, LeBron James and Marcus Smart’s play, the Celtics battle with Paul George, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle’s explosions, plus concern for the Knicks and Nuggets? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#371: Panic time!? Early playoff takeaways
Who is in trouble? Does anyone look better than expected? We discuss big takeaways from the first few days of the NBA playoffs, including the Knicks-Hawks crazy series and the Pistons-Magic stunner. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#370: 2026 Playoff preview
Apologies for some audio issues today! We preview the title favorites, matchup dynamics, possible dark horses, how the playoffs COULD be different (officiating changes, possible trends with rebounding, turnovers, transition game and more).
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#369: 2026 Thinkies (Defensive Awards)
Who were the best defenders in 2026? We crown our champions in 6 categories, plus a new BONUS award at the end of the show. Which player appeared in every category this year? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#368: What elite coaching looks like + Jaylen Brown's impact
We discuss the best coaches of 2026, the Coach of the Year race, and react to our Jaylen Brown deep dive against the Thunder. Plus, Cody's defense of Sex Panther. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#367: Inner Circle contenders, “Clutch” in MVP, Film rivalries
A new inner circle team? Is another fading? We discuss what “clutch” performances should mean in the MVP race, Ajay Mitchell's value to the Thunder and more. Use code THINKING2026 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order. https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/THINKING2026
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#366: Top Scoring games, Kawhi's renaissance, Awards Anarchy & Villains
Huge takes on Bam's 83 point game, the possible anarchy of the looming 65-game rule, Kawhi Leonard's incredible rebirth this season, the Clippers as a darkhorse, the Lakers improved defense with Marcus Smart, and our favorite movie villains. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#365: 1-game peaks, Wemby's MVP stat, Thanos & Tatum concerns
A stat that captures Victor Wembanyama's unrivaled defensive impact! We discuss his latest ascension and where he ranks among the best 1-game peaks in the league right now, what we're looking at in Jayson Tatum's return to the Celtics, a post-show on Thanos, plus Jaylen Brown's plus-minus.…
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#364: What IS a role player? + Knicks, Nuggets updates
We discuss the concept of a role player: Offense vs defense concepts, the negative vs positive uses of the term, great complementary players and whether the concept makes sense in the first place. Plus, updates on the Knicks and Nuggets big games from this past week. Use code THINKING2026 for 10%...
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#363: 1-way vs. 2-way Heliocentrism + Spurs-Pistons fallout
We discuss the extremes of Luka Doncic and massive production vs. value, weird fit and building around negative defenders vs. 2-way players. Plus, the fallout from the Celtics big week and the Spurs-Pistons showdown. Cody’s Jalen Duren and Jaylen Brown hot takes.
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#362: The East race post deadline; 1-on-1 Tourney?
The trade deadline changed a few rosters in the East – we discuss James Harden's move to Cleveland, and where that leaves them next to the Celtics, Pistons and Knicks. Also, the All-Star game was fun again, and why Ben wants a 1-on-1 tournament to replace the dunk contest. Support...
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#361: 2026 Sub All-Stars!
Who are the NEXT best players after the All-Stars? It's time for our annual sub all-star team – those players that move the needle but aren't quite All-Stars. Who do we think of as All-Stars? Who misses the cut? Where will rookies like Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg land? Who will crack the list…
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#360: The value of great plays, the Hornets are good? & Best offensive players Part 3
How valuable are great plays (versus the Little Things)? Plus, the surging Charlotte Hornets and Moussa Diabete. We also wrap up part 3 of our best offensive players discussion with key takeaways and winners/loser. But first, a major Reddit correction, and the importance of the winter months....
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#359: Who pairs WITH ball-dominant stars & Pistons energy!
We start with the Pistons, and possible spacing issues with multiple non-shooters for them and Houston. Then, we continue our top offensive players conversation by discussing best fits next to ball-dominant players. Who pairs well with Luka? Giannis? And more. Support...
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#358: What is LaMelo? & Top On-Ball players
We discuss the complicated, adventurous, talented LaMelo Ball and his play this season. Then we discuss the best on-ball offensive players this year (pick-and-roll and isolation), and the complexity of evaluating top offensive players comparing on-ball dominance versus the lone player an offense…
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#357: Ethical rankings, Dangerous matchups & Best players in the East
We discuss some dangerous teams and dangerous matchups for the top title contenders, along with “ethical” players right now and the best players in the Eastern Conference after Giannis right now with Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown having huge seasons. Who is the Barnes & Noble competitor? Use...
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#356: Paolo's complexity & Injuries vs. the 65-game limit
We discuss the polarizing Paolo Banchero – why some fans think he's a star, why we aren't sold, what makes his situation unique and more. Before that, Nikola Jokic's knee injury, physicality, landing spaces and the unintended issues with the arbitrary 65-game limit for awards. Support at...
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#355: Best guard trios, Spurs-Thunder & SG archetypes
We discuss the best guard trios of all-time and the implications of the Spurs sweep over the Thunder in the last month. But first, Jaylen Brown and Anthony Edwards look like superstars – so what's holding us back? Use code THINKING BASKETBALL at www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/all-star.Support at...
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#354: Reed's Rockets vs. Denver & Officiating Saga
We dive into the 3-game series between the Rockets and Nuggets, Reed Sheppard's X-Factor role, and the Jokic-Sengun matchup. First, a brief reaction to the latest YouTube video on officiating trending back offensive officiating and 25 under 25 thoughts. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#353: Top 25 under 25 Draft
Our annual best players (for a playoff tournament right now!) who will be under the age of 25 on February 1, 2026! Will a rookie be picked? Paolo Banchero? How will handle our annual struggles between role players and one-dimensional scorers? Whose team would win in a series? Support at...
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#352: Boston's offense, Youth Movement & the COY race!
How are the Celtics so good on offense right now? We examine Boston's blazing month, Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh's role, Joe Mazzula and a wide open Coach of the Year, the Bruce Bowen All-Stars and the changing of the guard in this year's NBA. Use code THINKING BASKETBALL at...
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#351: NBA trends (and college comps) with Jordan Sperber
Hoopvision's Jordan Sperber joins to discuss trends in the NBA this season, and in basketball in general in the last few years, from bigger lineups and offensive rebounding to zone and full court pressure. We discuss the Rockets size, Celtics, Suns, Zach Edey's recent success and more. Use code...
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#350: Slop Ball rules & Are the surprise teams for real?
We start with the increase in scoring (again), increase in fouls, and complete undercutting of defenses based on the way the game is being called right now. Then, are the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns or Miami Heat actually good? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#349: Thunder dominance, Jokic's efficiency + Power Rankings!
OKC is a machine and Jokic can't miss! We discuss our first title contenders of the year, the Rockets offense, the strange Eastern Conference contenders, and the large middle class in a weird distribution of teams so far. Plus, addressing the Derrick White efficiency hate! Support...
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#348: Floor-raising coaches & new offensive trends
We discuss the Rockets unique, league-leading offense this year, Doc Rivers floor-raising coaching around Giannis and the Bucks, and the trend toward optimizing shooters and ball-handlers who aren't stars. Plus Spoelstra's Heat and the challenge of ceiling-raising as a coach. Support...
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#347: AR's ascension, Cade's passing & Point Jrue
We discuss the Lakers resilience and Austin Reave’s place among the 2021 draft class, Cade Cunningham’s passing and Jrue Holiday’s point guard resurgence in Portland. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#346: Seriously, how good is Wemby? Plus Week 1 thoughts
We discuss the incredible start from Victor Wembanyama, and where he fits into the NBA hierarchy right now. Plus the teams and players that jumped out to us in week 1, including the Warriors, Blazers, 76ers, Magic and Pelicans. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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#345: 2026 Season preview
We preview the 2025-26 NBA season. We discuss Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, the enormous Denver Nugget off season, teams that could win the west, the Clippers/Warriors age conundrum, Franz Wagner's lack of shooting, the Rockets and Knicks new offenses and more. Support at...
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21st century peaks Ep 14 | Rankings & Lessons from the series
What were the big themes and takeaways we had from this series? What specifically players changed in our minds and why? We reflect on the series, rankings in general, p layer synergies and more before discussing our best offensive players and overall players from the series. Support at...
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21st century peaks Ep 13 | The mind-blowing value of gravity
For our final two players, we quantify the unique and devastating forms of “gravity” in basketball. In particular, off-ball gravity that is essentially missing from the box score and traditional NBA stats or measurements, the strongest interior force of the century and what happens to a team with…
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21st century peaks Ep 12 | The 3 LeBrody problem
We look at, perhaps, the 3 best peaks of the 21st century, all from slightly different time periods, environments and circumstances. How does an “ideal” or non ideal environment influence how we evaluate a mega peak? How do we account for era changes that influence spacing and the proliferation…
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21st century peaks Ep 11 | Judging playoff value beyond scoring
How do we make sense of small samples and outlier signals in the playoffs? How much should specifically good or bad matchups influence playoff “performance?” We discuss some titanic big men, their coaches, environments, teammate synergies and how much we should care about their individual scoring...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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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Thinking Basketball
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Thinking Basketball have?
Thinking Basketball currently has 387 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Thinking Basketball about?
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...
How often does Thinking Basketball release new episodes?
Thinking Basketball publishes regularly with 387 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Thinking Basketball?
You can listen to Thinking Basketball on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Thinking Basketball?
Thinking Basketball is created and hosted by Thinking Basketball.
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