Thinking Basketball

Episodes page 1 of 6

1. #392: 2027 NBA season preview

   21 Oct 2026 · 1 h 47 min · Episode 392

   We preview the 2026-27 season, starting with what looks like an incredibly competitive East. Then, the West. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and…

2. #391: 21st Century Thinkies Ep 5 | Paint Protector

   19 Oct 2026 · 1 h 29 min · Episode 391

   In our Finale episode, it’s the Big Kahuna — who protects the paint the best? We also recap the series at the end, discuss what we learned, and Cody asks a hypothetical question about the best 21st century defense.…

3. #390: 21st century Thinkies Ep 4 | Perimeter Helper, Motor

   13 Oct 2026 · 1 h 40 min

   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…

4. #389: Redrafting the last 3 drafts, Cody’s Odyssey!

   9 Oct 2026 · 1 h 28 min

   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 See Privacy…

5. #388: Summer moves (from the summer)

   7 Oct 2026 · 1 h 05 min

   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,…

6. #387: Top-4 rookie thoughts, MJ with another star

   3 Oct 2026 · 1 h 13 min

   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…

7. #386: 21st century Thinkies Ep 3 | Ball Screens, Post Defense and Hands

   30 Sep 2026 · 1 h 49 min

   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…

8. #385: 21st century Thinkies Ep 2 | Most Versatile Defender

   22 Sep 2026 · 1 h 27 min

   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…

9. #384: 21st century Thinkies Ep 1 | Perimeter Isolation

   10 Sep 2026 · 1 h 28 min

   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,…

10. #383: Top-10 players of 2026

    5 Jul 2026 · 2 h 24 min

    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.…

11. #382: Draft evolution with J. Kyle Mann

    26 Jun 2026 · 1 h 35 min

    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…

12. #381: Thoughts on the Knicks title & the Spurs run

    17 Jun 2026 · 1 h 21 min

    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…

13. #380: The Knicks comeback for the ages

    11 Jun 2026 · 56 min

    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…

14. #379: The Knicks magical run

    6 Jun 2026 · 1 h 18 min

    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…

15. #378: 2026 NBA Finals Preview, blowing up OKC

    3 Jun 2026 · 1 h 07 min

    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…

16. #377: The Thunder-Spurs chess match! Knicks back in Finals

    27 May 2026 · 1 h 11 min

    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…

17. #376: Wemby’s ascension, Spurs-Thunder madness, ECF thoughts

    19 May 2026 · 1 h 16 min

    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…

18. #375: Spurs-Wolves, physicality, on-ball creators + Ajay Mitchell

    13 May 2026 · 47 min

    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…

19. #374: Round 1 insanity, Round 2 previews + Playoff themes

    5 May 2026 · 1 h 24 min

    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…

20. #373: Bad matchups break us | Pistons-Magic, Jokic, All-1st round

    29 Apr 2026 · 1 h 16 min

    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…

21. #372: LeBron’s comeback! Celtics War & Playoff surprises

    25 Apr 2026 · 55 min

    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…

22. #371: Panic time!? Early playoff takeaways

    22 Apr 2026 · 1 h 01 min

    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…

23. #370: 2026 Playoff preview

    15 Apr 2026 · 1 h 35 min

    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,…

24. #369: 2026 Thinkies (Defensive Awards)

    8 Apr 2026 · 1 h 33 min

    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…

25. #368: What elite coaching looks like + Jaylen Brown's impact

    1 Apr 2026 · 1 h 19 min

    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 See…

26. #367: Inner Circle contenders, “Clutch” in MVP, Film rivalries

    25 Mar 2026 · 1 h 17 min

    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.…

27. #366: Top Scoring games, Kawhi's renaissance, Awards Anarchy & Villains

    18 Mar 2026 · 1 h 16 min

    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…

28. #365: 1-game peaks, Wemby's MVP stat, Thanos & Tatum concerns

    10 Mar 2026 · 1 h 16 min

    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…

29. #364: What IS a role player? + Knicks, Nuggets updates

    4 Mar 2026 · 1 h 17 min

    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…

30. #363: 1-way vs. 2-way Heliocentrism + Spurs-Pistons fallout

    26 Feb 2026 · 1 h 13 min

    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.…

31. #362: The East race post deadline; 1-on-1 Tourney?

    18 Feb 2026 · 1 h 05 min

    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…

32. #361: 2026 Sub All-Stars!

    11 Feb 2026 · 1 h 37 min

    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…

33. #360: The value of great plays, the Hornets are good? & Best offensive players Part 3

    4 Feb 2026 · 1 h 17 min

    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…

34. #359: Who pairs WITH ball-dominant stars & Pistons energy!

    29 Jan 2026 · 1 h 19 min

    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.…

35. #358: What is LaMelo? & Top On-Ball players

    23 Jan 2026 · 1 h 16 min

    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…

36. #357: Ethical rankings, Dangerous matchups & Best players in the East

    14 Jan 2026 · 1 h 09 min

    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…

37. #356: Paolo's complexity & Injuries vs. the 65-game limit

    7 Jan 2026 · 1 h 10 min

    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…

38. #355: Best guard trios, Spurs-Thunder & SG archetypes

    31 Dec 2025 · 1 h 11 min

    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…

39. #354: Reed's Rockets vs. Denver & Officiating Saga

    25 Dec 2025 · 1 h 01 min

    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…

40. #353: Top 25 under 25 Draft

    18 Dec 2025 · 1 h 36 min

    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…

41. #352: Boston's offense, Youth Movement & the COY race!

    10 Dec 2025 · 1 h 00 min

    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…

42. #351: NBA trends (and college comps) with Jordan Sperber

    4 Dec 2025 · 1 h 10 min

    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…

43. #350: Slop Ball rules & Are the surprise teams for real?

    26 Nov 2025 · 1 h 07 min

    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…

44. #349: Thunder dominance, Jokic's efficiency + Power Rankings!

    19 Nov 2025 · 1 h 12 min

    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…

45. #348: Floor-raising coaches & new offensive trends

    12 Nov 2025 · 57 min

    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…

46. #347: AR's ascension, Cade's passing & Point Jrue

    5 Nov 2025 · 56 min

    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 See…

47. #346: Seriously, how good is Wemby? Plus Week 1 thoughts

    28 Oct 2025 · 51 min

    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…

48. #345: 2026 Season preview

    22 Oct 2025 · 1 h 31 min

    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,…

49. 21st century peaks Ep 14 | Rankings & Lessons from the series

    12 Oct 2025 · 1 h 32 min · Episode 14

    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…

50. 21st century peaks Ep 13 | The mind-blowing value of gravity

    7 Oct 2025 · 1 h 40 min · Episode 13

    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…