Location:
United States
Description:
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!)
Language:
English
Episodes
#369: 2026 Thinkies (Defensive Awards)
4/7/2026
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
Duration:01:30:42
#368: What elite coaching looks like + Jaylen Brown's impact
4/1/2026
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
Duration:01:15:50
#367: Inner Circle contenders, “Clutch” in MVP, Film rivalries
3/25/2026
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
Duration:01:14:55
#366: Top Scoring games, Kawhi's renaissance, Awards Anarchy & Villains
3/18/2026
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
Duration:01:13:26
#365: 1-game peaks, Wemby's MVP stat, Thanos & Tatum concerns
3/10/2026
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. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:01:13:25
#364: What IS a role player? + Knicks, Nuggets updates
3/4/2026
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% off your next SeatGeek order. https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/THINKING2026
Duration:01:13:52
#363: 1-way vs. 2-way Heliocentrism + Spurs-Pistons fallout
2/25/2026
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.
Duration:01:10:29
#362: The East race post deadline; 1-on-1 Tourney?
2/18/2026
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 atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:01:02:25
#361: 2026 Sub All-Stars!
2/11/2026
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 for the first time and will any veterans miss out for the first time in years? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:01:34:22
#360: The value of great plays, the Hornets are good? & Best offensive players Part 3
2/4/2026
We discuss how valuable great plays are versus good subtle plays that happen repeatedly, then 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. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:01:13:57
#359: Who pairs WITH ball-dominant stars & Pistons energy!
1/29/2026
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 atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:01:16:52
#358: What is LaMelo? & Top On-Ball players
1/22/2026
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 is built around. Use code THINKING BASKETBALL at www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/all-star.Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:01:14:32
#357: Ethical rankings, Dangerous matchups & Best players in the East
1/14/2026
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 code THINKING BASKETBALL at www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/all-star.Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:01:07:07
#356: Paolo's complexity & Injuries vs. the 65-game limit
1/7/2026
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 www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:01:07:20
#355: Best guard trios, Spurs-Thunder & SG archetypes
12/30/2025
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 www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:01:09:23
#354: Reed's Rockets vs. Denver & Officiating Saga
12/24/2025
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
Duration:00:58:58
#353: Top 25 under 25 Draft
12/17/2025
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 www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:01:32:31
#352: Boston's offense, Youth Movement & the COY race!
12/9/2025
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 www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/all-star.Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:00:57:53
#351: NBA trends (and college comps) with Jordan Sperber
12/3/2025
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 THINKING BASKETBALL at www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/all-star.Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Duration:01:08:08
#350: Slop Ball rules & Are the surprise teams for real?
11/26/2025
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
Duration:01:04:57