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!)

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33 episodes
Avg 1 hr 19 min
English

Episodes 33

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#395
Yesterday · 1 hr 9 min
#395 Luka’s Lakers, Steph’s Warriors, Early top-5 players
How good are the Lakers? Why is it all working? We discuss Luka’s historic start, then the red hot Warriors and Steph Curry’s place, Victor Wembanyama, Yaxel Lendebrorg’s rookie breakout, early best players and rookies and more. Support at ⁠http://www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#394
November 4 · 1 hr 1 min
394: The Surprise Sixers, Flagg’s big start
We discuss Philly’s surprisingly stout defense to start the year, what to make of Cooper Flagg’s huge statistical start, and the “points of emphasis” impact on SGA’s statistical decline to start. Support at ⁠http://www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#393
October 27 · 1 hr 3 min
#393: What we learned in Week 1
We go around the league to discuss what was real in the first few games, from Miami’s 0-4 start, to LeBron, to the Lakers strong start, Anthony Edwards and the Wolves, Paolo Banchero and more. Support at ⁠ http://www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#392
October 21 · 1 hr 46 min
#392: 2027 NBA season preview
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 California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#391
October 19 · 1 hr 29 min
#391: 21st Century Thinkies Ep 5 | Paint Protector
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. Support at ⁠www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 17 · 1 hr 29 min
#391: 21st Century Thinkies Ep 5 | Paint Protector
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. Support at ⁠www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
October 13 · 1 hr 39 min
#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 ⁠www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 9 · 1 hr 27 min
#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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 7 · 1 hr 5 min
#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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 3 · 1 hr 13 min
#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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
September 30 · 1 hr 48 min
#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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
September 22 · 1 hr 26 min
#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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
September 10 · 1 hr 28 min
#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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 5 · 2 hr 24 min
#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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 26 · 1 hr 34 min
#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 for $300 off. Kyle Lowry’s Draft Express writeup sample: While Lowry generally passes the look test as an NBA point guard prospect, questions still remain about his ability to control a game full-time. Lowry played a complementary role (at least offensively) to Randy Foye and Allen Ray in Jay Wright's backcourt rotation, and while many have claimed that their presence was the only thing keeping Lowry from exploding into full-fledged stardom, they also unquestionably made things easier for him…Beyond this, Lowry's biggest question mark at this point may be a suspect perimeter jumper…There are also size issues. -https://www.draftexpress.com/article/Kyle-Lowry-NBA-Draft-Scouting-Report-2870/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 17 · 1 hr 20 min
#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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 11 · 55 min
#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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 6 · 1 hr 18 min
#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 for $300 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 3 · 1 hr 6 min
#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 THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 27 · 1 hr 11 min
#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 SportsBusinessClassroom.com Code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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