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Thinking Basketball

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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  • May 19 · 1 hr 15 min

    #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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  • May 13 · 46 min

    #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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  • May 5 · 1 hr 23 min

    #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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  • April 29 · 1 hr 16 min

    #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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  • April 25 · 54 min

    #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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  • April 22 · 58 min

    #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

  • April 15 · 1 hr 31 min

    #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).

  • April 8 · 1 hr 30 min

    #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

  • March 25 · 1 hr 14 min

    #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

  • March 18 · 1 hr 13 min

    #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

  • March 10 · 1 hr 13 min

    #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. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

  • March 4 · 1 hr 13 min

    #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% off your next SeatGeek order. https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/THINKING2026

Showing 21–33 of 33 episodes