Thinking Basketball

Who were the best players in 2025? First, we discuss all players as if they were healthy and ready for a playoff run, and then we trying to balance a year of chaotic injuries and semi-healthy players. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.

We discuss the Pacers egalitarian “ecosystem” that nearly stunned the NBA world, and the Thunder's unique team construction that led to the 2025 championship. We also discuss OKC's defense and where it ranks historically, along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and get 50% off plus free shipping at www.factormeals.com/GREATDAY50OFF with code GREATDAY50OFF

Does this Finals represent the future of the sport? Where does this Pacers run rank historically? We discuss this along with our All-playoff teams and a preview of the Thunder-Indiana Finals. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

What players are we higher on and lower on after seeing them in the 2025 NBA playoffs? What concepts or trends have emerged in these playoffs? From offensive rebounding to zones, we discuss what we've learned so far. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.

We preview the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, but first, a look back at OKC-DEN. Do we feel differently about different players after the series? How did the Nikola Jokic vs. OKC defense battle shake out? And Ben rants about responses to the physical officiating in the playoffs. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball. For 50% at FACTOR: www.factormeals.com/GREATDAY50OFF and use code GREATDAY50OFF

Rob Mahoney of the Ringer is here to discuss the incredible Thunder-Nuggets series before Game 7, how good the play has been, Playoff Jamal Murray, rim finishing differences and coaching moves and Jalen Williams. We also hit on the importance of the regular season versus playoffs today and how today's league could break the traditional championship paradigm. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Why are defenses defending stars so well? Why are rotations so short for some teams? We discuss the key themes and trends from the playoffs, from physicality to defensive coverages to the importance of versatile “playoff players” like Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Also, the best defensive game ever and is there a star who could beat the Thunder defense? Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. 

Xs and Os expert Mike De La Rosa returns to break down the latest games of the week, including the insane Nuggets-Thunder OT thriller in Game 3 and how they are defending the MVPs so well. We also discuss Donovan Mitchell's explosions, the Cavs huge zone move, and the Celtics winning in New York. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Who should be most worried among Cleveland, Boston and Oklahoma City? Is there something to Shail Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams bumpy offensive starts? Do the Celtics take too many 3s? Do the Pacers have the matchup edge? We break down all 3 top seed losses and then preview (mini) Minnesota and Golden State. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. 

ESPN's Bobby Marks joins to discuss the end of the Western Conference 1st round: The Wolves wrapping the Lakers, the Clippers-Nuggets going to the brink behind more Ty Lue magic, and the Warriors trying to survive the Rockets. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. 

We discuss the incredible physicality, wild Rockets-Warriors series, the latest in the Nuggets-Clippers classic, the importance of “playoff players” and depth, some Lakers-Wolves and more! Bonus: who has the most “inelastic” move in NBA history? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. 

Our Xs and Os expert Mike De La Rosa joins for an emergency episode on the first week of the 2025 NBA playoffs: Lakers-Wolves, Clippers-Nuggets, Knicks-Pistons and do the Bucks have any life against the Pacers? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketballSign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.

Clippers-Nuggets! Rockets-Warriors! Lakers-Wolves! What an opening weekend of the playoffs! We also discuss Knicks-Pistons, and a brief acknowledgement of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks. Will Cody make it through the show without saying Andrew Nembhard or Jrue Holiday? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. 

We focus on three (potentially) huge series in the Western Conference, along with some light discussion about the potentially competitive Eastern Conference series in the 1st round. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. 

It's time for our 7th annual Defensive Awards – we discuss the best defenders in the NBA across categories like best paint protector, best perimeter helper, best point of attack defender and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. 

We discuss the Giannis Offense, Zion Williamson and more, and then Cody “presents” his top-32 shooters (or is it April's Fools?) as we think about spacing effects of different shooting skills in today's game. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the exploding (and crumbling) teams in March, players coming out of nowhere like Quentin Grimes and Josh Giddey, tanking, the up and down Lakers and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

What exactly has made Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the MVP favorite this season, and where does he stack up historically with some of his skills? We discuss the great MVP race between Shai and Jokic, the all-time seasons their having, and more. But first, the rise of Quentin Grimes and misinformation on NBA Reddit! With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Who is the best first option in the league? The best second option? We discuss the top offensive players right now from off-ball big men who space the floor to more heliocentric options who might not fit well with other players. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Ben thinks his camera is flipped, there are 2 new teams in a “dangerous” tier to challenge the Inner Circle title contenders, and Cody and Ben have a big disagreement about a lurking lower seed. But first, the aesthetics of today's offenses and the Celtics. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at CBAMastery.com with code thinkingbasketball for %10 off. 

We discuss the importance of depth in today's NBA, focusing on the Knicks, Lakers and Suns, and then break down the incredible history of trading 3 first round picks, and how that high-risk, high-reward move can build a dynasty or completely crater a team's depth. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Become a CBA expert: 10% off at CBAMastery.com with code thinkingbasketball

Who is the best Jalen in the league right now!? We debate Jaylen Brown, Jalen Williams and Jalen Brunson – what are their strengths and weaknesses? How do they compare offensively and defensively? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

How will these new teams fit together after the wild trade deadline? Are the Lakers dangerous? Are the Mavs? We discuss the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis blockbuster, along with De'Aaron Fox in San Antonio next to Wemby, Jimmy Butler in Golden State, Zach Lavine in Sacramento, Brandon Ingram in Toronto, and the biggest move of all, Kyle Kuzma to the Bucks. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at CBAMastery.com with code thinkingbasketball for %10 off.

It's time for our 7th annual Sub All-Star team – who are the best players in the next tier AFTER the All-Stars. Who straddles the line and makes the actual All-Star team? Who were the toughest omissions? And what position of player is deeper than ever? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

The Oklahoma City Thunder currently have one of the best point differentials ever. How good is their defense? How good are they overall? And how well is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing right now? Before that, we discuss teams suddenly filling up with new (injured) players like the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

What are the best offenses doing differently this year? What makes teams like Cleveland, Memphis and OKC so hard to guard? Before that, we address the “non winning” of style of play for LaMelo Ball and the idea of empty stats. Bonus questions on the Thompson Twins and Evan Mobley vs. Jaren Jackson. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the hottest teams in the last month, the standings without bottom-feeding, whether the Nuggets still have life and the red hot Indiana Pacers led by...Andrew Nembhard? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

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Wemby Hour! Is he the best defender in the league now? Where does he rank as an offensive player? How good is his passing? And where does this year compare to other 2nd year 21-year old seasons on the 3-point era? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Are the Cavs an inner-circle contender? Where do other hot teams fall in the hierarchy? We discuss some of the potential playoff issues (or strengths) of teams not located in Boston or Oklahoma City. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

After a rousing Part 1, we return to discuss the rest of the best young players in the NBA. Who do we decide to change the order one? Will one team dominant the remaining picks? Will Ben ever be happy with the 25th pick? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Who are the best young players in the NBA right now? It's time for our annual under 25 draft, where we pick our way through the top under 25 players in league after a third of a new season. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss a fascinating 2025 MVP race – can Nikola Jokic be dethroned despited having perhaps his best season? Is there are a darkhorse lurking? How will the best players on the top teams in the East fare? With @codyhoudek. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

The Rockets and Magic are 24-4 in their last 28 combined games. How good are these defenses? Do they have weaknesses? How far can they take each team in the playoffs? And is an all-defense team more dangerous today and all-offense team? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss a wide open 2025 ROY race. Who has emerged in the last few weeks as the favorite? Will another French player win? Can a defensively oriented player win or will an older rookie sneak into contention? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the best defenders of the early season who are candidates for Defensive Player of the Year. Will a candidate emergy from the “defense by committee” teams? Will a dominant defender win from a mediocre team? Which of the former winners has the best chance? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

How good are the Cavs and Warriors? What's going on with the Nuggets and Wolves? Who are the best teams in the NBA after Boston and Oklahoma City, and are there any additions to the inner circle of title contenders? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We react to the opening week of the season, including JJ Redick's coaching in Los Angeles, the “new” officiating, a nickname for Paolo Banchero, the Cavs undefeated start and can Tyrese Haliburton catch fire again? Plus, does Cody know what color uniforms teams wear? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We preview the 2025 NBA season. Who can win the East or the West? Who starts the season in the inner circle of title contenders? Are there sleeper teams? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We bounce around the preseason with thoughts on Reed Sheppard in Houston, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, Paolo Banchero's maturity in Orlando, the importance of aging stars and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We take some our most strongly held beliefs and argue against them. (!) We discuss Nikola Jokic's offensive GOAT case, Jaylen Brown's lackluster plus-minus footprint, the valuing of defensive rebounding and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle blockbuster trade between the Knicks and the Timberwolves. What does this mean for these teams going forward? Are the Knicks going to be better on offense and defense? Will the change influence their style of play? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Who were the best teams of the last decade? In Part 2 or a our two part finale, we discuss the best remaining teams, non Finalists and champs, and attempt to stack up a list of the best teams of the last decade. Where will the Rockets, Warriors, Spurs, Cavs and more end up? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Who were the best teams of the last decade? In Part 1 or a our two part finale, we discuss the best teams that didn't reach the NBA Finals, and if any were championship quality teams that might make our final list. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Who is the best coach in modern basketball? We discuss the great coaches of the last decade, including what makes an effective coach, how do we evaluate coaches, how to partition credit when great players are present and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We continue our “Best of Pace & Space” series by looking at the best offensive players of the last decade. We discuss different archetypes, playoff changes, challenges comparing different styles and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the medal round of the FIBA Olympic Tournament, how would we construct the Team USA roster, Germany, Canada and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We continue our “Best of Pace & Space” series by looking at the best rookies of the last decade? What makes a great rookie? How many of the best rookies red-shirted? How should we handle missed time? And just how good were the best freshman of this period? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

With the knowledge of summer league, Ahmed Jama of Swish Theory joins to discuss the 2024 NBA draft. Are there hidden stars in this class? Are the top picks ready to play right away? And who, if anyone, stood out after Summer League in Vegas? Follow Ahmed @slipthescreen. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball