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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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  • 21 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 16 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • 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

  • 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

  • June 26 · 1 hr 31 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/

  • June 17 · 1 hr 17 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.

  • 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

  • June 6 · 1 hr 14 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.

  • 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.

  • May 27 · 1 hr 8 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.

  • 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.

  • May 13 · 45 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.

  • May 5 · 1 hr 20 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

  • April 25 · 52 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

  • 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

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes