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!)
Episodes
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
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We preview the 2026-27 season, starting with what looks like an incredibly competitive East. Then, the West.
Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 pro...
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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