#387: Top-4 rookie thoughts, MJ with another star

We preview the 2026-27 season, starting with what looks like an incredibly competitive East. Then, the West. Support at ⁠www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketballSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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