Thinking Basketball

What makes a good coach? How can we evaluate NBA coaches? We tackle this and look at the historical patterns of Coach of the Year to gain some insight into how voters and fans (predictably) credit coaches. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

We discuss the latest tactics for “hunting” or “targeting” weaker defenders, and how teams are protecting these defenders, especially in the playoffs. How has this tactical arms race evolved recently? And what weaknesses or ramifications do the latest ideas like “peel” switching or “nexting” have going forward? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

More players than ever are averaging 30-points per game. Where do the current scoring seasons rank historically? And how do we compare scoring across different periods with all the changes we've seen to offenses lately? We compare Embiid, Giannis, Jokic, Durant to Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, a scoring model and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

We discuss how the incredible offensive explosion changes defense in the playoffs, and what to expect from top defensive teams heading into the playoffs. From the Bucks twin towers, to the possible weaknesses of teams like Phoenix and Dallas, to the rangy forwards on the Cavs and Lakers, what teams are built to guard the new actions in the league this year? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

Are the Kings dangerous or pretenders? Are the Lakers a sleeper? We discuss the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the top-9 Western Conference teams, focusing on the Kings pace, the Lakers defense (and health) and more. Plus, where does Damian Lillard rank among the best offensive players in 2023? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

Why are so many MVP “debates” about tearing down one player? We dive into the historical criteria of the MVP, the shift in the conversation these days, and more. Plus first, a Quickley apology, Harden's big game, and the Embiid-Giannis (Lopez) battle after the Bucks impressive win streak. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

Who are the best bench players in the league right now? Why do certain types of players seem to start versus coming off the bench? Should limited scorers be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year? And what player is like garlic? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

The Kings and Clippers scored an incredible 351 points over the weekend, Damian Lillard scored 71, and offenses continue to explode league-wide. We discuss this, and what can be done – what should be done? – to help defenses moving forward as offenses get better and better. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

James Harden missed the All-Star game for the first time in a decade, but that actually has us wondering if this year makes his career look better. We discuss Harden's fit with Embiid, stylistic changes, challenging seasons from Rudy Gobert, Trae Young, and the art of re-evaluating players with new – and sometime competing – information. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

Who was the best 18-year old in league history? The best 20-year old? When do players become MVP-level players? In this episode, we discuss Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and a number of other great young players in their earliest seasons. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support