The Hot Hand Theory Podcast

In the forty-second episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff are joined by none other than Jonathan Macri, the Dean of Knicks Film School and an absolute legend in Knicks content creation. Jon sits down with us to break down the Knicks’ current season and tackle some big questions about their sustainability as contenders. The three play a fun and fiery game of Pass or Fail, testing whe...

In the forty-first episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ kick off the new year with an in-depth breakdown of the New York Knicks—one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Winners of eight straight games, the Knicks are surging, and the duo takes a closer look at what’s driving their success and what it means for the rest of the 2025 season. Key Topics Covered: • Knicks’ Micro and Macro A...

On the fortieth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ dive into the roller coaster ride that has been the Knicks’ last four games. Despite sitting at 16-10 with an easy schedule ahead, the duo breaks down why the Knicks’ inconsistent play is concerning—and what needs to change for them to unlock their full potential. XJ and Geoff tackle key topics, including: • Why the Knicks’ shot...

In the second part of the thirty-ninth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff shine a spotlight on the Memphis Grizzlies, a team flying under the radar as one of the most dangerous in the NBA. With a fast-paced play style, elite transition offense, and a resurgent Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies are quietly positioning themselves as a serious threat in the Western Conference. XJ and...

On the thirty-eighth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, we welcome Geoff back from vacation as he joins XJ for an action-packed discussion about the Knicks' season so far and what’s coming next. We start by breaking down Mikal Bridges’ breakthrough performance against the Pelicans, where he showcased resilience, confidence, and his ability to step up on both ends of the floor. Was this the tu...

On the thirty-seventh episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ welcomes first-ever guest co-host Gavin Schall of Locked On Knicks! Together, they break down why the Knicks’ recent games signal a seismic shift in their identity—and why the rest of the league should be paying attention. Using film and advanced metrics, XJ reveals how New York’s faster pace, elite three-point shooting, and moderniz...

On the second part of the thirty-sixth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ dives into the Magic’s six-game win streak and how they’ve managed it without All-Star Paolo Banchero. The answer? Franz Wagner. XJ breaks down Franz’s emergence as an early-season MVP candidate and All-NBA-level player, using data to show how he’s elevating the Magic on both ends of the floor. From elite playmaking...

On the thirty-sixth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ flies solo for the first time! Using film and data, XJ explains why the Knicks' performance against the Wizards was a breakthrough moment and showcased an approach that could make them a true contender in the East. From five-out offensive sets to faster pace and shared playmaking, XJ dives into why Knicks fans have plenty to be excited...

On the thirty-fifth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff break down the Knicks’ underwhelming start and why it’s not yet time to panic. The duo digs into the Knicks’ offense, debating whether the team really needs another creator or if it’s all about maximizing the great talent they already have. XJ explains why the current focus on three-point shooting is misunderstood and why the...

On the second part of the thirty-fourth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff break down the impressive start of the 6-1 Golden State Warriors. They analyze how the team doubling down on fast-paced, ball-movement-heavy basketball is paying off, even with Steph Curry missing a few games. The Warriors lead the league in key passing and assist metrics, and they’re tapping into one of t...

On the thirty-fourth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff dive into the Knicks' up-and-down start to the season. Sitting at 3-3, the Knicks have shown glimpses of their elite upside but faced some early challenges. The duo digs into the data behind what seems like an efficient offense and proposes a few small adjustments that could make it more sustainable. They also zero in on the...

In the thirty-third episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff dive into the Knicks' relatively slow start to the season. The duo break down how the team's current shot diet is unsustainable and make the case for a shift to a team identity that emphasizes more ball movement, spacing, and three-point shooting—a style that better aligns with their roster and could unlock their potential. P...

In part two of the thirty-second episode of Hot Hand Theory, XJ and Geoff tackle the final three pivotal questions that will shape the 2025 NBA season. They discuss which team is one star (or well-fitting player) away from being a title contender, focusing on teams like the New Orleans Pelicans. Then, they analyze which young core has the most potential, highlighting the Houston Rockets and anothe...

In the thirty-second episode of Hot Hand Theory, XJ and Geoff dive deep into 7 key questions that will shape the upcoming NBA season. With their trademark blend of data-driven analysis and insightful banter, the hosts tackle topics like which teams made the most underrated offseason moves, which teams are primed for disappointment, and which young cores have the most potential. The duo also discus...

On the thirty-first episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff are joined by Knicks content legends, Shwin of The Strickland and Shaun Geddes! The crew dives deep into the Knicks' major offseason moves, headlined by the acquisitions of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. They break down what they are looking forward to the most, including the potential for elite synergy between Towns a...

On the blockbuster thirtieth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff dive deep into the trade shaking the NBA: Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns. In classic HHT fashion, the duo tackles every angle of the deal that no one else is talking about. They assess the players involved, and explain why it’s impossible to declare “winners” and “losers...

Welcome to Episode 6 of "Hot Hand Minis" — a shorter-form podcast where XJ and Geoff dissect hot topics and debates in the NBA world. In this episode, they address the Knicks' early-season challenge of replacing Mitchell Robinson, who is now expected to be sidelined until at least December. XJ and Geoff break down why one unexpected Knicks player could be the key to the Knicks perfor...

Welcome to Episode 5 of "Hot Hand Minis" — a shorter-form podcast where XJ and Geoff dissect hot topics and debates in the basketball world. In this episode, the duo identifies the league's next superstars, with a deep dive into why Tyrese Maxey and LaMelo Ball are poised to take the NBA by storm. Geoff highlights Maxey's evolving role with the 76ers, the improved supporting cast...

On the twenty-ninth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ are joined by a special guest: DJ from Knicks Film School! DJ, a top film analyst in the NBA community, engages in a lively debate covering a range of topics, including strategy vs. tactics, the importance of shooting and spacing vs. size and physicality, the value of primary initiators vs off-ball stars, Julius Randle's...

Welcome to Episode 4 of "Hot Hand Minis" — a shorter-form podcast where XJ and Geoff dissect hot topics and debates in the basketball world. In this episode, they dive into the intriguing angles surrounding the Knicks' decision to give Tom Thibodeau a 3-year contract extension. The discussion kicks off with XJ and Geoff evaluating Thibs' strengths as a coach and explaining why th...

Welcome to Episode 3 of "Hot Hand Minis" — a shorter-form podcast where XJ and Geoff dissect hot topics and debates in the basketball world. In this episode, they dive into the controversial decision by Steve Kerr to bench Jayson Tatum during the USA vs. Serbia game in the Olympics. The discussion begins with Geoff and XJ evaluating Jayson Tatum's abilities and questioning his role o...

Welcome to Episode 2 of "Hot Hand Minis"—a shorter-form podcast where Geoff and XJ dive deep into a single topic inspired by ongoing NBA conversations and debates. In this episode, the duo tackles the conversation around the Knicks' backup PG spot following the signing of Cam Payne. XJ kicks things off by mentioning Geoff's heated take from a recent Strickland postgame around the Cam Payne/Deuce M...

Welcome to the debut of "Hot Hand Minis"—a shorter-form podcast where Geoff and XJ dive deep into a single topic inspired by ongoing NBA conversations and debates. In this episode, the duo tackles the polarizing nature of Julius Randle. Kicking off with a seemingly farfetched trade idea shared on social media, the duo explores the possibility of sending Randle to Dallas for PJ Washington and other...

On the twenty-eighth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff welcome a very special guest, Chief Chess Officer of Chess.com, Danny Rensch! As the leader of content for Chess.com, Danny is one of the key figures driving the explosive growth of one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Geoff, XJ, and Danny have a unique and insightful discussion as they dive deep into the world of...

On the second part of the twenty-seventh episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff explore how the acquisition of Paul George gives the 76ers a uniquely synergistic Big 3, enhancing their championship prospects. They also highlight how the Raptors' signings of Quickley and Barnes set up a bright future for Toronto. The discussion then shifts to the Pelicans, analyzing why they're just o...