The Hot Hand Theory Podcast

On the twenty-seventh episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ are back to tackle a crucial question for Knicks fans: Is adding Mikal Bridges enough to make the Knicks title favorites despite losing Isaiah Hartenstein? The duo dive into how Bridges' utilization by the coaching staff will determine his and the team's ceiling. They also debate whether the Oklahoma City Thunder should be...

On the twenty-sixth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff recap the Knicks' heartbreaking seven-game series loss to the Pacers. The duo evaluates whether Thibs is the right coach to lead the Knicks to a championship, debating whether his tendency to focus on short-term success might come at the expense of the team's championship aspirations. They then discuss the Knicks' next moves...

On the twenty-fifth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ dive into the Knicks' recent domination of the Pacers leaving them one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals. The duo dives deep into the critical role of spacing in the Knicks' offense, highlighting the biggest strategic adjustment made by Thibs and the coaching staff to propel them to a critical Game 5 victory. The tw...

On the twenty-fourth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff are back to uncover some underrated aspects of the Knicks-Pacers playoff matchup! The duo begins by dissecting the key lessons the Knicks should have learned from their hard-fought series against the 76ers, exploring how these insights could influence their approach against the Pacers. They then delve into a surprising revel...

On the twenty-third episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ are joined by Knicks Twitter LEGEND, Shaun Geddes! Together, the three give an in-depth recap of the Knicks' incredible 50-win season. They also unpack the standout performance of Jalen Brunson and debate his surprisingly strong candidacy for MVP. Finally, the trio delves into the Knicks' potential first-round playoff matchup...

On the twenty-second episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff are joined by none other than Alex Hoops—creator of the AlexHoops YouTube channel and co-host of The Media Pass podcast! The trio dives headfirst into the NBA awards season, offering their takes on who deserves the league's top honors and why. They discuss who deserves the MVP and why the race might be closer than most think...

In the second part of the twenty-first episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff take a dive deep into "Clone Theory" - a unique perspective on team building in the NBA. The two provide a detailed explanation of the theory and share several examples that illustrate its relevance. The due then explores the implications of Clone Theory, including the notion that players who complement sta...

In the twenty-first episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff share some major news about the show! After dropping the announcement, the two discuss the Knicks' recent pair of heartbreaking losses while spotlighting performances from Deuce McBride and Jalen Brunson as two of the salvaging bright spots. The episode also takes a closer look at something uniquely special about this year's...

In the second part of the twentieth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff dive into the heart of the Houston Rockets' recent resurgence, exploring the key factors driving their unexpected success. The duo analyzes how the team's improved spacing has started to unlock Amen Thompson's full potential. The conversation then pivots to Jalen Green's unbelievable recent stretch, with Geoff...

In the twentieth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ delve into the question of whether Donte DiVincenzo is in the midst of the greatest shooting season in Knicks history. The pair also dissects the thought process behind Tom Thibodeau's recent lineup choices, revealing why these decisions have been surprisingly effective. The conversation shifts to OG Anunoby's undeniable value a...

In the second part of the nineteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ explain why the New Orleans Pelicans are a formidable force capable of challenging any team in the West, including the powerhouse Denver Nuggets. The co-hosts dissect Zion Williamson's impressive resurgence and seeming return to dominance. The dialogue then shifts to an analysis of the Pelicans' young wing du...

In the nineteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff use data and beyond to make a compelling case for Jalen Brunson's standing as a legitimate MVP candidate. The duo unpacks Mitchell Robinson's highly anticipated return from injury, spotlighting the underrated potential uplift his presence could offer to the second unit's offensive effectiveness. The co-hosts also delve into the...

On the eighteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ explore the subtle ways that OG Anunoby makes the Knicks better. The two dive deep into a conversation about how skills like spot-up shooting and off-ball defense help one's teammates perform better without taking away from what they do best. Finally, they have an interesting and nuanced dialogue about who on the Knicks is most...

In part two of the seventeenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ discuss the Golden State Warriors' playoff push and segue into a debate about whether Draymond Green was just as important to the Warriors dynasty run. The two also discuss the impressive Cleveland Cavaliers and debate whether Evan Mobley is the right fit for them to reach their championship ceiling.

On the seventeenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ give their thoughts about the early returns on the Quentin Grimes and Evan Fournier for Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks trade. The duo discusses whether Knicks fans should be worried about the team's early struggles since the deal and how they can get the most out of their two acquisitions. Finally, XJ and Geoff share why the...

On the sixteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Xj and Geoff are joined by a very special guest—Fred Katz of The Athletic and the Katz and Shoot Podcast! Geoff and XJ ask Fred about the ins and outs of being an NBA beat writer and what it takes to succeed in the field. The three then go on to discuss topics such as Donte DiVincenzo's incredible shooting this season, what determines a play...

In part two of the fifteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ talk about the Houston Rockets' defense, including a shocking stat that puts them in historic company, and discuss Amen Thompson's trajectory and range of outcomes. The two also question whether Pascal Siakam's addition to the Pacers substantially improves their playoff ceiling.

On the fifteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ break down one of the hottest teams in the NBA, the New York Knicks. The two discuss what we can take away from the team's recent games without Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, start to look forward to the playoffs, and have a strange, yet fascinating and illuminating conversation about team-building.

On part two of the fourteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ continue to share their selections for the first-ever Hot Hand Theory All-Star Team! For the Western Conference, the two discuss why, despite being a no-brainer all-star starter, Luka may struggle to ever elevate Dalla to a title contender. The two also talk about the Clippers' dominance with their three all stars a...

On the fourteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ select the first-ever Hot Hand Theory All-Star Team! The two discuss why Jalen Brunson should have been an all-star starter, talk about why games played is key in determining NBA awards, and share why Derrick White should make the team and will be the biggest snub. The two also explore whether Paolo Banchero is being overrated...

On the second part of the thirteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff discuss the Houston Rockets and what makes Fred VanVleet such an impactful player. The two also discuss their early thoughts on Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett in Toronto and what a Pascal Siakam trade will mean for the Raptors moving forward.

On the thirteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff discuss the Quentin Grimes trade rumors and talk about whether Josh Hart's play this year and role on the team is concerning for the Knicks now and moving forward. The two also question whether Thibs and the Knicks should have real expectations to contend moving forward.

On the second part of the twelfth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ talk Blazers, Mavs, and Grizzlies. The two talk about the early season success of Afernee Simons and the struggles of Scoot Henderson, question whether a Luka Doncic-led team can win a championship, and discuss the intangible impact that Ja had on the Grizzlies this season.

On the twelfth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ are joined by a very special guest—Jonathan Macri of Knicks Film School! The three play a game of "Real or Not Real" where they determine whether some early trends for the Knicks post the OG Anunoby trade are sustainable or if we would expect them to change over a larger sample. Together, they tackle Deuce McBride's future in the...

On this second part of the eleventh episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ discuss whether the Bulls can make a push for a playoff spot if they trade Zach LaVine. They also question whether the 76ers' success has been inflated by a relatively easy schedule and point out the one bright spot for the Wizards this season.