Thinking Basketball

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

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...

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 

We discuss how certain matchup warp playoff narratives, the madness that is the Pistons-Magic series, Jokic’s struggles against Minnesota and a premature All-1st round team. Support at ⁠www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball 

Jordan Dyer joins to discuss the wild Lakers Rockets series, LeBron James and Marcus Smart’s play, the Celtics battle with Paul George, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle’s explosions, plus concern for the Knicks and Nuggets? Support at ⁠www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball 

Who is in trouble? Does anyone look better than expected? We discuss big takeaways from the first few days of the NBA playoffs, including the Knicks-Hawks crazy series and the Pistons-Magic stunner. Support at  www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Apologies for some audio issues today! We preview the title favorites, matchup dynamics, possible dark horses, how the playoffs COULD be different (officiating changes, possible trends with rebounding, turnovers, transition game and more). 

Who were the best defenders in 2026? We crown our champions in 6 categories, plus a new BONUS award at the end of the show. Which player appeared in every category this year? Support at  www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the best coaches of 2026, the Coach of the Year race, and react to our Jaylen Brown deep dive against the Thunder. Plus, Cody's defense of Sex Panther. Support at  www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

A new inner circle team? Is another fading? We discuss what “clutch” performances should mean in the MVP race, Ajay Mitchell's value to the Thunder and more. Use code THINKING2026 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order.  https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/THINKING2026

Huge takes on Bam's 83 point game, the possible anarchy of the looming 65-game rule, Kawhi Leonard's incredible rebirth this season, the Clippers as a darkhorse, the Lakers improved defense with Marcus Smart, and our favorite movie villains. Support at  www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

A stat that captures Victor Wembanyama's unrivaled defensive impact! We discuss his latest ascension and where he ranks among the best 1-game peaks in the league right now, what we're looking at in Jayson Tatum's return to the Celtics, a post-show on Thanos, plus Jaylen Brown's plus-minus. Support at  www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the concept of a role player: Offense vs defense concepts, the negative vs positive uses of the term, great complementary players and whether the concept makes sense in the first place. Plus, updates on the Knicks and Nuggets big games from this past week. Use code THINKING2026 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order.  https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/THINKING2026

We discuss the extremes of Luka Doncic and massive production vs. value, weird fit and building around negative defenders vs. 2-way players. Plus, the fallout from the Celtics big week and the Spurs-Pistons showdown. Cody’s Jalen Duren and Jaylen Brown hot takes.

The trade deadline changed a few rosters in the East – we discuss James Harden's move to Cleveland, and where that leaves them next to the Celtics, Pistons and Knicks. Also, the All-Star game was fun again, and why Ben wants a 1-on-1 tournament to replace the dunk contest. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Who are the NEXT best players after the All-Stars? It's time for our annual sub all-star team – those players that move the needle but aren't quite All-Stars. Who do we think of as All-Stars? Who misses the cut? Where will rookies like Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg land? Who will crack the list for the first time and will any veterans miss out for the first time in years? Support at  www.p...

How valuable are great plays (versus the Little Things)? Plus, the surging Charlotte Hornets and Moussa Diabete. We also wrap up part 3 of our best offensive players discussion with key takeaways and winners/loser. But first, a major Reddit correction, and the importance of the winter months. Support at  www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We start with the Pistons, and possible spacing issues with multiple non-shooters for them and Houston. Then, we continue our top offensive players conversation by discussing best fits next to ball-dominant players. Who pairs well with Luka? Giannis? And more. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball