Game Theory

In this episode, Sam Vecenie chats with Jared Weiss from over at CelticsWire about the terrific Celtics-Rockets game on Saturday night. What makes the Rockets such a tough guard night-in, night-out, particularly when they close games? How does Clint Capela make such an impact even on a night where he doesn't score? What did we think of the Celtics' play last night? How does the Celtics' lack of bad players help them? Also, how great is it that Terry Rozier is actually good now? 

Then, Trevor Lane from over at Lakers Nation joins the show, and they chat about the Lakers young core. They deep dive on Lonzo Ball, what he's done so far, and what there is to be even slightly concerned about. Then they chat about Brandon Ingram, who has been terrific over the last two months. What has he done that has helped him take the next step? How great has Julius Randle been? And then why has Kyle Kuzma hit a bit of a slump? Then, finally, putting it into context and whether or not we'd rather have their situation or Phoenix's?

In this episode, friend of the program Cole Zwicker joins the show to chat about a few NBA topics as well as a few Draft topics. First, they chat about the Philadelphia 76ers asset management over the last couple of years. Has Bryan Colangelo done anything to inspire 76ers fans with the way he's handled their roster since taking over for Sam Hinkie? 

Then, they chat about the Wizards, winners of eight of their last 11 without John Wall in the lineup? Is there anything to take away from their ball movement heavy alignment? How good has Tomas Satoransky been since taking over as the starting point guard? What do they like about how this team has operated with Wall, and do how do they think he'll be integrated back into the fold? 

Finally, they chat about the NBA Draft. What do they make of Collin Sexton's recent play? Is he still a no-doubt top-10 prospect? Then the majority of the time is spent talking about Arkansas big man Daniel Gafford. What makes Gafford a potential lottery pick despite being outside of the top-40 in his high school class? Then they bounce around a bit, and specifically chat about DeAndre Hunter and Zhaire Smith as long-term prospects at the end. 

In this episode, Sam is joined by Cole Zwicker where they debate the merits of Trae Young as a draft prospect. For reference: Cole has Young as a top-three prospect, and Sam has him more in the No. 6-7 range. What are his best aspects as a prospect? What makes us hesitant about him as an NBA player? We dive as deep as possible into the stats, the scouting and the context surrounding him both in high school and in college. 

At the top, we chat briefly about the Dallas Mavericks-misogyny story, then later in the show chat about Jaren Jackson and the ridiculous flashes he's shown in the recent month of play. 

In this episode, Sam Vecenie is joined by Danny Leroux where they chat about everything they saw in All-Star Weekend and Basketball Without Borders. First, they break down what they saw on Rising Stars game night, where Jaylen Brown stole the show but Bogdan Bogdanovic came away with MVP. Then, they chat about All-Star Saturday, and the relative disappointing evening that was. Finally, they chat about the All-Star game itself, along with who/what stood out. 

Then, they move forward into breaking down Basketball Without Borders, a tremendous event every season involving the best youth players that the rest of the world has to offer. They chat about players like Sekou Doumbouya, Luka Samanic, A.J. Lawson, Charles Bassey, Paul Eboua, N'Faly Dante, and much more. 

In this episode, Sam chats with Zach Harper from Leverage the Chat and from Fan Rag Sports about a variety of topics. First, they hit on the Ben Simmons vs. Donovan Mitchell rookie of the year debate. Which one would they take and why does the other one suck?

Then, they chat about buyout candidates. They run through the list of names they're interested in, and chat briefly about some of the teams who do or do not have open spots, including the Cavaliers, Celtics, Warriors, Rockets, and more. 

Finally, they finish on the NBA Draft, where Zach has done some interesting work this year breaking down prospects. Why does he like Jaren Jackson, what do they think about Marvin Bagley, and why is Deandre Ayton awesome? Finally, they finish on Trae Young, and try to figure out if he'll be a good professional. 

This episode is sponsored by eHarmony. Go to eHarmony.com and use the code "Game Theory" for one month off on a three-month subscription. 

In this episode, Cole Zwicker joins Sam on the show to chat about a couple of topics. First, Cole and I break down the Cavs-Celtics game from Sunday afternoon. Did the Cavaliers re-establish themselves as the favorites in the Eastern Conference? Was this, simply, a down night for the Celtics? How did the Cavs' new pieces look. 

Then, Cole and I embark on a new project. We do podcast mock draft where we go back and forth making selections for each team, breaking down who we would pick if we were in each team's position. We go from Sacramento at No. 1 all the way down to the Warriors at No. 30, going in-depth on each pick and explaining why we've decided to make such a selection for that team. 

Our sponsor: eHarmony. Use the code "Game Theory" to get one free month on eHarmony.com, where you can find your match today. 

In this episode, Sam is joined by friend of the program Dieter Kurtenbach to chat about what went down on NBA Trade Deadline day, an afternoon ruled by the Cleveland Cavaliers trading half of their roster.

How much better did Cleveland get? Did they establish themselves as the favorite of the Eastern Conference? Can they compete with Golden State? Does this make any tangible difference in their long-term outlook? Also, what do their trades mean for the Lakers, Jazz, and Kings -- the other teams involved in the moves?

What did we think of the other teams involved in the deadline action and the other trades that went down? Also, what did we think about Boston, Memphis, Golden State, Toronto and Houston -- among others -- sitting out the action for the most part? All that, a quick rant on the Georgios Papagiannis pick, and more in this super-sized edition of the podcast. 

In this episode, Sam has his weekly podcast with Cole Zwicker, where the two of them chat about some of the news that's happened in the NBA in recent days. First, they break down the sadness that is the Kristaps Porzingis left ACL tear. Why does he keep getting left-side injuries? How good has he become? And what do the Knicks do now that he's hurt? Also, they chat about the Willy Hernangomez trade and why that happened.

Next, they chat about the Lou Williams extension. Why did Lou undersell his marketplace value? Should have have gone to the market instead of extending? Also, why can't Williams now be traded? 

Then, they do a quick run-through each of the seven best teams in the NBA as Deadline Day approaches. What should the Warriors, Rockets, Celtics, Raptors, Spurs, Timberwolves, and Cavaliers do? They also come up with an interesting Brooklyn/Boston deal that might solve some of their issues. 

Finally, they break down Jaren Jackson Jr. as an NBA Draft prospect. Why is a player averaging 11 points and six rebounds considered a potential top-five pick. Well, it has to do with versatility and skillset. 

In this episode, Matt Moore of The Action Network joins to chat about the upcoming NBA Trade Deadline. First, we chat about Marcus Smart, the Celtics, and if the Denver Nuggets actually make sense for him. Then, they chat a bit more about Denver, where Denver sits within the scheme of things as they try to make the playoffs. 

Then, we chat generally about the Eastern Conference. How screwed are the Cavs? What do we think about Toronto right now (a lot of love)? Can Boston make the run to the NBA Finals, and what do they need to pick up in the trade market? Then we really get into the nitty gritty, and try to fix the Cavs. Is there an answer to their ills that gives them a chance in the Finals this year? Then in that conversation, we hit a truth: the Cavs should seriously consider trading LeBron. In that vein, we come up with some fake trades with Minnesota, Milwaukee, the Clippers, and more. 

Finally: they chat about some news and notes: should the Blazers move Maurice Harkless? What do we think about Willy Hernangomez' trade demand? Finally, do we like the Tyler Zeller-Rashad Vaughn trade? 

In this episode, Sam has his weekly podcast with Cole Zwicker where they break down various roster movement and NBA Draft news. 

In this episode, there was a lot to hit on. They start with 10 minutes on Greg Monroe signing in Boston (both are, overall, quite positive on the choice). Then, they briefly chat about the Nikola Mirotic trade to New Orleans. Does that deal make sense for the Pelicans? Should Mirotic have exercised the option in his deal? 

Next, they move on to the Joakim Noah news that he's leaving the Knicks for the time being. What are the Knicks' options? Should they stretch his contract? Should they just ride out the final two years? In their final NBA topic, they chat about the report from The Athletic that the Magic are quietly shopping Aaron Gordon. Should the Magic seriously consider moving him? Also, why?

Then, they break down Mohamed Bamba, and how he's turned it up significantly over the last month of the season. How strongly do they believe in his game? Where do they have him on their boards? Finally, they chat quickly about Lonnie Walker, and how he has the look of a lottery pick despite a slow start.