The Hot Hand Theory Podcast

By The Hot Hand Theory Podcast

An NBA pod hosted by Xavier Justin and Geoff Rasmussen. We use data and film to analyze the game and explore ideas that challenge conventional basketball wisdom.... more

· Sports

4.6

1111 ratings

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FAQs about The Hot Hand Theory Podcast:

How many episodes does The Hot Hand Theory Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 67 episodes available.

The Hot Hand Theory Podcast episodes:

December 17, 2024 Why the Knicks Best Basketball is Yet to Come | HHT 40
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 quality has been worse than the scoreboard suggests.
• How the Knicks must adjust their strategy to maximize Mikal Bridges—and the offense as a whole—in particular matchups.
• The team's recent rebounding struggles.
• Why the Knicks are only scratching the surface of their potential and how adjustments to their offensive and defensive approach could lead to them being truly dominant.
Subscribe for analytical takes, in-depth breakdowns, and unique basketball insights you won’t hear anywhere else!
...more
43min
December 17, 2024 Ja Morant Is Quietly Becoming the NBA’s Best Playmaker | HHT 39
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 Geoff break down:
• Jaren Jackson Jr.’s breakout season and why his dominance in the short mid-range has transformed the Grizzlies’ offense.
• Why Ja Morant is secretly one of the best passing guards in the entire NBA.
• How Ja Morant and Desmond Bane haven’t hit their stride yet when it comes to shooting and scoring and what it means for Memphis’ ceiling.
• How the Grizzlies’ depth pieces like Santi Aldama and Jake LaRavia are stepping up to fill critical roles.
• Memphis’ Western Conference outlook and why they might be the biggest sleeper team in the league.
Are the Grizzlies poised to shock the NBA this season? Geoff and XJ dive into the stats, trends, and player performances that are making Memphis a team to watch.
Subscribe for in-depth NBA analysis, unique insights, and all the basketball breakdowns you crave!
...more
22min
December 03, 2024 Why THIS Matchup Will Reveal the Truth About the Knicks | HHT 38
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 turning point Knicks fans have been waiting for?
Next, we dig into how the Knicks can better utilize Karl-Anthony Towns’ elite shooting to open up the offense. Can the Knicks better leverage his unique skill set to create more rim attempts and open threes for teammates?
And of course, we preview the Knicks' upcoming matchup against the Orlando Magic, their toughest test yet. With one of the league’s top defenses and a versatile, methodical style of play, this game is a litmus test for the Knicks’ title chances. We cover:
• How the Knicks can handle Orlando’s elite switching defense.
• Whether the Knicks can adapt to the Magic’s slow pace.
• The challenge of stopping Franz Wagner and Orlando’s paint-dominant offense.
Finally, don’t miss part two of the episode, where we dive into the Dallas Mavericks' early-season success and the unexpected sources driving their strong start.
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1h 1min
November 27, 2024 The Knicks Are Evolving...and the NBA Should Be Worried | HHT 37
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 modernized offensive approach are unlocking their full potential. Could this version of the Knicks be the most dangerous team we’ve seen in years? Plus, hear their deep dive on OG Anunoby’s breakout, Jalen Brunson’s evolution as a passer, and what Mikal Bridges needs to fix for the Knicks to reach their ceiling.
This is an episode Knicks fans won’t want to miss—because what’s happening in New York right now is special.
Sound off in the comments with your thoughts, and shout out Gavin for his Hot Hand Theory co-hosting debut!
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1h 3min
November 20, 2024 Is Franz Wagner really THIS good?? | HHT 36
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 to defensive dominance, Franz is doing it all—and it’s not just him.
The Magic’s lockdown defense including Jalen Suggs' disruptive play, and the impact of underappreciated newcomers like KCP are shaping Orlando into a legit force in the East. But can they sustain this success, and what happens when Paolo returns?
Subscribe for weekly deep dives into the NBA, backed by analytics and film.
...more
14min
November 20, 2024 The Knicks Just Had a BREAKTHROUGH | HHT 36
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 about. But is this sustainable, or should we pump the brakes given their competition? Plus, hear XJ’s take on Brunson’s playmaking evolution, Towns’ jaw-dropping dominance, and Hart’s scorching hot streak—all backed by elite analytics.
Don’t miss XJ’s analysis of how these changes could shape the Knicks' season.
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33min
November 12, 2024 It's Not on Bridges: Here's What's Really Wrong with the Knicks | HHT 35
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 Knicks’ shot-making isn’t a sign of great offense on its own.
Plus, Hot Hand Theory just hit a huge milestone—1,000 subscribers over on YouTube! Thanks to all of you for supporting the YouTube channel. If you haven’t already, hit subscribe to keep up with the latest Knicks and NBA analysis all season long.
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55min
November 06, 2024 How the Warriors Ball Movement is Breaking Defenses | HHT 34 Part II
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 the league’s deepest rosters, with 13 players averaging double-digit minutes.
Next, the focus shifts to Buddy Hield, who’s having an explosive season averaging 31 points per 75 possessions on 71% true shooting. XJ and Geoff explain why Hield’s game fits perfectly with Golden State’s style and why he might be a missing ingredient in their high-speed offense.
Tune in as the duo explores why the Warriors are doubling down on their strengths and what this could mean for the rest of the season!
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17min
November 06, 2024 Why This ONE Factor Could Determine the Knicks' Ceiling | HHT 34
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 Knicks' pace—currently the slowest in the league—and discuss how this could be a crucial factor in reaching the team's offensive ceiling.
Plus, Hot Hand Theory is just 20 subscribers away from 1,000 on YouTube! If you enjoy our content, please hit that subscribe button to help us reach this exciting milestone!
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38min
October 30, 2024 Embracing a New Identity Will Unlock the Knicks' and Lakers' Potential | HHT 33
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.
Plus, Geoff and XJ turn their focus to the Lakers and explore how JJ Redick is helping to reshape their identity around dynamic player and ball movement, potentially rebalancing the focus away from LeBron. The two make the case that this de-emphasis of LeBron-driven offense will benefit the Lakers in the long run.
Join us as we unpack these two teams' evolving playstyles and what it could mean for their seasons ahead!
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1h 3min

FAQs about The Hot Hand Theory Podcast:

How many episodes does The Hot Hand Theory Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 67 episodes available.

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