On the eighth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, hosts Geoff and XJ discuss the current state of the Knicks after learning they will not have Mitchell Robinson for at least the next 2 months. In Part 1 of the pod, the two also discuss how not having Immanuel Quickley affects the team's overall performance, how the Knicks can get back on track defensively, and the different ways that Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein impact winning.

On part 2 of the seventh episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff, XJ, and ShwinnyPooh of The Strickland determine whether some early trends around the league are “real” and sustainable in the long term or "not real” and we should expect to see a substantial change in a positive or negative direction over a larger sample size.

The trio explores:

• Whether a Brunson + Quickley Knicks' starting backcourt would be viable, especially in the playoffs.

• Whether Jaren Jackson Jr and the Memphis Grizzlies' woeful early season performance is real.

• Whether the nearly unprecedented dropoff from the Warriors starting lineup will persist.

• Whether the Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic are as good as they've performed so far.

On the seventh episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, hosts Geoff and XJ welcome their first-ever guest, the insightful ShwinnyPooh from The Strickland! In this captivating Part 1 of the pod, the dynamic trio dives deep into a riveting recap of the Knicks' season. Shwin passionately unveils why Knicks fans should relish the current team state and provides a compelling analysis of the squad's very good performance throughout the season. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions, laughs, and expert insights.

In part two of the sixth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ discuss the Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors. The two explore whether the Hornets have an underrated young core, theorize that the Pistons could actually be much more talented than their production would suggest, and posit whether the Raptors should execute one big move that could change their trajectory.

On the sixth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ give their broad takeaways from the first 16 games of the Knicks' season. The pair discuss Julius Randle and whether the Knicks are approaching a point where they must decide about his future with the team sooner than you might think. The episode also includes a discussion about whether Jalen Brunson can be the best offensive player on a championship-level team and if there is a negative correlation between Brunson's and RJ's performances. Finally, XJ and Geoff dive into an interesting conversation about whether it is possible that high-level "role players" could be just as valuable as many primary offensive initiators.

XJ and Geoff do a deep dive discussing "impact metrics" - advanced analytics that attempt to quantify a player's overall contribution to their team's success on the court represented by a single number - and how we can use them as a part of our basketball analysis. The two discuss interesting observations from the season's first release of Dunks and Threes' EPM grades. The discussion includes a heated debate about the early season performance of Scottie Barnes, a breakdown of Tyrese Haliburton's offensive impact, and Geoff takes some time to pause and reflect on how incredible it is what LeBron James is doing in his age 39 season.

XJ and Geoff talk about how the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns are playing so far this season. The conversation includes a discussion about whether Julius Randle is the key to the Knicks' ability to defeat both teams and a discussion of the merits and methods of double-teaming superstar players like Kevin Durant.

On the fifth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ recap the Knicks' loss to the Timberwolves and previous wins over the Hornets, Wizards, and Hawks. The pair debate over whether there is any concern about the Knicks' poor record against the better teams in the league or if their dismantling of bad teams is a cause for optimism. The episode includes a discussion of how Immanuel Quickley could further improve his impact this season.

In part 2 of the fourth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ discuss interesting observations on the Hawks, Wizards, Hornets, and Timberwolves. Among other topics, the pair discuss whether Anthony Edwards has made the quantum lead to MVP level and have a nuanced debate over the sustainability of RJ Barrett's performance this year.

On the fourth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ recap the Knicks' loss to the Celtics and wins over the Spurs and Hornets. The conversation includes a discussion of Julius Randle's concerning inconsistency, the Knicks' improved ball movement this season, and how RJ's amazing start affects the team's plans.