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 atwww.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.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

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 atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the complicated, adventurous, talented LaMelo Ball and his play this season. Then we discuss the best on-ball offensive players this year (pick-and-roll and isolation), and the complexity of evaluating top offensive players comparing on-ball dominance versus the lone player an offense is built around. Use code THINKING BASKETBALL at www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/all-star.Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss some dangerous teams and dangerous matchups for the top title contenders, along with “ethical” players right now and the best players in the Eastern Conference after Giannis right now with Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown having huge seasons. Who is the Barnes & Noble competitor? Use code THINKING BASKETBALL at www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/all-star.Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the polarizing Paolo Banchero – why some fans think he's a star, why we aren't sold, what makes his situation unique and more. Before that, Nikola Jokic's knee injury, physicality, landing spaces and the unintended issues with the arbitrary 65-game limit for awards. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the best guard trios of all-time and the implications of the Spurs sweep over the Thunder in the last month. But first, Jaylen Brown and Anthony Edwards look like superstars – so what's holding us back? Use code THINKING BASKETBALL at www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/all-star.Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We dive into the 3-game series between the Rockets and Nuggets, Reed Sheppard's X-Factor role, and the Jokic-Sengun matchup. First, a brief reaction to the latest YouTube video on officiating trending back offensive officiating and 25 under 25 thoughts. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Our annual best players (for a playoff tournament right now!) who will be under the age of 25 on February 1, 2026! Will a rookie be picked? Paolo Banchero? How will handle our annual struggles between role players and one-dimensional scorers? Whose team would win in a series? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball