In a follow-up to a recent video on the evolution of NBA rules, we discuss whether changes in officiating can “hurt” the health and popularity of the league. How should players and coaches react based on the continuous changes in the way the game is called? And what should the league, if anything, do about foul-baiting and other controversial elements of the rules? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In the final installment of our series on retro Conference Finals MVPs, we hand out the award in the East from 2011-2021. Again, we asked the Thinking Basketball discord community to vote for a broader perspective. How many will LeBron James win? Who will end up with the most Conference Finals MVPs? And what kind of season does it take to claim all 3 main MVP trophies? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

After finishing the West, we hand out Eastern Conference Finals MVPs awards starting in the Year 2000. Again, we asked the Thinking Basketball discord community to vote for a broader perspective. Who will end up with the most Larry Bird trophies? Where will we get stuck? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In Part 2 of a mega podcast, we go back and select Conference Finals MVPs (Magic Johnson and Larry Bird trophy) before the award was officially handed out in 2022, covering 2011-2021. We asked the Thinking Basketball community to vote as well for a broader perspective. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

In Part 1 of a mega podcast, we go back and select Conference Finals MVPs (Magic Johnson and Larry Bird trophy) before the award was officially handed out in 2022. We asked the Thinking Basketball community to vote as well for a broader perspective. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

What is “athleticism” in basketball? Is it merely quickness and a big vertical leap? Eric Leidersdorf, the Director of biomechanics at P3, and neuroscientist Evan Zaucha from SIS join to present and discuss a comprehensive model of athleticism in basketball, from the not-so-obvious physical traits that help players succeed, to the mental side of the game. Model available on www.backpicks.com. Follow them at @EZ_Hoops and @leidersdorf. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

What makes someone a good decision-maker? A good playmaker? Why is this so important in basketball (and other sports)? Daniel Peterson, co-author of “The Playmaker's Advantage” and “The Playmaker's Decisions” discusses the cognitive research on “playmakers” and their training, development, and the decision-making involved in basketball and sports in general. With @DanielPeterson. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the pros and cons of the Rudy Gobert trade to Minnesota – how competitive will the Timberwolves be in a stacked Western Conference? – along with DeJounte Murray to the Hawks, Macolm Brogdon to the Celtics and Christian Wood to the Mavs. WOTD: Actualized and juice. With Cody Houdek @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Former University of Windsor Coach Chris Oliver and founder of Basketball Immersion discusses player development, the evolution of tactics from lower levels and evaluating modern coaches. NB: This episode was recorded before the 2022 season. Follow Chris at @BballImmersion Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Who was robbed of Finals MVP? Using series-specific data, I go back over the Finals series since 2001 and try to outline the strongest statistical cases for the best player in each championship series, including the Finals MVPs I would change if I had a retroactive vote. NB: This episode was recorded before the 2022 Finals, and Steph Curry would still be the choice based on the structure of this episode. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball