Explore every episode of the podcast Game Theory

Sam is joined by Jovan Buha to run through a bunch of teams' offensive/defensive starts to the season and wonder whether it's real or fake. Then they check in on the Lakers, Luka Doncic's MVP chances, what the Lakers must do to genuinely compete in the West, and more. (00:00) Intro (06:10) Rockets offense (11:05) Warriors offense (16:05) Knicks offense (18:50) Nuggets offense (23:35) Thunder offense (29:10) 76ers defense (33:15) Wizards defense (38:15) Grizzlies defense (42:25) Heat defense (46:50) Suns defense (51:05) Lakers check-in (1:25:10) Potential Lakers trades _ _ _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, 800-327-5050/visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 800-981-0023 (PR). Wagering offered by DK Sportsbook: 21+. Present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. Event Trading offered by DraftKings Predictions, CFTC-registered: 18+. Trading involves risk of loss. Market availability varies. General: 1 per new DraftKings customer. Trade $5 get $200 Prediction Dollars (1-year expiry); or bet $5 get $200 in Bonus Bets (7-day expiry and stake removed from payout). Rewards issued in $50 increments every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Click-to-claims expire 7 days after issuance. Rewards are non-withdrawable. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: dkng.co/offer. Get 1 promo code to redeem a 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings. Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt’l terms: support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Predictions offer void in NY.Ends 11/29/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ _ _

Sam is joined by The Athletic's Andrew Schlecht to run through some weekly NBA awards including Team of the Week, Player of the Week, and Favorite Performance of the Week, before trying to figure out how the Thunder can whether the injury storm that just intensified with Chet Holmgren expected to miss 8-10 weeks. (00:00) Intro (05:00) Team of the Week (23:25) Player of the Week (29:50) Favorite Performance of the Week (40:20) The Thunder’s Path Forward

Sam is joined by The Athletic Daily’s Dave DuFour for an early rookie check-in on Dybantsa (00:00), Peterson (18:51), Boozer (28:22), and Wilson (35:34). Plus, they discuss the Mavs as the most fun team in the NBA right now (47:43), the Jaylen Brown-Jayson Tatum Celtics drama (1:06:39), Tyrese Haliburton’s latest injury (1:19:28), and what the Pelicans are doing with Herb Jones (1:27:17).

Sam is live after Tuesday's NBA slate to react to games, as well as a slew of early-season injuries including Anthony Edwards, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Jalen Suggs, and Jaren Jackson Jr. (00:00) Intro (04:20) Trail Blazers Beat Lakers (14:20) Pistons Beat Knicks (22:10) Injuries Ravage NBA (30:50) Anthony Edwards out for possibly two months? (36:05) Jaren Jackson Jr out for up to two months (40:10) Oklahoma City might be without Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace for the year; do they make a trade? (52:20) Voicemails! (52:50) Cooper Flagg, How Many Players Would you take to start a franchise over him? (1:01:40) What is Ron Holland's trade value? (1:06:20) Nets, is there anything to be excited about this season? (1:11:55) What is the Hawks ceiling with Onyeka Okongwu? (1:19:20) Outro

After Sunday's NBA action Sam is joined by Tyler Britton to look back on the first week of the NBA season and hand out some awards including, "Best Player Performance of the Week", "Most Surprising Team", "Most Concerning Team", and more. They also talk a bit about the injuries to Jalen Suggs and Jalen Williams that looked pretty bad on Sunday night.  (00:00) Intro (02:00) Jalen Williams and Jalen Suggs injured; What does Oklahoma City do now? (10:00) Houston Rockets, Team of the Week (18:05) Minnesota Timberwolves, Team of the Week (28:00) Paul George Best Performance of the Week (29:55) Luka Doncic Best Performance of the Week plus Lakers Talk (40:55) Ty Jerome, Favorite Performance of the Week (46:35) Amen Thompson, Favorite Performance of the Week (52:20) Philadelphia 76ers, Most Surprising Team of the Week (57:10) Detroit Pistons, Most Surprising Team of the Week (1:05:20) New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Most Disappointing Team (1:10:20) Miami Heat, Most Disappointing Team (1:29:39) Phoenix Suns, Most Concerned (1:30:20) Golden State Warriors Most Concerning Team (1:45:50) Outro and where to find Tyler Britton!

Sam is LIVE directly after Nuggets-Thunder to discuss SGA vs. Jokic, 76ers-Cavaliers, and the best parts of Day 2 of the NBA season! (00:00) Intro (03:00) Thunder Beat Nuggets, Thoughts on OKC's Defense, Denver's Offense (23:55) 76ers Beat Cavaliers in Massive Comeback, Plus Philadelphia Offense Thoughts (42:40) Lakers Destroy Warriors with Luka vs. Yaxel Lendeborg taking Center Stage (56:50) Grizzlies Dominate Jazz Behind Ty Jerome's 45 (1:09:30) Timberwolves Dominate Heat Behind Anthony Edwards' 45 points (1:20:10) Trail Blazers Blow Away Suns, Listener Voicemails Start! (1:29:02) Voicemail on Who Will Be the Best NBA Coach Among Current Players? (1:37:09) Outro

Sam is joined by Ryen Russillo to recap to NBA Opening Night! They react to Celtics-Pistons, 76ers-Knicks, and Thunder Spurs. (00:00) Intro (03:15) Thunder beat Spurs on Opening Night (17:20) 76ers beat Knicks after Ring Ceremony (35:40) Celtics blow big lead vs Pistons (54:25) Why calling winning the possession battle is not some new idea in basketball (1:03:55) Brandon Miller, Jaden McDaniels, Cason Wallace Extensions (1:10:10) Is it a good idea to bet on shooting-only prospects in the NBA Draft? (1:22:40) Outro

Sam and Terrence Ogelsby discuss the Top 10 NBA offenses and defenses including the Thunder, Spurs, Wolves, Celtics, Heat and plenty others. Then, we take a look at the 2026-27 college basketball season and NBA Draft from a watchability perspective. What teams and players do NBA fans need to know? (00:00) Intro (08:00) Top 10 NBA offense predictions (25:00) Top 10 NBA defense predictions (36:30) NBA draft watchability index (1:19:45) Bryce Simon joins

Sam is joined by The Athletic's Eric Nehm to discuss the Brandin Podziemski and Payton Pritchard extensions before predicting the 2026-27 NBA Awards! Can Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, or Luka Doncic challenge Shai for MVP? Can anyone challenge Wemby for DPOY? (00:00) Intro (00:40) Payton Pritchard extension (08:55) Brandin Podziemski extension (16:40) NBA Award voting (21:30) MVP (40:25) Surprise All-NBA players (45:50) Rookie of the Year (54:35) All Rookie Team (57:50) Defensive Player of The Year (1:02:15) Most Improved Player (1:07:25) Sixth Man of the Year (1:09:25) Coach of the Year

Sam is joined by Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports do to the first NBA mock draft of the season! (00:00) Intro (09:33) 1 - Tyran Stokes (19:40) 2 - Stefan Joksimovic (25:00) 3 - Jordan Smith Jr. (31:50) 4 - Caleb Holt (35:50) 5 - Bruce Branch III (40:45) 6 - Anthony Thompson (43:40) 7 - Quentin Coleman (46:55) 8 - Ivan Kharchenkov (49:05) 9 -Thomas Haugh (52:35) 10 - Motiejus Krivas (55:45) 11 - Caleb Gaskins (1:00:25) 12 - Amari Allen (1:02:55) 13 - JJ Andrews (1:06:00) 14 - Patrick Ngongba (1:08:25) 15 - Dame Sarr (1:13:45) 16 - David Mirkovic (1:18:45) 17 - Alijah Arenas (1:24:30) 18 - Braylon Mullins (1:27:20) 19 - Abdou Toure (1:29:35) 20 - Trey McKenney (1:32:45) 21 - Malachi Moreno (1:34:00) 22 - Tyler Tanner (1:37:50) 23 - Jason Crowe Jr. (1:39:55) 24 - Austin Goosby (1:42:00) 25 - Colben Landrew (1:46:15) 26 - Dash Daniels (1:49:30) 27 - Neo Avdalas (1:51:40) 28 - Billy Richmond (1:54:00) 29 - Hugo Yimga-Moukoura (1:56:10) 30 - Tounde Yessoufou (1:59:00) Honorable mentions

Sam Vecenie is joined by Jason Timpf of @HoopsTonight to go through win total over/unders for every team in the Western Conference with help from DraftKings Sportsbook. We talk Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Lakers, Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, the Houston Rockets, whether Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball will work well together for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and more. (00:00) INTRO (03:50) Oklahoma City Thunder (15:35) San Antonio Spurs (29:35) Denver Nuggets (39:41) Minnesota Timberwolves (49:27) Houston Rockets (56:20) Los Angeles Lakers (1:06:58) Portland Trail Blazers (1:14:05) Phoenix Suns (1:18:05) Golden State Warriors (1:24:30) Utah Jazz (1:30:45) Dallas Mavericks (1:35:44) Memphis Grizzlies (1:39:45) Los Angeles Clippers (1:42:20) New Orleans Pelicans (1:51:22) Sacramento Kings (1:56:50) RECAP

Sam is joined by The Athletic's Es Baraheni to go through win total over/unders for every team in the Eastern Conference. (00:00) INTRO (04:18) Knicks (18:05) Celtics (30:10) 76ers (42:20) Pistons (51:05) Cavaliers (57:15) Raptors (1:05:45) Heat (1:11:00) Pacers (1:18:25) Hawks (1:24:50) Magic (1:31:35) Hornets (1:35:00) Wizards (1:43:20) Bulls (1:47:50) Bucks (1:53:03) Nets (1:59:35) RECAP

Sam is joined by Grant Liffmann of NBC Sports to discuss the ongoing contract battle between the Pistons and Jalen Duren. Then, they look ahead to some of the biggest players who could hit free agency after this season, as well as some potential trade candidates. Plus, they do a rapid-fire round covering the biggest question mark for every contender. (00:00) Intro (01:00) Jalen Duren saga from a front office perspective
 (13:45) Brandon Ingram’s Achilles injury
 (17:15) Jamal Shead’s $24M extension
 (18:30) New team-building trends
 (21:40) How will new draft lottery rules affect the trade deadline?
 (28:15) Possible big-name future free agents
 (31:40) Rudy Gobert
 (34:00) Michael Porter Jr.
 (42:10) Tyler Herro
 (46:45) Are the Warriors big-game hunting at the deadline?
 (52:40) LA Clippers
 (1:02:00) Speed Round: Biggest question marks for title contenders

Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to draft the NBA names that could totally swing their team's 2026-27 season, including Paolo Banchero, LaMelo Ball, Walker Kessler, and many others. We'll also talk some injuries to Charlotte Hornets' stars, a Buddy Hield for Rob Dillingham trade, and Stephen Curry's contract extension. (00:00) INTRO (03:35) Steph Curry’s extension (09:45) Buddy Hield / Rob Dillingham trade (17:45) Hornets injuries piling up (20:45) TOP 10 NBA X-FACTORS (23:50) LaMelo Ball (34:38) Paolo Banchero (40:10) Bam Adebayo (56:00) Fed Van Vleet (1:03:10) Tyrese Haliburton (1:10:10) Kyrie Irving (1:20:00) Jaren Jackson Jr. (1:26:30) Mitchell Robinson (1:35:05) Walker Kessler (1:40:30) Christian Braun

Sam is joined by The Athletic's Dave DuFour to discuss the tense contract standoff between Jalen Duren and the Pistons, and Karl-Anthony Towns' stalled extension talks with the Knicks, before creating the NBA Watchability Index where Sam and Dave highlight their 10 most watchable NBA teams for this upcoming season. (00:00) Intro (02:20) Jalen Duren saga continues (14:35) Karl-Anthony Towns stalled extension talks (24:30) NBA Watchability Index (27:10) Philadelphia 76ers (38:45) Minnesota Timberwovles (49:15) San Antonio Spurs (59:34) New York Knicks (1:06:08) Toronto Raptors (1:11:49) Utah Jazz (1:19:40) Indiana Pacers (1:25:25) Los Angeles Lakers (1:33:32) Washington Wizards (1:45:15) Oklahoma City Thunder

Sam opens by talking about his move to team up with Russillo and Barstool and what people can expect from the new version of the show! Then, Bryce Simon joins to react to a bunch of guys getting new contracts, including Keyonte George and Ausar Thompson, before going through the top 10 rookies they’re most excited to watch this season. (0:15) Sam on teaming up with Russillo and Barstool CONTRACT EXTENSIONS (8:00) Keyonte George (18:48) Ausar Thompson (27:42) Jalen Duren (35:10) Pelle Larsson EXCITING ROOKIES (41:20) Caleb Wilson (50:48) Cam Boozer (57:30) Darryn Peterson (1:03:25) AJ Dybantsa (1:10:10) Keaton Wagler (1:15:03) Brayden Burries (1:20:37) Darius Acuff (1:25:02) Yaxel Lendeborg (1:27:52) Mikel Brown Jr. (1:32:38) Cameron Carr

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon going through the 2023 Draft Class & prediction all potential rookie extensions for each eligible player ahead of next months deadline. (0:00) INTRO (1:00) Mock Rookie Extensions (Preview) (11:30) Brandon Miller (27:16) Scoot Henderson (37:18) Amen Thompson (reaction to his extension) (39:28) Ausar Thompson (53:25) Anthony Black (1:04:10) Bilal Coulibaly (1:15:27) Jarace Walker (1:19:46) Taylor Hendricks (1:21:24) Cason Wallace (1:36:20) Dereck Lively II (1:39:10) Gradey Dick, Jordan Hawkins, Kobe Bufkin (1:39:50) Keyonte George (1:53:43) Jaime Jaquez Jr. (2:01:10) Brandin Podziemski (2:11:39) Noah Clowney (2:14:30) Remaining Potential Extensions (2:22:23) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Pablo Torre Clippers investigation has come to a final conclusion, where the Clippers have received the worst punishment in NBA history. The Athletic's Law Murray joins the show to discuss what this all means, why the league came down so hard on the Clippers, and where the team goes from here. CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sam Vecenie, a Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic, talks all about basketball. From the NBA, to the NBA Draft, to college hoops and even some high school, Vecenie has you covered in this show. (00:00) INTRO (2:10) Peyton Watson signed & traded to Cavaliers in 3-team trade (Max Strus to LAC) (29:09) What's next for Denver after losing Peyton Watson? (48:04) Jonathan Kuminga signs with Timberwolves (1:07:30) Quince! (1:09:05) Shopify! (1:10:21) Josh Green traded to Jazz for Cody Williams & John Konchar (1:23:50) Klay Thompson signs with Heat (1:34:04) Bennedict Mathurin signs with Pelicans (1:43:04) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to continue their annual countdown of the best defenders in the NBA today! Here in part 2, they go from #12 to #1 (if you missed part 1 counting down #25 to #13, check out the previous episode that aired last Sunday).

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon for their annual countdown of the best defenders in the NBA today! Here in part 1, they cover #25 to #13 (the rest of the list can be heard in part 2 next Sunday).

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon begin with their reactions to the stunning Lakers sale before going through a few NBA news topics & taking a looking a potential FA destinations & contract extensions. (0:00) INTRO (3:11) Lakers Sale (REACTION) (33:05) Russell Westbrook Retires (49:30) Bradley Beal re-signs w/ Clippers (57:39) Remaing Free Agents (1:10:43) Vet Extension Predictions (1:37:27) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sam Vecenie, a Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic, talks all about basketball. From the NBA, to the NBA Draft, to college hoops and even some high school, Vecenie has you covered in this show. (0:00) INTRO (4:00 )Miami Heat Offseason Grade (19:08) Charlotte Hornets Offseason Grade (35:36) Atlanta Hawks Offseason Grade (43:54) Utah Jazz Offseason Grade (51:34) Portland Trail Blazers Offseason Grade (1:06:05) Oklahoma City Thunder Offseason Grade (1:16:42) Denver Nuggets Offseason Grade (1:18:52) Minnesota Timberwolves Offseason Grade (1:30:55) Milwaukee Bucks Offseason Grade (1:42:38) Chicago Bulls Offseason Grade (1:51:43) Cleveland Cavaliers Offseason Grade (1:56:44) Indiana Pacers Offseason Grade (2:01:11) Detroit Pistons Offseason Grade (2:21:35 OUTRO) CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sam Vecenie, a Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic, talks all about basketball. From the NBA, to the NBA Draft, to college hoops and even some high school, Vecenie has you covered in this show. (0:00) INTRO (1:27) Dillon Brooks extends with Suns (10:31) Peyton Watson sign & trade scenarios (35:45) Los Angeles Lakers Offseason Grade (46:45) Los Angeles Clippers Offseason Grade (56:46) San Antonio Spurs Offseason Grade (1:04:28) Dallas Mavericks Offseason Grade (1:11:01) New Orleans Pelicans Offseason Grade (1:17:45) Houston Rockets Offseason Grade (1:24:13) Memphis Grizzlies Offseason Grade (1:32:18) Orlando Magic Offseason Grade (1:36:28) Washington Wizards Offseason Grade (1:49:02) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sam Vecenie, a Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic, talks all about basketball. From the NBA, to the NBA Draft, to college hoops and even some high school, Vecenie has you covered in this show. (0:00) Intro (1:55) Naji Marshall Extension with Dallas (19:55) Offseason Grades! (22:05) Philadelphia 76ers (31:30) Toronto Raptors (40:05) New York Knicks (47:55) Boston Celtics (58:28) Brooklyn Nets (1:10:55) Phoenix Suns (1:18:00) Sacramento Kings (1:21:58) Golden State Warriors (1:29:00) Quick College Basketball Mess Thoughts CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to have a lengthy discussion about the Golden State Warriors and what's next for the premier franchise of the last 10 years after losing out on LeBron James. (0:00) INTRO (0:30) Is the Golden State Warriors window officially closed? What's next after losing out on Lebron? (1:12:14) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signs with 76ers (1:20:00) The Clippers offseason is on hold until Kawhi's fate is decided (1:33:32) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to discuss several NBA restricted free agents, like Peyton Watson, Jalen Duren, Ben Mathurin & more. (0:00) INTRO (4:20) Will the Nuggets match the Spencer Jones offer sheet from OKC? (22:14) Will they re-sign Peyton Watson? (47:37) Jordan Walsh extends with Celtics (51:20) Jalen Duran (1:14:49) Ben Mathurin (1:28:51 ) Mario Hezonja signs with Cavaliers (1:33:23) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to react to the long awaited decision finally made by Lebron James, who has agreed to sign a 2-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. (0:00) INTRO (1:13) Lebron James signs with the Philadelphia 76ers (46:10) Biggest loser team as a result of Lebron not signing (1:11:32) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon begin by discussing "Lebron Watch" & where things stand 24 days into the waiting game several NBA teams & the league office are stuck playing, before discussing several other NBA news items. (0:00) INTRO (1:30) The Latest On Lebron James (24:38) Mario Hezonja returning to the NBA? (29:52) Victor Wembanyama signs 25% max extension (49:25) Gary Trent Jr re-signs with Bucks; investigation opened by NBA (59:57) Quinten Post signs with Grizzlies (1:13:50) Lakers sign Ziaire Williams & Matisse Thybulle (1:24:07) Additional NBA News (1:31:35) WNBA Recommendation! (1:34:30) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to first react to the trade that sent Lu Dort & Ryan Nembhard to the Atlanta Hawks, former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks & 3 second-round picks to the OKC Thunder. Then, they continue recapping NBA Summer League & discuss all the performances from non-rookies out in Las Vegas. (0:00) INTRO (7:00) OKC trades Lu Dort for picks, second apron space (21:11) Atlanta trades for Lu Dort (31:01) Dallas trades for Zaccharie Risacher (44:30) Summer League Vets! (2:02:44) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Es Baraheni (The Athletic NBA Daily, Raptors Republic) to give their takeaways from NBA Summer League & the performances of the picks outside the Top 4. 1:26 Keaton Wagler 10:07 Morez Johnson Jr. 19:25 Brayden Burries 25:30 Darius Acuff Jr., Emanuel Sharp, Alex Karaban 32:50 Allen Graves 41:28 Kingston Flemings 48:10 Bruce Thornton, Koa Peat & several others!~ CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Es Baraheni (The Athletic NBA Daily, Raptors Republic) to give their takeaways from NBA Summer League & the performances of the top 4 picks in the NBA Draft: AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson, Cam Boozer & Darryn Peterson. 03:43 Caleb Wilson 21:33 AJ Dybantsa 32:04 Darryn Peterson 40:31 Cam Boozer CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the latest verion of the Lebron James sweepstakes before going through several free agents signings that occurred over the weekend.   02:15 The latest on Lebron James & The Decision 4.0 23:57 Rui Hachimura landing spots 34:28  Peyton Watson 35:14 Jalen Duren 36:26 Jonathan Kuminga 38:30 Tari Eason re-signs with Rockets 46:59 Anfernee Simons signs with 76ers 50:14 Neemias Queta extends with Celtics 59:48 Deandre Ayton traded to Wizards for Jaden Hardy, picks 1:07:22 Andre Drummond signs with Knicks 1:12:39 - FLURRY OF OTHER SIGNINGS + OUTRO  CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon react to the MADNESS that occurred in the NBA during the first full day of free agency. 02:37 Jaylen Brown traded to the 76ers 27:28 Paul George traded to the Celtics 39:46 Mitchel Robinson signs with Celtics 45:41 The Lakers Had A BUSY Day! 1:08:10 Utah trades Walker Kessler; Signs Jasxon Hayes 1:17:10 Norman Powel signs with Bulls 1:24:45 John Collins signs with Pistons 1:37:10 Tobias Harris signs with Spurs 1:45:18 Marcus Smart to Rockets/Kelly Oubre to Pacers 1:48:00 Santi Aldama traded to Mavericks 1:53:16 Jonathan Isaac, Jevon Carter, Nikola Vucevic to Magic 1:54:46 Mo Wagner to Nets 1:56:02 De'Anthony Melton to Warriors CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon react to all the transactions from day/night 1 of NBA Free Agency. 01:12 Clippers trade Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors 28:50 Lakers begin life after Lebron James 1:02:27 Luke Kennard signs with Suns 1:04:49 Keon Ellis sign with Nets 1:06:15 Kobe Sanders re-signs with Clippers 1:07:08 Branden Carlson/Rob Williams sign with Trail Blazers 1:08:40 Tim Hardaway Jr sign with Heat 1:11:23 Ousmane Dieng re-signs with Bucks 1:12:06 Jock Landale re-signs with Hawks 1:15:13 LIVE CHAT QUESTIONS: What happens with Jalen Duren? CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the reported NBA moves & rumors that have occurred so far this offseason. 02:35 Grizzlies trade Ja Morant to the Blazers 20:12 Warriors re-sign Porzingis/Draymond opts out/plan to acquire Lebron, AD 34:49 Pistons re-sign Kevin Huerter; Jalen Duren (RFA) taking meetings 54:33 Knicks re-sign Landry Shamet; Dolan refuses to exceed 2nd Apron to re-sign Mitchell Robinson 1:00:20 Jazz re-sign Jusef Nurkic 1:03:23 Heat extend Andrew Wiggins after opt-in 1:07:30 UPDATE on Ja Morant trade 1:09:01 Spurs re-sing Julian Champagnie & Harrison Barnes 1:16:08 Long List Of Player Options CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the reported NBA moves & rumors that have occured so far this offseason. 02:02 Hornets trade Miles Bridges To Suns for Allen/O'Neale 33:32 Austin Reaves re-signs with Lakers 44:10 Thunder trades Isaiah Joe; Re-signs Isaiah Hartenstein 1:01:43 Knicks re-sign Jose Alvarado 1:03:47 Pistons trade Isaiah Stewart to Grizzlies 1:08:27 Magic waive Jonathan Isaac 1:12:07 What are the Celtics doing with Jaylen Brown? CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon react to the trade that sent LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves & Naz Reid, picks to the Charlotte Hornets.  CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podacst, Sam Vecenie is joined by Kyle Mann (The Ringer) to provide in the moment analysis of every player take in the 2nd round of the 2026 NBA Draft! CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon react LIVE to all 30 picks selected during the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft! (24:58) - #1. Washington Wizards draft AJ Dybantsa (BYU) (31:15) - #2. Utah Jazz draft Darryn Peterson (Kansas) (37:19) - #3. Memphis Grizzlies draft Cameron Boozer (Duke) (43:49) - #4. Chicago Bulls draft Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) (50:09) - #5. LA Clippers draft Keaton Wagler (Illinois) (55:58) - #6. Brooklyn Nets draft Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville) (1:02:40) - #7. Sacramento Kings draft Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) (1:08:11) - #8. Atlanta Hawks draft Kingston Flemings (Houston) (1:13:45) - #9. Dallas Mavericks draft Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan) (1:19:20) - #10. Milwaukee Bucks draft Brayden Burries (Arizona) (1:27:45) - #11. Golden State Warriors draft Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) (1:34:33) - #12. Oklahoma City Thunder draft Aday Mara (Michigan) (1:44:20) - #13. Miami Heat draft Nate Ament (Tennessee) (Traded to Milwaukee) (1:52:19) - #14. Charlotte Hornets draft Hannes Steinbach (Washington) (1:59:28) - #15. Chicago Bulls draft Dailyn Swain (Texas) (2:06:28) - #16. Memphis Grizzlies from Bennett Stirtz (Iowa) (Traded to Oklahoma City) (2:14:39) - #17. Oklahoma City Thunder draft Ebuka Okorie (Stanford) (Traded to Detroit via Memphis) (2:22:34) - #18. Charlotte Hornets draft Christian Anderson (Texas Tech) (2:28:12) - #19. Toronto Raptors draft Allen Graves (Santa Clara) (2:36:03) - #20. San Antonio Spurs draft Jayden Quaintance (2:42:19) - #21. Detroit Pistons draft Karim López (New Zealand Breakers) (Traded to Memphis) (2:49:28) - #22. Philadelphia 76ers draft Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama) (2:55:00) - #23. Atlanta Hawks draft Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s) (2:58:50) - #24. New York Knicks draft Cameron Carr (Baylor) (Reportedly traded to Los Angeles Lakers) (3:09:32) - #25. Los Angeles Lakers draft Sergio De Larrea (Valencia) (Reportedly traded to Dallas via New York) (3:17:52) - #26. Denver Nuggets draft Tarris Reed Jr. (Connecticut) (Reportedly traded to San Antonio) (3:23:45) - #27. Boston Celtics draft Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston) (3:30:50) - #28. Minnesota Timberwolves draft Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State) (Traded to Brooklyn) (3:35:10) - #29. Cleveland Cavaliers draft Alex Karaban (Connecticut) (Reportedly traded to Sacramento) (3:38:15) - #30. Dallas Mavericks draft Koa Peat (Arizona) (Reportedly traded to Phoenix via New York) CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

Giannis Antetokounmpo has finally been traded to the Miami Heat, so Andrew Claudio joins Sam Vecenie to break down the deal and what it means for the Heat, the Bucks and the rest of the league.  (0:00) GIANNIS TRADED TO THE MIAMI HEAT (24:35) What's next for the Milwaukee Bucks? (59:14) Wolves trade Julius Randle to Nets (1:11:55) Nic Claxton traded to Bulls/Ayo Dosunmu re-signs w/ Timberwolves (1:21:16) GMAC Shares Thoughts On Finally Seeing The Knicks Win A Title! CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon open reacting to the latest NBA news before conducting their Final Mock Draft before the real thing happens on Tuesday evening! (1:25) Dusty May Named Head Coach of Dallas Mavericks (7:25) Wizards re-sign Trae Young (4 years, $212-million) (22:44) Hawks re-sign CJ McCollum; acquire Aaron Wiggins from OKC (29:24) Suns re-sign Collin Gillespie & Jordan Goodwin (33:44) Knicks re-sign Mo Diawara (38:47) FINAL 2026 NBA MOCK DRAFT! CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this Game Theory offseason preview, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the Washington Wizards & several big decisions they have to make this offseason.  CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this Game Theory offseason preview, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the Dallas Mavericks & several big decisions they have to make this offseason. CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this Game Theory offseason preview, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the Utah Jazz & several big decisions they have to make this offseason. CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this Game Theory offseason preview, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the Brooklyn Nets & several big decisions they have to make this offseason. CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this Game Theory offseason preview, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the Chicago Bulls & several big decisions they have to make this offseason. CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this Game Theory offseason preview, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the Golden State Warriors & several big decisions they have to make this offseason. CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this Game Theory offseason preview, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the Sacramento Kings & several big decisions they have to make this offseason.  CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce SImon 1-to-30 & conduct their 3rd mock draft of the 2026 NBA Draft season with one week to go until the big night! CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS