Explore every episode of the podcast Learning Basketball

Ep. 156 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 w/ Nile! @NileHoops @SwishTheory @BeyondTheRK

How Many "LeBrons" Should One Team Have? Twin Theory of NBA Roster Building + NBA Draft Scouting Tips with Nile Hoops – How to Evaluate Prospects, How Teams Build Lineups, Orlando Magic, Eric Bledsoe

Timeline:
00:00 Twin Theory and player synergy

05:27 Team identity, archetypes, and roster fit

11:29 When overlapping skills work and when they don’t

17:22 Building lineups around complementary player types

23:23 The Orlando Magic’s team-building philosophy

32:27 What made Eric Bledsoe such a special talent?

38:00 Fedor Žugić and Santa Clara’s roster outlook

41:57 Draft scouting: recognizing winning player profiles

54:23 Favorite rookie fits and Toronto’s defensive potential

Ep. 155 Learning Basketball with Lucas Kaplan @LucasKaplan_

@SwishTheory

Appreciating Breanna Stewart's Greatness, How 8-Seed Liberty Upset 1-seed Lynx, Nets Media Day with Lucas Kaplan – Keys to NYL/ATL Series, Mikel Brown Jr. Upside, Mo Wagner Energy, Julius Randle Nets

Timestamps:
00:00 — What makes Breanna Stewart such a uniquely effective player

02:24 — Introduction and WNBA playoff context

03:31 — How the Liberty’s culture and defense fuel their playoff run

05:07 — Why Stewart’s impact can be overlooked

08:13 — Stewart’s all-around statistical profile and NBA comparisons

11:52 — The value of Stewart’s motor and versatility

15:12 — Jonquel Jones’s two-way impact and evolution as a scorer

20:40 — How the Liberty’s system and rotation are working in the playoffs

23:05 — Creating mismatches for Jonquel Jones

24:51 — Liberty–Dream series preview, including the Angel Reese matchup

27:43 — Sabrina Ionescu's role in protecting the ball against Atlanta

29:50 — Brooklyn Nets media-day speed round

30:25 — Mikel Brown Jr.’s upside and fit with the Nets

33:14 — Egor’s rookie season and development outlook

37:36 — Danny Wolf’s role, scoring growth, and defense

40:53 — Mo Wagner and Julius Randle’s veteran presence

44:30 — The Nets’ developing core and long-term direction

48:58 — Closing thoughts and where to follow Lucas Kaplan

Ep. 154 Learning Basketball with Tony East @TonyREast @SwishTheory

How Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston Spark Explosive Indiana Fever + Pacers Reloading as Haliburton Healthy with Tony East – Awards, Playoffs, Expectations, Zubac's fit, Pacers Rookies

Timestamps:
00:00 What makes Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell such a lethal tandem?

03:16 Introduction and guest welcome

03:47 Indiana Fever playoff outlook and seeding

08:05 Why Clark and Mitchell are such a difficult offensive pairing

11:23 Aliyah Boston’s two-way impact and award case

19:17 Caitlin Clark’s development and the impact of FIBA play

22:05 Fever playoff variables, role players, and the wider WNBA field

25:22 Indiana Pacers expectations with Tyrese Haliburton returning

29:13 Roster fit, depth, and the Zubac addition

32:30 Pacers rookies and developmental prospects

36:26 Why Indiana’s style is more than just finding another Haliburton-type guard

40:10 Under-the-radar Pacers and Fever players to watch

42:51 Closing thoughts on Indiana basketball

Ep. 153 Learning Basketball with Es Baraheni @JustEsBaraheni

@SwishTheory

Kawhi Trade Official, Raptors Dynamic Defense with Es Baraheni – Kawhi’s Fit in Toronto, Darko’s Rajakovic’s Belief in Scottie Barnes’ Star Trajectory, Collin Murray-Boyles & Allen Graves Bench Depth

Timeline:00:00 — Raptors’ defensive identity and Kawhi’s fit

02:16 — Show introduction and guest welcome

02:47 — Kawhi’s return to Toronto and the fan reaction

12:14 — Trade details, roster construction, and Kawhi’s on-court fit

25:04 — Scottie Barnes’ development and Darko Rajaković’s belief in him

32:32 — Allen Graves’ role, shooting, and defensive upside

38:56 — Guard rotation: Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead

42:52 — Remaining roster needs: center, creation, and the Sabonis discussion

48:24 — League-wide trends in size, skill, rebounding, and how teams counter Wembanyama

62:56 — Closing thoughts

Ep. 152 Learning Basketball with Grant Mona @GMona48

@SwishTheory

NBA Bans Ballmer + How Kawhi Fiasco Hurts Clippers Fans Most with Grant Mona – LAC’s Franchise Outlook after Trading for Darius Garland & Brandon Ingram, Why Frank & Redden Drafted Keaton Wagler

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Background

02:00 Breaking down Los Angeles Clippers’ punishment from NBA

08:00 Is this enough penalty to deter future violations?

14:00 The Clippers’ new roster direction with Garland & Wagler

22:00 Why the Clippers drafted Keaton Wagler #5 overall

26:00 Why Ballmer’s Clippers did this to land Kawhi

33:00 Wildest details from Kawhi/Balmer/NBA investigation

38:00 What comes next for Kawhi, Clippers, Fans

Ep. 151 Learning Basketball with Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305

How Giannis + Spoelstra is Miami Heat’s Cheat Code with Brady Hawk – Fit & Chemistry between Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, projecting Klay Thompson’s role, Heat’s Biggest X-Factors

Timestamps:

0:00 — Introduction & Background

3:00 — Instant Reaction to Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Miami Heat

6:00 —  Giannis and Bam Adebayo Chemistry

9:00 — Offensive Strategies – X’s & O’s

12:00 — Player Roles and Expectations

15:00 — Depth Concerns and Injury Implications

18:00 — Expectations for upcoming 2026-27 Season

30:00 — Analyzing Miami Heat’s Playoff Potential

33:00 — How Giannis and Bam Define Heat’s Next Era

36:00 — New-look Offense – Inverted Screening ? 

39:00 — Nikola Jovic, X-Factor for Miami

43:00 — Andrew Wiggins’s much-needed value for team

49:00 — Predictions for Heat’s 2026-27 NBA Season

@SwishTheory

Ep. 150 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 w/ Kris Smith @theblacktechie @SwishTheory

Future of WNBA Analytics, A'ja Wilson/Angel Reese/Gabby Williams for DPOY + 2026 WNBA MVP Race with Kris Smith – Value of Data Literacy in Decision Making, Atlanta Dream Roster Construction Strategy

Timeline:
00:00 — Introduction & Background, Analytics Philosophy

10:00 — Value of Data Literacy Sports Analytics & Decision Making

21:00 — Atlanta Dream Roster Building Strategy around Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard

35:00 — Atlanta Dream’s bench, depth for playoff run

46:00 — Kris Smith’s data viz portfolio

55:00 — Evaluating WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and MVP Candidates

82:00 — Future of WNBA Analytics

Ep. 149 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 with Spencer Davies @SpinDavies

@SwishTheory

Cavs Pay Harden, Peyton Watson's Upside & Mario Hezonja's Fit with Spencer Davies – 2026-27 Cleveland Cavaliers Franchise Outlook + 2019 NBA Redraft – Zion/Morant/Garland

Timestamps:

0:00 — Harden's return, Cavaliers Outlook

3:00 — Introduction & Background

5:00 — Player development, training work, Summer League

12:00 — Cleveland Cavaliers Offseason

17:00 — Peyton Watson Trade Analysis & Upside

35:00 — Mario Hezonja Signing & Fit

47:00 — Cavaliers Outlook

56:00 — 2019 NBA Redraft

83:00 — Cavs Roster Security After Keeping Harden

Ep. 148 Learning Basketball with Maurya Kumpatla @TheFlarescreen @SwishTheory

Why Russ is Underrated, 2020 NBA Redraft, OKC Offseason Outlook with Maurya Kumpatla – Celebrating  Russell Westbrook’s Career, Analyzing 2026 Thunder Draft & Moves, Redrafting Edwards/Ball/Haliburton

Timestamps

0:00 — Introduction & Background

5:00 — Westbrook’s Impact on Oklahoma City and the NBA

19:00 — Statistical Analysis when Westbrook is paired with 3pt Sniper star like Durant, George, Beal 

27:00 — Why Russell Westbrook is Underrated

35:00 — Analyzing the Thunder vs. Spurs Matchup

39:00 — OKC Thunder’s Offseason Moves & 2026 Rookies (Mara, Stirtz, Oweh)

52:00 — Projecting the Thunder’s Future Performance

1:03:00 — 2020 NBA Redraft

Ep. 147 Learning Basketball with Brian Geisinger @bgeis_bird

@SwishTheory

Why Charlotte Traded LaMelo Ball + Scouting Duke, UNC, NC State NBA Draft Prospects with Brian Geisinger –  Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje's #1 Pick Potential, Michael Malone’s UNC, Hornets Revamp Roster

Timeline:
00:00 Introduction

05:00 Duke's NBA Pipeline

10:00 Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje's Potential

14:00 Duke's NBA Depth & Player Development Strategy

22:00 Scouting Duke’s NBA Draft Prospects – JBB, Cameron Williams, Deron Rippey Jr, Sebastian Wilkins, Patrick Ngongba, Dame Sarr, Cayden Boozer

25:00 UNC's New Direction Under Michael Malone – Scouting Matt Able, Neoklis Avdalas, Kevin Thomas

44:00 Scouting NC State's NBA Draft Prospects – Paul Mcneil, Darius Adams

49:00 Greensboro Swarm’s DJ Bakker headed to Orlando

52:00 Why Hornets Traded LaMelo Ball

01:00:00 Hornets Offseason Roster Build Strategy – Christian Anderson, Hannes Steinbach, Coby White, Dennis Schroder, Naz Reid, Dorian Finney-Smith

Ep. 146 Learning Basketball with David Lee! @DLee4Three

Best 2026 NBA Draft Fits + The Art of Pace in Film & Basketball with David Lee – Building The 5th Factor NBA Draft Model, Comparing All-Time Creator Style from Russell Westbrook to Christopher Nolan

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

05:00 Building The 5th Factor Site & NBA Draft Model

09:00 Evaluating Player Archetypes and Impact Metrics

18:00 Best 2026 NBA Draft Picks

40:00 The Art of Pace in Film & Basketball

Ep. 145 Learning Basketball with David Steele! @SteeleMagic

Why David Steele is Retiring as Voice of Orlando Magic – Career Stories from Shaq & Penny to T-Mac & Dwight, Vucevic Returns, ORL Coaching Changes from Mosley to Sweeney, 2026-27 Player Predictions

Timeline:

0:00 Introduction & Gratitude

3:30 David’s first time hearing about the Orlando Magic

5:30 Appreciating Pat Williams’ & John Gabriel’s impact on the Magic and David’s career journey

8:30 Shaq & Penny put Magic on the Map

15:30 Vucevic Returns to Orlando

20:30 How The Magic’s Broadcast Team Has Grown Over The Years – Jeff Turner, Dante Marchitelli, Kendra Douglas

28:00 Tracy McGrady’s Arrival as a Superstar

32:00 Dwight & Hedo make NBA Final Run

35:00 Which 2026 Players will Pop on next year’s Paolo & Franz Magic team?

38:00 Appreciating HC Jamahl Mosley’s Development Era in Orlando

40:30 New Magic HC Sean Sweeney first impressions

43:00 David Steele’s Retirement Plans

Ep. 144 Learning Basketball with Trill Bro Dude @TrillBroDude @YouKnowball

Why LeBron Chose 76ers, Jaylen Brown Trade for Paul George, Tyrese Maxey is Key with Trill Bro Dude – Philly Wins LeBron Lottery, Analyzing Joel Embiid Fit & Depth of VJ, KCP, Wade, Philon, Simons, Bona

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

05:00 Reaction – Philly Wins LeBron Lottery

08:00 Analyzing Basketball Fit of LeBron with 76ers

11:00 Tyrese Maxey’s Value

14:00 These 76ers are Transition Killers

17:00 Defensive Concerns and Playoff Readiness

20:00 Fit with Maxey, Brown, Joel Embiid + Possible Future Team Dynamics

42:00 76ers new Depth – KCP, Wade, Philon, Simons, Bona

53:00 Analyzing Jaylen Brown for Paul George Trade

59:00 Is LeBron On Most Valuable Contract Ever? How he makes everyone better + Abbott Elementary vs Always Sunny Appearance

01:04:00 Championship or Bust? Season Predictions

Ep. 143 Learning Basketball – Tom Henske

Sudden Wealth Syndrome, NIL Financial Playbook, UVA Basketball with Tom Henske – Student Athlete’s Guide to Money, Learning Financial Literacy, NIL to NBA factors, + Tony Bennett Stories

Ep. 142 Learning Basketball with Mikey Visenberg! @NBADraftMikeyV

Cayden Daughtry's Development Journey with Mikey Visenberg – Scouting 2026 Peach Jam, Beckham Black, Best 2027 High School Players + Top 2028 NBA Draft Prospects like Marcus Spears Jr.,  AJ Williams

Ep. 141 Learning Basketball with Prezidente
Prezidente covers the New York Knicks and NBA Draft with The Strickland. Today we celebrate the 2026 New York Knicks title run through the playoffs, highlight key contributors, and answer tough questions about the 2026 NBA Draft class.
Timeline:
00:00 Celebrating the Knicks' Championship Victory

06:00 Historic Stats, Knicks' Resilience and Point Differential

10:00 How did the Knicks take down Wemby?

15:00 Coaching Strategies: Brown compared to Thibs

19:00 Mitchell Robinson’s Knicks arc, rebounding value, now off to Boston

23:00 Mike Brown’s  impact as Head Coach

27:00 Jalen Brunson’s versatility, scalability, coachabliity
35:00 Karl-Anthony Towns’ unicorn two-way impact as shooter, defender, playmaker

38:00 Knicks Defense and Player Development

45:00 2026 Draft Questions

1:09:00 How many 2026 Draft Prospects can be best in class?

@SwishTheory

Ep. 140 Learning Basketball with Ricky O’Donnell @SBN_Ricky

Caleb Wilson’s Vegas Explosion, Chicago Bulls Draft Analysis, All-NBA Summer League Teams with Ricky O’Donnell – Dailyn Swain PG Experiment, Bulls Plans w/ Noa Essengue, Khaman Maluach's Development

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Caleb Wilson’s 3pt Explosion

12:00 Point Guard Dailyn Swain Experiment

25:00 Chicago Bulls Offseason Analysis

35:00 Bulls Plans with Noa Essengue

40:00 All-Summer League Teams (Khaman Maluach, Cameron Boozer, Meleek Thomas, Brayden Burries)

47:00 Egor Demin’s turnaround

52:00 Yaxel Warriors + Best Fits for Rookie Development

59:00 Closing Thoughts on Summer League Performers

Ep. 139 Learning Basketball with Subria Whitaker @SubriaWhitaker

Today we are Learning Basketball with Subria Whitaker (00:00), outlining the Chicago Sky Franchise Outlook & Latest Skylar News (5:00), highlight Olivia Miles’ legendary rookie season and discuss the realistic odds of a ROY/MVP Ticket (17:00), and celebrate the players voted to the 2026 WNBA All-Star Team with our top snubs (44:00)

@SwishTheory

Ep. 138 Learning Basketball with Ben Rauman

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Instant Giannis Trade Reaction

06:00 The Moment Everything Went Wrong with Bucks losing Giannis internally

10:00 From Adrian Griffin Aggressive Defense to Trading For Dame

16:00 The Doc Rivers Era + Golf Simulator Rumors

20:00 How do Injuries factor into Splitting Up the Blame Pie for what went wrong?
35:00 The Pu Pu Platter Trade of the Day – was it only Miami & Boston with offers?

42:00 Giannis Connection with Sweeney and early coaches in his career

50:00 Magic & Bucks spiritually connected franchises, Dwightmare comparison

55:00 The Bucks After Giannis – Ware, Ament, Burries, Kasparas, Rollins

01:35:00 Final Giannis Trade Thoughts, Heat Super Team possibilities01:45:00 Reflection on Giannis’ Legacy in Milwaukee

The Giannis Trade – Why Did Milwaukee Trade Their GOAT? The State of the Bucks with Ben Rauman – Bucks Draft Brayden Burries, Nate Ament; Trade for Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis; Keep Ryan Rollins

Ben Rauman covers the Milwauke Bucks with Behind The Bucks

Ep. 137 Learning Basketball with Mike Garcia @CanyonDriver

Timeline

00:00 Introduction & NBA Storylines

02:00 Lakers Draft Cameron Carr

07:00 Scouting Carr’s 3&D Potential, Scoring Upside, Fit with Luka Doncic

37:00 LeBron James Future with Lakers in Jeopardy

50:00 How Giannis & LaMelo Trades Shift League Landscape

01:03:00 Lakers Offseason Outlook

LeBron Leaving LA? Giannis/LaMelo Trade Reactions, Lakers Draft Cam Carr + A Cream Abdul Jabbar Summer League with Mike Garcia – Lakers Sign Robbie Avila, Robert McCray, William Kyle, Peter Suder

@SwishTheory Podcast

Ep. 136 Learning Basketball with CT Fazio @CTFazio24
2026 NBA Draft Day Wishlist with CT Fazio – Scouting Zuby Ejiofor + Predicting Team Draft Strategy & Best Draft Outcomes: Boozer & Philon to Grizzlies, Yaxel to Warriors, Pistons & Raptors PG Targets
(Recorded pre-Giannis trade)
Timeline:

00:00 NBA Draft Eve Wishlist

05:00 Wizards

11:00 Jazz

16:00 Grizzlies

22:00 Bulls

28:00 Clippers

33:00 Nets

39:00 Kings

44:00 Hawks

46:00 Mavericks

48:00 Bucks

51:00 Warriors

54:00 Thunder

56:00 Heat

57:00 Thunder

59:00 Hornets

01:02:00 Raptors

01:06:00 Spurs

01:12:00 Pistons

01:14:00 Point Guard Prospects for Detroit and Toronto

01:18:00 Knicks

01:20:00 Lakers

01:23:00 Celtics

01:25:00 Timberwolves

01:27:00 Cavaliers

01:29:00 Mavericks

01:31:00 Magic & Rockets 2nd Round Targets

Ep. 135 Learning Basketball with Zach Welch

Zach Welch does NBA Draft Scouting with Pro Insight.
On the prep to pro development of Kingston Flemings, (03:00), Brayden Burries (06:00), and Ebuka Okorie, (9:00)

The Scoring Creator 2026 NBA Draft (18:00)
1. Cameron Boozer  (25:00)
2. Darryn Peterson (29:00)
3. Ebuka Okorie (33:00)
4. AJ Dybantsa (36:00)
5. Kingston Flemings (46:00)
6. Mikel Brown Jr. (54:00)
7. Labaron Philon (59:00)
8. Keaton Wagler (1:05:00)
9. Caleb Wilson (1:11:00)
10. Darius Acuff (1:14:00)
11. Christian Anderson (1:18:00)
12. Brayden Burries (1:21:00)
13. Yaxel Lendeborg (1:23:00)
14. Bennett Stirtz (1:27:00)
15. Dailyn Swain (1:29:00)
16. Nate Ament (1:32:00)
17. Aday Mara (1:41:00)
18. Joshua Jefferson (1:43:00)
19. Braden Smith (1:45:00)
20. Bruce Thornton (1:48:00)
(honorable mention, Meleek Thomas)

Ep. 134 Learning Basketball
2026 NBA Mock Draft with Ben Pfeifer, Derek Parker, Will Morris, and Chuck of Chucking Darts – Darryn #1 to Wizards? Boozer to Utah? Flemings to LA? Yaxel falls to Charlotte? Graves & Wemby?
Snake draft order of 1) Derek, 2) Ryan, 3) Ben, 4) Will, 5) Chuck

00:00 Introduction & Background
4:00 Learning Basketball 2026 NBA Mock Draft
5:00 Why Wizards should Draft Darryn Peterson
10:00 Why Jazz should Target Cam Boozer
15:00 Why Grizzlies should Draft AJ Dybantsa
19:00 Why Bulls should Draft Caleb Wilson

23:00 Why Clippers should Draft Kingston Flemings 

26:00 Why Nets should Draft Keaton Wagler

32:00 Why Kings should Draft Aday Mara

41:00 Why Hawks should Draft Mikel Brown Jr.

45:00 Why Mavericks should Draft Ebuka Okorie

55:00 Why Bucks should Draft Darius Acuff Jr.

01:31:00 Why Raptors should Draft Christian Anderson

01:35:00 Why Spurs should Pair Allen Graves with Wemby

01:40:00 Why Pistons should Draft Bennett Stirtz

01:45:00 Why Hawks should Target Henri Veesar

01:50:00 Why Knicks should Draft Bruce Thornton

01:54:00 Why Lakers should Draft Zuby Ejiofor

Ep. 133 Learning Basketball with Antonio Dias

@antoniodias_pt

Today we learn about NBA Draft International Scouting & the 2026 class (00:00) NBA Development of Hugo Gonzalez & Nolan Traore (01:00) International Scouting Process & Value to Team Building (05:00) Scouting Karim Lopez (11:00), Christian Anderson (15:00) How to Scout NBA Bigs –  Scouting Hannes Steinbach, Luigi Suigo (before Villanova commit) compared to Aday Mara (20:00), Scouting Sergio de Larrea (27:00), Scouting Jack Kayil – The Biggest International Sleeper relative to consensus? (31:00) Scouting Baba Miller (35:00), Scouting Henri Veesar vs 2026 Bigs (42:00) Outlook on future international talent (48:00)

@SwishTheory Podcast available on YouTube/Spotify/Apple

2026 NBA Draft International Scouting + How to Scout Bigs with Antonio Dias – Karim Lopez, Sergio de Larrea, Jack Kayil, Baba Miller, Christian Anderson, Hannes Steinbach, Henri Veesaar, Luigi Suigo

Ep. 132 Learning Basketball with Logan Eby @LoganRoA_

We discuss How to Scout Guards for the NBA Draft, (03:00) Logan's scouting process principles, why Kingston Flemings could be the top point guard in the draft, (10:00), compare 2026 NBA Draft prospects in ball skills, (18:00), key traits (26:00), and two-way impact (32:00) for future success, and deep dive into NBA Draft strategy (42:00)

Follow @BeyondTheRK on Twitter

Ep. 131 Learning Basketball with Geoff Rasmussen @GeoffRasmussen_
@SwishTheory
Geoff Rasmussen is an NBA Analyst who hosts the Hot Hand Theory podcast.
We break down the instant reactions to Knicks Epic Comeback (00:00), highlight Game 4 OG Anunoby’s insane Tip shot, Finals run, impact. (05:00) Alvarado’s Importances, Game 4 Adjustments, Jalen Brunson & Towns balance (8:00) , the Finals Swing Factor of keeping Victor Wembanyama near the rim (15:00), Game 3 Wemby New York Takeover (19:00), Challenges of Spurs 3 Guard Lineups + Giannis Trade Rumors (24:00), Wemby’s Historical Context at this 3-1 inflection point (42:00)

Watch & Listen on YouTube/Spotify/Apple and Follow @BeyondTheRK

Ep. 130 Learning Basketball with Brandon Benson

How Knicks Stole NBA Finals Games 1 & 2 in San Antonio with Brandon Benson – Karl-Anthony Towns Dominating Wemby’s Spurs, Jalen Brunson’s Clutch, Dylan Harper’s Ready, Series Coaching Adjustments 

Timeline:
00:00 Introduction

02:00 How Knicks Stole Game 1 & 2 in San Antonio 

11:00 What’s Limiting Victor Wembanyama?

14:00 Karl Anthony Towns' Evolution & Impact as Best Player in Series

18:00 San Antonio Spurs Offensive Struggles & Adjustments

30:00 How to best use Wembanyama and defend against him

38:00 Dylan Harper is ready for the moment

47:00 Spurs & Knicks Coaching Adjustments

01:15:00 Series Adjustments going forward

Ep. 129 Learning Basketball with Derek Parker @DParkOK
Derek Parker covers the NBA Draft and OKC Thunder Publisher for On SI and on YouTube.
Wemby’s World, Thunder - Spurs Recap, 2026 NBA Draft Gems with Derek Parker – Shai’s Greatness, Caruso’s Impact, Chet-Giannis Trade Rumors, OKC Draft Fits, Scouting Late Lottery & 2nd Round Sleepers
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction & Background
01:00 Wemby’s World: Spurs Take Game 7

05:00 OKC - Giannis Trade Rumors

10:00 Was Alex Caruso OKC’s best player this series?

15:00 Victor Wembanyama's Unique Deterring Influence & Shotmaking

20:00 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Impact & OKC Legacy

31:00 Biggest Thunder - Spurs Series Adjustments 

35:00 2026 NBA Draft OKC Targets? Brayden Burries, Dailyn Swain + Will Presti Trade up into Top-4 for Cameron Boozer?

40:00 Yaxel Lendeborg’s potential fit in OKC

45:00 Jaylen Williams Development & Underrated Playoff Impact
48:00 2026 NBA Draft  2nd Round Draft Gems - Bruce Thornton, Zuby Ejifor, Braden Smith, Tamin Lipsey, Otega Oweh, Tyler Nickel
1:00:00 2026 NBA Draft Late Lottery Sleepers

Ep. 128 Learning Basketball with Chucking Darts @ChuckingDarts

@SwishTheory Podcast

Most Underrated 2026 NBA Draft Prospects with Chucking Darts – Cameron Boozer, Yaxel Lendeborg, Ebuka Okorie,
Labaron Philon,
Christian Anderson,
Morez Johnson,
Aday Mara,
Allen Graves,
Dailyn Swain


Timeline:
00:00 Introduction & Background
03:00 2026 NBA Draft Becoming Top-Heavy

06:00 Most Underrated Players in 2026 NBA Draft

10:00 Cameron Boozer: Safe Bet Superstar

15:00 Yaxel Lendeborg: Clear Versatile Forward

38:00: Ebuka Okorie: Potential Star Guard Advantage Creator could end up best point guard in strong class

46:00 Labaron Philon: Versatile Star Scoring Guard who makes winning plays

01:07:00 Kingston Fleming's Potential Playmaking

01:11:00 Christian Anderson: Best C&S 3PT Shooter and Natural Point Guard Connector Playmaker

01:16:00 Aday Mara & Morez Johnson: Defensive Anchors?

01:24:00 Allen Graves: Strong Big Wing Defender and Versatile Play-Finisher

01:32:00 Baba Miller: Jumbo Ball Handler

01:36:00 Dailyn Swain's Two-Way Potential

01:41:00 Otega Oweh, Ryan Conwell, Bruce Thornton, and 3 players who withdrew: Matt Able, Flory Bidinga, Billy Richmond

Ep. 127 Learning Basketball with Lukas Spinnler @AtTheLevel@SwishTheory

A Basketball Revolution of Maximizing Offensive Rebounding & 3PT Shooting Rates with Lukas Spinnler – Allen Graves, Motiejus Krivas, Ryan Anderson + Orlando Magic Season Recap: Thank You Jamahl Mosley

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Background
1:00 Value of Basketball Scouting and Analytics

12:00 Intersection of Offensive Rebounding and 3PT Shooting Rate
19:00 Ryan Anderson: The Perfect 3PA/OREB Role Player Example

24:00 Why Teams Should Draft Allen Graves

38:00 Scouting Motiejus Krivas, Tounde Yessoufou

46:00 The Role of Modern Bigs in Basketball

55:00 Three-Point Shooting Volatility 

59:00 Playsyles of Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Dream

01:04:00 Orlando Magic Season Recap: Thank You Jamahl Mosley!

01:09:00 Franz Wagner's Impact and Future with the Magic

01:16:00 Maximizing Franz and Paolo Duo

01:25:00 Orlando Magic Franichise Outlook

Ep. 126 Learning Basketball with Alex Golden @AlexGoldenNBA

Writer for Pacers on SI

Creator & Host of @PacersPodSTP & Fever Focus Podcast

2026 NBA Mock Draft + Pacers Draft Lottery Therapy Session with Alex Golden – Will Clippers take Mara 5th? Wizards Jazz Grizzlies Bulls win Lottery, 30 First Round Draft Targets

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Background
01:00 Indiana Pacers' Draft Lottery Heartbreak, Analyzing the Trade in Hindsight

06:00 NBA Drafting Strategy: BPA vs Fit & Opportunity

09:00 1 WAS – AJ Dybantsa
10:00 2 UTA – Cameron Boozer

12:00 3 MEM –  Darryn Peterson

15:00 4 CHI – Caleb Wilson

28:00 5 LAC – Aday Mara + Evaluating Potential Upside vs Good Players, The Importance of dominant Centers in Basketball

37:00 6 BKN – Keaton Wagler

38:00 7 SAC - Darius Acuff

43:00 8 ATL – Kingston Flemings
47:00 9 DAL – Mikel Brown Jr
50:00 10 MIL – Ebuka Okorie

52:00 11 GSW – Yaxel Lendeborg

54:00 12 OKC – Labaron Philon

56:00 13 MIA – Allen Graves

58:00 14 CHA – Christian Anderson
59:00 15 CHI – Brayden Burries

01:00:00 Rapid Fire First Round
16 MEM – Chris Cenac Jr
17 OKC – Nate Ament
18 CHA – Hannes Steinbach
19 TOR – Jayden Quaintance
20 SAN – Dailyn Swain
21 DET – Morez Johnson
22 76ers – Tyler Tanner
23 ATL – Cameron Carr
24 NYK – Meleek Thomas
25 LAL – Karim Lopez
26 DEN – Bruce Thornton
27 BOS – Tarris Reed Jr.
28 MIN – Isaiah Evans
29 CLE – Bennett Stirtz
30 DAL – Flory Bidunga

01:04:00 Final Thoughts on Draft Strategy

@SwishTheory

Ep. 125 Learning Basketball with Shax @ShaxNBA

@SwishTheory

Brunson & Towns New York Knicks Dominate NBA Playoffs in Mike Brown’s Motion Offense with Shax NBA – Film Breakdown, Two-Way Impact of Anunoby and Bridges, Depth of MRob, Deuce, Clarkson + ECF Preview

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Background

03:00 New York Knicks Playoff Dominance

06:00 Coaching Strategies: Tom Thibodeau vs. Mike Brown

07:00 Mike Brown’s Motion Offense

10:00 Brunson & Towns: Dynamic Duo

13:00 Towns Unlocking Playmaking in Motion Offense

16:00 Defensive Adjustments

18:00 Offensive Schemes

20:00 Two-Way Impact of Mikal Bridges & OG Anunoby

25:00 Mitchell Robinson, Deuce McBride, Jordan Clarkson Energetic Depth

27:00 Eastern Conference Preview: DET or CLE?

32:00 Morez Johnson, Meleek Thomas – Potential NYK Draft Fits

35:00 Jalen Brunson's Underseen Impact

38:00 Championship or Bust? Route to NBA Finals

Ep. 124 Learning Basketball with Alan Guillou  @Alan_Guillou96 @SwishTheory

Allen Graves, Santa Clara, Wemby & The French Basketball Revolution with Alan Guillou – International Scouting & Analytics, Steve Nash, March Madness, Noah Penda, How France Culture Develops NBA Defenders

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Background

02:00 Alan Guillou’s Journey to Santa Clara's Director of Basketball Operations through International Scouting

04:30 Challenges & Value of International Player Scouting & Recruitment for Modern College Programs

08:00 Differences in Scouting International vs American Basketball

11:00 Steve Nash, The Santa Clara Legend

13:00 Allen Graves as a Person: Character and Development

16:00 Allen Graves’ Rise as a 2026 NBA Draft Prospect

19:00 Value of Rebounding and High-Feel Winning Plays in Basketball

23:00 Allen Graves’ Development Curve, Impact Metrics, All-Time Stats

29:00 Santa Clara – Kentucky March Madness Instant Classic – on the all-time shots from Graves and Oweh

34:00 Comparing Allen Graves and Noah Penda NBA Prospect Profiles – Similarities & Differences

36:00 The French Basketball Revolution

40:00 How does France produce so many good NBA Defenders, highlighted by all-time great ones in Wembanyama and Gobert?

44:00 The Devil Named Curry & The Future of 2028 France Olympic Basketball

Ep. 124 Learning Basketball with Meghan L. Hall @ItsMeghanLHall

Meghan L. Hall is a WNBA Senior Reporter with USA Today based in Atlanta

Atlanta Angel Reese, 30 Years of The W + 2026 WNBA Offseason Storylines with USA Today's Meghan Hall – Azzi Fudd #1 to Dallas, Dream & Sky Rebuild Strategy, 2026 WNBA Contenders, Sports Media Advice

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Background: Meghan Hall’s Journey into WNBA Sports Media

06:00 Advice for Aspiring Sports Journalists

12:00 Angel Reese Traded to Atlanta Dream 

29:00 Atlanta Dream vs Chicago Sky Rebuild, Rickea Jackson Traded to Chicago

35:00 Angel Reese's Atlanta Press Conference & Becoming a Face of The W

48:00 Most Underrated WNBA Offseason Storyline - CBA Negotiations

50:00 Who are the real 2026 WNBA Contenders?

53:00 Celebrating 30 Years of the WNBA

Ep. 123 Learning Basketball with David Steele @SteeleMagic

David Steele on Magic - Pistons Playoffs Split, Game 3 Preview, Possible Series Adjustments, NBA Ending Local Playoff Broadcasts, Jamahl Mosley’s Coaching Impact, Desmond Bane’s Success

Timeline:
00:00 NBA Ends Local Playoff Broadcasting

10:00 Best Calls of Season & + Desmond Bane's Immediate Impact

14:00 Providing Context to this 2025-26 Orlando Magic regular season

17:00 The Importance of Consistency

20:00 March Madness Highlight Tape to help Survive and Advance vs Hornets

23:00 The Ups and Downs of The Magic Season 

26:00 Analyzing Game 1 & Game 2 of Magic - Pistons 1st round series in Detroit 

29:00 Previewing Game 3 in Orlando

35:00 Predicting Rest of Pistons Playoff Series – How Magic pull off first round upset

41:00 Jamahl Mosley’s Development and Impact as Orlando’s Head Coach in Year 5

Ep. 122 Learning Basketball with Ricky O’Donnell (@SBN_Ricky)

2026 Bigs Only NBA Draft, Michigan NCAA Champs + Final Four with Ricky O'Donnell – Development of Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, Morez Johnson, Dan Hurley UConn Practices, Chicago Bulls Prospects, Scouting Centers

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Background

02:00 The Final Four Media Experience

05:00 Chicago Bulls' Ownership & 2026 NBA Draft Prospects11:00 Michigan Big Men Aday Mara's Rising Draft Stock and Yaxel Lendeborg’s 3&D Versatility Development

28:00 Bigs Only 2026 NBA Draft1 Aday Mara
2 Pat Ngongba
3 Jayden Quaintance
4 Chris Cenac Jr.
5 Morez Johnson
6 Hannes Steinbach
7 Moteijus Krivas
8 Tarris Reed

45:00 UConn HC Dan Hurley’s Practice Tirades

Ep. 121 Learning Basketball with Brian Geisinger @bgeis_bird

(00:00) Is Cameron Boozer Generational? Boozer’s Unique Skills, Fundamental Feel, & Scoring Versatility (7:00) Boozer’s Case for #1 Pick vs Dybantsa, Peterson, Wilson (19:00) How do Defensive Concerns and Development Areas affect Two-Way Winning Impact? (28:00) How does Boozer rank among recent Duke Elite Prospects – Zion, Paolo, Tatum, Flagg? (42:00) Versatility of Flagg vs. Offensive Engine Boozer (50:00) NBA Draft Scouting Pat Ngongba, Ebuka Okorie, Caleb Wilson

Ep. 120 Learning Basketball with Brian Geisinger

(00:00) Today we learn about The State of the Charlotte Hornets. How LaMelo Ball has always been a star, (04:00) how the Hornets survived their rebuild, (10:00) how Charles Lee built a relocating pick-and-roll 3pt shooting machine in LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller alongside Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabaté with a Defense just as strong, (22:00) Hornets Playoff Preview through East Play-In, (36:00) and how NBA league rules like the 65-game rule and tying awards to contracts are squeezing front office's hands with harsh limits on team building.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Background

01:00 LaMelo Ball has always been a star

How the Charlotte Hornets Recovered their Rebuild

Charles Lee Quotes & Horness Offensive Strategies, Player Roles, Surprise Defense

Hornets Playoff Scenarios Preview & Franchise Outlook

How League Rules Hurt Successful Team-Building

Ep. 119 Learning Basketball with Michael Roth @_MikeRoth

Dailyn Swain Development, Final Four 2026 NBA Draft Prospect Preview with Michael Roth – Braylon Mullins' Big Shot, Keaton Wagler, Yaxel Lendeborg, Brayden Burries, Aday Mara, Morez Johnson, Koa Peat

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction& Background, Braylon Mullins Big Shot

4:30 Dailyn Swain's Development Path, NBA Draft Potential, Prospect Comparisons, Defensive Capabilities, Swain vs. Ament vs Lendeborg, Evaluating Potential vs. Production

49:00 Final Four Prospects: Michigan, Arizona, Illinois, UConn Predictions & Insights

Ep. 118 Learning Basketball with Johnathan Ramlakhan @Johnathan_MMA

Johnathan Ramlakhan is a Miami Heat contributor for @5ReasonsSports Network and an NBA team writer for On SI covering the Magic, Heat, Pacers, Bucks, Grizzlies.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Background 

03:00 Celebrating Bam Adebayo's Historic 83-PT Performance

06:00 Valuing Bam's Versatility

09:00 How Confidence Impacts Performance
12:00 Impact of Davion Mitchell, Pelle Larson, and key role players like rookie Kasparas Jakučionis

15:00 Miami Heat’s 7-game win streak

21:00 Heat developing talent from within system

24:00 The Legacy of Adebayo’s Record-Breaking Night

38:00 Magic - Heat Saturday Preview + Season Series 

41:00 Orlando Magic Team Dynamics in 6-game win streak

44:00 Tristan da Silva's Impact in recent stretch

47:00 Magic finding offensive balance around Stars – Paolo, Bane , Suggs

51:00 Desmond Bane’s Huge Role in the Magic's Success, incredible scoring efficiency

57:00 Playoff Outlook for the Magic and Heat

Ep. 117 Learning Basketball with Jacob Myers

Jacob Myers identifies and tracks elite basketball players on their journey from prospect to pro, trusted by NBA teams, college coaches, and fans worldwide, with his NBA Draft Scouting available at @League_Him on Twitter and YouTube.

2026 Wings Only NBA Draft with “League Him” Jacob Myers – Scouting Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson, Keaton Wagler, Daily Swain, Nate Ament, Yaxel Lendeborg, Allen Graves, Amari Allen, Thomas Haugh + Guards Darius Acuff, LaBaron Philon, Christian Anderson

Timeline:

00:00 League Him Introduction & Background

02:00 Highlight recent showings from 2026 NBA Draft Guard Risers - Darius Acuff, LaBaron Philon, Christian Anderson

05:00 The 2026 Wings Only Draft

07:00 1) Cameron Boozer

16:00 2) AJ Dybantsa

23:00 3) Caleb Wilson

26:30 4) Keaton Wagler

39:00 5) Dailyn Swain

43:00 6) Nate Ament

1:01:00 7) Yaxel Lendeborg

1:04:00 8) Amari Allen

1:05:30 9) Allen Graves

1:07:00 10) Thomas Haugh

honorable mention:
Joshua Jefferson
Jayden Quaintance

Billy RichmondAlvaro FolgueirasAndrej StojakovicCameron CarrBraylon MullinsMiles ByrdJamier JonesShon AbaevKoa Peat

Kanon Catchings

Ep. 116 Learning Basketball with Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA



Ryan Ward covers the Los Angeles Lakers and NBA with Lakers On SI



Today we learn about this Lakers season – Pat Riley Statue Lakers Legacy, Luka MVP Odds, Magic - Lakers Game Recap + why isn’t the Luka LeBron duo or even the trio with Reaves working? Are the Lakers still real contenders with this elite offense? Thoughts on Head Coach JJ Redick in Year 2? What’s the franchise outlook for the Los Angeles Lakers?


Timeline:


00:00

Introduction & Background

04:35

Pat Riley's Legacy and Statue Reveal

13:46

Current Lakers Dynamics and Coaching Changes

21:52

Controversy Over the Last Shot in Magic - Lakers

23:06

Luka's Fearlessness and Leadership Dynamics

24:46

Analyzing the Trio: LeBron, Luka, and Reeves

27:10

The Lakers' Future: LeBron's Exit Strategy

29:28

Offensive Strategies and Team Chemistry

31:41

Defensive Challenges and Player Fit

35:24

Potential Trades and Future Prospects

40:36

Magic - Lakers Recap and Player Performances

46:02

Bane's Rising Star and Team Dynamics

47:54

Standings and Team Comparisons

49:53

Offensive Strategies and Player Movements

52:53

MVP Conversations and Future Prospects

58:44

The Lakers' Legacy and Future Challenges

Ep. 115 Learning Basketball with Robert Flom @RichHomieFlom
Robert Flom covers the Los Angeles Clippers and NBA as the Managing Editor of 213 Hoops and CoHost of the Lob The Jam podcast.
Today we relive the viral “Eat The Tweet” saga from his perspective beginning to end before we break down the franchise outlook of the Los Angeles Clippers - Kawhi & Garland Duo, Analyzing Harden & Zubac Trades, Clippers Lottery Pick Options at #5, the Garland bet, Mathurin’s role, Niederhauser’s potential, Magic - Clippers Film
“Eat The Tweet" + Kawhi & Garland Clippers with Rob Flom – Analyzing Harden & Zubac Trades, Clippers Franchise Outlook, Garland bet, Mathurin’s role, Niederhauser’s potential, Magic - Clippers Film
Timeline:
00:00

Introduction & Background

02:58

The Viral ‘Eat the Tweet’ Saga

05:47

Analyzing the Clippers' Trades and Future

08:55

Harden's Impact and the Team's Dynamics

12:03

Evaluating the Clippers' Long-Term Strategy

15:07

The Pacers' Perspective on the Trade

16:24

The Importance of Playmaking in the Clippers' Roster

23:31

Kawhi Leonard's Future with the Clippers

29:48

Evaluating Darius Garland's Impact

35:22

The Role of Matheran in the Clippers' Plans

47:33

Building a Competitive Roster for the Future

47:51

Evaluating Young Talent: Yanic Konan Niederhäuser 

50:28

The Clippers' Future: Roster Dynamics and Potential

53:19

Playoff Prospects: Assessing the Clippers' Chances

57:07

Last Night’s Game Analysis: Clippers vs. Magic

01:07:41

Thoughts on The Magic’s Season, Bane & Banchero

01:10:17

Coaching Stability: Ty Lue's Role in the Clippers' Future

Ep. 114 Learning Basketball with Chip Williams @ChipWilliamsjr

Chip Williams covers the Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, and NBA Draft Scouting with Film Breakdowns on Twitter and YouTube @TheSecondJump

Today we learn about Jaren Jackson Jr.'s meaning to Memphis, JJJ's development from prospect to actualized unicorn, why the Grizzlies traded Jaren and how long the Grizzlies will hold onto Ja Morant, the Ja-Bane-Brooks-Jaren-Adams Grizz era, Bane's impact on the Magic, and scouting thoughts on potential 2026 NBA Draft Gems - Dailyn Swain, Ebuka Okorie, Allen Graves, Chris Cenac Jr., Morez Johnson, Brayden Burries, Nate Ament

00:00 Introduction & Background

02:00 JJJs development

10:00 Why Memphis Kept Ja

15:00 Why Memphis Traded Jaren

18:00 What Jaren and that team meant to Memphis as the era after grit n grind, Jaren being the last to

28:00 Ja Bane Brook Jaren + Bane Trade33:00 Bane Magic impact + 3pt shooting development

47:00  Potential 2026 NBA Draft Gems

Daily Swain

Ebuka Okorie

Allen Graves

Nate Ament

Chris Cenac Jr.

Morez Johnson

Brayden Burries

Ep. 113 Learning Basketball with Charlie Cummings @klaytheist11 Charlie Cummings is an NBA Analyst with Swish Theory and Writer for DraftKings Network, Celtics Blog, and Warriors Invite covering the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and NBA at large.

Today we learn about the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline, discuss why the tanking team's were the biggest buyers making the blockbuster splash trades, the logic behind the moves, the value of trade pieces, and team building logic keying in on three deals – Ivica Zubac to the Pacers, Anthony Davis to the Wizards, Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Jazz

Timeline:00:00 Introduction & Background

02:00 NBA Trade Deadline Reactions

05:00 Teams Fading The 2027 NBA Draft

07:00 Team Building Strategies and Trade Value

10:00 Wizards Risk Assessment Trading for Anthony Davis
31:00 Pacers Risk Assessment Trading for Ivica Zubac
55:00 Jazz Risk Assessment Trading for Jaren Jackson Jr.

01:20:00 Balancing Talent, Lineups, Skills, and Team Needs for Competitive Edge

Ep. 112 Learning Basketball with Spencer Davies @SpinDavies

Spencer Davies is a Cleveland Cavaliers Reporter for Clutch Points and Cavs Roundtable, a National NBA feature writer for RG media, an NBA Draft Writer for Babcock Hoops, and covers NBA at Run The Show

Today we learn about why the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Darius Garland for James Harden, Garland's potential vs Harden's immediate impact, how the Harden-Donovan Mitchell backcourt will work together, how the CP3-Harden-Dantoni Rockets factor in as proof of concept, how Harden's playmaking could put everyone in ideal roles, and how the Cavs created flexibility, shed salary, and improved today's roster with Harden's scoring creation and the added toughness of Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis at the NBA Trade Deadline.

Timeline:

00:00

Introduction and Background of Spencer Davies

01:10

Darius Garland's Impact on the Cavs and Fans

03:55

The Trade Dynamics: Garland for Harden

06:35

Financial Flexibility and Team Strategy

09:26

Harden's Fit with the Cavs

12:05

Offensive and Defensive Considerations

14:48

Playoff Experience and Leadership

17:29

Conclusion and Future Outlook

27:16

Dynamic Duo: The Impact of Mitchell and Harden

30:32

Championship Aspirations: The Cavs' Bold Moves

32:43

Offensive Chemistry: Balancing Stars and Roles

36:09

Future Outlook: The Cavs' Path to the Finals

38:44

Assessing Competition: Who Can Challenge the Cavs?

51:15

The East's Evolution: A Competitive Landscape Ahead

54:12

Eastern Conference Dynamics

55:06

Parody in the NBA

56:30

Orlando Magic's Potential

58:46

Injuries and Team Identity

01:00:39

Winning Ugly: The Magic's Strategy

01:02:01

Cavs' Defensive Strategy

01:05:48

Cavs' Roster Changes and Impact

01:09:29

Schroeder's Role in the Cavs

01:13:27

Finding the Right Fit for the Cavs

01:14:38

Building Team Chemistry

Ep. 111 Learning Basketball with James Plowright @British_Buzz
@SwishTheory
James Plowright is a Freelance NBA Journalist currently working for

@SBnation recently covering Magic-Grizzlies at NBA London, covering the Charlotte Hornets for the Buzz Beat Pod.
Today we learn about the Hornets offense stinging the rest of the league for a #1 rating and winning record going on nearly two months; how did the Hornets turn the season around? How is Moussa Diabate the key that unlocks everything for this starting unit? Who is the primary option between Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller? Which role players have made key contributions between Sion James, Collin Sexton, Tre Mann, Liam McNeeley? Who is Hornets best option as longterm starting center between Diabate and Kalkbrenner?
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & Background
1:00 Drafting All-Star Game Snub Lineups

19:00 How did the Charlotte Hornets season turn around?

27:00 Kon Knueppel’s Impact on the Offense + Who is the primary option between Knueppel, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller?

32:00 How Moussa Diabate entering the starting lineup changed everything 

37:00 Highlighting Sion James defense, Collin Sexton scoring, second unit defense with Grant Williams and Josh Green, and potential of Liam McNeeley

43:00 Lonzo Ball Trade Rumors

47:00 Moussa Diabate Film Breakdown vs Wembanyama

51:00 Can Hornets Sustaining Success into Playoffs?

Watch/Listen to full episode of Learning Basketball on YouTube/Spotify/Apple

Ep. 110 Learning Basketball with Roger Galo @GaloMethod

Roger Galo is a NBA Shot-Making & Offensive Efficiency Specialist and author of the upcoming book The Pursuit of the Perfect Shot.

Today we learn about the science of shooting, how new methods of learning how to shoot could be on the frontier, what goes defining all the variables of shot making, what differentiates Steph’s shot from Klay’s form, what makes Jaren Jackson Jr. tough to guard, the mental aspect of shooting, what Lonzo Ball did to change his shot, how Desmond Bane’s Orlando Magic could address their shooting woes, why Maryland guard Darius Adams decided to alter his shooting mechanics, and preview Roger Galo’s new book, The Pursuit of the Perfect Shot.
Timeline:00:00 Introduction & Backgrounds to The Galo Method

03:00 The Science Behind Shot Making

08:00 Identifying Variables in Shooting Mechanics

11:00 Mindfulness in Practice

15:00 NC State Wearable Technology in Shooting Improvement
18:00 How Lonzo Ball Sped Up His Shot

25:00 Revolutionizing Shooting Techniques

34:00 Steph Vs. Klay vs. Jaren – Should Different Shot Types Require Different Shot Mechanics ? (Pull-Up, Movement, Catch-and-Shoot)

39:00 The Mental Aspect of Shooting

44:00 The Importance of Consistency in Shooting

50:00 The Corner Three: A Unique Shot

57:00 Desmond Bane & Orlando Magic Shooting

1:09:00 New Book: The Pursuit of the Perfect Shot

01:18:00 Darius Adams Developing Young Talent 

Watch & Listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple!

Ep. 109 Learning Basketball with Ben Pfeifer @bjpf_

Ben Pfeifer covers the NBA, NBA Draft, and Indiana Pacers for Sportscasting NBA and Swish Theory

Today we learn about Ben's draft grading film-based scouting process and detail the best guard class ever while drafting our Top-20 2026 NBA Draft Guards
Timestamps00:00 Introduction & Background

03:00 Ben Pfeifer's Draft Scouting Process 

05:00 Defining Winning Plays in Basketball

08:00 Evaluating Defensive Impact in Draft Prospects

11:00 The Importance of Context in Scouting

15:00 Historic Saturday Night for 2026 NBA Draft Freshman

17:00 Spotlight on Tyler Tanner's Potential

23:00 The Challenge of Undersized Guards

26:00 Scouting Profiles and Data Visualization

28:00 The Guards-Only 2026 NBA Draft

29:00 Darryn Peterson

34:00 Kingston Flemings

47:00 Mikel Brown

50:00 Ebuka Okorie

53:00 LaBaron Philon

56:00 Bennett Stirtz

59:00 Meleek Thomas

01:10:00 Darius Acuff

01:27:00 Acaden Lewis
11-20
11 Christian Anderson
12 Brayden Burries
13 Tamin Lipsey
14 Tahaad Pettiford
15 Braden Smith
16 Jaylen Petty
17 Bruce Thornton
18 Rob Wright19 Ja’Kobi Gillespie20 Cayden Boozer
 

Ep. 108 of Learning Basketball with Philip Rossman-Reich @philiprr_OMD

Philip is a Senior writer at Orlando Magic Daily and host of Locked On Magic podcast and freelance reporter for the AP

Today we learn about the Orlando Magic's up-and-down season, explain the inconsistencies, and discuss how the rest of the season can go from here as the team gets healthy with a lot of home games in there future, Anthony Black's breakout season, Rookies Noah Penda's and Jase Richardson's immediate impact, Orlando's Trade Deadline Plans, the new coaching staff's impact, and Phil's journey growing Orlando Magic Daily

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction & Background

02:00 Expectations vs. Reality for the Magic

05:00 Philip's Journey Growing Orlando Magic Daily

08:00 Magic Split International Series 1-1 vs Memphis

10:00 Explaining Inconsistencies

14:00 Defensive Struggles and Injuries

17:00 The Impact of key players

20:00 Gameplan, Coaching strategies, Unlocking Paolo Banchero

23:00 Season Outlook – As Orlando injuries come to an end for now, with a lighter travel the rest of the way, how do the Magic take advantage to reach their goals?

35:00 Phil's Thoughts on Coach Mosley's impact this season, his new staff and team playstyle

46:30

Rookie Contributions from Noah Penda and Jase Richardson

50:04

Trade Deadline Plans and Trade Candidates