Explore every episode of the podcast TrueHoop

I've been covering sports since just after college. Over that time, what I've learned is that almost every elite athlete gets hurt. And when they do, it's always the same story: nobody's fault, couldn't have seen it coming, or my favorite--it was an act of God. Which is what they used to say about heart attacks, until they learned how the heart actually works. Now we prevent them by the million! So I wrote a book called Ballistic, coming out in May from W.W. Norton & Co., about the people, and the data, who say we could do better. We're about to start a big ol' media blitz, but wanted TrueHoop listeners to learn about it first. It would mean the world to me if you'd consider ordering the book, which you an do so right now at https://www.henryabbott.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Lakers, Nuggets, and Warriors as title contenders The revitalized Detroit Pistons franchise, how far can this go? The Knicks and Grizzlies have excellent records but are a notch below the true contenders, what's the deal? More on the disastrous Luka Doncic trade Top 5 NBA teams right now Programming note: The TrueHoop podcast will be on a hiatus, we hope to be back before the season ends. Stay tuned to truehoop.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's special episode Henry Abbott talks to author and performance coach Steve Magness about his new book "Win the Inside Game: How to Move from Surviving to Thriving, and Free Yourself up to Perform Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss: The continued fallout over the Luka Doncic trade Henry's fantastic article on who controls the game and the way its delivered to fans The NBA says it has processes in place for players to report harassment from gamblers, what could these processes look like when the league takes tons of cash from sportsbooks? Ja Morant and the fragility of superstardom The Blazers look like they have some legit players Congrats to Kevin Durant on joining the exclusive 30,000 point club Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Cavaliers bolstering their title chances by acquiring De'Andre Hunter The Hawks are shedding salary, do these deals mean they are moving on from Trae Young? The Nets and Ben Simmons are working on buyout. Does he have a future in the NBA? The Grizzlies moved on from Marcus Smart in anticipation of signing Jaren Jackson Jr. to a supermax extension Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: How David helps his players manage trade season The impact of the Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis trade Henry Abbott's fantastic article on Mavericks' owner Miriam Adelson Warriors trade for Jimmy Butler The Spurs future with Wemby, De'Aaron Fox, and Devin Vassell The Pelicans traded Brandon Ingram to the Raptors. Is the teardown on? Is Zion next to be moved? The Bucks swap Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma, David thinks it won't be long before Giannis wants out The Grizzlies are the #2 seed in the west and Jaren Jackson Jr. is playing at an All-NBA level Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The red hot Rockets, Pacers, and their chances at title contention this year Young phenom Amen Thompson The Grizzlies have a core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane what does their path for title contention look like? David's article on how teams need to rethink their approach to the draft Top 5 NBA teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's special mini episode Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss: The OKC Thunder are young, elite, and have the potential to be dynastic. They also have 15 draft picks over the next three years that they have to consolidate, and move. Can they turn some of those picks and some young talent into better odds at landing Cooper Flagg in the June draft? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Detroit Pistons are the league's best story, how are they getting it done after winning only 14 games last year? Cade Cunningham is healthy The evolution of J.B. Bickerstaff What's going on with Jimmy Butler? Rethinking the NBA Draft NBA Europe Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Henry Abbott, Jarod Hector, and David Thorpe discuss: The TrueHoop draft debate. The Magic are young and very good right now, are they on a path to actual title contention in the next five years? If not, should they trade Paolo Banchero? Which teams besides the Thunder look like title contenders over the next five years? Which teams can afford to be very choosy at the trade deadline? Review of the Cavaliers/Pacers and Rockets/Grizzlies mini-series, what does David see as a problem for Indiana and Memphis? Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Classic matchup between the Thunder and Cavaliers. Why the Cavs are the NBA's best team and have a legit shot at the title. What does OKC need to tweak ahead of the playoffs? David's article on good shots We are almost at the halfway point of the season, which players are making All-NBA? Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss: TrueHoop podcast updates for the New Year NBA teams want to shed salary but might find the market difficult Where does Jimmy Butler fit in today's NBA with his contract? Are the OKC Thunder, the team best suited to get everything it wants and needs, really all in? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe preview and predict the NBA Christmas Day matchups. Which teams are exceeding expectations? Which teams are disappointing? Spurs vs. Knicks Timberwolves vs. Mavericks 76ers vs. Celtics Lakers vs. Warriors Nuggets vs. Suns Have a happy and healthy Holiday Season! We will see you in the New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss: The Milwaukee Bucks are NBA Cup champs, what does it mean for the rest of the season? Should the OKC Thunder be worried about the way the lost the title game? Overall thoughts on year 2 of the NBA Cup Trinity Rodman opened up about her relationship with Dennis Rodman, what does her vulnerability mean for others? What is the media's responsibilities in telling the whole story of players like Dennis Rodman? Changes to the All-Star game Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Mavericks and Warriors break NBA record with 48 combined made threes, what's going in with the defense? David's thoughts of the Las Vegas atmosphere for the NBA Cup semifinals The Hawks wasted a golden opportunity in their loss to the Bucks The Thunder and Rockets played elite defense, but the Thunder have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander The Thunder have elite team speed on defense and an MVP candidate, the Bucks have their own MVP candidate and a lot of size, who will win the NBA Cup? Latest Joel Embiid injury news What is David seeing from Bronny James in the G League Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: NBA Cup Quarterfinals results Rockets defeat the Warriors behind elite defense, is it enough to carry Houston to the title? Hawks defeat the Knicks behind an outstanding third quarter surge, has Atlanta turned things around? Thunder defeat the Mavericks with elite defense on Luka Doncic and a brilliant game from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Bucks defeat the Magic with late game execution despite the Orlando missing it's two best players, how'd they keep the game close? NBA Cup Semifinals preview Can the Hawks beat the Bucks? Will the Thunder's run to a potential title in Las Vegas increase their chances of winning the NBA championship in June? Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Nikola Jokic's brilliant run of games and why the Nuggets are still struggling. Can they maximize Jokic's prime? A few NBA teams are pressing the "panic button" as the season is not going well Dallas Mavericks are looking like title contenders again Breakdown of the NBA Cup quarterfinal games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Lakers have an issue and it's LeBron James. But there is an "easy" solution Why are the Magic so good? The maturation of Ja Morant NBA Cup update Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Cavaliers win over the Celtics The Warriors have lost four straight, are they playing too many guys? The surging Bucks, Magic, and Rockets, what's going right for these teams? Are the Trailblazers on the right path? The Grizzlies are playing well with only one of their big 3 in form. How are they doing it? David's observations from college basketball tournaments in Las Vegas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector is joined by Nekias Duncan of The Dunker Spot, they discuss: Is Caitlin Clark more popular than any NBA star under the age of 30? More teams in the league are using depth to their advantage, is this the new normal? The Orlando Magic have a championship level defense and a poor offense, what's going on? Ime Udoka has the Rockets humming on defense and offense The state of the Hawks, Pelicans, and 76ers Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector is joined by The Athletic's NBA business writer, Mike Vorkunov. They discuss: Overall state of the NBA New media rights deal Closing of NBA basketball academies Sovereign wealth funds as majority NBA owners All-Star game revisions The surprising Cavaliers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Team meeting in Philadelphia and why none of it matters unless Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey do it on the court David wrote about Tyrese Haliburton and Jamal Murray at the start of the season. It turns out his concerns were justified. Is it time to panic in Indianapolis and Denver? Dalton Knecht is shooting 46% from three and Lakers fans are giddy. Do they need to curb their enthusiasm? Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia is a testament to player development Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to win and Donovan Mitchell is on pace to average the fewest minutes per game of his career! Are the Celtics on cruise control? The Knicks' defense hasn't been great so far, David says they need time. Jarod points out an interesting stat regarding the Knicks' rotation. The return of Joel Embiid David's "Get Off My Lawn" moment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Big scoring nights from Wemby and Giannis, but David thinks Wemby can be better Bronny James is not playing G league road games, and that's a problem David's rookie watch article Top 5 NBA teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The season is only 4 weeks old but the injury report is massive, what's to be done? Which teams so far this season are playing more than 10 players per game? Are the Warriors for real? What's different about the Cavaliers this season? Is Nikola Jokic already top-5 all-time? What has David noticed in Wemby's second season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss: What is Artificial Intelligence, and how can it impact NBA jobs? What are the parts of basketball where the data is reliable? What are the other parts? Could NBA head coaches change things to be better than computers? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Henry Abbott, Jarod Hector, and David Thorpe discuss: Joel Embiid's alleged altercation with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. What is journalism in 2024? What is Embiid's responsibility when things he doesn't like gets printed about him? Which teams give their young players "oxygen"? Can Charles Lee get LaMelo Ball to play defense? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: What Kenny Atkinson has done to improve the Cleveland Cavaliers The NBA's three-point "problem" Joe Mazzulla is a different kind of dude David's article on the improved Lakers offense Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Henry Abbott, Jarod Hector, and David Thorpe discuss: Kawhi Leonard's injury situation and the surrounding conversation Teams playing deep rotations in the early season Pacers and Nuggets concerns JJ Redick's first few games as Lakers head coach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The opening slate of games in the NBA , what stood out? What is going on with Joel Embiid? The Boston Celtics David's article on Jamal Murray and Tyrese Haliburton Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Boston Celtics' chances at going back-to-back and the importance of their "three presidents" Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Derrick White Which teams are old, expensive, and headed for dark times unless they offload a franchise superstar? New officiating rules Nuggets' head coach Michael Malone says the modern-day NBA is "soft." David sees potential trouble for Denver this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: NBA's new cell phone policy prohibiting players and coaches from using their devices during games. What's the deal? David's article on the preseason and why Pistons, Pacers, and Grizzlies fans should be excited The return of Lonzo Ball Kelly Oubre Jr. on being a connector Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: David's time in Alabama with his son Max NBA season predictions including Finals matchup, MVP, Rookie of the Year, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector is joined by New York Post and SNY sports anchor and the host of "New York Got Game" Dexter Henry. They discuss: Civilians thinking they can beat professional players Bronny James Part II of 30 questions for each NBA team, the western conference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: NBA media day Potential rule changes 30 questions for each NBA team ahead of the season, part I is the eastern conference. Part II will be the western conference on Monday's show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Karl-Anthony Towns <> Julius Randle trade and what it means for the Knicks and Wolves What's the short term and long term outlook for both teams? Derrick Rose retires NBA legend and humanitarian Dikembe Mutombo dies of brain cancer at 58 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's special episode Jarod Hector is joined by The Real Deal podcast host, NBA and Real Madrid fan Sid Ramsundar. They discuss: Sid's entry to fandom in American sports The evolution of the NBA Building a winner in the NBA and world class soccer Similarities between the two sports Transcendent talent Predictive injury analysis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: 5 players to keep your eyes on this coming NBA season The future of Ben Simmons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: DeMar DeRozan's vulnerability in his new book Why trust is so difficult to earn and give in the NBA Which teams in the NBA have an environment that has earned players' trust and allows for vulnerability? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss: Expensive NBA teams like the Suns and Bucks who won't win an NBA title this season, what can they do to change things going forward? Henry's excellent article on Victory Cake What can teams like the Blazers, Bulls, and Nets do to get better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: David's article on the Celtics Jamal Murray's contract extension Shaq and many former and current players think Rudy Gobert is a bad basketball player, what's the deal with the Rudy hate? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Dallas Mavericks New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers Oklahoma City Thunder Four players Jarod and David think can make significant improvement this season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: David's article previewing the Indiana Pacers David's article previewing the Minnesota Timberwolves What young players can learn from Jayson Tatum's Olympic experience A closer look at the development of Jaden Ivey, Jabari Smith Jr. , Keegan Murray, Dyson Daniels and Jalen Duren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss the bad teams heading into the 2024-25 season: Brooklyn Nets Chicago Bulls Charlotte Hornets Washington Wizards Portland Trail Blazers Utah Jazz Can Wemby save the Spurs from being a bottom dweller this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: David's trip to Los Angeles to see his players and connect with NBA power players What positives can be taken from pros playing summer pick up? David's article on the Nuggets, are they serious title contenders? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss: Henry's book update The fast, intuitive, and emotional brain and the slower, more deliberative, and more logical brain. What is best for success in the NBA? It sort of depends on your job... How does fast and slow thinking impact the product on the floor? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: David's article on Team USA's humility and the lesson it taught the world Wemby wants to learn from KD, David has an idea of what that might look like Has the rest of the world caught up to the NBA? Quick thoughts on the Jazz, Lakers, and Warriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Team USA's win over France for the gold medal in men's basketball Steph, LeBron, and KD How much did this loss hurt Victor Wembanyama? How will it motivate him going forward? Team USA in 2028 European vs. American player development Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Team USA vs. Team Serbia for a place in the gold medal game. Does Serbia behind Nikola Jokic have a path to victory? Team Canada had a disappointing Olympic tournament and David has a theory Should Jamal Murray's poor play for Canada, worry the Denver Nuggets? David's excellent article on the importance of a plan in player development Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Team USA men's basketball and the knockout round of the Olympics David "discovers" Breanna Stewart How does David watch and breakdown the NBA? Is the NBA champion the best team in the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices