TrueHoop

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: "Ask Coach Thorpe" send your questions to [email protected] to tap into David's big basketball brain. David's article on the end of the Warriors dynasty The problem with the NBA's 65-game threshold for player awards The real reason we are seeing individual scoring explosions 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: NBA title contenders in the east and west. Jarod and David each draft four teams per conference, and give their reasons why. What is David seeing with the Clippers and Pacers that has him excited? Draymond Green has been a plus/minus rockstar his whole career, can he still help the Warriors? The player that can help contenders that nobody is talking about Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Doc Rivers is in as the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, what does it mean? Is Doc still a good coach? What's next for former Bucks' head coach Adrian Griffin? The Heat traded for Terry Rozier, David likes it but doesn't love it. What else do the Heat need to do? A new "Rapid Fire" segment where David discusses a variety of NBA topics Top 5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Pacers' long-term and short-term futures and why the Pascal Siakam trade works now and for the future. What is David seeing on the court? The Suns are one of the hottest teams in the league, what has sparked their recent good play and is it sustainable? Top-15 in EPM The Clippers could be the west no. 1 seed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of the TrueHoop podcast Jarod Hector is joined by author and the Andrew Mellon Professor of Humanities at Emory University, Valerie Babb. Valerie's latest, The Book of James: The Power, Politics, and Passion of LeBron is the subject of today's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Pascal Siakam trade to the Indiana Pacers, how does this help boost the team's title chances in the short and long-term? Plus David's fantastic article with even more insight. The Suns had a historic fourth quarter comeback this week, can they takeaway anything from that improbable win? Victor Wembanyama is surging 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: A listener question on advanced stats overvaluing role players. If you'd like to ask Coach Thorpe a question, send your question to [email protected] David thinks it will be a busy trade season. What's real and what's not? What should the six NBA title contenders focus on in the second half of the season? MLK Day games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: A listener question about closing out on defense. To ask Coach Thorpe a question, send to [email protected] David's article on why the Thunder need to make a move now The Timberwolves are elite on defense and average on offense with two excellent offensive players, how can this be? What's next for the Pacers in the wake of the Tyrese Haliburton injury? Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Closing in on the halfway point of the regular season, the Celtics, 76ers, Thunder, Nuggets, and Clippers look like contenders. Which means several of the most expensive teams in NBA history (remember all the excitement about the superteams in Golden State, Phoenix, and Milwaukee?) are not, right now, credibly contending. David saw Stephen Curry looking miserable against the Raptors in a way that reminded him of LeBron in Cleveland before The Decision. Giannis recently went on a bit of rant about how everyone in Milwaukee, including the guy who does the laundry, needs to do better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Henry Abbott and David Thorpe discuss: A listener question about playing with joy (email your question to [email protected]) which absolutely matters in the case of Immanuel Quickley. How the Raptors are different after trading OG Anunoby. Why the TrueHoop podcast doesn't have sports gambling ads. Why Pascal Siakam would be amazing on the Thunder. Should the Suns trade Kevin Durant? The best team in Los Angeles. The best player in the world. With a time machine, Joel Embiid would destroy Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The league's top five teams. Mentioned in this story: Ben Krauss's Slow Boring article on the perils of sports gambling. The Wirecard executive who was really a Russian spy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of the TrueHoop podcast Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector are joined by author Rafi Kohan. Rafi's latest book Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn't Total Garbage is the subject of today's episode. How far back does trash talk go? The "Dozens" and the racial components of trash talk? How does trash talk impact performance? Draymond Green We hope you have a happy and healthy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: "Ask Coach Thorpe" where you the audience get to tap into David's big basketball brain. Send questions to [email protected] Derrick White and winning NBA players Should the Thunder go all in now to find an All-Star to slot next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren? The psychology of the Detroit Pistons Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of the TrueHoop podcast Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector are joined by author and sportswriter Roland Lazenby. Roland has written books about the greatest gladiators in the NBA. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Jerry West and Phil Jackson. Lazenby's latest book MAGIC: The Life of Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is the subject of today's episode. We hope you enjoy and have a wonderful holiday season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Holiday plans The difficulty of being a lead ball handler in the NBA The return of Ja Morant Kawhi Leonard's greatness Christmas Day games preview 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 injury bug that has hit the Cavaliers and Suns and what, if anything, can either team do? The Clippers are the hottest team in the league and David thinks they can be the no. 1 seed in the west Trade ideas for the Heat, Knicks, Pacers, Wolves, Thunder, and Mavericks The importance of the G League Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The NBA's popularity, continuing a great conversation you can read here The Warriors have always had a Draymond Green problem but now it might cost them Steph Curry. David wrote about trading Steph here Giannis Antetokounmpo was very mad about the game ball after his career scoring night 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 In-Season Tournament championship and possible tweaks going forward The disposition to dominate as seen in Anthony Davis and LeBron James What's next for the Indiana Pacers? Troubling signs with Zion Williamson The Grizzlies will get Ja Morant back and the Suns will get Bradley Beal back, what does it mean? How can the Warriors improve this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: "Ask Coach Thorpe" tap into David's big basketball brain by sending questions to [email protected] David's article on the Pacers as Harden's Rockets 2.0 How did the Pacers beat the Celtics? Can they defeat the Bucks? Bucks' elite offense Lakers vs. Pelicans, which Zion will show up? Top 5 teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: "Ask Coach Thorpe" tap into David's big basketball brain by sending questions to [email protected] Which teams have an advantage in the quarterfinal round? Celtics vs. Pacers, Pelicans vs. Kings, Knicks vs. Bucks and Suns vs. Lakers MVP ladder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Josh Giddey situation Some coaches and players are upset over the point differential in the In-Season Tournament Zion Williamson and offensive efficiency on high usage Fine line between coaching and ego management David's Rookie Roundup 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: "Ask Coach Thorpe" tap into David's big basketball brain by sending questions to [email protected] The Magic and Suns are the hottest teams in the league, is their play sustainable? An early look at MVP candidates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Henry Abbott, Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Thanksgiving plans "Ask Coach Thorpe" David's big basketball brain answers your questions. To submit a question email [email protected] NBA things we are thankful for Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and Coach Thorpe discuss: The Oklahoma City Thunder look like a serious playoff team, but David says "curb your enthusiasm." The Warriors have lost six straight, is it time to worry? Frank Vogel has played Kevin Durant and Devin Booker heavy minutes and the Suns have an interesting scheduling concern this week Update on the top 5 players in the 2021 draft class Jamahl Mosley and the Orlando Magic are doing some good things Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: "Ask Coach Thorpe" David's big basketball brain answers your questions. To submit a question email [email protected] Tyrese Haliburton is special. How good is he and who is his Hall of Fame comp? In-Season Tournament update Top-5 teams in the NBA right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Timberwolves have the best defense in the league so far and have beaten the Celtics, Nuggets and Warriors, are they a legitimate contender? The Rockets were at or near the bottom of the league last year in every relevant metric. They're more competent this season. What's working for them? Is it panic time for the Clippers and Suns? Has player development and team management hurt the Grizzlies? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's podcast Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: David's article on the beautiful dancing of Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren Adam Silver thinks NBA media coverage and analysis should be more like the NFL, is he right? Cam Thomas and the player that can only score Early impressions of the Bucks and 76ers The Nuggets without Jamal Murray The top 5 teams in the NBA right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The In-Season Tournament and what people are missing with all their complaining. Player development is not always linear but it can be accelerated for special players. Does David think Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama can develop on a faster trajectory? Dillon Brooks, the art and science of shooting Scottie Barnes looks like an All-Star borderline All-NBA player so far, what does that mean for the Toronto Raptors? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The ramifications of the James Harden trade for the 76ers and Clippers and why did this deal happen when it did? Thorpe Theory on early season play from his recent article KD and the Suns Warriors chemistry Nikola Jokic is getting love from his peers The In-Season Tournament The death of Bobby Knight Who are the best teams right now? The return of "Top 5" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: David's early season observations. What is he seeing with individual offense? Parity in the NBA and how that impacts coaching decisions in the short-term and long-term Jalen Duren is an exciting young player The NBA's next media rights deal is an opportunity for the league to go all in on innovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Opening night in the NBA. The Nuggets are champs for a reason but David says their bench will need to improve. The Lakers are a good team but what version of Anthony Davis will we see and has Darvin Ham improved as a coach? Does Evan Mobley have too many tools? Are they preventing him from succeeding? David thinks he's like Lamar Odom. Victor Wembanyama was plagued by foul trouble but still scored 15 points in his regular season debut. Mavericks' rookie Derrick Lively II had a better game. Can Lively II be the most impactful rookie this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Win projections for NBA teams and why David does not see any juggernauts running away with the regular season Grizzlies lose Steven Adams for the season, what does it mean? Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett say Victor Wembanyama is a top-5 player based on skills, does David agree? The NBA is hoping to secure $50-75 billion on its new broadcast deal, who might be the bidders? Tomorrow at 7pm EST the TrueHoop crew along with Tom Haberstroh, Jared Dubin, and Katie Heindl will be taking part in the NBA Opening Night Watch Along on Substack. It will be lots of fun. Click here for more info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: ESPN published a story about Ja Morant and Grizzlies fans are calling it a "hit piece." David's preseason observations, including Ben Simmons The potential of the Phoenix Suns Five bold predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Sam Cassell's addition to the Celtics coaching staff and the potential impact on Jayson Tatum and Joe Mazzulla More on the NBA's claim that science doesn't support load management Jarod is having fun watching Victor Wembanyama James Harden trade talk and the problem with NBA "newsbreakers" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's special episode Jarod Hector is joined by Professor Ibram X. Kendi, the director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research and the host and executive producer of the ESPN+ series "Skin In The Game." They discuss: Prof. Kendi and his center have been in the news for layoffs amid raising $55 million over three years, and a lack of research produced. Where is the money and what is going on? Why does Prof. Kendi believe sports is a fertile ground for antiracism? Athletes and their platforms Prof. Kendi's hopes as a New York Knicks fan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The NBA says scientific data doesn't support load management Chet Holmgren vs. Victor Wembanyama for the future of NBA supremacy Preseason thoughts on Zion Williamson, Zaire Williams, Tyler Herro, Thomas Bryant and Scottie Barnes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Ben Simmons and the importance of empathy and clear communication between an athlete and a coach Monty Williams poor framing of analytics Parity in the league Suns, Raptors and Mavericks preseason play Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Teams in the NBA trade contracts but there are people and real lives involved Are the Bucks "hiding" the truth about Khris Middleton's injury? David's article on 64 good and getable players this season The top 15 players at the end of the season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Jrue Holiday trade and what that means for the Celtics The Portland TrailBlazers present and future Best starting five units in the NBA Latest on James Harden and Philadelphia Early MVP discussion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Damian Lillard trade and what it means for this year's title chase and the future of the Blazers Jabari Parker has thoughts on the NBA Burning questions for the Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, Suns, and Kings ahead of training camp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The latest around the Damian Lillard trade and what people should and shouldn't believe It's been quiet in Philadelphia, and David wonders why Burning questions for the Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs ahead of training camp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss: Henry's obsession with tolerance of the lumbar spine to shear...it's for his amazing book, due out in 2024! The Nuggets were sublime in last season's playoffs, can they recapture similar magic this season? Burning questions for the Timberwolves, Thunder, TrailBlazers, and Jazz ahead of training camp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Nikola Jokic's popularity. Jarod saw a tweet from a Denver sports fan and media member, that got him thinking. Why doesn't the league prioritize his games? What role does Jokic play in his own popularity? David makes an argument that every player in the league is tradable Burning questions for the Hawks, Hornets, Heat, Magic, and Wizards ahead of training camp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The truth about the NBA's new load management rules, and what the league's new media rights deal and race has to do with it. The ugly situation with the Houston Rockets' Kevin Porter Jr. Burning questions for the Bulls, Cavaliers, Pistons, Pacers, and Bucks ahead of training camp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Team USA failing to medal at FIBA World Cup The brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander How the Rockets should handle Dillon Brooks coming off a great FIBA tournament Burning questions for the Celtics, Nets, Knicks, 76ers, and Raptors ahead of training camp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Team USA and Team Canada are in the medal round of the FIBA World Cup, are we headed for a gold medal showdown? Dillon Brooks and the line between confidence and insecurity A preview of David's Burning questions for the East's elite article US Open talk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The US Open. Tennis is Jarod's favorite sport after basketball Team USA and FIBA World Cup David's excellent article on dismantling the Bucks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: How Team USA is looking so far during FIBA World Cup. The excellent play from Team Canada, and the disappointing play from Team France. "Ask Coach Thorpe" mailbag questions tapping into David's big basketball brain. If you want to submit a question email [email protected] More love for Erik Spoelstra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: David's excellent article Elite athletes seldom shoot well The brilliance of Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton and how much better they can become Jarod's issue with the media hurting the sport Team USA and FIBA rules Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's bonus episode Jarod Hector is joined by Victor Luckerson, author of "Built from the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa's Greenwood District, America's Black Wall Street" they discuss: What led Victor to taking on this project? Violence as a theme in America and the book The push and pull between linear and cyclical progression Victor's NBA fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's TrueHoop Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: "Ask Coach Thorpe" mailbag questions tapping into David's big basketball brain. If you want to submit a question email [email protected] Team USA at FIBA World Cup. David says they are the most talented but it wouldn't surprise him if they lose. Who are the 10 best American players? Steve Kerr called Anthony Edwards "the guy" can he become the best player in the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices