They discuss the changing landscape of elite athletes' relationship to their mental health, and the public challenges and struggles with the subject. 

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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! 

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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 

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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 truehoop@truehoop.com
• More love for Erik Spoelstra  

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• 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

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• 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

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• "Ask Coach Thorpe" mailbag questions tapping into David's big basketball brain. If you want to submit a question email truehoop@truehoop.com
• 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?

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• "Ask Coach Thorpe" mailbag questions tapping into David's big basketball brain. If you want to submit a question email truehoop@truehoop.com
• The latest on the James Harden, Joel Embiid and Daryl Morey situation. Are the 76ers headed towards a rebuild?
• What the Netflix show "Quarterback" teaches us about the future of the NBA

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• David's time in Los Angeles working out NBA players with his son Max
• "Ask Coach Thorpe" our second set of mailbag questions tapping into David's big basketball brain. If you want to submit a question email truehoop@truehoop.com
• James Harden and Daryl Morey's bromance is over
• FIBA World Cup basketball

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• Sports take culture
• How media can ask better questions to deliver better content for fans
• Beyond the gameplay, what attracts fans to sports?

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• How to monetize the culture of basketball
• The true value of NBA superstars like LeBron and Steph
• Can gambling actually help?
• The value of the NBA experience

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• NBA fan consumption habits
• Ratings and the driver of revenue
• How the current media covers the game
• Beyond the increased options, why does Gen Z watch less sports than previous generations?

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• "Ask Coach Thorpe" our first set of mailbag questions tapping into David's big basketball brain. If you want to submit a question email truehoop@truehoop.com
• The NBA has warned Damian Lillard's agent Aaron Goodwin about telling teams that are not the Miami Heat that Dame won't play for them. What's actually going on here. 
• Sudden cardiac arrest is a problem in basketball, Henry wrote an incredible piece about it that you can read here. What's really going on with the sport we love?

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• There is a saying "Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships" is this true? 
• It's the start of summer mixtape season for players as they show off what they're working on in their games. That's important, according to David but it must be done with a plan. 
• Jabari Smith Jr.'s star potential and Emoni Bates as a future starter for the Cavaliers

We are going to start answering listener questions on the show. If you have a question for Coach Thorpe email us at truehoop@truehoop.com

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• Summer league pros and cons and David's sobering thoughts on the overall entity
• A little piece of advice for coaches
• The latest on Damian Lillard, James Harden, Pascal Siakam and the NBA's holding pattern

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• The NBA season in review, how happy are we for Nikola Jokic?
• Abigail's beloved Warriors and the dynamics of a locker room and workplace
• There is a lot of pressure on Victor Wembanyama, is it fair?

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• All the overreaction around Victor Wembanyama. Talk to us in three years if you want to make any definitive statements. 
• Finding the Tari Eason of this year's summer league and the young Rockets have talent
• Scoot Henderson looks like a leader
• The truth behind the Damian Lillard and Portland Trail Blazers marriage

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• Remaining free agents on the board and the latest Damian Lillard and James Harden news
• David believes the Raptors will trade Pascal Siakam, but to who and for what?
• David makes a bold proclamation about Kenneth Lofton Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies
• Who has impressed and disappointed David in summer league so far? 

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• Damian Lillard finally requests a trade
• The Lakers and Suns have picked up good free agents, but David says the health of LeBron, AD, KD, Book and Beal is still what matters most. 
• The Pacers will be fun and Tyrese Haliburton has had the best weekend on social media
• The hidden value of some of the free agency deals

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• The best young cores in the NBA and how teams and players should approach summer league
• Two years ago the Hawks looked like a title contender, not so much anymore
• The Lakers are always on the clock because of LeBron, what will they do in free agency?
• The realities of the new CBA make developing young cheap talent critical, the teams that master it will win

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• Draft recap: David discusses how the Spurs should weaponize Wemby and what Houston and Detroit need to do with the Thompson twins.
• The Warriors traded Jordan Poole for CP3, are they done dealing?
• Potential free agency deals and trades
• Team USA at the FIBA World Cup

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•  The Celtics trade Marcus Smart and acquire Kristaps Porzingis. Henry feels some type of way about this. 
• Many of the players in the draft can't shoot, but have so much upside. Can you draft non-shooters? David has thoughts. 
• The Damian Lillard Portland Trail Blazers saga is like a bad marriage
• The NBA is drunk on trades because of the new CBA and owners want to get off of deals they made. What does it all mean?

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• Bradley Beal is now a member of the Phoenix Suns who have a lot of money tied up in just four players. How do they build the rest of their roster?
• The punitive nature of the new CBA and what's on the horizon for the Suns
• Damian Lillard wants out if the Blazers don't bring in a veteran superstar
• We know about Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson and the Thompson twins. Who are some other names to be excited about in Thursday's draft?

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• The Nuggets dominant run to the NBA championship
• Nikola Jokic is the world's best player and just led his team to a championship but he might not love his job
• Can the Nuggets build a dynasty?
• The weird American sports tradition of billionaire owners receiving the championship trophy ahead of the players and coaches

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• The greatness of Nikola Jokic and why it's so hard for some former players and fans to recognize how great he is. 
• Nuggets are on the verge of their first title in franchise history, but David says they can't think that way.
• The new CBA has created a "super tax" penalty for teams, that might mean older star players on the move this summer. 
• The Saudis control professional golf, is the NBA next?

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• The brilliance of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray
• The importance of Christian Braun. Henry believes every team has an opportunity to win a game with a player like this.
• Bam Adebayo's defensive bag
• Will we see "Playoff Jimmy" again?
• The continued struggles of Michael Porter Jr. 

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• What happened to the Nuggets in game 2?
• The Heat's intensity and force 
• Nuggets' head coach Michael Malone publicly calling out his team
• The brilliance of Erik Spoelstra

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• Celtics offseason after losing in the conference finals. Do you breakup Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown?
• Altitude 
• How do you stop Nikola Jokic? 
• The Heat's defense vs. Nuggets offense
• Appropriate fear vs. Heat Culture 

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• The most improbable circumstances in the Heat vs. Celtics series have led to game 7. David thinks game 6 was horrible all around. 
• The NBA's officiating problem
• The Nuggets have been waiting for over a week and that's a good thing for them
• Rich Paul's perspective on the draft

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• The Celtics salvaging their season and avoiding elimination. But can they win three more?
• The Heat's 'Fuck You' culture which David also wrote about here
• The brilliance of Nikola Jokic and the superb play of Jamal Murray
• Why the NBA media needs to do a better job telling stories about teams and players
• Olivier-Maxence Prosper and the draft combine

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• The Celtics disappointing performance in game three against the Heat
• The brilliance of Erik Spoelstra and #HeatCulture
• Something has been off in Boston all season and maybe it's Jaylen Brown?
• The Nuggets are up 3-0 on the Lakers and Jarod says LeBron and Anthony Davis needed to be elite and they haven't
• David has an early NBA Finals prediction
• Carmelo Anthony officially announces his retirement

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• The Heat's game one win over the Celtics. What happened in that third quarter? Playoff Jimmy strikes again. 
• The Nuggets beat the Lakers in game one but much has been made of the Lakers late comeback and Rui Hachimura guarding Nikola Jokic. Is there anything to it?
• The Spurs won the draft lottery and will select Victor Wembanyama, Jarod and David on what the Spurs might do around the young phenom. 
• David hates the way ESPN produces the draft combine and has thoughts on how to make it better. 

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• The troubling case of Ja Morant
• The Celtics beatdown of the 76ers in game 7. What's next for Joel Embiid, James Harden and Doc Rivers?
• Jayson Tatum's disposition to dominate in game 7
• Knicks, Suns, and Warriors offseason plans
• Eastern and Western conference finals preview

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• Draymond Green saving the Warriors season. David also wonders if this version of Draymond makes the Warriors title favorites?
• The Knicks saved their season because Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes played all 48 minutes in an elimination game. Will this series go to game 7?
• The 76ers are on the verge of the conference finals and Joel Embiid can smell it.
• Can Devin Booker and Kevin Durant be excellent for two more games to beat the Nuggets?
• Top 5 players in the playoffs 

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• The maturation of Devin Booker. Suns and Nuggets are all tied at 2-2. Is the winner still the favorite to be west champs?
• 76ers tied their series with the Celtics behind a huge James Harden game. Did the Celtics make a mistake not calling timeout before the final shot?
• Lakers blew out the Warriors in game 3, behind Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Jarod says they have an opportunity to end this series early. 
• The Knicks need to play better and David says they are off the championship bus. 

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• Being innovative as a coach in the playoffs?
• Hindsight is 20/20 but since the 76ers already won game 1, should they have held Joel Embiid out until game 3?
• Jarod and David are concerned with Jayson Tatum's play
• Anthony Davis playing like the best player in the world is the key to the Lakers' title hopes. Can he keep it up?
• Are the Suns in trouble?
• Top 5 playoff performers

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• Stephen Curry and Kevon Looney were brilliant in the Warriors seven game series win over the Kings
• Lakers eliminated the Grizzlies, what's next for Memphis?
• LeBron vs. Steph Part V
• The rest of the playoff matchups

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• The Heat upset the Bucks in the first round. How good is Jimmy Butler? David thinks the Bucks need a new coach. 
• The Knicks beat the Cavaliers and Jarod says NYC is going crazy. How far can this team go? How good is Mitchell Robinson? The Cavaliers were exposed and have some work to do this offseason. 
• The Grizzlies blitzed the Lakers and saved their season. David says the longer this series goes, advantage Grizzlies. 
• Warriors are now up 3-2 on the Kings and Jarod says we've seen this movie before. David isn't ready to count out the Kings. 
• Who are the 5 best players in the playoffs?

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• The Kings and Warriors are tied 2-2 and their were mistakes all over the court in game 4 according to David.
• The Knicks take a commanding 3-1 lead on the Cavaliers. Why do the Cavaliers lack urgency?
• Should we be worried about the Bucks?
• Should Jarod be worried about the Grizzlies?
• Looks like it will be Suns and Nuggets in the next round and David says the winner will represent the West in the NBA Finals. 

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• Draymond stopping on Domantas Sabonis and his suspension for game 3. Jarod thinks it's a sign of vulnerability and desperation in the defending champs.
• The Clippers and Suns are tied at 1-1 and David says Clippers head coach Ty Lue has his team coached up and ready, even without Paul George. 
• The Grizzlies came to play and evened up their series with the Lakers, David sees some trouble if this series goes late.
• The Hawks will likely get swept and Trae Young might get traded. David has some ideas where he might end up. 

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• Game planning against a superstar
• Lakers beat the Grizzlies behind a monster Anthony Davis performance. What do the Grizzlies do without Ja Morant?
• Russell Westbrook's relentlessness fueled a Clippers' road win
• What the Nets need to differently against the 76ers?
• Was the Warriors game plan against De'Aaron Fox a good one?

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• The Bulls win over the Raptors in the play-in and David's overall disappointment in the Raptors this season
• The Thunder win over the Pelicans and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's brilliance
• The first round playoff matchups are just about set and they breakdown each series with predictions

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• Rudy Gobert and Kyle Anderson got into it in a mist-win game for the Timberwolves. Jarod thinks they are an unserious team.
• The play-in matchups are set and David breaks them all down. He's a believer in the Lakers and the Heat, but says anything can happen in a single elimination game. 
• Predictions were made at the beginning of the season, Jarod and David look back at the things that surprised them. 
• Udonis Haslem was David's first NBA client. As his career winds down, David looks back fondly at the man he now calls "Champ."

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• The new CBA deal
• Picks for all awards and league honors
• The final top 5 of the regular season

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• The NCAA women's national title game. Jarod thinks we take things too seriously. 
• The Suns, Lakers and Grizzlies are finishing the season strong in the west, but the Clippers are fading. David has thoughts on what he's seeing on the court.
• The east have a big four: Bucks, Celtics, 76ers, and Cavs
• Victor Wembanyama is coming

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• The war for the soul of basketball. Jocks and nerds are locked in a back and forth and Jarod thinks fans are collateral damage. How do we need to think about analytics and the discourse around the game?
• The Sacramento Kings made the playoffs for the first time in 16 years!
• Top 5 NBA teams right now 

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• Kyrie Irving is a BRILLIANT basketball player that elicits strong emotions from the public. What is going on in Dallas? How can we talk about Kyrie more intelligently?
• Mac McClung, Austin Reaves and the white NBA player.
• What's going to happen in the topsy-turvy western conference?
• How did LeBron come back from his injury so quickly?

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• The significance of the Paul George injury
• Mark Cuban and the Mavericks are mad at the refs, but David sees another problem with the team's awareness
• Ja Morant has returned to the surging Grizzlies, what does this mean? Jarod has thoughts. 
• Top 5 NBA teams right now

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• Innovation for the NBA playoffs 
• The BBall Index roles and which players excel at multiple roles
• The Celtics have been a .500 team post All-Star break, is it time to worry? David thinks so. 
• The future of the Spurs, Pistons, Rockets and Pacers 

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• De'Aaron Fox is starting to walk the path. David believes coaching is a big part of his success and Jarod thinks Fox will get MVP votes. 
• Speaking of...the MVP gap has narrowed between Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. This is why we give awards at the completion of the regular season. 
• The top three teams in the east are fighting for two spots, the third seed will have a perilous playoff road.
• Steph Curry dropped 50 on the Clippers but the Warriors still lost. The defending champs have an Andrew Wiggins problem, which won't be solved anytime soon. 

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• Mikal Bridges is averaging 25 points per game on 50/47/89 shooting splits in Brooklyn. What does that mean for the Nets this postseason and beyond? How many other players in the NBA are capable of more than what they've shown?
• Parity reigns in the NBA this season, especially in the west. David has thoughts on the Nuggets and Clippers. 
• There are a number of storms circulating the NBA: players mad at refs, RSN's going out of business, league broadcast partners engaging in toxic debate about players. Through it all commissioner Adam Silver has been pretty quiet. Jarod and David wonder why?
• Who will go #2 in the 2023 NBA Draft?

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• Kevin Durant's turned ankle pre-game spoiled his Suns home debut. What now?
• Fred VanVleet is not happy with official Ben Taylor and thinks it's personal, David has a take
• Hawk-Eye is coming to the NBA. What does that mean for fans and the league?
• How do Jarod and David see the East and West playoff seeds shaking out?

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• The NBA has compelling races the last 5 weeks of the season. The games matter for most teams in the league.
• The concern in Memphis for Ja Morant 
• Are the Knicks for real?
• The NBA's broadcast partners doing a bad job promoting the league

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Jarod Hector learned about that, and got a little jealous. Wouldn't you want to get messages like that? TrueHoop Tactics is basically that: your chance to get the kinds of messages David Thorpe sends players.

• What did David see during the Philadelphia 76ers game against the Dallas Mavericks?
• How does he advise his players to defend Kyrie Irving?

Please leave us feedback to make this show better as we go forward. Thanks for watching and listening.

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• The return of Kevin Durant and what this means for the Phoenix Suns
• Yet another troubling story about Ja Morant. Howard offers some intelligent perspective on reporting.
• The trouble with "sports media" and the Nikola Jokic conversation 
• The NBA/NBPA new collective bargaining agreement. Jarod thinks it's the most important deal for the league's future. 

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• Damian Lillard's huge scoring night. David says a lot of factors made that happen for Dame, including the opponent.
• Jason Kidd thinks the Mavericks need to grow up, David thinks Kidd should be fired. 
• Nikola Jokic is averaging a triple double and will likely win his third straight MVP. Are we overvaluing Jokic and not giving his team's playoff performances enough weight? We wrote a story about it too!
• NBA and NBPA are close to a new collective bargaining agreement. Jarod believes this is a big moment for the league's future. 

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• The backlash over the All-Star game is a symptom of trouble ahead for the NBA
• Jarod identifies the top contenders for the title and David explains what he needs to see from each team the last month of the regular season.
• The disturbing situation around Alabama's Brandon Miller, a potential top-3 pick in June's NBA draft
• Is Bronny James a top-10 pick in the 2024 draft?

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They discuss:

• What led Theresa to writing a book about these specific NBA players?
• Who has governance over the Black body?
• How did the policies and incidents that shaped America in the 1960s and 1970s shape NBA policies and vice versa?
• The struggles fought for then are still the same struggles that are bing played out now with load management and the collective bargaining agreement.

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• Mike Brown's improvement as a coach beyond X's and O's
• Draymond Green sounds off on Warriors lack of defense
• David's new favorite team is the Nets and he wrote about it here
• Top 5 NBA teams right now

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• LeBron, Steph, KD, and Jaylen Brown are all injured. What does this mean for title odds and predictions?
• The Suns have depth issues, how do they address?
• James Harden shared thoughts about his time in Brooklyn. What's he really saying?
• David likes how the Cavaliers execute on both sides of the floor

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• The Lakers have a different team, do these moves matter?
• Henry has some insight on all the second round picks that got traded.
• Are the Warriors going to win another title? David and Henry are much higher on them than Jarod.
• Top 5 teams on the championship bus post deadline

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• Kevin Durant is now on the Phoenix Suns. Henry and David don't think this has any chance to work. Jarod gives it a slight chance. 
• The Nets now have a team that resembled the one in 2019 that Durant and Kyrie Irving joined. Will Brooklyn go star hunting again?
• LeBron James is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and the best player we've ever seen. 

Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY),
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• The Nets trading Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks. What are the ramifications for Dallas, the league, Brooklyn, and Kevin Durant?
• David wrote about how the trade impacts both teams and we talk about the Mavericks title odds in a congested west and Brooklyn's ability to make another move.
• Stephen Curry will miss more time with an injury, what should the Warriors do?
• There is trouble on and off the court in Memphis and Jarod is very concerned about both.

Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY),
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
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• A tale of three teams: The Celtics, Warriors, and Grizzlies. It seems like the Celtics are fueled off of last season's disappointment, the Warriors are finding it tough to maintain excellence consistently, and the Grizzlies don't fully understand the difficulty in winning consistently. 
• The trade deadline is approaching and David has a word of caution for fans and discusses some teams and what they might do. Check out his excellent articles on the best trade targets in each conference. East. West. 
• Top 5 teams in the NBA right now

Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MD/MI /NJ/ NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. VOID IN OH/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Free bets: Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. $200 issued as free bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/basketballlterms. No Sweat: Valid 1 per customer. NBA same game parlay bets only. Min 3-leg. First bet after opting-in must lose. Paid as one Free Bet Token based on amount of initial losing bet. Max. wagering limits apply. Free Bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Ends at the start of the final NBA game each day when offered prior to 2/16/23 @ 10PM ET. See terms at  sportsbook.draftkings.com/basketballterms

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• The ending of Lakers vs. Celtics and the officiating. Did LeBron and the Lakers get cheated?
• Jarod thinks "NBA Rivals Week" was a success. David has some ideas on how to capitalize.
• Ja Morant's father Tee Morant is becoming a celebrity, is this a good thing?
• Trade deadline buzz

Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MD/MI /NJ/ NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. VOID IN OH/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Free bets: Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. $200 issued as free bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/basketballlterms. No Sweat: Valid 1 per customer. NBA same game parlay bets only. Min 3-leg. First bet after opting-in must lose. Paid as one Free Bet Token based on amount of initial losing bet. Max. wagering limits apply. Free Bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Ends at the start of the final NBA game each day when offered prior to 2/16/23 @ 10PM ET. See terms at  sportsbook.draftkings.com/basketballterms

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• The thrilling game between the Grizzlies and Warriors. David has an idea why Steph Curry threw his mouthpiece. Yes, it's about Jordan Poole, but deeper.
• The Nets and 76ers also played a spirited game. What is the difference between Nic Claxton's mindset and Ben Simmons?
• Winning the title is hard and David looks at it differently than Las Vegas and other popular sports sites. He wrote about it here.
• Top 5 teams in the NBA right now

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• The brilliance of Kyrie Irving. Can the Nets count on this version of Kyrie?
• The Clippers look like they're trending in the right direction, what are they doing?
• It's hard to play defense in today's NBA, ask Austin Rivers. David has thoughts. 
• The definitive 2023 NBA All-Star list

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• Wednesday night's intense game between the Cavaliers and Grizzlies, is this a Finals preview?
• The OKC Thunder are more competent than most people thought, are they poised to be a relevant team as early as next year?
• Stan Van Gundy is talking loud and wrong about player injuries

Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY),
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• Why David holds his high school basketball record for most technical fouls?
• What is it about this game we all love, that makes it so special?
• What was Dr. James Naismith thinking when he invented the game?
• Who does the game belong to?

Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY),
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MD/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in OH/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply.

$200 in Free Bets: Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. Promo code req. $200 issued as free bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Free bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in any returns or winnings.

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• The Memphis Grizzlies can win a title this year. What does David like and dislike about them?
• The Denver Nuggets have arguably the best player in the world but aren't serious title threats right now. Why?
• Nic Claxton has been the key to the Nets improved defense. What is David seeing?

Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY),
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MD/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in OH/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply.

$200 in Free Bets: Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. Promo code req. $200 issued as free bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Free bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in any returns or winnings.

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Max bet limits apply. Min. 3-leg. Each leg min. -300 odds, total bet
+100 odds or longer. Profit boosted up to 100% (10+ legs for 100% boost).

Promotional offer period ends 2/12/23 at 11:59:59 PM ET.See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms

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Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY),

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MD/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in OH/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply.

$200 in Free Bets: Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. Promo code req. $200 issued as free bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Free bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in any returns or winnings.

Stepped up Same Game Parlay: 1 Stepped Up Same Game Parlay Token issued per eligible NFL playoff game after opt-in. Min $1 bet. Max bet limits apply. Min. 3-leg. Each leg min. -300 odds, total bet +100 odds or longer. Profit boosted up to 100% (10+ legs for 100% boost). 

Promotional offer period ends 2/12/23 at 11:59:59 PM ET.See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms

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• LeBron's comments about the state of the Lakers and whether or not we can expect a trade this summer
• LeBron's elite play at 38 
• Scoring is up and defense is low, why?

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• Mental and physical fatigue at the halfway point for players
• The Nets just had a 12-game win streak, which teams could go on a similar streak?
• An early look at All-NBA possibilities halfway through the season 
• Top 5 teams in the league right now

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• The Nets are the hottest team in the NBA and David knows why
• All-Star weekend is approaching, who are some potential first time All-Stars?
• Luka and Giannis are putting up historic numbers, but David thinks one is more sustainable than the other

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• Pascal Siakam's career-high in scoring and something David told him while they were working this past summer. 
• The NBA has owned Christmas Day for decades and we have a number of exciting matchups. Which are the most intriguing and why? How have David and Jarod's views on these teams evolved over the first third of the season?
• Top 5 teams in the NBA right now

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• KD, Jokic, and Devin Booker setting the tone for their teams
• Final thoughts on the 2022 World Cup
• Are the Knicks for real?
• What did Darvin Ham do to Anthony Davis?

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• Our latest trade column 
• Teams that are trending up: Clippers, Nets, 76ers, Heat
• Teams that are trending down: Hawks, Raptors, Wolves, Suns
• David has an idea for a new award
• Top 5 teams in the Association

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• The tragic passing of journalist Grant Wahl at the World Cup. What are our responsibilities as media people and fans when it comes to sports?
• David shares a story about the late Paul Silas
• Rivalries are something we all understand in sports, David has a unique perspective
• A number of rookies are really good defenders, Henry and David have thoughts
• Contender or pretender 

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• Charles Barkley has been famous for four decades, what makes him so appealing to such a large segment of people?
• How important were Charles' mother and grandmother in shaping the man we know today?
• Charles is often wrong and very problematic on big societal issues, how is he able to get away with his positions unscathed?

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• Brittney Griner was released from a Russian prison in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout
• Zion Williamson was in a bad place last year, then assistant coach Teresa Weatherspoon gave him some "royal jelly" and he's a new man. David wrote about it here. 
• David makes a living developing NBA players and says it's a job that the NBA as a whole does very poorly
• Top 5 teams in the league right now

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• The challenge of projecting a player's ceiling and why that makes fans mad
• Jaylen Brown says he's focused on getting the Celtics back to the Finals, and Jarod sees it
• Anthony Davis has been a monster and is playing like the best player in the world. David predicted this two years ago, sort of...
• David is writing about the Pelicans and he has a preview

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• LeBron James asking the media why they don't seem so concerned with a photo of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
• The future of USA Basketball. The potential team for the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics is young and lacks international experience. 
• David says playing time is like oxygen for NBA players. Jarod says Bol Bol is breathing this year. 
• Top 5 NBA teams right now

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• Kevin Durant's slender frame and how a conversation with a trainer in 2007 shaped his NBA future.
• The Lakers have won five of six and LeBron is playing like a top 50 player in the league. Is that a recipe for success?
• We are about a quarter through the season and there are some trends we've noticed.

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• The end of game scenario from an October game between the Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets. Should teams play for the win in regulation or just try to score and get to overtime?
• What does analytics say about end of game situations?
• Can coaches message analytics to their players?

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• Klay Thompson looked amazing against the Houston Rockets, is he back?
• James Wiseman was sent to the G League and David has a message for him and the Warriors. 
• Ben Simmons has been getting more offensively aggressive the last few games. what does David see?
• The World Cup is underway in Qatar, and Jarod has thoughts. 

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• The Warriors poor play. David says offense is the team's problem, which is leading to bad defense. He wrote an article about it. 
• Kevin Durant is happy playing basketball despite the Nets poor record and he likes playing with his teammates. 
• When teams go small, the Bucks go big
• Too early All-NBA selections and the top 5 NBA teams right now

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Jarod Hector learned about that, and got a little jealous. Wouldn't you want to get messages like that? TrueHoop Tactics is basically that: your chance to get the kinds of messages David Thorpe sends players. Please leave us feedback to make this show better as we go forward. Thanks for watching and listening.

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* Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis were dominant on Sunday. What does this mean for their respective teams?

* The Warriors are having a hard time getting stops. David says when you are developing young talent, there will be slippage.

* Jarod was not happy with the Cavaliers late-game execution over the weekend. Why do coaches and teams “stop playing” late in games?

* Jarod and David like what they’re seeing from the Nuggets.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* November 10, 2022 Vibe checks, resurgence in Cleveland, top five

* November 9, 2022 Professors Babak Somekh and Carl Suddler

* November 7, 2022 Kyrie, trouble in Golden State, and the Lakers problem

* November 3, 2022 Recovering NBA writer and podcaster Haley O'Shaughnessy

* November 1, 2022 BRING IT IN w/ Spaced Out Author Mike Prada

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* The best story in the NBA

* The vibes in Minnesota and Brooklyn are very different. What is David seeing?

* How good are the Cleveland Cavaliers? Jarod is really high on them. Is David?

* The Lakers have some problems and David is ready to admit he was wrong about them.

* Top 5 teams in the NBA right now

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* November 9, 2022 Professors Babak Somekh and Carl Suddler

* November 7, 2022 Kyrie, trouble in Golden State, and the Lakers problem

* November 3, 2022 Recovering NBA writer and podcaster Haley O'Shaughnessy

* November 1, 2022 BRING IT IN w/ Spaced Out Author Mike Prada

* October 31, 2022 No more winless teams, Kyrie, and good league play

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On today’s BRING IT IN, TrueHoop’s Jarod Hector is joined by one of the professors who led that research, Babak Somekh, as well as professor Carl Suddler who has deep experience parsing data around racism.

* What was Babak and his colleagues’ impetus to dive into this topic?

* As an African-American historian, what does Carl think the data might be missing?

* Given the Kyrie Irving news, what do Babak and Carl think their roles as academics are in terms of educating?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* November 7, 2022 Kyrie, trouble in Golden State, and the Lakers problem

* November 3, 2022 Recovering NBA writer and podcaster Haley O'Shaughnessy

* November 1, 2022 BRING IT IN w/ Spaced Out Author Mike Prada

* October 31, 2022 No more winless teams, Kyrie, and good league play

* October 27, 2022 Coaching matters

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* The ongoing saga of Brooklyn Nets start Kyrie Irving

* The Warriors are 0-6 on the road and Warriors Twitter is angry at James Wiseman. David says not to panic and give the team some time.

* The Lakers look directionless, but have a player in Anthony Davis who is playing very well. What should they do?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* November 3, 2022 Recovering NBA writer and podcaster Haley O'Shaughnessy

* November 1, 2022 BRING IT IN w/ Spaced Out Author Mike Prada

* October 31, 2022 No more winless teams, Kyrie, and good league play

* October 27, 2022 Coaching matters

* October 24, 2022 Lakers bad juju, 76ers optimism, and Michael Porter Jr's defense

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* The end of Haley’s popular podcast Spinsters

* What is the point of basketball?

* Does the collective basketball watching community enjoy piling on a player?

* What’s next for Haley? Is it possible to enjoy the NBA more when you’re not immersed in it daily?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* November 1, 2022 BRING IT IN w/ Spaced Out Author Mike Prada

* October 31, 2022 No more winless teams, Kyrie, and good league play

* October 27, 2022 Coaching matters

* October 24, 2022 Lakers bad juju, 76ers optimism, and Michael Porter Jr's defense

* October 20, 2022 Game 1 overreactions and thoughts on the opening of the 2022-23 NBA season

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* Mike’s dad Vincent Prada

* The most important character in the book

* What the NBA’s three-point arc and its widespread adoption really means for basketball

* What will the future of athleticism in basketball look like?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* October 31, 2022 No more winless teams, Kyrie, and good league play

* October 27, 2022 Coaching matters

* October 24, 2022 Lakers bad juju, 76ers optimism, and Michael Porter Jr's defense

* October 20, 2022 Game 1 overreactions and thoughts on the opening of the 2022-23 NBA season

* October 17, 2022 Warriors re-up Poole and Wiggins, LaMelo, win totals

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* The Lakers finally get their first win, and David thinks they need to capture the joy from the postgame celebration.

* The Nets have a Kyrie Irving problem and Jarod thinks it’s time they move on.

* David and Jarod love what they’re seeing from the Cavaliers and the Bucks.

* The league is so good right now. Where can teams find “easy” wins?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* October 27, 2022 Coaching matters

* October 24, 2022 Lakers bad juju, 76ers optimism, and Michael Porter Jr's defense

* October 20, 2022 Game 1 overreactions and thoughts on the opening of the 2022-23 NBA season

* October 17, 2022 Warriors re-up Poole and Wiggins, LaMelo, win totals

* October 13, 2022 Draymond is back with the Warriors and NBA player progress reports

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* Time for coaches in Brooklyn and Philadelphia to show what they can do.

* Jarod sees a problem with the Dallas Mavericks.

* The Suns are exactly who David thought they’d be. Still capable of winning.

* The return of the top 5. Jarod and David each give props to the best teams in the league so far.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* October 24, 2022 Lakers bad juju, 76ers optimism, and Michael Porter Jr's defense

* October 20, 2022 Game 1 overreactions and thoughts on the opening of the 2022-23 NBA season

* October 17, 2022 Warriors re-up Poole and Wiggins, LaMelo, win totals

* October 13, 2022 Draymond is back with the Warriors and NBA player progress reports

* October 10, 2022 The Draymond Green situation and preseason notes

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* The Lakers are 0-3 and David does not see any leadership from LeBron James and Anthony Davis

* The 76ers are also 0-3 but David has insight from the locker room on a team that isn’t panicking

* Adam Silver is worried about teams tanking for Victor Wembenyama, David thinks we can’t allow the creation of losing cultures

* Michael Porter Jr. is a 6-10 scoring machine who is lost on defense, but he wants to improve on that end of the floor

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* October 20, 2022 Game 1 overreactions and thoughts on the opening of the 2022-23 NBA season

* October 17, 2022 Warriors re-up Poole and Wiggins, LaMelo, win totals

* October 13, 2022 Draymond is back with the Warriors and NBA player progress reports

* October 10, 2022 The Draymond Green situation and preseason notes

* October 6, 2022 Victor and Scoot-mania has taken over the NBA

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Jarod Hector learned about that, and got a little jealous. Wouldn't you want to get messages like that? TrueHoop Tactics is basically that: your chance to get the kinds of messages David Thorpe sends players. Please leave us feedback to make this show better as we go forward. Thanks for watching and listening.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE.

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* The Lakers got beat by the Warriors on opening night and David has some concerns. Does LeBron believe in this team?

* Jarod was at the Nets opener against the Pelicans. He talked to David’s “sons” Pelicans assistant coaches Corey Brewer and Ryan Pannone, they are very high on the team this season.

* How long will Kevin Durant be patient with Ben Simmons who David says is not an NBA player right now?

* Rookies Paolo Banchero and Jaden Ivey looked good.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* October 17, 2022 Warriors re-up Poole and Wiggins, LaMelo, win totals

* October 13, 2022 Draymond is back with the Warriors and NBA player progress reports

* October 10, 2022 The Draymond Green situation and preseason notes

* October 6, 2022 Victor and Scoot-mania has taken over the NBA

* October 3, 2022 The Nets need to love up Ben Simmons and who is Robert Franks?

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* Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins get the bag from the Warriors. What does that mean for Draymond Green and Klay Thompson?

* David talks to a lot of NBA players during the season. One of them shared thoughts about LaMelo Ball. David gives further context on the conversation and his thoughts on Ball.

* David did his annual NBA regular season predictions column. He and Jarod discuss a handful of teams and some potential breakout candidates.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* October 13, 2022 Draymond is back with the Warriors and NBA player progress reports

* October 10, 2022 The Draymond Green situation and preseason notes

* October 6, 2022 Victor and Scoot-mania has taken over the NBA

* October 3, 2022 The Nets need to love up Ben Simmons and who is Robert Franks?

* September 30, 2022 James Wiseman shines and the art of coaching NBA players

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* Draymond Green’s return to the Warriors. That was fast … but whatever they decided Jarod says it’s on the Warriors and their lauded culture to show they are doing the right thing.

* David handed out progress reports for Ben Simmons, Kawhi Leonard, and Zion Williamson. How do they look?

* David thinks Russell Westbrook is a huge problem for the Lakers and might need to be kept away from the team.

* Jarod and David are both optimistic about Zion Williamson and the Pelicans this season. How would you construct an offense around Zion, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* October 10, 2022 The Draymond Green situation and preseason notes

* October 6, 2022 Victor and Scoot-mania has taken over the NBA

* October 3, 2022 The Nets need to love up Ben Simmons and who is Robert Franks?

* September 30, 2022 James Wiseman shines and the art of coaching NBA players

* September 27, 2022 What is really being said at NBA media days?

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* The Draymond Green assault video that has now been seen by everyone. Does this change anything? Jarod and David ultimately agree but differ on a few things.

* This isn’t how you want to begin a title defense. Where do the Warriors go from here? David thinks Steph Curry’s leadership is needed now more than ever.

* Anthony Davis and Zion are back playing basketball and that’s a good thing.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* October 6, 2022 Victor and Scoot-mania has taken over the NBA

* October 3, 2022 The Nets need to love up Ben Simmons and who is Robert Franks?

* September 30, 2022 James Wiseman shines and the art of coaching NBA players

* September 27, 2022 What is really being said at NBA media days?

* September 22, 2022 Ime Udoka and the Celtics and 2022-23 All-NBA predictions

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* The excitement around 2023 NBA draft prospects Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson. Who should teams draft first overall? David has thoughts.

* Jarod has dreams of a future NBA of all tall players.

* A bunch of injured players are back this season, how will they mesh with their teams? Henry has thoughts about Zion.

* Friend of the show John Hollinger is all in on the Philadelphia 76ers to win the title this year. Henry, Jarod, and David are not…

* How would the NBA fare if it were investigated like the NWSL, which found rampant mistreatment of women?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* October 3, 2022 The Nets need to love up Ben Simmons and who is Robert Franks?

* September 30, 2022 James Wiseman shines and the art of coaching NBA players

* September 27, 2022 What is really being said at NBA media days?

* September 22, 2022 Ime Udoka and the Celtics and 2022-23 All-NBA predictions

* September 19, 2022 The greatness of LeBron, KD and Steph and the upcoming MVP race

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* David’s recent article on Ben Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets. He is the key to the Nets’ season.

* The Phoenix Suns got beat by the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL on Sunday. The 36ers were led by Robert Franks, a player David knows well and believes every NBA team could use.

* Is there trouble brewing in Philly? Jarod doesn’t like some of the noise coming out of 76ers training camp.

* What should smart teams be doing this preseason? David has a few thoughts.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* September 30, 2022 James Wiseman shines and the art of coaching NBA players

* September 27, 2022 What is really being said at NBA media days?

* September 22, 2022 Ime Udoka and the Celtics and 2022-23 All-NBA predictions

* September 19, 2022 The greatness of LeBron, KD and Steph and the upcoming MVP race

* September 15, 2022 The Robert Sarver situation and Brittney Griner with Louisa Thomas of The New Yorker

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* David and his family are very grateful they made it through Hurricane Ian

* James Wiseman looked great in the Warriors preseason game. Are the Warriors young players the best in the league?

* Doc Rivers had an interesting conversation with James Harden. Monty Williams and Deandre Ayton haven’t spoken in months. David has thoughts on how you connect with NBA players.

* Ben Simmons seems happy in Brooklyn so far. David teases an upcoming article.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* September 27, 2022 What is really being said at NBA media days?

* September 22, 2022 Ime Udoka and the Celtics and 2022-23 All-NBA predictions

* September 19, 2022 The greatness of LeBron, KD and Steph and the upcoming MVP race

* September 15, 2022 The Robert Sarver situation and Brittney Griner with Louisa Thomas of The New Yorker

* September 12, 2022 Steph talks KD, midseason tournament, and play-in teams.

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* Wait, where is coach Thorpe?

* Jarod attended media day in Brooklyn and it was a doozy … but Henry says at least stuff is out in the open.

* The Cavaliers seemed poised to do big things this year.

* The right people in Denver started to say smart things about their players and injuries …

* The Lakers don’t appear to be giving Russell Westbrook any royal jelly.

* Zion Williamson is back, ready, and citing Notorious B.I.G.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* September 22, 2022 Ime Udoka and the Celtics and 2022-23 All-NBA predictions

* September 19, 2022 The greatness of LeBron, KD and Steph and the upcoming MVP race

* September 15, 2022 The Robert Sarver situation and Brittney Griner with Louisa Thomas of The New Yorker

* September 12, 2022 Steph talks KD, midseason tournament, and play-in teams.

* September 8, 2022 Cavs are all in. Is SGA long for OKC? And solid playoff teams.

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* Ime Udoka and the Boston Celtics.

* Robert Sarver is selling the Phoenix Suns, who will the NBA get in bed with next?

* The Detroit Pistons are making a push towards relevancy

* David and Jarod make their 2022-23 All-NBA predictions. The teams you could make of the players that don’t make it, are really good!

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* September 19, 2022 The greatness of LeBron, KD and Steph and the upcoming MVP race

* September 15, 2022 The Robert Sarver situation and Brittney Griner with Louisa Thomas of The New Yorker

* September 12, 2022 Steph talks KD, midseason tournament, and play-in teams.

* September 8, 2022 Cavs are all in. Is SGA long for OKC? And solid playoff teams.

* September 1, 2022 2022-23 NBA Championship Bus

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* The brilliance of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry

* David wrote a piece handicapping the upcoming NBA MVP race. Who are the candidates and which player is the “best bet”?

* A case for Zion Williamson as MVP

* What did David learn watching EuroBasket 2022?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* September 15, 2022 The Robert Sarver situation and Brittney Griner with Louisa Thomas of The New Yorker

* September 12, 2022 Steph talks KD, midseason tournament, and play-in teams.

* September 8, 2022 Cavs are all in. Is SGA long for OKC? And solid playoff teams.

* September 1, 2022 2022-23 NBA Championship Bus

* August 29, 2022 The NCAA and sports with Victoria Jackson

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* Phoenix Suns governor Robert Sarver was suspended for a year and fined $10 million for abhorrent behavior. Louisa just published a New Yorker story about Sarver, and has thoughts on what could the league have done better or differently.

* Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia for over 200 days, what actually matters and what did Louisa learn writing about Griner’s situation?

* In the span of one month Serena Williams and now Roger Federer have both retired from professional tennis. What makes the sport so fascinating to cover? How is it like basketball?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* September 12, 2022 Steph talks KD, midseason tournament, and play-in teams.

* September 8, 2022 Cavs are all in. Is SGA long for OKC? And solid playoff teams.

* September 1, 2022 2022-23 NBA Championship Bus

* August 29, 2022 The NCAA and sports with Victoria Jackson

* August 25, 2022 Muggsy Bogues

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* Steph Curry’s comments about former teammate Kevin Durant and trust.

* The NBA midseason tournament will begin in 2023-24. David has an idea to make it beneficial to a larger community and Jarod has an idea about a full on Champions League model tournament.

* The Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings might find themselves in the play-in hunt this season. David reveals the key to their potential success.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* September 8, 2022 Cavs are all in. Is SGA long for OKC? And solid playoff teams.

* September 1, 2022 2022-23 NBA Championship Bus

* August 29, 2022 The NCAA and sports with Victoria Jackson

* August 25, 2022 Muggsy Bogues

* August 22, 2022 Space and basketball with Shannon Stirone

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* The US Open and the mental toughness of athletes.

* EuroBasket 2022 is going on, is there anything David sees that might transfer to the NBA when they players return to their teams?

* We wrote about the Cavaliers acquiring Donovan Mitchell, how much did they improve their title odds?

* David thinks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be the next big name on the move, where could he land?

* An extension of our championship bus conversation from last week, who are the solid playoff teams for the coming season?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* September 1, 2022 2022-23 NBA Championship Bus

* August 29, 2022 The NCAA and sports with Victoria Jackson

* August 25, 2022 Muggsy Bogues

* August 22, 2022 Space and basketball with Shannon Stirone

* August 11, 2022 Kevin Durant and the NBA as Game of Thrones

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* Alligators, crocodiles and why you should never live in Florida.

* What the LIV Golf Tour situation should be teaching the heads of other professional sports leagues.

* Every year David writes an article called the “NBA Championship Bus” at this point who is on it? David is very inclusive in his criteria, Jarod is exclusive, and Henry thinks winning a title this year will be extremely difficult because we have a lot of good to great teams.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* August 29, 2022 The NCAA and sports with Victoria Jackson

* August 25, 2022 Muggsy Bogues

* August 22, 2022 Space and basketball with Shannon Stirone

* August 11, 2022 Kevin Durant and the NBA as Game of Thrones

* August 8, 2022 Dream Team 30th anniversary, Scottie Barnes and the future of the NBA

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* What exactly is the NCAA? Victoria will give us an answer you won’t hear anywhere else.

* Now that NIL endorsements exist, how is that working out for the players and universities?

* Victoria’s pragmatic approach on reshaping collegiate athletics into a three-tiered system.

* The ever present elephant in the room of any NCAA discussion.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* August 25, 2022 Muggsy Bogues

* August 22, 2022 Space and basketball with Shannon Stirone

* August 11, 2022 Kevin Durant and the NBA as Game of Thrones

* August 8, 2022 Dream Team 30th anniversary, Scottie Barnes and the future of the NBA

* August 4, 2022 Bronny James and player development

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* Why does everyone in Muggsy’s family have a nickname?

* What was the best team he’s ever played on?

* How does it feel to give an assist to a teammate?

* Muggsy and Dell Curry were teammates for years and he watched the Curry kids grow up. What does he think of them now?

* How does Muggsy feel about the game today and “small ball”?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* August 22, 2022 Space and basketball with Shannon Stirone

* August 11, 2022 Kevin Durant and the NBA as Game of Thrones

* August 8, 2022 Dream Team 30th anniversary, Scottie Barnes and the future of the NBA

* August 4, 2022 Bronny James and player development

* August 1, 2022 Remembering Bill Russell, KD For Jaylen Brown and title odds

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* What is space? Shannon delves into the phenomenon that surrounds us.

* Uranus is the funniest planet and it’s for exactly the reasons you think.

* How do movies and popular culture correctly or incorrectly inform us about space?

* Which NBA players are most likely not from earth?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* August 11, 2022 Kevin Durant and the NBA as Game of Thrones

* August 8, 2022 Dream Team 30th anniversary, Scottie Barnes and the future of the NBA

* August 4, 2022 Bronny James and player development

* August 1, 2022 Remembering Bill Russell, KD For Jaylen Brown and title odds

* July 22, 2022 Basketball as art with Abigail Smithson

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* Kevin Durant’s ultimatum. What is the supremely gifted basketball star searching for?

* David recently compared the NBA season to Game of Thrones. How can we inject more humanity into our sports?

* We are a basketball podcast but Jarod had to give a few minutes of appreciation to the greatest tennis player of all time, Serena Williams, as she prepares to end her playing career.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* August 8, 2022 Dream Team 30th anniversary, Scottie Barnes and the future of the NBA

* August 4, 2022 Bronny James and player development

* August 1, 2022 Remembering Bill Russell, KD For Jaylen Brown and title odds

* July 22, 2022 Basketball as art with Abigail Smithson

* July 19, 2022 What does winning summer league mean?

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* The 30th Anniversary of the 1992 “Dream Team” its significance on the game today and an appreciation for the team’s best player, Charles Barkley.

* Nobody outside of Scottie Barnes’ family is a bigger fan of Barnes than David. He talks about Barnes’ summer work.

* The early lines on team O/U are out. Whose win total is set too high? Whose total is set too low?

* Jarod doesn’t think an NBA lockout is coming but this next collective bargaining agreement is a good opportunity to make some changes for the betterment of the game and league.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* August 4, 202 Bronny James and player development

* August 1, 2022 Remembering Bill Russell, KD For Jaylen Brown and title odds

* July 22, 2022 Basketball as art with Abigail Smithson

* July 19, 2022 What does winning summer league mean?

* July 15, 2022 The human cost of business in the NBA

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* Bronny James is the most scrutinized high school player in the country because of his famous dad. David sees a lot in his game to like both in terms of play and his spirit.

* It’s mixtape season as Jarod calls it. How do we make sense of videos players and teams put out “doing work”? David has some distinctions to call out about what we see versus what actually goes on.

* Jarod and David both have breakout candidates for next season. Jarod’s are all on the Memphis Grizzlies (shocking).

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* August 4, 2022 Remembering Bill Russell, KD For Jaylen Brown and title odds

* July 22, 2022 Basketball as art with Abigail Smithson

* July 19, 2022 What does winning summer league mean?

* July 15, 2022 The human cost of business in the NBA

* July 7, 2022 Dr. Steve Ilardi on the creation of Bonus Wins

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* They discuss the late Bill Russell who passed away on Sunday. Henry describes him as one of the “real ones.”

* The Celtics reportedly might consider trading Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant. Nobody on the podcast likes that.

* The title favorites for next year have been set by Las Vegas. The guys agree on four top contenders, but after that David is difficult.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* July 22, 2022 Basketball as art with Abigail Smithson

* July 19, 2022 What does winning summer league mean?

* July 15, 2022 The human cost of business in the NBA

* July 7, 2022 Dr. Steve Ilardi on the creation of Bonus Wins

* July 1, 2022 Kevin Durant drops a bomb and free agency madness

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* How can art impact the way we think about basketball?

* David often talks about the artist and the scientist, who does Abigail think are the NBA’s best artists?

* Abigail hosts a podcast called “Dear Adam Silver” where her letters to the commissioner used to be more direct and are now more poetic. Why the change?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* July 19, 2022 What does winning summer league mean?

* July 15, 2022 The human cost of business in the NBA

* July 7, 2022 Dr. Steve Ilardi on the creation of Bonus Wins

* July 1, 2022 Kevin Durant drops a bomb and free agency madness

* June 27, 2022 Shadowy figures, free agency talk

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* If Donovan Mitchell gets traded to the Knicks, what does that mean for Julius Randle?

* The latest on the Brooklyn Nets.

* EYBL and the state of U.S. player development.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* July 15, 2022 The human cost of business in the NBA

* July 7, 2022 Dr. Steve Ilardi on the creation of Bonus Wins

* July 1, 2022 Kevin Durant drops a bomb and free agency madness

* June 27, 2022 Shadowy figures, free agency talk

* June 25, 2022 The 2022 NBA draft

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* Deandre Ayton had to get the Indiana Pacers to offer an exorbitant contract in order for the Phoenix Suns (the team that drafted him #1 overall) to pay him. There are going to be some awkward moments and hurt feelings this summer and heading into camp. How do the Suns fix that?

* The Utah Jazz are in full teardown mode and David is not happy.

* Where does Donovan Mitchell best fit in the NBA?

* Jarod loves some Brooklyn Nets’ summer league players like RaiQuan Gray whom David knows all about. What do they think happens with Kyrie Irving and KD?

* At TrueHoop we’ve long advocated for a shorter season, and it’s already happening. Henry Abbott wrote about it here.

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* What David sees in the Summer League performances of Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., Keegan Murray, Jaden Ivey, and Bennedict Mathurin.

* David’s early pick as the most likely rookie of the year.

* Henry forces the conversation to the Tour de France more than once.

* LeBron James and Kevin Durant are some of the best basketball players ever, but do you want them as your team’s de facto general manager? What’s the best way for teams and star players to work together?

* David likes and dislikes some of the stuff he is seeing in summer league. But he wants everyone to relax. Development is not linear.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* July 7, 2022 Dr. Steve Ilardi on the creation of Bonus Wins

* July 1, 2022 Kevin Durant drops a bomb and free agency madness

* June 27, 2022 Shadowy figures, free agency talk

* June 25, 2022 The 2022 NBA draft

* June 17, 2022 Warriors are champions--Finals postmortem

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* Chet Holmgren’s Summer League start

* The origin of Bonus Wins

* The biggest takeaway from the data around Bonus Wins?

* The Utah Jazz traded Rudy Gobert for a TON OF DRAFT CAPITAL and players. David says the Wolves have a chance to ascend to contention, but what does Ilardi say?

* What does that all mean for a potential Kevin Durant trade? How’s the market for older superstars with huge salaries?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* July 1, 2022 Kevin Durant drops a bomb and free agency madness

* June 27, 2022 Shadowy figures, free agency talk

* June 25, 2022 The 2022 NBA draft

* June 17, 2022 Warriors are champions--Finals postmortem

* June 13, 2022 Win two games, win a title

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* What is leadership? David has a very specific definition and discusses how it applies, or doesn’t, to Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets.

* This is the time of year where teams solidify their rosters, our new stat, Bonus Wins, helps cut through the noise this time of year and identify which players provide the most value.

* The Warriors said they were bringing everyone back, Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr, have both left via free agency. What happens if they can’t re-sign Kevon Looney?

* Jarod’s favorite player Jaren Jackson Jr. will miss 4-6 months recovering from a stress fracture. What does this mean for the Grizzlies?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* June 27, 2022 Shadowy figures, free agency talk

* June 25, 2022 The 2022 NBA draft

* June 17, 2022 Warriors are champions--Finals postmortem

* June 13, 2022 Win two games, win a title

* June 10, 2022 Forcing your opponent to do what you want

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* Jalen Brunson and free agency. Is $25 million per year a good deal for a team that wants to sign him?

* Kyrie Irving…

* The Warriors want to bring EVERYONE back. Can they? Will they? Which teams might pay a lot to acquire the excellent Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II? (And if the Warriors wanted to shed one of their big salaries, could they?)

* There is a lot of trash talk between the “talking heads” in media and NBA players, and it’s freaking David out.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* June 25, 2022 The 2022 NBA draft

* June 17, 2022 Warriors are champions--Finals postmortem

* June 13, 2022 Win two games, win a title

* June 10, 2022 Forcing your opponent to do what you want

* June 6, 2022 We have a series

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TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott, Jarod Hector, and David Thorpe breakdown the NBA Draft.

* David has a nickname for this draft and it involves a Pelicans player…

* Henry was live at Barclays Center and had a very different experience than those who watched at home.

* The Detroit Pistons were seen as the draft “winner”

* Jarod believes the Magic had the best approach to choosing the #1 overall pick in Paolo Banchero

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* June 17, 2022 Warriors are champions--Finals postmortem

* June 13, 2022 Win two games, win a title

* June 10, 2022 Forcing your opponent to do what you want

* June 6, 2022 We have a series

* June 3, 2022 Celtics take Game 1 with excellent 4th

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* The Golden State Warriors are NBA champs for the fourth time in the last eight years. How did they do it?

* There will be a lot of talk about Jayson Tatum not being “ready” for the moment, but Henry knows the Celtics and the NBA broke Tatum well before the Finals.

* What is Stephen Curry’s superpower? Jarod has a theory and it’s not his sublime offense.

* Thorpe has ideas on how the Celtics can get better.

* Looking ahead to the draft and next season.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* June 13, 2022 Win two games, win a title

* June 10, 2022 Forcing your opponent to do what you want

* June 6, 2022 We have a series

* June 3, 2022 Celtics take Game 1 with excellent 4th

* May 27, 2022 Coach and NBA player trainer Charlie Torres

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What’s with the Warriors’ Cuisinart offense? David thinks it’s been unplugged by Ime Udoka.

Why has Draymond Green been so ineffective? There’s a lot of story to that one.

And what is going on with Kevon Looney in this chart?

On BRING IT IN, David Thorpe explains:

We're seeing a lot of frantic possessions. When I say a lot, I don't mean 55 percent, but more than three percent, more than five percent. None of the Boston Celtics guys have been here. A good portion of the Warriors that are playing have not been in the Finals before. But Looney is part of that core four, he's the fourth guy. He's the Fourth Musketeer in a sense.

And, an example of how he's not being changed by the pressure of the moment, and the defense, was late in Game 4, in the final three minutes. I think Draymond was in the game, I think they blitz Curry up top, he hits Draymond a short roll, which is a very common thing. Green throws at beautiful bounce pass, kind of a high-low pass, in the paint to Looney. And Looney just patiently fakes and pauses, and then has a great left-hand finish.

It's not the hardest thing in the world. But he didn't rush it. And we've seen these guys rushed, so many plays.

Tatum rushed a very important slip screen in the fourth quarter. And instead of landing on two feet, and strongly going up over helping Klay Thompson, he kind of threw up what I call a hope shot, hoping it would go in.

Looney did nothing like that. He just settled in, used his fakes, and finished. And I think that's very symbolic or representative of what we're seeing from him. A two-way player who values setting screens, because he's not thinking about popping! That may change one day. But he is setting real screens like Draymond is. He's making simple plays on both ends. He's their best low-post defender right now. As a helper, he's got size and had a big blocked shot in the fourth quarter.

So all that adds up to, I think, a guy that Boston's not really been able to solve.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* June 10, 2022 Forcing your opponent to do what you want

* June 6, 2022 We have a series

* June 3, 2022 Celtics take Game 1 with excellent 4th

* May 27, 2022 Coach and NBA player trainer Charlie Torres

* May 23, 2022 Warriors inevitability and trading blows with the Celtics and Heat

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* Sportswashing and the new LIV golf tour.

* David realizes that the Celtics are baiting the Warriors into heliocentric offense.

* What’s the deal with Draymond Green? Why can’t he string together consecutive good games? Jarod has an idea.

* Stephen Curry has been great through three quarters of every game and not so great in the fourth. Can the Warriors fix that? David has an idea.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* June 6, 2022 We have a series

* June 3, 2022 Celtics take Game 1 with excellent 4th

* May 27, 2022 Coach and NBA player trainer Charlie Torres

* May 23, 2022 Warriors inevitability and trading blows with the Celtics and Heat

* May 20, 2022 Blowouts in the conference finals and the draft combine

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* David describes the five-minute stretch of the third quarter that decided Game 2

* Is Gary Payton II the key?

* David and Henry have a lot of love for Celtics head coach Ime Udoka

* Henry and David disagree about what makes an MVP, and Jarod Hector plays referee. You decide who won …

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* June 3, 2022 Celtics take Game 1 with excellent 4th

* May 27, 2022 Coach and NBA player trainer Charlie Torres

* May 23, 2022 Warriors inevitability and trading blows with the Celtics and Heat

* May 20, 2022 Blowouts in the conference finals and the draft combine

* May 16, 2022 Crazy game 7s, elite play, and coaching

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* It looked like the “Thorpe Rule” was activated after the Warriors’ masterful third quarter, but then the Celtics amped up their defense and made tons of shots in the fourth. How did that happen?

* It’s a coach’s league as well as a player’s league. What makes the Celtics’ Ime Udoka so special?

* Stephen Curry looked brilliant in the first quarter and only scored 13 the rest of the game. David believes Boston’s size played a big role and will be tough to overcome.

* Draymond Green thinks Marcus Smart, Al Horford, and Derrick White won’t shoot a combined 15-23 again. He’s probably right but Jarod and David think that’s a bad way to look at the series.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* May 23, 2022 Warriors inevitability and trading blows with the Celtics and Heat

* May 20, 2022 Blowouts in the conference finals and the draft combine

* May 16, 2022 Crazy Game 7s, elite play, and coaching

* May 13, 2022 Ugliness in Philly, Mavs force Game 7

* May 9, 2022 "Don't Trust Your Gut" author Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

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They discuss:

* How Charlie got his start in the business

* What it’s like working out Klay Thompson

* Stories from the Warriors trip to China where important passports were lost, including head coach Steve Kerr

* Shooting contests between Klay and Kevin Durant

* Working out 2022 NBA Draft prospect Bennedict Mathurin

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* May 23, 2022 Warriors inevitability and trading blows with the Celtics and Heat

* May 20, 2022 Blowouts in the conference finals and the draft combine

* May 16, 2022 Crazy game 7s, elite play, and coaching

* May 13, 2022 Ugliness in Philly, Mavs force Game 7

* May 9, 2022 "Don't Trust Your Gut" author Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

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* Warriors taking a 3-0 lead in the conference finals. Jarod is ready to bury the Mavericks, David says not so fast.

* Why is the Warriors’ “Cuisinart” offense so brilliant and difficult for other teams to emulate? David has some thoughts.

* Jarod and David give Andrew Wiggins some love.

* Celtics vs. Heat is a bloodbath, are we still favoring the Celtics?

* The Heat are so well coached and David likes that.

* Bam Adebayo played well in game three, can he do it again?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* May 20, 2022 Blowouts in the conference finals and the draft combine

* May 16, 2022 Crazy game 7s, elite play, and coaching

* May 13, 2022 Ugliness in Philly, Mavs force Game 7

* May 9, 2022 "Don't Trust Your Gut" author Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

* May 6, 2022 The one with Kevin Arnovitz...

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* The Celtics destroyed the Heat in game 2 of the conference finals. David Thorpe thinks they are the best team in the league and Jarod agrees. Is this the Celtics year?

* Jarod appreciates the visceral way that weaknesses get exposed in the playoffs. David breaks it down from a player perspective. How does he coach his players to exploit weaknesses in their opponents?

* The Warriors enforced the “Luka Rules” in game one. Can that continue for the series? David thinks so, but also says the Mavericks and Coach Jason Kidd can scheme up some things.

* The Draft Combine is currently underway in Chicago. Our Henry Abbott is there. What’s really going on in the Chi?

* Kevin Durant has thoughts on what makes someone the best player in the world. So does David.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* May 16, 2022 Crazy game 7s, elite play, and coaching

* May 13, 2022 Ugliness in Philly, Mavs force Game 7

* May 9, 2022 "Don't Trust Your Gut" author Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

* May 6, 2022 The one with Kevin Arnovitz...

* May 2, 2022 Adjusting in the playoffs

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* How the Celtics defeated the Bucks in Game 7 thanks to a team approach that let them celebrate not just stars, but wide open Grant Williams.

* Luka Doncic was excellent in the Mavericks Game 7 win over the Suns. How has Jason Kidd coached him to be more like LeBron James and less like James Harden?

* The Suns made some tactical errors according to Thorpe—and their stars didn’t get the ball early and often to Deandre Ayton.

* Everyone’s picks for the conference finals.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* May 13, 2022 Ugliness in Philly, Mavs force Game 7

* May 9, 2022 "Don't Trust Your Gut" author Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

* May 6, 2022 The one with Kevin Arnovitz...

* May 2, 2022 Adjusting in the playoffs

* April 29, 2022 In the NBA playoffs all you need is love?

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* Philadelphia 76ers failed to advance past the second round for the fourth time in five years. There is a lot of blame to go around, and everyone deserves some. Where do they go from here? Jarod and David have a Camp Morey idea…

* The Dallas Mavericks forced a Game 7 and Coach Jason Kidd has to get a lot of the credit according to David Thorpe. Jarod is worried that Mikal Bridges is out of gas.

* The Memphis Grizzlies are playing the three-time champion Golden State Warriors and are down 3-2. But they have hope, belief, and Steven Adams.

* The Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks series is the only series where NBA Finals level defense is being played according to David Thorpe. Does he favor the remaining East teams over the west?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* May 9, 2022 "Don't Trust Your Gut" author Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

* May 6, 2022 The one with Kevin Arnovitz...

* May 2, 2022 Adjusting in the playoffs

* April 29, 2022 In the NBA playoffs all you need is love?

* April 25, 2022 Playoff series change on a dime...

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Seth is a serious academic who has spent his adult life marinating in data. He’s also a huge sports fan, whose book has a surprising amount of NBA insight.

* He has data suggesting that genes play a bigger role in making it in the NBA than in other sports.

* He cites a groundbreaking study about human happiness, which finds playing basketball probably makes people very happy, but watching basketball less so. To improve his own happiness, he has actually tried to be less of a fan of an NBA team. Also, he’s a Knicks fan.

* And there’s big evidence that working with your friends makes you like work a lot better. Is that an argument for stars assembling teams of people they like?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* May 6, 2022 The one with Kevin Arnovitz...

* May 2, 2022 Adjusting in the playoffs

* April 29, 2022 In the NBA playoffs all you need is love?

* April 25, 2022 Playoff series change on a dime...

* April 22, 2022 Injuries will decide the NBA title

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* Grizzlies vs. Warriors and why Kevin is not ready to give up on the old guys

* Jaren Jackson Jr. We know Jarod is a fan, but is Kevin?

* The brilliance of Chris Paul

* Kevin’s distaste for mismatch basketball

* What will be an interesting offseason in Philadelphia

* Who can score enough in the eastern conference to make it to the NBA Finals?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* May 2, 2022 Adjusting in the playoffs

* April 29, 2022 In the NBA playoffs all you need is love?

* April 25, 2022 Playoff series change on a dime...

* April 22, 2022 Injuries will decide the NBA title

* April 18, 2022 Exactly how the Celtics won

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* The Grizzlies and Warriors went down to the wire in an exciting game one. The final play went to Ja Morant for a layup he missed. Very good play call. Was there an option to pass it to Jaren Jackson Jr. for a three?

* Draymond Green was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected, was that the right call by the officials?

* In the Celtics vs. Bucks series it seemed like it took the Celtics a while to get used to the physicality. Going forward David thinks they will adjust just fine, but the Bucks can’t be counted out.

* Injuries will most likely decide the NBA champion. In the Heat vs. 76ers series both teams are dealing with significant injuries. Could Philly advance with a limited Embiid?

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* April 29, 2022 In the NBA playoffs all you need is love?

* April 25, 2022 Playoff series change on a dime...

* April 22, 2022 Injuries will decide the NBA title

* April 18, 2022 Exactly how the Celtics won

* April 15, 2022 Playoff preview with betting market insight

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* All you tinfoil hats that think the NBA is rigged, Henry knows you’re wrong this time.

* Pelicans vs. Suns was hard fought and super intense, but there was so much love in the arena afterwards, is this a healthier way to compete?

* After that amazing Pelicans run David is ready to trade Zion Williamson. (UPDATE: After we recorded, evidence that the Pelicans and Zion worked out something.)