The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball Intelligence Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:55:21 -0500 https://basketballintelligence.substack.com/ en-us © 2026 The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball Intelligence yes 19d6caae-6c8b-5774-b948-b72b217d8f95 Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel episodic false The mind behind Basketballintelligence.net, Ray LeBov assesses the best in basketball writing using his four I's strategy: any stories selected must be intelligent, informative, insightful, and interesting. Now, he's applying the same logic to The Unrestricted Area, where guests from around the basketball world come to discuss the NBA and sports analysis as a whole.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Basketball, NBA, Sports Analysis, NCAA Basketball, NBA Basketball, Basketball Intelligence Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel https://storage.buzzsprout.com/y83aqex3xrgcn5pxx9cbpump7kzs?.jpg The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball Intelligence https://basketballintelligence.substack.com/ The State of the Grizzlies w/ Parker Fleming The State of the Grizzlies w/ Parker Fleming Parker Fleming, author of the Subtsakalidis newsletter, joins Aaron Bollwinkel to talk about the Grizzlies’ new offensive system under Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo, what the return of Zach Edey means, the struggles of Jaren Jackson Jr. in the new scheme, the superb play of rookie Cedric Coward, and getting a gauge on where the Ja Morant situation stands.

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]]> Parker Fleming, author of the Subtsakalidis newsletter, joins Aaron Bollwinkel to talk about the Grizzlies’ new offensive system under Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo, what the return of Zach Edey means, the struggles of Jaren Jackson Jr. in the new scheme, the superb play of rookie Cedric Coward, and getting a gauge on where the Ja Morant situation stands.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-18232118 Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0800 2556 full false Basketball is Jazz w/ David Thorpe Basketball is Jazz w/ David Thorpe Ray and Aaron talk with Coach David Thorpe—longtime personal basketball coach, mentor, analyst, and author—about his recent TrueHoop story “Jazz Lessons,” which explores the success of incorporating improvisation into NBA offenses. The conversation touches on some of the all-time greats who set the standard, highlights a few teams thriving with free-flowing styles, and examines how Coach Thorpe teaches players to embrace improvisation through instruction and practice habits.

Links to Coach Thorpe’s and Henry Abbott’s stories:

Jazz lessons

Turns out basketball is jazz

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]]> Ray and Aaron talk with Coach David Thorpe—longtime personal basketball coach, mentor, analyst, and author—about his recent TrueHoop story “Jazz Lessons,” which explores the success of incorporating improvisation into NBA offenses. The conversation touches on some of the all-time greats who set the standard, highlights a few teams thriving with free-flowing styles, and examines how Coach Thorpe teaches players to embrace improvisation through instruction and practice habits.

Links to Coach Thorpe’s and Henry Abbott’s stories:

Jazz lessons

Turns out basketball is jazz

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-17840413 Sun, 14 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700 3362 full false WNBA First Round Playoff Preview w/ Bob Bellotti WNBA First Round Playoff Preview w/ Bob Bellotti Aaron is joined by basketball analyst, author, and Substack writer Bob Bellotti to discuss all the intrigue and storylines in the four first-round matchups for the WNBA playoffs beginning this Sunday. 

Western Conference Preview with Bob Bellotti

Fledgling WNBA Players Thrive in Second Half of Season



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]]> Aaron is joined by basketball analyst, author, and Substack writer Bob Bellotti to discuss all the intrigue and storylines in the four first-round matchups for the WNBA playoffs beginning this Sunday. 

Western Conference Preview with Bob Bellotti

Fledgling WNBA Players Thrive in Second Half of Season



Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-17835603 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0700 2883 full false How the Clippers Are Navigating the Wake of the Pablo Torre Story w/ Law Murray How the Clippers Are Navigating the Wake of the Pablo Torre Story w/ Law Murray Aaron interviews The Athletic’s Law Murray about the state of the Clippers as they contend with the damaging allegations of salary cap circumvention laid out by the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast on September 3. 

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]]> Aaron interviews The Athletic’s Law Murray about the state of the Clippers as they contend with the damaging allegations of salary cap circumvention laid out by the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast on September 3. 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-17796041 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700 2139 full false WNBA Parity and the Effects of Expansion w/ Bob Bellotti WNBA Parity and the Effects of Expansion w/ Bob Bellotti Aaron Bollwinkel interviews Substack writer and longtime analyst Bob Bellotti about his recent findings regarding the ways in which the WNBA’s parity is affected based on expansion, and what that will likely mean for the league as it embarks on its most aggressive period of growth yet.

Follow Bob’s work here

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Aaron Bollwinkel interviews Substack writer and longtime analyst Bob Bellotti about his recent findings regarding the ways in which the WNBA’s parity is affected based on expansion, and what that will likely mean for the league as it embarks on its most aggressive period of growth yet.

Follow Bob’s work here

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-17729631 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0700 2018 full false Contender Building in the Era of Parity w/ Howard Beck Contender Building in the Era of Parity w/ Howard Beck Ray and Aaron interview The Ringer senior writer Howard Beck about the different ways in which teams are going about building contenders in Adam Silver's new era of parity. 

Link to Howard's original story: There’s No Right Way to Build an NBA Contender Anymore


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]]> Ray and Aaron interview The Ringer senior writer Howard Beck about the different ways in which teams are going about building contenders in Adam Silver's new era of parity. 

Link to Howard's original story: There’s No Right Way to Build an NBA Contender Anymore


Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-17616044 Mon, 04 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0700 2247 full false Digging Deeper Into The Draft w/Nick Agar-Johnson Digging Deeper Into The Draft w/Nick Agar-Johnson Ray and Aaron are joined by Nick Agar-Johnson of No Ceilings and the Kings Weekly Podcast to review the 2025 NBA Draft. They start out by giving their first impressions in the wake of the draft, and discuss the impact that NIL had on this year's class. Then, they break down the biggest storylines from the draft, including some of their favorite and most confusing draft hauls. Finally, they wrap up by briefly highlighting some of the top players in the 2026 NBA Draft class and how their years might play out in the lead-up to next year's draft cycle.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray and Aaron are joined by Nick Agar-Johnson of No Ceilings and the Kings Weekly Podcast to review the 2025 NBA Draft. They start out by giving their first impressions in the wake of the draft, and discuss the impact that NIL had on this year's class. Then, they break down the biggest storylines from the draft, including some of their favorite and most confusing draft hauls. Finally, they wrap up by briefly highlighting some of the top players in the 2026 NBA Draft class and how their years might play out in the lead-up to next year's draft cycle.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-17436340 Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0700 3584 full false March Badness w/Eric Koreen March Badness w/Eric Koreen Nick and Ray talk with The Athletic's Eric Koreen about his recent article detailing the issues concerning the quality of basketball come March for the NBA. The discussion touches on how to de-incentivize tanking, as well as the merits of potentially shortening the NBA season. 

Click here to read Eric's piece. 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Nick and Ray talk with The Athletic's Eric Koreen about his recent article detailing the issues concerning the quality of basketball come March for the NBA. The discussion touches on how to de-incentivize tanking, as well as the merits of potentially shortening the NBA season. 

Click here to read Eric's piece. 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-16910521 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0700 2086 full false RefMasters w/Sony Tiwari RefMasters w/Sony Tiwari Ray LeBov and Nick Agar-Johnson talk with Sony Tiwari, Co-Founder and CEO of RefMasters, a platform created to educate people on officiating. The three discuss the mechanics of the platform and the community fostered around it, as well as several different areas of discussion regarding refereeing habits and common misconceptions of officiating.

Check out RefMasters here

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov and Nick Agar-Johnson talk with Sony Tiwari, Co-Founder and CEO of RefMasters, a platform created to educate people on officiating. The three discuss the mechanics of the platform and the community fostered around it, as well as several different areas of discussion regarding refereeing habits and common misconceptions of officiating.

Check out RefMasters here

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-16910451 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0700 3554 full false The Best Young Defensive Wings w/Nick Agar-Johnson The Best Young Defensive Wings w/Nick Agar-Johnson Ray and Aaron speak with Nick Agar-Johnson, Editor-in-Chief and staff writer for No Ceilings and co-host of the Kings Weekly podcast, about the ten most exciting wing defenders in the NBA. 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray and Aaron speak with Nick Agar-Johnson, Editor-in-Chief and staff writer for No Ceilings and co-host of the Kings Weekly podcast, about the ten most exciting wing defenders in the NBA. 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-16774536 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0700 3648 full false Not All NBA Offenses Are The Same Not All NBA Offenses Are The Same Aaron Bollwinkel talks with The Athletic's Law Murray about the false notion that all NBA offenses are operating the same, the 40/20 club, and the state of the Clippers.

Law's articles discussed in this interview:

What stands out and what separates NBA teams’ offensive identities? - The Athletic

Luka Dončić is new to Lakers-Clippers rivalry, but he’s far from an unfamiliar face

NBA Power Rankings: Cavaliers claim top spot; Lakers, Warriors are lurking

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Aaron Bollwinkel talks with The Athletic's Law Murray about the false notion that all NBA offenses are operating the same, the 40/20 club, and the state of the Clippers.

Law's articles discussed in this interview:

What stands out and what separates NBA teams’ offensive identities? - The Athletic

Luka Dončić is new to Lakers-Clippers rivalry, but he’s far from an unfamiliar face

NBA Power Rankings: Cavaliers claim top spot; Lakers, Warriors are lurking

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-16710073 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0800 3676 full false Jimmy Butler Trade and the State of The Warriors with Sam Gordon Jimmy Butler Trade and the State of The Warriors with Sam Gordon Aaron Bollwinkel interviews San Francisco Chronicle Warriors beat writer, Sam Gordon, about the Jimmy Butler trade, the state of several of the Warriors' young players, and what to expect for the team down the stretch of the season following their blockbuster deal.














Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Aaron Bollwinkel interviews San Francisco Chronicle Warriors beat writer, Sam Gordon, about the Jimmy Butler trade, the state of several of the Warriors' young players, and what to expect for the team down the stretch of the season following their blockbuster deal.














Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-16584814 Fri, 07 Feb 2025 21:00:00 -0800 3149 full false "Basketball Beyond Paper" interview with Dean Oliver "Basketball Beyond Paper" interview with Dean Oliver Ray LeBov and Aaron Bollwinkel interview Dean Oliver, the author of Basketball Beyond Paper and one of the most important figures in the history of sports analytics.

Click the links below to purchase your copy of Dean's incredible book: 

Basketball beyond Paper - Nebraska Press

Amazon.com : basketball beyond paper

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov and Aaron Bollwinkel interview Dean Oliver, the author of Basketball Beyond Paper and one of the most important figures in the history of sports analytics.

Click the links below to purchase your copy of Dean's incredible book: 

Basketball beyond Paper - Nebraska Press

Amazon.com : basketball beyond paper

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov & Aaron Bollwinkel Buzzsprout-16544588 Sat, 01 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0800 3605 full false NBA Draft talk with Jonathan Wasserman NBA Draft talk with Jonathan Wasserman It's never too early to start talking about the draft, but here at The Unrestricted Area, we were fortunate enough to be the first to pick the brain of Bleacher Report's draft expert, Jonathan Wasserman, who recently dropped his Mock Draft 2.0. Aaron Bollwinkel (Live. Breathe. Ball. and No Gimmes) and Jonathan talk about his current projected lottery, players above and below the radar, all the comps, and much more regarding this year's exciting draft class. 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> It's never too early to start talking about the draft, but here at The Unrestricted Area, we were fortunate enough to be the first to pick the brain of Bleacher Report's draft expert, Jonathan Wasserman, who recently dropped his Mock Draft 2.0. Aaron Bollwinkel (Live. Breathe. Ball. and No Gimmes) and Jonathan talk about his current projected lottery, players above and below the radar, all the comps, and much more regarding this year's exciting draft class. 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-16450458 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0800 4862 full false "Balls of Confusion" interview with author Bob Kuska "Balls of Confusion" interview with author Bob Kuska Ray LeBov and Aaron Bollwinkel interview author and basketball historian Bob Kuska about his new book, Balls of Confusion: Pro Basketball Goes to War (1965-1970)—the most in-depth look we've been provided about the early days of the ABA.

Please click the link to purchase your own copy of Bob's excellently written book: Balls of Confusion: Pro Basketball Goes to War (1965-1970): Kuska, Bob: 9798990585102: Amazon.com: Books


Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov and Aaron Bollwinkel interview author and basketball historian Bob Kuska about his new book, Balls of Confusion: Pro Basketball Goes to War (1965-1970)—the most in-depth look we've been provided about the early days of the ABA.

Please click the link to purchase your own copy of Bob's excellently written book: Balls of Confusion: Pro Basketball Goes to War (1965-1970): Kuska, Bob: 9798990585102: Amazon.com: Books


Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-16403841 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0800 4302 full false Rookie Impact Rookie Impact Ray Lebov (@ticketrules) talks with BI’s own, Aaron Bollwinkel, from Live. Breathe. Ball., as well as draft expert, Nick Agar-Johnson, from No Ceilings, about their thoughts regarding who they believe will be this season’s most impactful rookies.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray Lebov (@ticketrules) talks with BI’s own, Aaron Bollwinkel, from Live. Breathe. Ball., as well as draft expert, Nick Agar-Johnson, from No Ceilings, about their thoughts regarding who they believe will be this season’s most impactful rookies.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-15976907 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0700 4891 full false NBA Shooting Coach Marc Campbell on his best bets for the season NBA Shooting Coach Marc Campbell on his best bets for the season Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) talks with NBA shooting coach Marc Campbell (@LowManHelp) about the teams they feel Vegas misjudged. Marc is the writer of the Low Man Help Substack and host of the Low Man Help Youtube channel, so check those out for shooting mechanic breakdowns, player development plans, player profiles, and so much more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) talks with NBA shooting coach Marc Campbell (@LowManHelp) about the teams they feel Vegas misjudged. Marc is the writer of the Low Man Help Substack and host of the Low Man Help Youtube channel, so check those out for shooting mechanic breakdowns, player development plans, player profiles, and so much more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-15882258 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0700 2876 5 1 full false French Basketball, the Olympics, and the NBA, with Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff French Basketball, the Olympics, and the NBA, with Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov speak with Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff, a leading world expert on sports diplomacy and French sporting history. Dr. Krasnoff speaks to us from Paris, where she’s attending the Olympics.

We cover basketball’s place in the French sporting world, what sports diplomacy is and how it has real-world impacts, how Tony Parker and Joakim Noah helped turn around the mindset of the national team, why the French pipeline to the NBA is so strong right now (and why it will stay strong in the future), expectations for the French men’s and women’s teams, why local fans aren’t so happy with Joel Embiid, and so much more.

Dr. Krasnoff’s work:

Basketball Empire : France and the Making of a Global NBA and WNBA -- (use code GLR AT5 for a special 20% discount)

Basketball Diplomacy in Africa Hub

Basketball Voices

The Sporting Paradox of Paris 2024 for those who want more context on France and its sports

Dr. Krasnoff’s tags: Twitter/X, LinkedIn and IG

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov speak with Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff, a leading world expert on sports diplomacy and French sporting history. Dr. Krasnoff speaks to us from Paris, where she’s attending the Olympics.

We cover basketball’s place in the French sporting world, what sports diplomacy is and how it has real-world impacts, how Tony Parker and Joakim Noah helped turn around the mindset of the national team, why the French pipeline to the NBA is so strong right now (and why it will stay strong in the future), expectations for the French men’s and women’s teams, why local fans aren’t so happy with Joel Embiid, and so much more.

Dr. Krasnoff’s work:

Basketball Empire : France and the Making of a Global NBA and WNBA -- (use code GLR AT5 for a special 20% discount)

Basketball Diplomacy in Africa Hub

Basketball Voices

The Sporting Paradox of Paris 2024 for those who want more context on France and its sports

Dr. Krasnoff’s tags: Twitter/X, LinkedIn and IG

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-15531830 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0700 3626 4 4 full false Atlanta Hawks' play-by-play legend Bob Rathbun Atlanta Hawks' play-by-play legend Bob Rathbun Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) and Ray LeBov (@raylebov) are delighted to chat with Atlanta Hawks’ broadcaster Bob Rathbun. We discuss load management, the burden of travel, why broadcasters knew something had changed with the officiating before anyone else, the state of the Hawks, the excitement around the #1 pick, and much more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) and Ray LeBov (@raylebov) are delighted to chat with Atlanta Hawks’ broadcaster Bob Rathbun. We discuss load management, the burden of travel, why broadcasters knew something had changed with the officiating before anyone else, the state of the Hawks, the excitement around the #1 pick, and much more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-15309272 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0700 2893 4 3 full false Did the NBA's changes cause all these playoff injuries? w/ James Herbert, CBS Sports Did the NBA's changes cause all these playoff injuries? w/ James Herbert, CBS Sports Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer chat with James Herbert of CBS Sports. We primarily cover James’ piece discussing whether or not the NBA’s regular-season alterations, like the IST and officiating changes, had an impact on the wave of injuries afflicting the playoffs.

We also leave plenty of room for Finals coverage, including how the Mavericks can claw their way back into the fight, and spend a few moments on how to fix the All-Star game (not sure how we got there!).

It’s a wide-ranging, enjoyable conversation. Thanks for listening!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer chat with James Herbert of CBS Sports. We primarily cover James’ piece discussing whether or not the NBA’s regular-season alterations, like the IST and officiating changes, had an impact on the wave of injuries afflicting the playoffs.

We also leave plenty of room for Finals coverage, including how the Mavericks can claw their way back into the fight, and spend a few moments on how to fix the All-Star game (not sure how we got there!).

It’s a wide-ranging, enjoyable conversation. Thanks for listening!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-15237984 Wed, 12 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0700 3623 4 2 full false Dean Oliver on what to watch for in the NBA Finals and his new book Dean Oliver on what to watch for in the NBA Finals and his new book Mike Shearer(@bballispoetry) and Ray LeBov (@raylebov) are once again delighted to chat with the legendary analytics pioneer Dean Oliver (@DeanO_Lytics).

We cover some anecdotes and insights from his forthcoming book (Basketball Beyond Paper, now available for preorder on Amazon!), including a story about Shane Battier and the Observer Effect.

We also dive deep into the NBA Finals, with Dean giving us a taste of what he’s excited to watch (can Lively still succeed in the short roll?), some underlying statistical indicators he’ll be tracking (how successful are Dallas post-ups?), how teams use analytics to adjust between playoff games, and much more.

It’s a fast-paced conversation with much to digest. Enjoy!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Mike Shearer(@bballispoetry) and Ray LeBov (@raylebov) are once again delighted to chat with the legendary analytics pioneer Dean Oliver (@DeanO_Lytics).

We cover some anecdotes and insights from his forthcoming book (Basketball Beyond Paper, now available for preorder on Amazon!), including a story about Shane Battier and the Observer Effect.

We also dive deep into the NBA Finals, with Dean giving us a taste of what he’s excited to watch (can Lively still succeed in the short roll?), some underlying statistical indicators he’ll be tracking (how successful are Dallas post-ups?), how teams use analytics to adjust between playoff games, and much more.

It’s a fast-paced conversation with much to digest. Enjoy!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-15204416 Thu, 06 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0700 2832 4 1 full false Bill Walton's life and legacy, with Kerry Eggers Bill Walton's life and legacy, with Kerry Eggers Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov speak with Kerry Eggers about Bill Walton. Eggers spoke with more than a dozen of Waltons’ closest associates to paint a complete picture of the player and the man. He wrote a compelling piece that warranted further discussion.

We also spend some time discussing why Wilt Chamberlain should be the GOAT, for some reason.

It’s an insightful conversation that we think you’ll enjoy!

Kerry’s story can be found here: https://www.kerryeggers.com/stories/big-red-is-gone-no-one-did-it-like-he-did-it

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov speak with Kerry Eggers about Bill Walton. Eggers spoke with more than a dozen of Waltons’ closest associates to paint a complete picture of the player and the man. He wrote a compelling piece that warranted further discussion.

We also spend some time discussing why Wilt Chamberlain should be the GOAT, for some reason.

It’s an insightful conversation that we think you’ll enjoy!

Kerry’s story can be found here: https://www.kerryeggers.com/stories/big-red-is-gone-no-one-did-it-like-he-did-it

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-15198379 Wed, 05 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0700 2203 3 13 full false Playoff Standouts and Surprises Playoff Standouts and Surprises Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer break down some of the 2024 playoffs’ biggest surprises and standouts. They discuss the new wave of superstars, coaching improvements, the officiating, injury resilience, and so much more.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer break down some of the 2024 playoffs’ biggest surprises and standouts. They discuss the new wave of superstars, coaching improvements, the officiating, injury resilience, and so much more.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-15183433 Mon, 03 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1771 3 12 full false Dean Oliver on offensive rebounding, momentum, and his new book, Basketball Beyond Paper Dean Oliver on offensive rebounding, momentum, and his new book, Basketball Beyond Paper Once again, Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer speak with the godfather of modern NBA analytics, Dean Oliver.

Dean talks about the trade-off between offensive rebounding and transition defense, the existence of momentum, what he'd tell armchair analysts today, and his new book, Basketball Beyond Paper, in which he quantifies some of the ways to train and improve players (among many other things).

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Once again, Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer speak with the godfather of modern NBA analytics, Dean Oliver.

Dean talks about the trade-off between offensive rebounding and transition defense, the existence of momentum, what he'd tell armchair analysts today, and his new book, Basketball Beyond Paper, in which he quantifies some of the ways to train and improve players (among many other things).

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-13960678 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0800 2508 3 11 full false Life in the G, with author Alex Squadron Life in the G, with author Alex Squadron BI’s Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov are joined by Alex Squadron, who recently authored a book called Life in the G: Minor League Basketball and the Relentless Pursuit of the NBA.

We talk about his season embedded with the Birmingham Squadron (no relation to Alex) and what he learned while covering the players, coaches, and staff during a uniquely tumultuous time. He describes the choice every G-Leaguer has to make between earning good money playing overseas or staying closer to their NBA dream, what his writing process was like, and why players should always, always double-check their bags before leaving on a road trip.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> BI’s Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov are joined by Alex Squadron, who recently authored a book called Life in the G: Minor League Basketball and the Relentless Pursuit of the NBA.

We talk about his season embedded with the Birmingham Squadron (no relation to Alex) and what he learned while covering the players, coaches, and staff during a uniquely tumultuous time. He describes the choice every G-Leaguer has to make between earning good money playing overseas or staying closer to their NBA dream, what his writing process was like, and why players should always, always double-check their bags before leaving on a road trip.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-13655865 Mon, 25 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0700 3169 3 10 full false Potential NBA rule changes, with former NBA official Ronnie Nunn and Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey Potential NBA rule changes, with former NBA official Ronnie Nunn and Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey Basketball Intelligence's Mike Shearer (@bbballispoetry) and Ray LeBov (@RayLebov) speak with Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey (who authored a story suggesting these changes) and former Director of Officiating Ronnie Nunn about some potential rule changes the NBA could adopt to improve the game.

The conversation covers the feasibility of live-ball rebounds, the impact of fewer timeouts (and what refs are doing when teams are huddled up), a history of flopping, what should be done about block/charge calls, and the difficulties of getting to a 2-hour game. 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Basketball Intelligence's Mike Shearer (@bbballispoetry) and Ray LeBov (@RayLebov) speak with Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey (who authored a story suggesting these changes) and former Director of Officiating Ronnie Nunn about some potential rule changes the NBA could adopt to improve the game.

The conversation covers the feasibility of live-ball rebounds, the impact of fewer timeouts (and what refs are doing when teams are huddled up), a history of flopping, what should be done about block/charge calls, and the difficulties of getting to a 2-hour game. 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-13633634 Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0700 3554 3 9 full false Knicks-Raptors lawsuit, with Seth Partnow and Mike Kasdan Knicks-Raptors lawsuit, with Seth Partnow and Mike Kasdan Basketball Intelligence is joined by NBA analyst Seth Partnow and intellectual property expert Mike Kasdan to discuss the wild Knicks-Raptors lawsuit. It's a fascinating deep dive filled with legal and basketball nuances as they discuss trade secrets, how much of a competitive edge the Raptors could really gain, how common this is within the league, damages, and much more. 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Basketball Intelligence is joined by NBA analyst Seth Partnow and intellectual property expert Mike Kasdan to discuss the wild Knicks-Raptors lawsuit. It's a fascinating deep dive filled with legal and basketball nuances as they discuss trade secrets, how much of a competitive edge the Raptors could really gain, how common this is within the league, damages, and much more. 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-13463674 Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0700 2648 3 8 full false Dean Oliver on analytics and coaching Dean Oliver on analytics and coaching Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer speak with the godfather of NBA analytics, Dean Oliver. He discusses why we're talking about defense wrong, his new book, how coaching is different than a front office role, Kristaps Porzingis' love of numbers, and how the four factors have changed over time.


Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer speak with the godfather of NBA analytics, Dean Oliver. He discusses why we're talking about defense wrong, his new book, how coaching is different than a front office role, Kristaps Porzingis' love of numbers, and how the four factors have changed over time.


Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-13442456 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0700 2445 3 7 full false 2023 NBA Draft Thoughts, with Adam Spinella 2023 NBA Draft Thoughts, with Adam Spinella Ray and Mike speak with The Box And One's Adam Spinella, the multitalented coach and scout. We discuss his favorite picks, his issues with quiet personalities being unfairly judged, an awesome Cam Whitmore story,  Anthony Black's shooting mechanic, second-round steals, and more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray and Mike speak with The Box And One's Adam Spinella, the multitalented coach and scout. We discuss his favorite picks, his issues with quiet personalities being unfairly judged, an awesome Cam Whitmore story,  Anthony Black's shooting mechanic, second-round steals, and more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-13131976 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0700 2505 full false Krysten Peek on the 2023 NBA Draft Krysten Peek on the 2023 NBA Draft Ray LeBov and Corban Ford talk with Krysten Peek, draft expert from Yahoo Sports. On the eve of the draft, she talks about Brandon Miller vs. Scoot Henderson, some risers and fallers, how she navigates the flood of misinformation at this time of year, what it's like watching these young men grow up over the years, and more! 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov and Corban Ford talk with Krysten Peek, draft expert from Yahoo Sports. On the eve of the draft, she talks about Brandon Miller vs. Scoot Henderson, some risers and fallers, how she navigates the flood of misinformation at this time of year, what it's like watching these young men grow up over the years, and more! 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-13082293 Wed, 21 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1600 3 3 full false Fran Fraschilla on USA 3x3 Basketball Fran Fraschilla on USA 3x3 Basketball Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov interview Fran Fraschilla, the longtime coach, scout, and analyst, to discuss his new role coaching the USA Men's 3x3 team. They talk about the upcoming Olympics, the thrill of representing the USA, the shadow of the Serbians, how Fran developed his international scouting expertise, and how he shut down Michael Malone in college.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov interview Fran Fraschilla, the longtime coach, scout, and analyst, to discuss his new role coaching the USA Men's 3x3 team. They talk about the upcoming Olympics, the thrill of representing the USA, the shadow of the Serbians, how Fran developed his international scouting expertise, and how he shut down Michael Malone in college.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-13073617 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0700 2491 3 2 full false The National Basketball Retired Players Association, with President and CEO Scott Rochelle The National Basketball Retired Players Association, with President and CEO Scott Rochelle Basketball Intelligence's Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer host Scott Rochelle, head of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, for a fascinating conversation about players' lives after basketball. They talk about the evolution of the NBRPA, the health, educational, and community work it provides for members and communities, how it presents emerging business opportunities to members, the impressive impact of its WNBA cohort, and so much more. Enjoy!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Basketball Intelligence's Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer host Scott Rochelle, head of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, for a fascinating conversation about players' lives after basketball. They talk about the evolution of the NBRPA, the health, educational, and community work it provides for members and communities, how it presents emerging business opportunities to members, the impressive impact of its WNBA cohort, and so much more. Enjoy!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-13008930 Fri, 09 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700 2509 3 1 full false March Madness! The Most Interesting NBA Prospects in the Tourney, with Nathan Grubel March Madness! The Most Interesting NBA Prospects in the Tourney, with Nathan Grubel Ray LeBov of Basketball Intelligence is joined by No Ceilings' Nathan Grubel to discuss some of the most interesting future NBA players in the NCAA Tournament today.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov of Basketball Intelligence is joined by No Ceilings' Nathan Grubel to discuss some of the most interesting future NBA players in the NCAA Tournament today.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-12447852 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0700 2286 2 12 full false Stephen Cagan from NBA University on the Orlando Magic Stephen Cagan from NBA University on the Orlando Magic Basketball Intelligence's Mike Shearer talks with Stephen Cagan from NBA University about all things Magic. Come for the discussion about Franz Wagner's upside, Paolo Banchero's defense, and Markelle Fultz's surprisingly positive fit on the team, but stay to hear about Wendell Carter's weirdly normal proportions!

Stephen also offers his insights into Jonathan Isaac, Jalen Suggs, the Magic front office, and more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Basketball Intelligence's Mike Shearer talks with Stephen Cagan from NBA University about all things Magic. Come for the discussion about Franz Wagner's upside, Paolo Banchero's defense, and Markelle Fultz's surprisingly positive fit on the team, but stay to hear about Wendell Carter's weirdly normal proportions!

Stephen also offers his insights into Jonathan Isaac, Jalen Suggs, the Magic front office, and more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-12076655 Thu, 19 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0800 3505 2 11 full false 8 Surprising Rookies, with Maxwell Baumbach of No Ceilings 8 Surprising Rookies, with Maxwell Baumbach of No Ceilings Hosts Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov speak with Maxwell Baumbach, from the No Ceilings NBA draft collective, about eight rookies who have exceeded expectations.
They discuss what expectations were coming out of college, how they've been successful in the NBA, and what circumstances have allowed them to succeed in the league.

In order:
Andrew Nembhard
Dyson Daniels
Walker Kessler
Tari Eason
AJ Griffin
David Roddy 
Christian Koloko
Christian Braun

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Hosts Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov speak with Maxwell Baumbach, from the No Ceilings NBA draft collective, about eight rookies who have exceeded expectations.
They discuss what expectations were coming out of college, how they've been successful in the NBA, and what circumstances have allowed them to succeed in the league.

In order:
Andrew Nembhard
Dyson Daniels
Walker Kessler
Tari Eason
AJ Griffin
David Roddy 
Christian Koloko
Christian Braun

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-11911073 Wed, 21 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0800 3541 2 10 full false The #BeamTeam, with The Athletic's Sam Amick The #BeamTeam, with The Athletic's Sam Amick We get into the the Kings' offseason additions, the impact of coach Mike Brown on the team's defense, De'Aaron Fox's resurgence, the repercussions of the Tyrese Haliburton trade for Domantas Sabonis, and, of course, the victory beam (and just how bright that thing is!).

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> We get into the the Kings' offseason additions, the impact of coach Mike Brown on the team's defense, De'Aaron Fox's resurgence, the repercussions of the Tyrese Haliburton trade for Domantas Sabonis, and, of course, the victory beam (and just how bright that thing is!).

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-11802109 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0800 3307 2 9 full false What To Make Of The Wolves, with Chris Hine What To Make Of The Wolves, with Chris Hine Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov talk with Chris Hine from the Star Tribune about the  Minnesota Timberwolves' start to the season. We cover KAT, Gobert, rebounding, meeting expectations,  Anthony Edwards, the popularity of Jordan McLaughlin, D'Angelo Russell, Popeyes, and more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov talk with Chris Hine from the Star Tribune about the  Minnesota Timberwolves' start to the season. We cover KAT, Gobert, rebounding, meeting expectations,  Anthony Edwards, the popularity of Jordan McLaughlin, D'Angelo Russell, Popeyes, and more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-11766793 Sun, 27 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0800 2400 2 8 full false The Surprising Blazers, with The Athletic's Jason Quick The Surprising Blazers, with The Athletic's Jason Quick Ray and Mike talk with Jason about all things Blazers, including the team's surprising defense, Shaedon Sharpe, Chauncey Billups, Damian Lillard, Joe Cronin, and why Josh Hart might be Jason's favorite Blazer this year



Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray and Mike talk with Jason about all things Blazers, including the team's surprising defense, Shaedon Sharpe, Chauncey Billups, Damian Lillard, Joe Cronin, and why Josh Hart might be Jason's favorite Blazer this year



Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-11720757 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0800 2595 2 7 full false The Refreshing Indiana Pacers, with Caitlin Cooper The Refreshing Indiana Pacers, with Caitlin Cooper Ray and Mike talk with analyst nonpareil Caitlin Cooper of Indy Cornrows about the surprisingly fun Indiana Pacers. We dive into the Haliburton/Mathurin backcourt, the Pacers’ unconventional lineups, why Buddy Hield is the best option to guard power forwards, Tyrese’s tricky low gather, and much more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray and Mike talk with analyst nonpareil Caitlin Cooper of Indy Cornrows about the surprisingly fun Indiana Pacers. We dive into the Haliburton/Mathurin backcourt, the Pacers’ unconventional lineups, why Buddy Hield is the best option to guard power forwards, Tyrese’s tricky low gather, and much more!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-11675889 Fri, 11 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0800 2509 2 6 full false The Utah Jazz's Hot Start with Sarah Todd and Eric Walden The Utah Jazz's Hot Start with Sarah Todd and Eric Walden Today, Basketball Intelligence’s Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer talk with Utah Jazz reporters Sarah Todd, of Deseret News, and Eric Walden, of The Salt Lake Tribune. We cover the end of the old Jazz, coach Will Hardy, the team’s fast start (and its sustainability), Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and why Eric’s vacations are a good luck charm for Utah.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Today, Basketball Intelligence’s Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer talk with Utah Jazz reporters Sarah Todd, of Deseret News, and Eric Walden, of The Salt Lake Tribune. We cover the end of the old Jazz, coach Will Hardy, the team’s fast start (and its sustainability), Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and why Eric’s vacations are a good luck charm for Utah.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-11572447 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0700 2330 2 5 full false NBA Front Offices On Mock Drafts, Misinformation And More With Adam Finkelstein Of 247Sports NBA Front Offices On Mock Drafts, Misinformation And More With Adam Finkelstein Of 247Sports Today on The Unrestricted Area, we interview Adam Finkelstein, the director of scouting at 247Sports and college basketball insider at CBS Sports, who wrote a fascinating piece interviewing front office executives and scouts about the early draft process. He touches upon how teams play the misinformation game, when teams actually start ranking players on their big board, how front offices feel about mock drafts, and what separates good scouts from great ones (hint: it's not the basketball acumen).

It's an awesome peek behind the curtain at a secretive but essential process. Click here for his story at 247Sports.com.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Today on The Unrestricted Area, we interview Adam Finkelstein, the director of scouting at 247Sports and college basketball insider at CBS Sports, who wrote a fascinating piece interviewing front office executives and scouts about the early draft process. He touches upon how teams play the misinformation game, when teams actually start ranking players on their big board, how front offices feel about mock drafts, and what separates good scouts from great ones (hint: it's not the basketball acumen).

It's an awesome peek behind the curtain at a secretive but essential process. Click here for his story at 247Sports.com.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-11532893 Tue, 25 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0700 2622 2 4 full false Central Division Preview with Marques Johnson Central Division Preview with Marques Johnson Hosts Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov talk to former NBA All-Star and current color analyst for the Milwaukee Bucks Marques Johnson for a Central Division Preview. We cover all five teams, touching upon the Bucks' injury situations (and opportunities they open for younger players), Patrick Williams' struggles, Johnson's high-ish hopes for the Pacers, why you should never wear an earring to an interview, and much more as he delivers his trademark brand of insightful commentary and insider anecdotes.

Table of Contents:
Intro: Milwaukee
12': Cleveland
18': Chicago
28': Indiana
33': Detroit 
41': Threats to Milwaukee in East 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Hosts Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov talk to former NBA All-Star and current color analyst for the Milwaukee Bucks Marques Johnson for a Central Division Preview. We cover all five teams, touching upon the Bucks' injury situations (and opportunities they open for younger players), Patrick Williams' struggles, Johnson's high-ish hopes for the Pacers, why you should never wear an earring to an interview, and much more as he delivers his trademark brand of insightful commentary and insider anecdotes.

Table of Contents:
Intro: Milwaukee
12': Cleveland
18': Chicago
28': Indiana
33': Detroit 
41': Threats to Milwaukee in East 

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-11521928 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0700 2793 2 3 full false 2022-2023 Season Preview with David Thorpe and Mike Shearer 2022-2023 Season Preview with David Thorpe and Mike Shearer Hosts Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer have a wide-ranging chat with coach and TrueHoop analyst David Thorpe. 

0'-23': Which teams are contenders? What should Golden State do with Draymond?
23': Which teams have the widest variance?
35': Who are the most impactful new additions?
46': Vic Wembanyama and the possibility of a tankathon
56': Why coach Thorpe thinks NBA coaching is at an all-time low

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Hosts Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer have a wide-ranging chat with coach and TrueHoop analyst David Thorpe. 

0'-23': Which teams are contenders? What should Golden State do with Draymond?
23': Which teams have the widest variance?
35': Who are the most impactful new additions?
46': Vic Wembanyama and the possibility of a tankathon
56': Why coach Thorpe thinks NBA coaching is at an all-time low

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-11462557 Sat, 08 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0700 4142 2 2 full false "The Oldest Professional Basketball League" with Syl Sobel "The Oldest Professional Basketball League" with Syl Sobel Ray LeBov and Michael Shearer of Basketball Intelligence talk with Syl Sobel, who co-authored a book on the Eastern Professional Basketball League, an early competitor to the NBA. They discuss the EPBL's rise and fall, racial quotas in the nascent NBA, and much more in this fascinating look back at the oldest professional basketball league in the country.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov and Michael Shearer of Basketball Intelligence talk with Syl Sobel, who co-authored a book on the Eastern Professional Basketball League, an early competitor to the NBA. They discuss the EPBL's rise and fall, racial quotas in the nascent NBA, and much more in this fascinating look back at the oldest professional basketball league in the country.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-11216677 Sun, 28 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0700 3959 2 1 full false 2022 NBA Pre-Draft Show with Fran Fraschilla and Krysten Peek 2022 NBA Pre-Draft Show with Fran Fraschilla and Krysten Peek Just days ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft, Ray is joined by two goliaths in the basketball world—ESPN Draft Analyst Fran Fraschilla and Yahoo Sports Draft Analyst Krysten Peek—for their thoughts on the upcoming class and the nuances of their craft. They start by discussing players who challenge the consensus (1:09) before moving on to the ideal landing spots for 'the big three' of Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith Jr. (6:50). Fran and Krysten share their takes on which prospects weren't able to show their full potential (16:08). Their conversation concludes with a dialogue about draft philosophy and navigating rumors.

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Fran on Twitter @franfraschilla
Follow Krysten on Twitter @krystenpeek
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter


Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Just days ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft, Ray is joined by two goliaths in the basketball world—ESPN Draft Analyst Fran Fraschilla and Yahoo Sports Draft Analyst Krysten Peek—for their thoughts on the upcoming class and the nuances of their craft. They start by discussing players who challenge the consensus (1:09) before moving on to the ideal landing spots for 'the big three' of Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith Jr. (6:50). Fran and Krysten share their takes on which prospects weren't able to show their full potential (16:08). Their conversation concludes with a dialogue about draft philosophy and navigating rumors.

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Fran on Twitter @franfraschilla
Follow Krysten on Twitter @krystenpeek
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter


Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov / Fran Fraschilla and Krysten Peek Buzzsprout-10828127 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0700 2903 NBA Draft, NBA, NCAA, G League Ignite, 2022 NBA Draft, Draft 12 full false Reviewing the 2021 NBA Rookies with Jeremy Woo Reviewing the 2021 NBA Rookies with Jeremy Woo While most people are looking ahead at the 2022 NBA Draft, The Unrestricted Area is looking back at a surprising 2021 draft class and its performance versus pre-draft expectations. To break down the action, Ray and Dylan are joined by Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated. They discuss each of the following prospects: Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes, Jalen Green, Josh Giddey, Jonathan Kuminga, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Ziaire Williams, Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado.

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Jeremy on Twitter @JeremyWoo
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> While most people are looking ahead at the 2022 NBA Draft, The Unrestricted Area is looking back at a surprising 2021 draft class and its performance versus pre-draft expectations. To break down the action, Ray and Dylan are joined by Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated. They discuss each of the following prospects: Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes, Jalen Green, Josh Giddey, Jonathan Kuminga, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Ziaire Williams, Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado.

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Jeremy on Twitter @JeremyWoo
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov / Jeremy Woo Buzzsprout-10702579 Fri, 20 May 2022 06:00:00 -0700 2123 NBA, 2021 NBA Draft, NBA Draft, rookies, basketball, 11 full false 'The Midrange Theory' and NBA rule changes with Seth Partnow 'The Midrange Theory' and NBA rule changes with Seth Partnow Ray is joined by basketball analytics pioneer Seth Partnow to discuss his new book, 'The Midrange Theory,' and related topics. These include what makes analytics abstract to some sports fans & professionals (4:02), how the concepts dissected in Seth's book apply to the NBA and most recent rule changes (13:56), and how NBA teams apply analytics (28:36).

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Seth on Twitter @SethPartnow
Buy Seth's book: (Tap here to visit Triumph Books)
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray is joined by basketball analytics pioneer Seth Partnow to discuss his new book, 'The Midrange Theory,' and related topics. These include what makes analytics abstract to some sports fans & professionals (4:02), how the concepts dissected in Seth's book apply to the NBA and most recent rule changes (13:56), and how NBA teams apply analytics (28:36).

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Seth on Twitter @SethPartnow
Buy Seth's book: (Tap here to visit Triumph Books)
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov / Seth Partnow Buzzsprout-9701087 Sat, 11 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0800 3129 NBA, Analytics, The Midrange Theory, basketball, hoops, rules, fouls, take foul, NBA front office, GM, sports analytics 10 full false Evaluating the NBA's Best Young Defenders with Adam Spinella Evaluating the NBA's Best Young Defenders with Adam Spinella Defense is returning in a big way this NBA season and a new generation of star perimeter defenders is carving its path. To discuss this revelation, Ray is joined by Head Coach Adam Spinella of Boys' Latin School (MD) and 'The Box and One.'

The tandem discusses six players: Luguentz Dort (3:58), Matisse Thybulle (5:50), Davion Mitchell (8:38), Gary Payton II (13:11) Devin Vassell (15:40), Jae'Sean Tate (22:59), and Herb Jones (26:12). They close out with a conversation about defensive philosophy, the influence of coaching, and scouting for defense.

Subscribe to Basketball Intelligence on Substuck: basketballintelligence.substack.com
Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Adam on Twitter @Spinella14/@TheBoxAndOne_
Subscribe to The Box and One on Substack: theboxandone.substack.com
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Defense is returning in a big way this NBA season and a new generation of star perimeter defenders is carving its path. To discuss this revelation, Ray is joined by Head Coach Adam Spinella of Boys' Latin School (MD) and 'The Box and One.'

The tandem discusses six players: Luguentz Dort (3:58), Matisse Thybulle (5:50), Davion Mitchell (8:38), Gary Payton II (13:11) Devin Vassell (15:40), Jae'Sean Tate (22:59), and Herb Jones (26:12). They close out with a conversation about defensive philosophy, the influence of coaching, and scouting for defense.

Subscribe to Basketball Intelligence on Substuck: basketballintelligence.substack.com
Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Adam on Twitter @Spinella14/@TheBoxAndOne_
Subscribe to The Box and One on Substack: theboxandone.substack.com
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov / Adam Spinella Buzzsprout-9523816 Wed, 10 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0800 2667 NBA, Defense, Devin Vassell, Davion Mitchell, Luguentz Dort, Matisse Thybulle, basketball, hoops, defense, basketball 9 full false 'If I Ran an NBA Scouting Department' with Adam Spinella 'If I Ran an NBA Scouting Department' with Adam Spinella Ray is joined by Head Coach Adam Spinella of Boys' Latin School (MD) and 'The Box and One' to discuss his recent piece entitled If I Ran an NBA Scouting Department, which considers the intricacies of professional basketball scouting and a few rules of thumb to ensure a successful operation.

Subscribe to Basketball Intelligence on Substuck: basketballintelligence.substack.com
Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Adam on Twitter @Spinella14/@TheBoxAndOne_
Subscribe to The Box and One on Substack: theboxandone.substack.com
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray is joined by Head Coach Adam Spinella of Boys' Latin School (MD) and 'The Box and One' to discuss his recent piece entitled If I Ran an NBA Scouting Department, which considers the intricacies of professional basketball scouting and a few rules of thumb to ensure a successful operation.

Subscribe to Basketball Intelligence on Substuck: basketballintelligence.substack.com
Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Adam on Twitter @Spinella14/@TheBoxAndOne_
Subscribe to The Box and One on Substack: theboxandone.substack.com
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

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]]> Ray LeBov / Adam Spinella Buzzsprout-9380356 Sun, 17 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0700 2515 NBA, NBA Draft, NBA scouting, scouting, basketball, professional sports, college basketball 8 full false NBA Team-Building Philosophies & Approaches with John Hollinger NBA Team-Building Philosophies & Approaches with John Hollinger The Athletic's John Hollinger joins Ray LeBov to look around the league and share some insight regarding the nuances of modern-day team-building. The conversation was sparked by a recent article published by Hollinger entitled In a suddenly win-now NBA, what happens later?   

Subscribe to Basketball Intelligence on Substuck: basketballintelligence.substack.com
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Follow John on Twitter  @JohnHollinger
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> The Athletic's John Hollinger joins Ray LeBov to look around the league and share some insight regarding the nuances of modern-day team-building. The conversation was sparked by a recent article published by Hollinger entitled In a suddenly win-now NBA, what happens later?   

Subscribe to Basketball Intelligence on Substuck: basketballintelligence.substack.com
Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow John on Twitter  @JohnHollinger
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov / John Hollinger Buzzsprout-9141137 Sun, 05 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700 1884 NBA, John Hollinger, Basketball, NBA Offseason, Team-Building, Front Office, NBA Business, sports business 7 full false 2021 NBA Draft Preview with Fran Fraschilla and Adam Spinella 2021 NBA Draft Preview with Fran Fraschilla and Adam Spinella Ray is joined by two special guests: Famed basketball coach and analyst Fran Fraschilla and Adam Spinella, Head Coach at the Boys' Latin School of Maryland. During the episode, they break down the latest NBA draft class including a wide variety of prospects. In this episode, you'll gain valuable insight into how they analyze prospects during the pre-draft process.


Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Fran on Twitter @franfraschilla
Follow Adam on Twitter @Spinella14
Check out the best in basketball writing at basketballintelligence.substack.com.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray is joined by two special guests: Famed basketball coach and analyst Fran Fraschilla and Adam Spinella, Head Coach at the Boys' Latin School of Maryland. During the episode, they break down the latest NBA draft class including a wide variety of prospects. In this episode, you'll gain valuable insight into how they analyze prospects during the pre-draft process.


Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Fran on Twitter @franfraschilla
Follow Adam on Twitter @Spinella14
Check out the best in basketball writing at basketballintelligence.substack.com.

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-8913951 Sat, 24 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0700 3718 NBA, NBA Draft, college basketball, SEC, basketball, draft 6 full false Exploring Basketball Analytics with Seth Partnow Exploring Basketball Analytics with Seth Partnow In today's episode, Ray LeBov is joined by Seth Partnow, a renowned pioneer in basketball analytics and NBA Analyst for The Athletic. Their conversation begins by touching on Seth's long list of accomplishments before discussing the role of analytics in front office/coaching at the professional level, how to properly apply analytics and how they're impacting the game today.

Follow Seth on Twitter @SethPartnow
Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> In today's episode, Ray LeBov is joined by Seth Partnow, a renowned pioneer in basketball analytics and NBA Analyst for The Athletic. Their conversation begins by touching on Seth's long list of accomplishments before discussing the role of analytics in front office/coaching at the professional level, how to properly apply analytics and how they're impacting the game today.

Follow Seth on Twitter @SethPartnow
Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
The Unrestricted Area is produced by @DylanHCarter

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-8440478 Sun, 02 May 2021 08:00:00 -0700 1968 5 full false Reflecting on Archie Clark, Billy McGill (Part 2) with authors Bob Kuska & Eric Brach Reflecting on Archie Clark, Billy McGill (Part 2) with authors Bob Kuska & Eric Brach Ray is re-joined by authors of biographical books about the careers of influential basketball players. Eric Brach shares stories of the subject of his book, 'Billy "the Hill" and the Jump Hook: The Autobiography of a Forgotten Basketball Legend.' Bob Kuska discusses the creative process behind his book, 'Shake and Bake: The Life and Times of NBA Great Archie Clark,' and the legacy that Clark left on the game.

 In Part 2 of their conversation, the trio discusses the role of race in these players' experiences, what it's like to get a basketball book published, and shared anecdotes from their time spent with these basketball legends.

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Eric's Amazon link: Click here
Bob's Amazon link: Click here

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray is re-joined by authors of biographical books about the careers of influential basketball players. Eric Brach shares stories of the subject of his book, 'Billy "the Hill" and the Jump Hook: The Autobiography of a Forgotten Basketball Legend.' Bob Kuska discusses the creative process behind his book, 'Shake and Bake: The Life and Times of NBA Great Archie Clark,' and the legacy that Clark left on the game.

 In Part 2 of their conversation, the trio discusses the role of race in these players' experiences, what it's like to get a basketball book published, and shared anecdotes from their time spent with these basketball legends.

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Eric's Amazon link: Click here
Bob's Amazon link: Click here

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-8379164 Thu, 22 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0700 3134 NBA, ABA, Basketball, basketball history, Archie Clark, Billy McGill, author, writing, 4 full false Reflecting on Archie Clark, Billy McGill with authors Bob Kuska & Eric Brach Reflecting on Archie Clark, Billy McGill with authors Bob Kuska & Eric Brach Ray is joined by two authors of biographical books recalling the careers of influential basketball players. Bob Kuska discusses the creative process behind his book, 'Shake and Bake: The Life and Times of NBA Great Archie Clark,' and the legacy that Clark left on the game. Eric Brach shares stories of the subject of his book, 'Billy "the Hill" and the Jump Hook:
The Autobiography of a Forgotten Basketball Legend.'

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Eric's Amazon link: Click here
Bob's Amazon link: Click here

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray is joined by two authors of biographical books recalling the careers of influential basketball players. Bob Kuska discusses the creative process behind his book, 'Shake and Bake: The Life and Times of NBA Great Archie Clark,' and the legacy that Clark left on the game. Eric Brach shares stories of the subject of his book, 'Billy "the Hill" and the Jump Hook:
The Autobiography of a Forgotten Basketball Legend.'

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Eric's Amazon link: Click here
Bob's Amazon link: Click here

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-8237879 Tue, 30 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0700 1978 NBA, ABA, Basketball, basketball history, Archie Clark, Billy McGill 3 full false Intriguing NBA Up-and-Comers with Adam Spinella and Dylan Hunter Carter Intriguing NBA Up-and-Comers with Adam Spinella and Dylan Hunter Carter Ray is joined by two guests today: Adam Spinella, an esteemed basketball writer and assistant coach at Dickinson College and Dylan Hunter Carter, podcaster and basketball writer at FanSided. The trio discusses some of the intriguing young players around the NBA including three rookies, two sophomores and two wildcards!

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Adam on Twitter @Spinella14
Follow Dylan on Twitter @DylanHCarter
Check out the best in basketball writing at BasketballIntelligence.net!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray is joined by two guests today: Adam Spinella, an esteemed basketball writer and assistant coach at Dickinson College and Dylan Hunter Carter, podcaster and basketball writer at FanSided. The trio discusses some of the intriguing young players around the NBA including three rookies, two sophomores and two wildcards!

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Adam on Twitter @Spinella14
Follow Dylan on Twitter @DylanHCarter
Check out the best in basketball writing at BasketballIntelligence.net!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-6926087 Sun, 20 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0800 2060 NBA, NBA Basketball, Basketball, Darius Garland, PJ Washington, Immanuel Quickley, Malachi Flynn, Anthony Edwards, Talen Horton-Tucker, Harry Giles 2 full false Reviewing the 2020 NBA Draft with Adam Spinella Reviewing the 2020 NBA Draft with Adam Spinella Ray is joined by Adam Spinella, an esteemed basketball writer and assistant coach at Dickinson College to discuss the NBA Draft. The duo discussed marquee prospects like R.J. Hampton and Tyrell Terry, the impact that COVID-19 had on the draft evaluation process, draft-day trades and more!

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Adam on Twitter @Spinella14
Check out the best in basketball writing at BasketballIntelligence.net!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray is joined by Adam Spinella, an esteemed basketball writer and assistant coach at Dickinson College to discuss the NBA Draft. The duo discussed marquee prospects like R.J. Hampton and Tyrell Terry, the impact that COVID-19 had on the draft evaluation process, draft-day trades and more!

Follow Ray on Twitter @ticketrules
Follow Adam on Twitter @Spinella14
Check out the best in basketball writing at BasketballIntelligence.net!

Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!

]]> Ray LeBov Buzzsprout-6588007 Sat, 28 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -0800 1885 NBA, NBA Draft, Adam Spinella, Ray LeBov, Basketball Intelligence, Tyrell Terry, R.J. Hampton 1 full false