Memphis Grizzlies "Wheel" Concept, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s Development, Ja Morant's Return, Impact Rookies, Noah LaRoche, Thomas Lisalo, "Iverson Follow" & "Horns Out Chase" Film Breakdowns with Adam Pike


Timestamps:


0:00 Introduction & Background


2:00 What’s new with the Grizzlies this season? Hand Tracking the Grizzlies offensive possessions by Freelance, Organized, and Freelance P&R


4:10 How do the Grizzlies Rank Top-5 in Offense yet Run the least amount of P&Rs and DHOs in the NBA?

6:30 The Wheel Concept - the entire lineup relocates in unison as the driver bends the defense/ball penetrates the paint
13:40 Jaren Jackson Jr. jumping from DPOY to #1 scoring option with Ja out


14:48 Offensive Style Frequency and Playtype Efficiency Breakdown

16:00 The Return of Ja Morant


17:48 Jaren’s New Role and Development

24:27 Film Breakdown: Iverson Follow Empty + Iverson Follow Step Up brought to Memphis by Thomas Lisalo, Assistant Coach

35:23 Noah LaRoche’s (Grizzlies Player Development Coach) impact on draft philosophy: Versatile 5-out positionless players who can attack closeouts and switch on defense

38:38 Film Breakdown: Horns Out (Stack Out) Chase


46:45 Will Rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells contribute to the Grizzlies’ Playoff Rotation?

Ep. 19 Learning Basketball with Spencer Davies Host of Courtside with Cavs on SI Podcast NBA Writer with RG Media, Babcock Hoops, and Hoop Industry Covers the Cleveland Cavalilers and NBA at large

Timestamps


0:00 Introduction & Background

2:10 Writing Process


11:10 How to build a full time career in freelance basketball media

15:55 What to look for when watching film


24:20 How to think of good interview questions


29:30 Diving into this Cleveland Cavaliers season: What’s different this year?


37:38 Evan Mobley’s Star Ascension & grab-and-go playmaking skills, Donovan Mitchell leading the way, role players Ty Jerome, Caris Levert, Isaac Okoro stepping up as efficient outside shooters


41:17 Darius Garland’s scoring efficiency and Jarrett Allen the steady hand with experience playing for Kenny Atkinson


48:00 Can the Cavs’ hot start help them secure 3 All-Stars?
49:55 How will Max Strus fit into this machine after finally recovering from injury? Kenny Atkinson wants multiple ball handlers running the offense


54:45 Looking back at the Magic - Cavs 2024 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Series


1:04:50 Cavs season goals and thoughts about some other playoff teams - Boston, Milwaukee, Denver, Thunder, Magic

Joel Rush is an NBA writer with Forbes who covers the Denver Nuggets from Japan!

Hear about his background, process watching film, ideas for writing stories, and dive into this Denver Nuggets season

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction & Background

2:28 Writing Process


5:00 Michael Porter Jr.’s Playmaking Development

6:50 What’s going on with Jamal Murray?

12:50 How much will Denver miss KCP?


13:45 Is Nikola Jokić having the best single player start to an NBA season, ever?


17:40 Michael Porter Jr. becoming Denver’s 2nd scoring option

18:30 Russell Westbrook 2-man game connection with Jokic + Jokic assist combos


27:17 Denver Nuggets league standings, four factors and team rankings


30:00 Is Aaron Gordon the Nuggets’ best option at backup center? Valuing AG’s defensive versatility going back to Denver’s championship run
, Role players stepping up with KCP no longer in Denver


43:30 Appreciating Nikola Jokic’s insane tough shot making and the 2023 Nuggets title


44:55 Aaron Gordon’s development and changing roles from on-ball perimeter potential star in Orlando to off-ball secondary play-finisher in Denver


58:25 Joel makes Ryan pick which family member to choose with a gun to his head: Franz or Paolo