Shows
The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceMarch Badness w/Eric KoreenNick 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!2025-04-0334 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceRefMasters w/Sony TiwariRay 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 hereCheck out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!2025-04-0359 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceThe Best Young Defensive Wings w/Nick Agar-JohnsonRay 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!2025-03-111h 00The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceNot All NBA Offenses Are The SameAaron 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 AthleticLuka Dončić is new to Lakers-Clippers rivalry, but he’s far from an unfamiliar faceNBA Power Rankings: Cavaliers claim top spot; Lakers, Warriors are lurkingCheck out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA st...2025-02-281h 01The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceJimmy Butler Trade and the State of The Warriors with Sam GordonAaron 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!2025-02-0852 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball Intelligence"Basketball Beyond Paper" interview with Dean OliverRay 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 PressAmazon.com : basketball beyond paperCheck out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!2025-02-011h 00The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceNBA Draft talk with Jonathan WassermanIt'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!2025-01-171h 21The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball Intelligence"Balls of Confusion" interview with author Bob KuskaRay 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: BooksCheck out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!2025-01-081h 11The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceRookie ImpactRay 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!2024-10-231h 21The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceNBA Shooting Coach Marc Campbell on his best bets for the seasonMike 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 2024-10-0747 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceFrench Basketball, the Olympics, and the NBA, with Dr. Lindsay Sarah KrasnoffMike 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 wo...2024-08-051h 00The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceAtlanta Hawks' play-by-play legend Bob RathbunMike 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!2024-06-2548 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceDid the NBA's changes cause all these playoff injuries? w/ James Herbert, CBS SportsRay 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 da...2024-06-121h 00The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceDean Oliver on what to watch for in the NBA Finals and his new bookMike 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...2024-06-0647 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceBill Walton's life and legacy, with Kerry EggersMike 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-itCheck out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for...2024-06-0536 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligencePlayoff Standouts and SurprisesRay 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!2024-06-0329 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceDean Oliver on offensive rebounding, momentum, and his new book, Basketball Beyond PaperOnce 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!2023-11-1341 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceLife in the G, with author Alex SquadronBI’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 th...2023-09-2552 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligencePotential NBA rule changes, with former NBA official Ronnie Nunn and Bleacher Report's Andy BaileyBasketball 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 f...2023-09-2159 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceKnicks-Raptors lawsuit, with Seth Partnow and Mike KasdanBasketball 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!2023-08-2444 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceDean Oliver on analytics and coachingRay 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!2023-08-2140 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball Intelligence2023 NBA Draft Thoughts, with Adam SpinellaRay 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!2023-06-2941 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceKrysten Peek on the 2023 NBA DraftRay 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!2023-06-2126 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceFran Fraschilla on USA 3x3 BasketballMike 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!2023-06-2041 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceThe National Basketball Retired Players Association, with President and CEO Scott RochelleBasketball 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!2023-06-0941 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceMarch Madness! The Most Interesting NBA Prospects in the Tourney, with Nathan GrubelRay 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!2023-03-1538 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceStephen Cagan from NBA University on the Orlando MagicBasketball 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!2023-01-1958 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball Intelligence8 Surprising Rookies, with Maxwell Baumbach of No CeilingsHosts 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 NembhardDyson DanielsWalker KesslerTari EasonAJ GriffinDavid Roddy Christian KolokoChristian BraunCheck out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from a...2022-12-2159 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceThe #BeamTeam, with The Athletic's Sam AmickWe 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!2022-12-0255 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceWhat To Make Of The Wolves, with Chris HineMike 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!2022-11-2740 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceThe Surprising Blazers, with The Athletic's Jason QuickRay 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 yearCheck out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!2022-11-1843 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceThe Refreshing Indiana Pacers, with Caitlin CooperRay 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!2022-11-1141 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceThe Utah Jazz's Hot Start with Sarah Todd and Eric WaldenToday, 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!2022-10-2638 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceNBA Front Offices On Mock Drafts, Misinformation And More With Adam Finkelstein Of 247SportsToday 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 247...2022-10-2543 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball IntelligenceCentral Division Preview with Marques JohnsonHosts 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': Cleveland18': Chicago28': Indiana33...2022-10-1846 minThe Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball Intelligence2022-2023 Season Preview with David Thorpe and Mike ShearerHosts 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 tankathon56': Why coach Thorpe thinks NBA coaching is at an all-time lowCheck out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!2022-10-081h 09The Unrestricted Area Presented by Basketball Intelligence"The Oldest Professional Basketball League" with Syl SobelRay 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!2022-08-281h 05