On the twenty-eighth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff welcome a very special guest, Chief Chess Officer of Chess.com, Danny Rensch! As the leader of content for Chess.com, Danny is one of the key figures driving the explosive growth of one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

Geoff, XJ, and Danny have a unique and insightful discussion as they dive deep into the world of analytics, comparing analytics in the NBA versus chess and tackling the age-old debate of "eye test" versus data. The three also explore what truly makes the NBA so captivating and how both the NBA and chess enhance their entertainment value. Throughout the episode, Danny shares invaluable insights on broadcasting, marketing, and other topics, helping to reveal why NBA players, celebrities, and young people have been increasingly drawn to this centuries-old game in recent years.

This is a conversation you quite literally won't find anywhere else—packed with fascinating insights and engaging dialogue. Don’t miss it!

Chess Master Explains How the NBA is Like Chess ft. Danny Rensch | HHT 28

Welcome to the debut of "Hot Hand Minis"—a shorter-form podcast where Geoff and XJ dive deep into a single topic inspired by ongoing NBA conversations and debates. In this episode, the duo tackles the polarizing nature of Julius Randle.

Kicking off with a seemingly farfetched trade idea shared on social media, the duo explores the possibility of sending Randle to Dallas for PJ Washington and others. Geoff and XJ question whether and how much the Knicks and the Mavericks would potentially benefit the deal, even though Randle is clearly the superior player in a vacuum,.

The conversation goes deeper, exploring how players of different archetypes like Randle and Washington affect the game both on and off the ball and the different dynamics and contextual factors involved in determining player impact.

Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation that's sure to spark further debate!

Why Julius Randle is the MOST Polarizing NBA Player | HHM #1

Welcome to Episode 2 of "Hot Hand Minis"—a shorter-form podcast where Geoff and XJ dive deep into a single topic inspired by ongoing NBA conversations and debates. In this episode, the duo tackles the conversation around the Knicks' backup PG spot following the signing of Cam Payne.

XJ kicks things off by mentioning Geoff's heated take from a recent Strickland postgame around the Cam Payne/Deuce McBride debate. The two engage in an engaging discussion about what defines a "true PG" and the general importance of this role in different contexts. The conversation then shifts to a direct comparison between Deuce McBride and Cam Payne where Geoff and XJ break down their different strengths and how each player would theoretically bolster the Knicks' second unit.

The episode also delves into how the Knicks' decision around whether to play 5-out will impact their guard rotation. XJ and Geoff explore the potential scenarios and corresponding ripple effects on the team's performance.

Tune in for a fun back-and-forth discussion!

This Knicks Conversation Has Gotten HEATED... | HHM #2

HHT-MAY-2015

An NBA pod hosted by Xavier Justin and Geoff Rasmussen. We use data and film to analyze the game and explore ideas that challenge conventional basketball wisdom.

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