On the second part of the thirteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff discuss the Houston Rockets and what makes Fred VanVleet such an impactful player. The two also discuss their early thoughts on Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett in Toronto and what a Pascal Siakam trade will mean for the Raptors moving forward.

Early thoughts on Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett in Toronto | Hot Hand Theory EP 13 (Pt 2)

On the fourteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ select the first-ever Hot Hand Theory All-Star Team! The two discuss why Jalen Brunson should have been an all-star starter, talk about why games played is key in determining NBA awards, and share why Derrick White should make the team and will be the biggest snub. The two also explore whether Paolo Banchero is being overrated at this early stage in his career.

Hot Hand Theory All Stars! Eastern Conference | Hot Hand Theory EP 14 (Pt 1)

On part two of the fourteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ continue to share their selections for the first-ever Hot Hand Theory All-Star Team! For the Western Conference, the two discuss why, despite being a no-brainer all-star starter, Luka may struggle to ever elevate Dalla to a title contender. The two also talk about the Clippers' dominance with their three all stars and debate whether Steph Curry or Anthony Edwards should make the team in the West.

Hot Hand Theory All Stars! Western Conference | Hot Hand Theory EP 14 (Pt 2)

On the fifteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ break down one of the hottest teams in the NBA, the New York Knicks. The two discuss what we can take away from the team's recent games without Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, start to look forward to the playoffs, and have a strange, yet fascinating and illuminating conversation about team-building.

Analyzing the Surging New York Knicks | Hot Hand Theory EP 15 (Pt 1)

In part two of the fifteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ talk about the Houston Rockets' defense, including a shocking stat that puts them in historic company, and discuss Amen Thompson's trajectory and range of outcomes. The two also question whether Pascal Siakam's addition to the Pacers substantially improves their playoff ceiling.

The Rockets Defense and Pacers Playoff Ceiling | Hot Hand Theory EP 15 (Pt 2)

On the sixteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Xj and Geoff are joined by a very special guest—Fred Katz of The Athletic and the Katz and Shoot Podcast! Geoff and XJ ask Fred about the ins and outs of being an NBA beat writer and what it takes to succeed in the field. The three then go on to discuss topics such as Donte DiVincenzo's incredible shooting this season, what determines a player's performance in "clutch" situations, how the Knicks players and front office feel about some of the heavy minutes loads, and Tom Thibdeuea's huge impact on the organization.

Knicks & Reporting on the NBA with Fred Katz of The Athletic | Hot Hand Theory EP 16

On the seventeenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ give their thoughts about the early returns on the Quentin Grimes and Evan Fournier for Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks trade. The duo discusses whether Knicks fans should be worried about the team's early struggles since the deal and how they can get the most out of their two acquisitions. Finally, XJ and Geoff share why the Knicks - if healthy - should have major expectations this year.

Status Check on Bojan & Burks and Expectations for this Season | Hot Hand Theory EP 17

In part two of the seventeenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ discuss the Golden State Warriors' playoff push and segue into a debate about whether Draymond Green was just as important to the Warriors dynasty run. The two also discuss the impressive Cleveland Cavaliers and debate whether Evan Mobley is the right fit for them to reach their championship ceiling.

Surging Warriors and Impressive Cavs | Hot Hand Theory EP 17 (PT 2)

On the eighteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ explore the subtle ways that OG Anunoby makes the Knicks better. The two dive deep into a conversation about how skills like spot-up shooting and off-ball defense help one's teammates perform better without taking away from what they do best. Finally, they have an interesting and nuanced dialogue about who on the Knicks is most irreplaceable and frame the discussion in different ways for Hot Hand Theory listeners to consider.

Why OG Anunoby is the key to the BEST version of the Knicks | Hot Hand Theory EP 18

In the nineteenth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff use data and beyond to make a compelling case for Jalen Brunson's standing as a legitimate MVP candidate. The duo unpacks Mitchell Robinson's highly anticipated return from injury, spotlighting the underrated potential uplift his presence could offer to the second unit's offensive effectiveness. The co-hosts also delve into the recent surge of excellence from Deuce McBride and Josh Hart, analyzing how their strengths and weaknesses may help shape the team's trajectory.

Why Jalen Brunson is a LEGIT MVP Candidate | Hot Hand Theory EP 19

In the twentieth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ delve into the question of whether Donte DiVincenzo is in the midst of the greatest shooting season in Knicks history. The pair also dissects the thought process behind Tom Thibodeau's recent lineup choices, revealing why these decisions have been surprisingly effective. The conversation shifts to OG Anunoby's undeniable value and how, despite injury concerns, he may receive a bigger deal in free agency than projected. Finally, the duo evaluates the impact that Julius Randle's return would have on the Knicks' playoff prospects, questioning how significantly his presence could boost the team's ceiling.

Is DiVincenzo having the greatest Knicks shooting season EVER? | Hot Hand Theory EP 20

In the second part of the twentieth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff dive into the heart of the Houston Rockets' recent resurgence, exploring the key factors driving their unexpected success. The duo analyzes how the team's improved spacing has started to unlock Amen Thompson's full potential. The conversation then pivots to Jalen Green's unbelievable recent stretch, with Geoff and XJ debating the sustainability of his high-level play and what it could mean for the Rockets moving forward. Finally, the focus shifts to the broader implications of the Rockets' current trajectory, with a deep dive into what the team's ceiling could be for this season.

Are the Rockets better without Sengun? | Hot Hand Theory EP 20 (Part 2)

In the twenty-first episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff share some major news about the show! After dropping the announcement, the two discuss the Knicks' recent pair of heartbreaking losses while spotlighting performances from Deuce McBride and Jalen Brunson as two of the salvaging bright spots. The episode also takes a closer look at something uniquely special about this year's Knicks team: the amazing value contracts they have up and down the roster. Geoff and XJ then share their thoughts and (mild) concerns about the Knicks' future. With some big decisions coming up for the team, they ponder what's next and how it could shape the near future of the franchise.

Uncertain present, future in doubt for New York? + A HUGE Announcement! | Hot Hand Theory EP 21

In the second part of the twenty-first episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff take a dive deep into "Clone Theory" - a unique perspective on team building in the NBA. The two provide a detailed explanation of the theory and share several examples that illustrate its relevance. The due then explores the implications of Clone Theory, including the notion that players who complement star players but don't necessarily have "star skills" may be significantly undervalued.

How "Clone Theory" Explains the NBA | Hot Hand Theory EP 21 (PT 2)

On the twenty-second episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff are joined by none other than Alex Hoops—creator of the AlexHoops YouTube channel and co-host of The Media Pass podcast! 

The trio dives headfirst into the NBA awards season, offering their takes on who deserves the league's top honors and why. They discuss who deserves the MVP and why the race might be closer than most think, tackle the big debate between the two candidates for Defensive Player of the Year, and shout out a HUGE sleeper 6th Man of the Year candidate. The three then debate about the criteria for Most Improved Player, causing them to go in different directions with their choices, and try to nail down what makes the Coach of the Year. Finally, they cover their All-NBA teams and discuss who the biggest snub might be.

Revealing the NBA Awards with AlexHoops! | Hot Hand Theory EP 22

On the twenty-third episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ  are joined by Knicks Twitter LEGEND, Shaun Geddes!  Together, the three give an in-depth recap of the Knicks' incredible 50-win season. They also unpack the standout performance of Jalen Brunson and debate his surprisingly strong candidacy for MVP. Finally, the trio delves into the Knicks' potential first-round playoff matchups, breaking down the strategic nuances of facing either the Miami Heat or the Philadelphia 76ers. Listen in as Shaun, Geoff, and XJ analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Heat and Sixers and share why they think the Knicks will make a run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Don't miss this must-listen episode!

NOTE: We apologize for XJ's audio in this episode. The audio was mistakenly recorded to the webcam mic. Thank you for bearing with us, we strongly believe the content of this one is worth it!

Why the Knicks will make the Eastern Conference Finals w/ Shaun Geddes | Hot Hand Theory EP 23

On the twenty-fourth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff are back to uncover some underrated aspects of the Knicks-Pacers playoff matchup! The duo begins by dissecting the key lessons the Knicks should have learned from their hard-fought series against the 76ers, exploring how these insights could influence their approach against the Pacers. They then delve into a surprising revelation about the key driver of the Pacers' offensive effectiveness, discussing potential strategies for the Knicks to counter it. Finally, XJ and Geoff tackle the controversial debate between Brunson and Haliburton, analyzing the distinct strengths of these two elite point guards.  

Tune in for unique insights and predictions on this highly anticipated playoff matchup!

Why the Knicks-Pacers Series Won't Go How You Think | Hot Hand Theory EP 24

On the twenty-fifth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ dive into the Knicks' recent domination of the Pacers leaving them one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals. The duo dives deep into the critical role of spacing in the Knicks' offense, highlighting the biggest strategic adjustment made by Thibs and the coaching staff to propel them to a critical Game 5 victory. The two then discuss the Pacers' short- and long-term future and explain why the Siakam trade may have put a hard cap on their ceiling. Next, they break down Isaiah Hartenstein's unreal performance and explain how his rebounding dominance helped dictate the game. Finally, XJ and Geoff touch on the reports around the Knicks looking to extend Thibs and debate whether he is the right coach to lead the Knicks to a championship.

How Rebounding & Spacing Has the Knicks on the Brink of the East Finals | Hot Hand Theory EP 25

On the twenty-sixth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ and Geoff recap the Knicks' heartbreaking seven-game series loss to the Pacers. The duo evaluates whether Thibs is the right coach to lead the Knicks to a championship, debating whether his tendency to focus on short-term success might come at the expense of the team's championship aspirations. They then discuss the Knicks' next moves to go from contender to title favorites, pondering if there's a single-player acquisition that could make all the difference. Join us for an in-depth analysis of the Knicks' current state and future prospects.

Why the Knicks' Future is Bright Despite Heartbreaking Game 7 Loss | Hot Hand Theory EP 26

A NY Knicks 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.

New tracks tagged #knicks film school