<![CDATA[Basketball Intelligence Newsletter: No Gimmes]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/s/no-gimmeshttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VfLq!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1755138e-ce40-4d50-9252-36d1c10c95e9_512x512.pngBasketball Intelligence Newsletter: No Gimmeshttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/s/no-gimmesSubstackSat, 09 May 2026 04:31:02 GMT<![CDATA[The East is Aggressively Mediocre]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-east-is-aggressively-mediocrehttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-east-is-aggressively-mediocreMon, 02 Feb 2026 15:21:40 GMTEvan and Aaron begin the episode by diving into the ever so lightly covered Giannis trade drama. They then wade into the waters of the Robert Pera story, as covered by Sam Koppelman on Pablo Torre Finds Out, and the challenges Adam Silver faces in governing a new group of owners with such immense financial power and influence.

In 3-Up/3-Down, the guys discuss the Orlando Magic and their continued trend of three-point inefficiency; the Charlotte Hornets as the league’s current offensive fun bunch; the Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent swoon; Joel Embiid returning to dominant form; calves plaguing the league this season; and Kawhi Leonard being back to full Terminator Kawhi.

Finally, the guys touch on the trade that went down between the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers.

]]><![CDATA[NBA Midseason Awards and One-Year Anniversary with Chris Lindsey]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/nba-midseason-awards-and-one-yearhttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/nba-midseason-awards-and-one-yearFri, 16 Jan 2026 15:13:45 GMTEvan and Aaron celebrate a full 365 days of basketball pontification! To commemorate the milestone, the guys are joined by fellow basketball Threads hoops head Chris Lindsey as they hand out midseason awards and talk about everyone’s favorite moments since the beginning of the podcast.

]]><![CDATA[The Rony Seikaly Bowl (NBA Cup Preview)]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-rony-seikaly-bowl-nba-cup-previewhttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-rony-seikaly-bowl-nba-cup-previewTue, 09 Dec 2025 15:33:39 GMTAaron and Evan go in-depth about what they’ll be watching for in each of the four NBA Cup Quarterfinal matchups.

ORL vs. MIA: 6:51

TOR vs. NYK: 13:32

LAL vs. SAS: 25:48

PHX vs. OKC: 35:59

Then, in 3-Up/3-Down (46:46), they discuss that motherf---er Pat Spencer, the Cavs’ conundrum — including some potential landing spots for Darius Garland — the Wagner brothers’ weird Krampus curse, the Blue Arrow shooting for his first All-Star nod, Jaylen Brown playing MVP-level basketball, and the Bulls being back to bleak.

]]><![CDATA[If He’s Anchoring You, That Ship Is Out to Sea (Quarterly Power Rankings)]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/if-hes-anchoring-you-that-ship-ishttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/if-hes-anchoring-you-that-ship-isSun, 30 Nov 2025 14:07:54 GMTAaron and Evan rank all 30 NBA teams in their first quarterly Power Rankings for the 2025–26 NBA season.

]]><![CDATA[The Rare Mutual Exchange of Live Grenades]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-rare-mutual-exchange-of-livehttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-rare-mutual-exchange-of-liveSat, 22 Nov 2025 19:55:00 GMTIn the Tip-Off, the guys discuss how well the NBA is positioned to transition into a post-LeBron era. For the Vibe Check, they take the pulse of the LaMelo Ball situation, including Aaron offering some hypothetical deals to find him a new home. For 3-Up/3-Down, the guys discuss the Washington Wizards and their potential for all-time futility, the exceptional play of the Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen, whether the Hawks really need Trae Young, the surprising play of Collin Gillespie, the fact that experience isn’t equating with success this season, and the Houston Rockets playing bully ball on the offensive glass. Finally, this isn’t a hot-take space, but Aaron and Evan get off a couple of non-sports hot takes to soothe the soul.

]]><![CDATA[Like He Was Urkel's Alternate Ego]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/like-he-was-urkels-alternate-egohttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/like-he-was-urkels-alternate-egoFri, 14 Nov 2025 11:09:11 GMTAaron and Evan tip off with the Nico Harrison firing and the strange Mark Cuban heel turn. That’s followed by a Vibe Check with some of the most surprising and disappointing players so far this season—with an emphasis on some lesser-discussed names. Then the guys close, as usual, with 3-Up/3-Down, where they get the number of teams wrong, as usual. Still, they discuss the Sixers’ speed, Orlando finding their magic, the Golden State Warriors’ recent struggles—featuring some epic cooking from Aaron regarding the Draymond–Kevin O’Connor back-and-forth—the Clippers’ ship running aground, and the surprisingly plucky Phoenix Suns.

Apple Podcasts:

As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball insight.

]]><![CDATA[What in the Monstars is Wrong with Cameron Johnson?!?]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/what-in-the-monstars-is-wrong-withhttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/what-in-the-monstars-is-wrong-withFri, 07 Nov 2025 04:58:00 GMTThe guys Tip Off by talking about the recent matchup between the league’s two most surprising teams—the Bulls and the Sixers—and decide which team’s early success feels most likely to sustain over the course of the season. Then, in the Vibe Check (23:30), they discuss the ongoing Ja Morant saga and whether Ja finishes the season with the Grizzlies or ends up somewhere like Sacramento, Miami, or New Orleans.

Finally, for 3-Up/3-Down (37:42), they discuss the Dallas Mavericks and their woeful offense (37:57), the Los Angeles Lakers and their incredibly efficient one and what that looks like when LeBron returns (43:44) , Cameron Johnson being MIA in D E N (58:40), the Pistons surging out to a strong start (1:05:22), Desmond Bane and the Magic doing the exact opposite (1:17:36), Keyonte George getting buckets (1:33:06), and the Blazers making their first-ever appearance on both the good (1:29:47) and bad (1:35:28) sides of the ledger.

As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball insight.

]]><![CDATA[Carlos Boozer Walked So Jaylen Brown Could Run]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/carlos-boozer-walked-so-jaylen-brownhttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/carlos-boozer-walked-so-jaylen-brownTue, 28 Oct 2025 06:30:49 GMTThe guys start off with the conversation du jour, as they dig into the NBA’s gambling problem in the Tip-Off (4:46). The Vibe Check is then devoted to discussing Aaron’s recently released Top 100 and how he goes about the process of constructing it (21:32). That’s followed by the return of 3-Up/3-Down (38:55), which starts with some shine for Sam Merrill and Giannis, followed by some sympathy for the infirmed Pacers (46:37), some Celtics and Jaylen Brown talk (51:30), the Spurs and their resident alien (58:40), the Thunder and hooray for Ajay (1:06:50), the Portland Trail Blazers (1:14:39), an amazing NBA Draft class (1:26:41), the Golden State Warriors (1:32:17), and the dearth of quality point guards in the league right now (1:41:28).

Top 100: 100-67, 66-34, 33-1

As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball insight.

]]><![CDATA[30 Storylines (2x) for the 2025-26 NBA Season]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/30-storylines-2x-for-the-2025-26https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/30-storylines-2x-for-the-2025-26Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:59:04 GMTAaron starts out with a victory lap over the Aces’ title before he and Evan discuss A’ja’s status as the GOAT. The guys then provide which storylines they each think will be the most compelling for every NBA team this season.

]]><![CDATA[And the Winners Is... (2025-26 Awards Predictions)]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/and-the-winners-is-2025-26-awardshttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/and-the-winners-is-2025-26-awardsSun, 28 Sep 2025 18:21:21 GMTAaron and Evan open by discussing both 2–1 series in the WNBA playoffs (19:17). Then the guys talk about favorites, dark horses, and make their predictions for the winners of all the NBA awards for the very rapidly approaching 2025-26 season.

Clutch Player of the Year: 37:22

Coach of the Year: 49:19

Rookie of the Year: 56:01

Most Improved Player of the Year: 1:02:57

Sixth Man of the Year: 1:12:47

Defensive Player of the Year: 1:23:38

Most Valuable Player of the Year: 1:35:11

]]><![CDATA[The Minivan Takes Another Spin (Northwest Division Preview)]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-minivan-takes-another-spin-northwesthttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-minivan-takes-another-spin-northwestTue, 16 Sep 2025 04:55:02 GMTThe guys start out with another pass at the increasingly convoluted Kawhi Leonard story. They follow that with the WNBA playoffs (24:02), including analysis of all the Game 1s and picks through to the champion. Finally, the last division has arrived, as the Northwest Division—home of the reigning champions—is previewed (53:03).

Utah Jazz: 55:31

Portland Trail Blazers: 1:05:20

Minnesota Timberwolves: 1:25:03

Denver Nuggets: 1:39:53

Oklahoma City Thunder: 1:59:12

WNBA First Round Playoff Preview

WNBA First Round Playoff Preview w/ Bob Bellotti

]]><![CDATA[Went Out Like a Wet Fart (Central Division Preview)]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/went-out-like-a-wet-fart-centralhttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/went-out-like-a-wet-fart-centralThu, 04 Sep 2025 06:08:50 GMTThe guys open with the Clippers circumvention allegations before getting into how the WNBA playoff picture is taking shape and their opinions on Angel Reese's comments (22:28). Then, it's down to just two divisions as Evan and Aaron give their outlooks for the Eastern Conference Central Division (42:10), featuring the Chicago Bulls (43:56), Indiana Pacers (1:02:29), Milwaukee Bucks (1:12:32), Detroit Pistons (1:27:27), and Cleveland Cavaliers (1:44:14).

As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads

]]><![CDATA[But Fish Grease Is Really Hot (Pacific Division Preview)]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/but-fish-grease-is-really-hot-pacifichttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/but-fish-grease-is-really-hot-pacificFri, 29 Aug 2025 06:24:47 GMTEvan and Aaron start with the all-of-a-sudden hotly contested MVP race in the WNBA. Then the divisional previews continue with the Pacific Division (28:58) featuring the Phoenix Suns (29:14), Sacramento Kings (48:16), Golden State Warriors (1:06:42), Los Angeles Clippers (1:21:50), and the Los Angeles Lakers (1:39:11). Aaron then closes by going scorched earth on Jerry Jones after the announcement that the Cowboys have traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers (2:01:49).

As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads

Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball insight.

]]><![CDATA[Just Because It’s an Imperative Doesn’t Make It a Reality (Atlantic Division Preview)]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/just-because-its-an-imperative-doesnthttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/just-because-its-an-imperative-doesntWed, 13 Aug 2025 04:44:53 GMTAaron and Evan Tip-Off by talking about the rapid ascendance of Dominique Malonga and the inevitability of the Minnesota Lynx. They then do a Vibe Check on the release of some of the more important games of the NBA schedule for the forthcoming season (26:58). Afterwards, the guys preview the Atlantic Division (40:55), featuring the Brooklyn Nets (41:26), Toronto Raptors (59:10), Philadelphia 76ers (1:11:07), Boston Celtics (1:25:04), and New York Knicks (1:37:30).

WNBA sex toy incidents may be linked to cryptocurrency group’s money scheme

As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads

Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball insight.

]]><![CDATA[The Maverick with a Stallion (Southwest Division Preview)]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-maverick-with-a-stallion-southwesthttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-maverick-with-a-stallion-southwestWed, 06 Aug 2025 05:57:19 GMTAaron and Evan tip off with a whole smattering of WNBA talk, including a discussion of the comments made by Self-Repression Barbie, the end of the Aces, and new faces in new places. Then they discuss the Luka Dončić contract extension (26:55), followed by their Southwest Division preview (34:43) featuring the New Orleans Pelicans (35:21), Dallas Mavericks (45:45), Memphis Grizzlies (1:02:51), San Antonio Spurs (1:16:45), and Houston Rockets (1:38:39). Finally, Evan cooks up a whole-ass meal when he unloads about the current state of the Yankees (1:56:24).

Howard Beck Interview

]]><![CDATA[Sally Jessy A-T-L (Southeast Division Preview)]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/sally-jessy-a-t-l-southeast-divisionhttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/sally-jessy-a-t-l-southeast-divisionFri, 01 Aug 2025 05:27:19 GMTAaron and Evan Tip-Off by discussing the Mikal Bridges contract extension before getting into the skinny Luka article (17:25) and the spate of bad media personalities getting the axe this week. Then, the guys start their series of NBA divisional previews by discussing what to expect from the Southeast Division (33:14) featuring the Charlotte Hornets (34:46), Washington Wizards (46:46), Miami Heat (58:52), Atlanta Hawks (1:15:47), and Orlando Magic (1:32:19), before closing with what they've seen recently around the WNBA (1:49:17).

As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads

Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball insight.

]]><![CDATA[An Appeal for More Nuance in the Basketball Discourse and Summer Fun in the Scorching Vegas Sun]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/an-appeal-for-more-nuance-in-thehttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/an-appeal-for-more-nuance-in-theWed, 16 Jul 2025 03:46:46 GMTAaron and Evan open by diving into the dredges of the discourse around ranking Kobe Bryant and the all-time greats, the disingenuous dialogue surrounding Caitlin Clark, and why people need to show some chill on the Noah Essengue play (19:03). Then Aaron shares what he saw during the first five days of Las Vegas Summer League (24:28). That’s followed by a round of 3-up/3-down on free agency (1:03:45), before the guys close with a discussion about what’s happening around the W as we approach the All-Star break (1:35:46).

As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads

Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball insight.

]]><![CDATA[Free Agency Is Nigh]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/free-agency-is-nighhttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/free-agency-is-nighMon, 30 Jun 2025 03:57:38 GMTWith the NBA's official free agent period beginning in mere hours, Aaron and Evan talk about the significant signings and trades that have already occurred—beginning with a discussion of another offseason where LeBron wants people to know how much he wants to win, while the Clippers commit to another likely first-round exit. Rafael Stone apparently agrees with Aaron's optimistic speculation on Jabari Smith Jr (31:11). Aaron goes scorched earth on the Pelicans’ last week of decisions (39:54). And then, a discussion about what the Malik Beasley news does for Detroit's offseason plans (1:05:54).

Link to Aaron's Draft Day Spectacular!

As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads

Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball insight.

]]><![CDATA[The Thunder Have Been Heard and Lots of Early Offseason Noise]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-thunder-have-been-heard-and-lotshttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/the-thunder-have-been-heard-and-lotsWed, 25 Jun 2025 05:55:15 GMTEvan basks in the warm afterglow of Oklahoma City's championship parade as he and Aaron discuss the directions for both Finals teams following a wonderful series, including the importance of toilets (40:00) for the Thunder's forthcoming arena. Then, the guys break down all the early trades (1:09:25) occurring as the league hits the ground running in what has already been a very active offseason.

]]><![CDATA[J-Double-Dub]]>https://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/j-double-dubhttps://www.basketballintelligence.net/p/j-double-dubTue, 17 Jun 2025 05:39:07 GMTEvan and Aaron give their immediate reactions to what shall henceforth be known as "The Jalen Williams Game," as OKC gets a huge win on the back of a 40-point performance from their third-year forward. Plus, we give our feelings on the Desmond Bane deal.

As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads

Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball insight.

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