Game Theory Podcast

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon for their annual countdown of the best defenders in the NBA today! Here in part 1, they cover #25 to #13 (the rest of the list can be heard in part 2 next Sunday).   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon begin with their reactions to the stunning Lakers sale before going through a few NBA news topics & taking a looking a potential FA destinations & contract extensions. (0:00) INTRO (3:11) Lakers Sale (REACTION) (33:05) Russell Westbrook Retires (49:30) Bradley Beal re-signs w/ Clippers (57:39) Remaing Free Agents (1:10:43) Vet Extension Predictions (1:37:27) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sam Vecenie, a Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic, talks all about basketball. From the NBA, to the NBA Draft, to college hoops and even some high school, Vecenie has you covered in this show. (0:00) INTRO (4:00 )Miami Heat Offseason Grade (19:08) Charlotte Hornets Offseason Grade (35:36) Atlanta Hawks Offseason Grade (43:54) Utah Jazz Offseason Grade (51:34) Portland Trail Blazers Offseason Grade (1:06:05) Oklahoma City Thunder Offseason Grade (1:16:42) Denver Nuggets Offseason Grade (1:18:52) Minnesota Timberwolves Offseason Grade (1:30:55) Milwaukee Bucks Offseason Grade (1:42:38) Chicago Bulls Offseason Grade (1:51:43) Cleveland Cavaliers Offseason Grade (1:56:44) Indiana Pacers Offseason Grade (2:01:11) Detroit Pistons Offseason Grade (2:21:35 OUTRO) CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm

Sam Vecenie, a Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic, talks all about basketball. From the NBA, to the NBA Draft, to college hoops and even some high school, Vecenie has you covered in this show. (0:00) INTRO (1:27) Dillon Brooks extends with Suns (10:31) Peyton Watson sign & trade scenarios (35:45) Los Angeles Lakers Offseason Grade (46:45) Los Angeles Clippers Offseason Grade (56:46) San Antonio Spurs Offseason Grade (1:04:28) Dallas Mavericks Offseason Grade (1:11:01) New Orleans Pelicans Offseason Grade (1:17:45) Houston Rockets Offseason Grade (1:24:13) Memphis Grizzlies Offseason Grade (1:32:18) Orlando Magic Offseason Grade (1:36:28) Washington Wizards Offseason Grade (1:49:02) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pers

Sam Vecenie, a Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic, talks all about basketball. From the NBA, to the NBA Draft, to college hoops and even some high school, Vecenie has you covered in this show. (0:00) Intro (1:55) Naji Marshall Extension with Dallas (19:55) Offseason Grades! (22:05) Philadelphia 76ers (31:30) Toronto Raptors (40:05) New York Knicks (47:55) Boston Celtics (58:28) Brooklyn Nets (1:10:55) Phoenix Suns (1:18:00) Sacramento Kings (1:21:58) Golden State Warriors (1:29:00) Quick College Basketball Mess Thoughts CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to have a lengthy discussion about the Golden State Warriors and what's next for the premier franchise of the last 10 years after losing out on LeBron James. (0:00) INTRO (0:30) Is the Golden State Warriors window officially closed? What's next after losing out on Lebron? (1:12:14) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signs with 76ers (1:20:00) The Clippers offseason is on hold until Kawhi's fate is decided (1:33:32) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to discuss several NBA restricted free agents, like Peyton Watson, Jalen Duren, Ben Mathurin & more. (0:00) INTRO (4:20) Will the Nuggets match the Spencer Jones offer sheet from OKC? (22:14) Will they re-sign Peyton Watson? (47:37) Jordan Walsh extends with Celtics (51:20) Jalen Duran (1:14:49) Ben Mathurin (1:28:51 ) Mario Hezonja signs with Cavaliers (1:33:23) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to react to the long awaited decision finally made by Lebron James, who has agreed to sign a 2-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. (0:00) INTRO (1:13) Lebron James signs with the Philadelphia 76ers (46:10) Biggest loser team as a result of Lebron not signing (1:11:32) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon begin by discussing "Lebron Watch" & where things stand 24 days into the waiting game several NBA teams & the league office are stuck playing, before discussing several other NBA news items. (0:00) INTRO (1:30) The Latest On Lebron James (24:38) Mario Hezonja returning to the NBA? (29:52) Victor Wembanyama signs 25% max extension (49:25) Gary Trent Jr re-signs with Bucks; investigation opened by NBA (59:57) Quinten Post signs with Grizzlies (1:13:50) Lakers sign Ziaire Williams & Matisse Thybulle (1:24:07) Additional NBA News (1:31:35) WNBA Recommendation! (1:34:30) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to first react to the trade that sent Lu Dort & Ryan Nembhard to the Atlanta Hawks, former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks & 3 second-round picks to the OKC Thunder. Then, they continue recapping NBA Summer League & discuss all the performances from non-rookies out in Las Vegas. (0:00) INTRO (7:00) OKC trades Lu Dort for picks, second apron space (21:11) Atlanta trades for Lu Dort (31:01) Dallas trades for Zaccharie Risacher (44:30) Summer League Vets! (2:02:44) OUTRO CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Es Baraheni (The Athletic NBA Daily, Raptors Republic) to give their takeaways from NBA Summer League & the performances of the picks outside the Top 4. 1:26 Keaton Wagler 10:07 Morez Johnson Jr. 19:25 Brayden Burries 25:30 Darius Acuff Jr., Emanuel Sharp, Alex Karaban 32:50 Allen Graves 41:28 Kingston Flemings 48:10 Bruce Thornton, Koa Peat & several others!~ CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Es Baraheni (The Athletic NBA Daily, Raptors Republic) to give their takeaways from NBA Summer League & the performances of the top 4 picks in the NBA Draft: AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson, Cam Boozer & Darryn Peterson. 03:43 Caleb Wilson 21:33 AJ Dybantsa 32:04 Darryn Peterson 40:31 Cam Boozer CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the latest verion of the Lebron James sweepstakes before going through several free agents signings that occurred over the weekend.   02:15 The latest on Lebron James & The Decision 4.0 23:57 Rui Hachimura landing spots 34:28  Peyton Watson 35:14 Jalen Duren 36:26 Jonathan Kuminga 38:30 Tari Eason re-signs with Rockets 46:59 Anfernee Simons signs with 76ers 50:14 Neemias Queta extends with Celtics 59:48 Deandre Ayton traded to Wizards for Jaden Hardy, picks 1:07:22 Andre Drummond signs with Knicks 1:12:39 - FLURRY OF OTHER SIGNINGS + OUTRO  CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon react to the MADNESS that occurred in the NBA during the first full day of free agency. 02:37 Jaylen Brown traded to the 76ers 27:28 Paul George traded to the Celtics 39:46 Mitchel Robinson signs with Celtics 45:41 The Lakers Had A BUSY Day! 1:08:10 Utah trades Walker Kessler; Signs Jasxon Hayes 1:17:10 Norman Powel signs with Bulls 1:24:45 John Collins signs with Pistons 1:37:10 Tobias Harris signs with Spurs 1:45:18 Marcus Smart to Rockets/Kelly Oubre to Pacers 1:48:00 Santi Aldama traded to Mavericks 1:53:16 Jonathan Isaac, Jevon Carter, Nikola Vucevic to Magic 1:54:46 Mo Wagner to Nets 1:56:02 De'Anthony Melton to Warriors CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adverti

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon react to all the transactions from day/night 1 of NBA Free Agency. 01:12 Clippers trade Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors 28:50 Lakers begin life after Lebron James 1:02:27 Luke Kennard signs with Suns 1:04:49 Keon Ellis sign with Nets 1:06:15 Kobe Sanders re-signs with Clippers 1:07:08 Branden Carlson/Rob Williams sign with Trail Blazers 1:08:40 Tim Hardaway Jr sign with Heat 1:11:23 Ousmane Dieng re-signs with Bucks 1:12:06 Jock Landale re-signs with Hawks 1:15:13 LIVE CHAT QUESTIONS: What happens with Jalen Duren? CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the reported NBA moves & rumors that have occurred so far this offseason. 02:35 Grizzlies trade Ja Morant to the Blazers 20:12 Warriors re-sign Porzingis/Draymond opts out/plan to acquire Lebron, AD 34:49 Pistons re-sign Kevin Huerter; Jalen Duren (RFA) taking meetings 54:33 Knicks re-sign Landry Shamet; Dolan refuses to exceed 2nd Apron to re-sign Mitchell Robinson 1:00:20 Jazz re-sign Jusef Nurkic 1:03:23 Heat extend Andrew Wiggins after opt-in 1:07:30 UPDATE on Ja Morant trade 1:09:01 Spurs re-sing Julian Champagnie & Harrison Barnes 1:16:08 Long List Of Player Options CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon discuss the reported NBA moves & rumors that have occured so far this offseason. 02:02 Hornets trade Miles Bridges To Suns for Allen/O'Neale 33:32 Austin Reaves re-signs with Lakers 44:10 Thunder trades Isaiah Joe; Re-signs Isaiah Hartenstein 1:01:43 Knicks re-sign Jose Alvarado 1:03:47 Pistons trade Isaiah Stewart to Grizzlies 1:08:27 Magic waive Jonathan Isaac 1:12:07 What are the Celtics doing with Jaylen Brown? CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon react to the trade that sent LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves & Naz Reid, picks to the Charlotte Hornets.  CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podacst, Sam Vecenie is joined by Kyle Mann (The Ringer) to provide in the moment analysis of every player take in the 2nd round of the 2026 NBA Draft! CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠!  ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon react LIVE to all 30 picks selected during the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft! (24:58) - #1. Washington Wizards draft AJ Dybantsa (BYU) (31:15) - #2. Utah Jazz draft Darryn Peterson (Kansas) (37:19) - #3. Memphis Grizzlies draft Cameron Boozer (Duke) (43:49) - #4. Chicago Bulls draft Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) (50:09) - #5. LA Clippers draft Keaton Wagler (Illinois) (55:58) - #6. Brooklyn Nets draft Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville) (1:02:40) - #7. Sacramento Kings draft Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) (1:08:11) - #8. Atlanta Hawks draft Kingston Flemings (Houston) (1:13:45) - #9. Dallas Mavericks draft Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan) (1:19:20) - #10. Milwaukee Bucks draft Brayden Burries (Arizona) (1:27:45) - #11. Golden State Warriors draft Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) (1:34:33) - #12. Oklahoma City Thunder draft Aday Mara (Michigan) (1:44:20) - #13. Miami Heat draft Nate Ament (Tennessee) (Traded to Milwaukee) (1:52:19) - #14. Charlotte Horn