Join J. Kyle Mann and Ben Taylor, author of *Thinking Basketball* and creator of the *21st Century Peaks* YouTube series, to reflect back on the last 25 years of basketball. Explore how the game has evolved since 2000, discuss unique skill sets of players like Jason Kidd and James Harden, and speculate on the future of the game through innovative offensive strategies and defensive adaptations.
Reflecting on 25 years of NBA evolution with Ben Taylor, the Ringer’s J. Kyle man is joined by Ben Taylor, author of Thinking Basketball and creator of the Thinking Basketball YouTube channel to revisit the past two decades of basketball’s transformation. In this episode, they explore how the sport has evolved since 2000, celebrate the launch of Ben’s new YouTube series, 21st Century Peaks, and dissect the distinct skill sets of legendary players like Jason Kidd and James Harden. They also speculate on the future of the game, including groundbreaking offensive tactics and adaptive defensive strategies. This conversation is framed as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the enduring human spirit behind the game. Host Jay Kyle man, guest Ben Taylor, producer Jesse Lopez. Additional production support Ben Cruz. Social Keith Fujimoto. But here’s where it gets controversial. While many see the NBA as a highstakes arena of physicality and teamwork, others argue that modern basketball prioritizes datadriven decision-making over instinct. For instance, the rise of analytics in coaching and player recruitment has sparked debates about whether the game’s heart is fading. Meanwhile, the shift towards smaller, faster players like Harden has raised questions about the balance between athleticism and versatility. As the sport continues to evolve, will the next generation of players redefine what it means to be a star? And how will the NBA’s changing rules and culture impact the way we watch and play the game?
