Analytics, 1v1 Basketball, Legacy, and More
Get the Two Feet Pod: Bigs, analytics, injuries, and basketball’s evolving culture
Will is joined by Nate Gordon and KJ for a wide-ranging basketball conversation that moves from all-time big men debates to how analytics shape shot selection, injury comebacks, and the rise of one-on-one basketball. The episode also digs into roster construction, jersey retirements, and the NBA’s push into Europe, with KJ bringing firsthand pro and college perspective throughout.
The crew kicks things off with a start-bench-cut debate on Shaq, Jokic, and Kareem, landing on three different takes about dominance, skill, and two-way value. From there, they discuss how analytics can help basketball but become harmful when coaches apply them as blanket rules instead of tailoring shot selection to their players. KJ explains why the mid-range jumper still has a place and why role, development, and comfort should shape a player’s shot profile. Will and Nate add that teams can’t simply copy systems built around elite shooters like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson if they don’t have comparable players.
The conversation turns to Kyrie Irving’s return from an ACL injury. They weigh how his skill, experience, and mental toughness could help him return to form. They also assess Tyrese Haliburton’s return and Indiana’s outlook, debating how roster changes—especially the loss of spacing and shot creation—could leave the Pacers in the play-in mix. Next, the group explores the growing one-on-one basketball scene, its appeal and rough edges, and whether an NBA All-Star one-on-one tournament could work. KJ shares why one-on-one can be a valuable test of skill and player development, while the hosts consider how its demands differ from five-on-five basketball. They then discuss Ben Simmons’ return, considering his back surgeries, professionalism, and the expectations placed on a former star rebuilding his career.
That leads into a conversation about Chris Paul’s exit from the Clippers, Bradley Beal wearing number 3, and what respect and jersey retirement timing mean to players. KJ also breaks down the proposed NBA Europe league and how it could create new professional opportunities, affect the EuroLeague and G League, and potentially influence players’ choices between college and the pros. The group touches on basketball streaming costs and how fans access games, too. In the closing “I'm Nothin or I'm Somethin” segment, they consider whether Klay Thompson could become an All-Star as a team’s lead option, how Ja Morant might fit alongside Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija, whether the Suns can stay out of the play-in, and if Kings rookie A’Cuff could average 20 points. They wrap up with a shoutout to Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream ahead of the WNBA Finals.

