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Sam Vecenie

@Sam_Vecenie • 129,343 subscribers

I write about basketball. And watch movies. Senior Writer at @TheAthletic on the NBA/NBA Draft. Host of the Game Theory Podcast, 87k on YouTube ⬇️

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This is pure filth from JJ Redick to start the third quarter. A 1-4 High Iverson set with Reaves coming across, the play, AD cross screening for LBJ to go set an empty side slip screen for Reaves. Pocket pass from Reaves forces the Gobert help which sets up the AD lob. Whew.

This is pure filth from JJ Redick to start the third quarter. A 1-4 High Iverson set with Reaves coming across, the play, AD cross screening for LBJ to go set an empty side slip screen for Reaves. Pocket pass from Reaves forces the Gobert help which sets up the AD lob. Whew.

2,340,182 Aufrufe

Max Strus crushing a Miller Lite during his media after drilling eight 3s in a game is why we love Max Strus.

Max Strus crushing a Miller Lite during his media after drilling eight 3s in a game is why we love Max Strus.

359,814 Aufrufe

Just saw this. Think it's a wild quote from a basketball player. Don't think you can be a transfer and say "don't switch sides." Then, you've been there for 6 months and you're telling fans who probably paid to go to Indiana for years what to do? Huh?

Just saw this. Think it's a wild quote from a basketball player. Don't think you can be a transfer and say "don't switch sides." Then, you've been there for 6 months and you're telling fans who probably paid to go to Indiana for years what to do? Huh?

901,517 Aufrufe

Look at how Drew Timme seals out both Jamal Murray and Bruce Brown on this LeBron drive. Feel like I haven't seen Lakers bigs do this much on drives for the perimeter players this year, but it's a huge value add. Not just the scoring stuff with him, IMO. Little things add up.

Look at how Drew Timme seals out both Jamal Murray and Bruce Brown on this LeBron drive. Feel like I haven't seen Lakers bigs do this much on drives for the perimeter players this year, but it's a huge value add. Not just the scoring stuff with him, IMO. Little things add up.

300,127 Aufrufe

These are the AJ Dybantsa shots that absolutely drive me crazy and it happens multiple times per game. Truly can't do fadeaway, midrange jumpers w/ 22 seconds left on shot clock in semi-transition. If these are later shot clock bailouts, great. But we can't settle for these.

These are the AJ Dybantsa shots that absolutely drive me crazy and it happens multiple times per game. Truly can't do fadeaway, midrange jumpers w/ 22 seconds left on shot clock in semi-transition. If these are later shot clock bailouts, great. But we can't settle for these.

241,183 Aufrufe

Absolutely dying at Cam Thomas' transition defense here.

Absolutely dying at Cam Thomas' transition defense here.

348,020 Aufrufe

Literally second possession of the game in Cal-UNC and Caleb Wilson misses a backside tag as the low man leading to a wide open dunk while UNC is in drop. Gonna be a lot of bad defense on tape in this one from UNC, isn't there?

Literally second possession of the game in Cal-UNC and Caleb Wilson misses a backside tag as the low man leading to a wide open dunk while UNC is in drop. Gonna be a lot of bad defense on tape in this one from UNC, isn't there?

68,404 Aufrufe

Do think we saw (for me) the main weakness in Cade Cunningham's game late. Needs keep working on his gathers on drives to better access his length/extension as a finisher. To me, this can't be a two-foot leaner. A slow step after you turn the corner on Towns would be big here.

Do think we saw (for me) the main weakness in Cade Cunningham's game late. Needs keep working on his gathers on drives to better access his length/extension as a finisher. To me, this can't be a two-foot leaner. A slow step after you turn the corner on Towns would be big here.

125,590 Aufrufe

Just finishing the deep dive on Florida-Arizona for a Koa Peat video to go up tomorrow, and what in the world happened here with the refs missing the most obvious double-dribble the world has ever seen from Alex Condon? lol

Just finishing the deep dive on Florida-Arizona for a Koa Peat video to go up tomorrow, and what in the world happened here with the refs missing the most obvious double-dribble the world has ever seen from Alex Condon? lol

67,615 Aufrufe

Loved this set so much from UNC. Those coffin corner sideline inbounds can be tough, and I love how they used the angle to their advantage with this set. Two down screens for Stevenson to fly across to take his man to opposite wing, Veesaar flips to screen for the second screener in Evans. The misdirection gets Council a step late following Evans. That forces Bidunga to fly out high toward the shooter to open the lane, and Veesaar rolls into a wide open paint. Beautiful architecture and spacing here.

Loved this set so much from UNC. Those coffin corner sideline inbounds can be tough, and I love how they used the angle to their advantage with this set. Two down screens for Stevenson to fly across to take his man to opposite wing, Veesaar flips to screen for the second screener in Evans. The misdirection gets Council a step late following Evans. That forces Bidunga to fly out high toward the shooter to open the lane, and Veesaar rolls into a wide open paint. Beautiful architecture and spacing here.

53,738 Aufrufe

This possession is why I'm so skeptical of the Duren/Ausar pairing long-term. They both prefer to work in the same areas of the court and the coaching staff all season has not been intentional enough in how they space with those two. Their reactions are to move to same areas.

This possession is why I'm so skeptical of the Duren/Ausar pairing long-term. They both prefer to work in the same areas of the court and the coaching staff all season has not been intentional enough in how they space with those two. Their reactions are to move to same areas.

66,208 Aufrufe

Thought this from Cooper Flagg's 42-pt game is what really stood out. Know he didn't finish the lefty and-one, but the ability to put his shoulder into Kyle Anderson and move him backward is such a vision of what his future is going to look like once he fills out even more.

Thought this from Cooper Flagg's 42-pt game is what really stood out. Know he didn't finish the lefty and-one, but the ability to put his shoulder into Kyle Anderson and move him backward is such a vision of what his future is going to look like once he fills out even more.

37,394 Aufrufe

This was such a slick zone set on offense by Indiana with the dual screens set at the top to get McConnell immediate middle penetration for an easy midrange jumper, just missed it but the OReb comes out to Sheppard. Loved this one.

This was such a slick zone set on offense by Indiana with the dual screens set at the top to get McConnell immediate middle penetration for an easy midrange jumper, just missed it but the OReb comes out to Sheppard. Loved this one.

39,263 Aufrufe

Honestly think this is one of the best Pistons defensive possessions of the last 3-ish years. Genuinely really good! They're helping in gaps, closing out well and cutting off drives, connected, communicating. Think DET has really started well on D under Bickerstaff for a half.

Honestly think this is one of the best Pistons defensive possessions of the last 3-ish years. Genuinely really good! They're helping in gaps, closing out well and cutting off drives, connected, communicating. Think DET has really started well on D under Bickerstaff for a half.

25,147 Aufrufe

This little split-second decision from Jimmy Butler to screen Kris Dunn to get Steph free on the relocation is just such quintessential Jimmy. So good at these little seals and screens for his teammates. Huge part of why he's such a dangerous off-ball player without making 3s.

This little split-second decision from Jimmy Butler to screen Kris Dunn to get Steph free on the relocation is just such quintessential Jimmy. So good at these little seals and screens for his teammates. Huge part of why he's such a dangerous off-ball player without making 3s.

19,602 Aufrufe

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A. Iman Shumpert is so good on TV already. He’s super sharp, he has fun. Really hope he has a bigger role moving forward. B. I am dying at Richard Jefferson just leaning back and watching this.

A. Iman Shumpert is so good on TV already. He’s super sharp, he has fun. Really hope he has a bigger role moving forward. B. I am dying at Richard Jefferson just leaning back and watching this.

518,498 Aufrufe • vor 24 Tagen

Talked a lot about Egor Demin on the podcast today. Thought his summer league performance was awesome. Looked way too good for Summer League from the moment he took the court, which is an awesome sign.

Talked a lot about Egor Demin on the podcast today. Thought his summer league performance was awesome. Looked way too good for Summer League from the moment he took the court, which is an awesome sign.

62,427 Aufrufe • vor 4 Tagen

Suns center Khaman Maluach was great in Vegas. Made second team All-Summer League. Was easy to see why. Looked much more decisive with his footwork and balance on his rolls. Made shots. Felt enormous on defense. Full 50-minute tape breakdown vs. MIL.

Suns center Khaman Maluach was great in Vegas. Made second team All-Summer League. Was easy to see why. Looked much more decisive with his footwork and balance on his rolls. Made shots. Felt enormous on defense. Full 50-minute tape breakdown vs. MIL.

38,701 Aufrufe • vor 3 Tagen

Broke down Egor Demin's 22-pt, 4-reb, 8-ast game against the Kings in Summer League. Lot of reason to be excited about Demin if you're a Nets fan. Looked way too good for summer league this year.

Broke down Egor Demin's 22-pt, 4-reb, 8-ast game against the Kings in Summer League. Lot of reason to be excited about Demin if you're a Nets fan. Looked way too good for summer league this year.

36,966 Aufrufe • vor 4 Tagen

Broke down Cayden Daughtry tape over on Game Theory. About 40 minutes explaining his game and breaking down his 33-point, 9-rebound, 6-assist Peach Jam title game. Preview of why he's the best HS player in the country right now.

Broke down Cayden Daughtry tape over on Game Theory. About 40 minutes explaining his game and breaking down his 33-point, 9-rebound, 6-assist Peach Jam title game. Preview of why he's the best HS player in the country right now.

32,925 Aufrufe • vor 5 Tagen

For anyone questioning Darryn Peterson, I'd implore you to go back and watch him play in high school. For instance, look at the elevation on this jumper today in the second half, then one from last year at Prolific vs. Columbus. He can't even elevate into his shot right now.

For anyone questioning Darryn Peterson, I'd implore you to go back and watch him play in high school. For instance, look at the elevation on this jumper today in the second half, then one from last year at Prolific vs. Columbus. He can't even elevate into his shot right now.

747,434 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten

Rick Carlisle is laughably good. First possession, Knicks overload the empty side action to try to stop the quick Turner PnPop when they're running hedge/recover. Sheppard relocates to get away from Mitch who has to scramble out. Then the next possession, Carlisle runs same empty side PnR but this time Sheppard sneaks behind Siakam to cut to the rim on the weak side. Knicks aren't overloading, but the cut forces the help from Mitch, miscommunication between him and Payne. Wide open Siakam 3. This Pacers team is just filthy, I love them so much.

Rick Carlisle is laughably good. First possession, Knicks overload the empty side action to try to stop the quick Turner PnPop when they're running hedge/recover. Sheppard relocates to get away from Mitch who has to scramble out. Then the next possession, Carlisle runs same empty side PnR but this time Sheppard sneaks behind Siakam to cut to the rim on the weak side. Knicks aren't overloading, but the cut forces the help from Mitch, miscommunication between him and Payne. Wide open Siakam 3. This Pacers team is just filthy, I love them so much.

1,346,283 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr

People in the US ask me all the time why I love and care about the NBL. This is exactly why. This league is totally insane and it rules.

People in the US ask me all the time why I love and care about the NBL. This is exactly why. This league is totally insane and it rules.

219,165 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

I mean, what in the world is this Indiana? Particularly Oumar Ballo. What in the world? This is gross effort. This is the kind of effort where you have to sit Ballo the rest of the game, I think. You can't let that kind of effort go without serious accountability in terms of PT.

I mean, what in the world is this Indiana? Particularly Oumar Ballo. What in the world? This is gross effort. This is the kind of effort where you have to sit Ballo the rest of the game, I think. You can't let that kind of effort go without serious accountability in terms of PT.

916,978 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr

I just want to remind people what Kevin Durant was at Texas in 2007. Averaged 26/11/1/1/2, shooting 47/40/82. And the tape is somehow better. It's the most absurd thing you'll ever watch in your life. He dominated everyone and was (still is) UNBELIEVABLY competitive.

I just want to remind people what Kevin Durant was at Texas in 2007. Averaged 26/11/1/1/2, shooting 47/40/82. And the tape is somehow better. It's the most absurd thing you'll ever watch in your life. He dominated everyone and was (still is) UNBELIEVABLY competitive.

213,842 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten

Thought this was an awesome interview in general with SVP, JDub is super thoughtful so I wouldn't expect anything less. But I thought particularly this answer was pretty amazing.

Thought this was an awesome interview in general with SVP, JDub is super thoughtful so I wouldn't expect anything less. But I thought particularly this answer was pretty amazing.

590,365 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr

"What's the percentage of kids who make the NBA? (Unless you play for me)? What would be the percentage?" The aside here in what is a good rant is maybe my favorite Calipari flex I've seen in a long while. Extremely funny lmao.

"What's the percentage of kids who make the NBA? (Unless you play for me)? What would be the percentage?" The aside here in what is a good rant is maybe my favorite Calipari flex I've seen in a long while. Extremely funny lmao.

313,313 Aufrufe • vor 6 Monaten

The Heat have a chance to be awesome with Giannis. I actually really like the potential Mitchell-Powell-Wiggins-Bam core around Giannis, and think they're deeper than you'd expect with guys like Larsson, Jovic, and Dru Smith off of the bench already. The defense will be sick

The Heat have a chance to be awesome with Giannis. I actually really like the potential Mitchell-Powell-Wiggins-Bam core around Giannis, and think they're deeper than you'd expect with guys like Larsson, Jovic, and Dru Smith off of the bench already. The defense will be sick

52,943 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Sometimes, I'll pull up a random game from 1990s just to check myself. Maybe teams did move more off the ball, run more complex actions! Newsflash: they did not. Some different things, got to post ups. But some UGLY possessions. (Jazz-Nuggets 1st Q O from Denver, 2/8/1994)

Sometimes, I'll pull up a random game from 1990s just to check myself. Maybe teams did move more off the ball, run more complex actions! Newsflash: they did not. Some different things, got to post ups. But some UGLY possessions. (Jazz-Nuggets 1st Q O from Denver, 2/8/1994)

684,379 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr

Kawhi Leonard is going back to Toronto, and I don't think this could be more of a home run for the Raptors. They're legit contenders in the East, IMO.

Kawhi Leonard is going back to Toronto, and I don't think this could be more of a home run for the Raptors. They're legit contenders in the East, IMO.

33,826 Aufrufe • vor 24 Tagen

Jared McCain has fit into OKC and its scheme perfectly, and it really makes me question how in the world Nick Nurse couldn't make this work in Philadelphia with him.

Jared McCain has fit into OKC and its scheme perfectly, and it really makes me question how in the world Nick Nurse couldn't make this work in Philadelphia with him.

152,171 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten

As part of the 2026 NBA Draft Guide, the awesome video team at The Athletic also helped produce prospect breakdowns with me for the top-10 prospects. Here is the AJ Dybantsa video.

As part of the 2026 NBA Draft Guide, the awesome video team at The Athletic also helped produce prospect breakdowns with me for the top-10 prospects. Here is the AJ Dybantsa video.

46,458 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

The Nuggets just relentlessly attacking Ant/Ayo off the ball defensively was really fun to watch in the first quarter of DEN-MIN. Jokic manipulating everything at point center. Four possessions of him just moving dudes with his eyes and Nuggets setting sharp back screens.

The Nuggets just relentlessly attacking Ant/Ayo off the ball defensively was really fun to watch in the first quarter of DEN-MIN. Jokic manipulating everything at point center. Four possessions of him just moving dudes with his eyes and Nuggets setting sharp back screens.

94,328 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

North Carolina's Caleb Wilson was outstanding and incredible everywhere tonight. But man, this is probably my favorite moment. Look at the raw passion and energy and intensity in the moment here with this 10-second call. That's a guy you can win with.

North Carolina's Caleb Wilson was outstanding and incredible everywhere tonight. But man, this is probably my favorite moment. Look at the raw passion and energy and intensity in the moment here with this 10-second call. That's a guy you can win with.

215,161 Aufrufe • vor 8 Monaten

Feel for Torrey Craig after he missed a game tying free throw in the NBL Finals but Adelaide-Sydney is deserving of a fifth and deciding game for the title. I’ve enjoyed watching this series as much as any playoff series at ANY level in the last few years.

Feel for Torrey Craig after he missed a game tying free throw in the NBL Finals but Adelaide-Sydney is deserving of a fifth and deciding game for the title. I’ve enjoyed watching this series as much as any playoff series at ANY level in the last few years.

103,762 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten