The Pomp Podcast
#375: Ben Cohen on The Mystery and Science of Streaks
- The evolution of three-point shooting in the NBA and how teams like Golden State and Houston have revolutionized basketball strategy around efficiency.
- Luka Doncic's rise as a generational talent and the missed opportunities by NBA teams that passed on him in the draft.
- Financial architecture of NBA rosters: how bargain contracts (like Steph Curry's extension) enable teams to acquire multiple superstars within a salary-capped league.
- The Hot Hand: Ben Cohen's new book exploring whether "hot hand" streaks are real through 35 years of academic debate involving economists, statisticians, and behavioral scientists.
- NBA bubble operations during COVID-19 and how the compressed playoff schedule with no fans changes the competitive landscape and coverage challenges.
- Tony Fauci's overlooked sports background as a high school basketball leader and his influence on March 2020 NBA shutdown decisions.