Sam Vecenie
@samvecenie.bsky.social
I write about basketball. And watch movies. Senior Writer at
@TheAthletic on the NBA/NBA Draft. Host of the Game Theory Podcast. Email: [email protected]
@TheAthletic on the NBA/NBA Draft. Host of the Game Theory Podcast. Email: [email protected]
I'm open to the Bucks keeping Giannis long-term. I get wanting to keep your franchise guy.
But I do think we're at the point where they need an answer now on if he's willing to sign his extension when he can in October. They can't keep mortgaging their future without knowing
But I do think we're at the point where they need an answer now on if he's willing to sign his extension when he can in October. They can't keep mortgaging their future without knowing
January 26, 2026 at 6:36 PM
I'm open to the Bucks keeping Giannis long-term. I get wanting to keep your franchise guy.
But I do think we're at the point where they need an answer now on if he's willing to sign his extension when he can in October. They can't keep mortgaging their future without knowing
But I do think we're at the point where they need an answer now on if he's willing to sign his extension when he can in October. They can't keep mortgaging their future without knowing
lol today was insane in college hoops. Obviously the Wagler game, but Flemings and AJ, Ament went off at night, Swain played well, Boozer’s Ho-hum 32/9 (lol), Burries was awesome, Mikel back. Just a glorious day of college basketball.
Truly can’t do better than that
Truly can’t do better than that
January 25, 2026 at 10:29 AM
lol today was insane in college hoops. Obviously the Wagler game, but Flemings and AJ, Ament went off at night, Swain played well, Boozer’s Ho-hum 32/9 (lol), Burries was awesome, Mikel back. Just a glorious day of college basketball.
Truly can’t do better than that
Truly can’t do better than that
Reposted by Sam Vecenie
@samvecenie.bsky.social has a few dozen names we’re tracking as Feb. 5 approaches ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
NBA Trade Board 2.0: Ja Morant, Michael Porter Jr. join list as deadline looms
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM
@samvecenie.bsky.social has a few dozen names we’re tracking as Feb. 5 approaches ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Wrote about the Charles Bediako case, a situation that genuinely has a chance to tear the mutually beneficial detente between college basketball and the NBA apart.
Hard to overemphasize how important this case has become within the basketball world.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Hard to overemphasize how important this case has become within the basketball world.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Why the Charles Bediako case could unleash chaos on college basketball, NBA Draft
If Bediako can return to Alabama after declaring for the draft three years ago, major impacts will be felt at all levels of basketball.
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:21 PM
Wrote about the Charles Bediako case, a situation that genuinely has a chance to tear the mutually beneficial detente between college basketball and the NBA apart.
Hard to overemphasize how important this case has become within the basketball world.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Hard to overemphasize how important this case has become within the basketball world.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Always blown way by Ehrlich's level of detail on his editing in these videos. The needle drops, the match cuts, the way he understands building energy before taking a quick beat to build it back up.
Consistently the best film-related content I see every single year.
Consistently the best film-related content I see every single year.
January 21, 2026 at 6:23 AM
Always blown way by Ehrlich's level of detail on his editing in these videos. The needle drops, the match cuts, the way he understands building energy before taking a quick beat to build it back up.
Consistently the best film-related content I see every single year.
Consistently the best film-related content I see every single year.
Felix Hernandez is one of those guys where it just simply felt like a "I know I'm watching a Hall of Famer" situation when I watched him pitch. Glad he made such a big leap up the ballot this year.
January 21, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Felix Hernandez is one of those guys where it just simply felt like a "I know I'm watching a Hall of Famer" situation when I watched him pitch. Glad he made such a big leap up the ballot this year.
The NBA Draft Show with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social is live over on @gametheorysamv.bsky.social.
Talked a ton about Cam Boozer vs. Caleb Wilson and why that debate seems to be so interesting for people (and where it stands right now).
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/nba-draft-...
Talked a ton about Cam Boozer vs. Caleb Wilson and why that debate seems to be so interesting for people (and where it stands right now).
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/nba-draft-...
January 20, 2026 at 11:31 AM
The NBA Draft Show with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social is live over on @gametheorysamv.bsky.social.
Talked a ton about Cam Boozer vs. Caleb Wilson and why that debate seems to be so interesting for people (and where it stands right now).
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/nba-draft-...
Talked a ton about Cam Boozer vs. Caleb Wilson and why that debate seems to be so interesting for people (and where it stands right now).
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/nba-draft-...
Talked a lot about the Raptors on the podcast and if they should make a big deal at the deadline.
But before we did that, we talked a ton about why they've been successful this year, and why I think Jamal Shead embodies so much of their success.
But before we did that, we talked a ton about why they've been successful this year, and why I think Jamal Shead embodies so much of their success.
January 20, 2026 at 12:57 AM
Talked a lot about the Raptors on the podcast and if they should make a big deal at the deadline.
But before we did that, we talked a ton about why they've been successful this year, and why I think Jamal Shead embodies so much of their success.
But before we did that, we talked a ton about why they've been successful this year, and why I think Jamal Shead embodies so much of their success.
Did 45-minute film breakdown videos on Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson today. Boozer’s 30-ball vs. Stanford and the Wilson game vs. Cal.
Subscribe over there! Get both and many other draft breakdowns!
Boozer: open.substack.com/pub/gametheo...
Wilson: open.substack.com/pub/gametheo...
Subscribe over there! Get both and many other draft breakdowns!
Boozer: open.substack.com/pub/gametheo...
Wilson: open.substack.com/pub/gametheo...
Duke's Cam Boozer dominates Stanford, asserts case as No. 1 prospect in 2026 NBA Draft due to versatile skillset
Duke’s Cameron Boozer is well and truly in the driver’s seat to win the National Player of the Year award, averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists while dominating on the interior and shooti...
open.substack.com
January 19, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Did 45-minute film breakdown videos on Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson today. Boozer’s 30-ball vs. Stanford and the Wilson game vs. Cal.
Subscribe over there! Get both and many other draft breakdowns!
Boozer: open.substack.com/pub/gametheo...
Wilson: open.substack.com/pub/gametheo...
Subscribe over there! Get both and many other draft breakdowns!
Boozer: open.substack.com/pub/gametheo...
Wilson: open.substack.com/pub/gametheo...
New Takeaways Show is up with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social.
-Grizzlies Direction With/Without Ja
-Anthony Black, Jaylon Tyson breakouts
-Reed Sheppard Defense Question
-Raptors Stuff!
-Kawhi and the Kids save the Clips season
youtu.be/wM3v-Fy02bo
-Grizzlies Direction With/Without Ja
-Anthony Black, Jaylon Tyson breakouts
-Reed Sheppard Defense Question
-Raptors Stuff!
-Kawhi and the Kids save the Clips season
youtu.be/wM3v-Fy02bo
Grizzlies Future Direction | Anthony Black, Jaylon Tyson Breakouts | Reed Sheppard Defense Questions
YouTube video by Game Theory Podcast w/ Sam Vecenie
youtu.be
January 19, 2026 at 10:58 AM
New Takeaways Show is up with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social.
-Grizzlies Direction With/Without Ja
-Anthony Black, Jaylon Tyson breakouts
-Reed Sheppard Defense Question
-Raptors Stuff!
-Kawhi and the Kids save the Clips season
youtu.be/wM3v-Fy02bo
-Grizzlies Direction With/Without Ja
-Anthony Black, Jaylon Tyson breakouts
-Reed Sheppard Defense Question
-Raptors Stuff!
-Kawhi and the Kids save the Clips season
youtu.be/wM3v-Fy02bo
The Secret Agent is one of the masterpieces of cinema in 2025. Was totally blown away by this family story about living through fascism, and the way we remember history (or choose to avoid it). boxd.it/cHnS1h
A ★★★★★ review of The Secret Agent (2025)
Blown away. Mendonca has entered a new level of filmmaker for me. I merely enjoyed Bacarau -- didn't love it like some did -- but I think this is pretty clearly one of the five best films of the year ...
boxd.it
January 18, 2026 at 12:29 PM
The Secret Agent is one of the masterpieces of cinema in 2025. Was totally blown away by this family story about living through fascism, and the way we remember history (or choose to avoid it). boxd.it/cHnS1h
Talked about Anthony Edwards a lot today on the Midseason Awards podcast.
I don't know if people are aware how lights out Ant has been in clutch time this year for the Timberwolves, but it's unfathomably good.
I don't know if people are aware how lights out Ant has been in clutch time this year for the Timberwolves, but it's unfathomably good.
January 16, 2026 at 11:13 PM
Talked about Anthony Edwards a lot today on the Midseason Awards podcast.
I don't know if people are aware how lights out Ant has been in clutch time this year for the Timberwolves, but it's unfathomably good.
I don't know if people are aware how lights out Ant has been in clutch time this year for the Timberwolves, but it's unfathomably good.
Reposted by Sam Vecenie
NBA Midseason Awards time from @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I. MVP, All-NBA, DPOY, All-Defense, ROY, All-Rookie, etc.
We opened on the Kuminga "demand" then also talked a bit about KOC's Lakers' draft picks trade report.
youtu.be/God-gj5Qg38
We opened on the Kuminga "demand" then also talked a bit about KOC's Lakers' draft picks trade report.
youtu.be/God-gj5Qg38
Midseason NBA Awards! Plus, Kuminga DEMANDS trade | Game Theory Podcast
YouTube video by Game Theory Podcast w/ Sam Vecenie
youtu.be
January 16, 2026 at 11:56 AM
NBA Midseason Awards time from @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I. MVP, All-NBA, DPOY, All-Defense, ROY, All-Rookie, etc.
We opened on the Kuminga "demand" then also talked a bit about KOC's Lakers' draft picks trade report.
youtu.be/God-gj5Qg38
We opened on the Kuminga "demand" then also talked a bit about KOC's Lakers' draft picks trade report.
youtu.be/God-gj5Qg38
Reposted by Sam Vecenie
Also did a Caleb Wilson breakdown on the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social substack. About an hour of film, so buckle up.
On his defense, UNC's defense (both not good), but also what makes him a special, productive prospect with a really high ceiling.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/caleb-wils...
On his defense, UNC's defense (both not good), but also what makes him a special, productive prospect with a really high ceiling.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/caleb-wils...
January 16, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Also did a Caleb Wilson breakdown on the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social substack. About an hour of film, so buckle up.
On his defense, UNC's defense (both not good), but also what makes him a special, productive prospect with a really high ceiling.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/caleb-wils...
On his defense, UNC's defense (both not good), but also what makes him a special, productive prospect with a really high ceiling.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/caleb-wils...
Reposted by Sam Vecenie
From the pod that'll go live in like 6 hours or so, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I talked about Jonathan Kuminga and his "trade demand" at the top.
The best comparison I could come up with is when Michael Scott walks into the Office and just shouts "I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY"
The best comparison I could come up with is when Michael Scott walks into the Office and just shouts "I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY"
January 16, 2026 at 5:05 AM
From the pod that'll go live in like 6 hours or so, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I talked about Jonathan Kuminga and his "trade demand" at the top.
The best comparison I could come up with is when Michael Scott walks into the Office and just shouts "I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY"
The best comparison I could come up with is when Michael Scott walks into the Office and just shouts "I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY"
Also did a Caleb Wilson breakdown on the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social substack. About an hour of film, so buckle up.
On his defense, UNC's defense (both not good), but also what makes him a special, productive prospect with a really high ceiling.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/caleb-wils...
On his defense, UNC's defense (both not good), but also what makes him a special, productive prospect with a really high ceiling.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/caleb-wils...
January 16, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Also did a Caleb Wilson breakdown on the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social substack. About an hour of film, so buckle up.
On his defense, UNC's defense (both not good), but also what makes him a special, productive prospect with a really high ceiling.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/caleb-wils...
On his defense, UNC's defense (both not good), but also what makes him a special, productive prospect with a really high ceiling.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/caleb-wils...
Sentimental Value is just straight up one of the best movies of the year. My goodness. Just an unbelievable film. It takes like 30 minutes to totally recognize what Trier is doing but once you let it wash over you, it's just wonderful. letterboxd.com/samvecenie/f...
A ★★★★½ review of Sentimental Value (2025)
It’s the way Trier shoots his actors, the way his filmmaking blends with the thematic qualities of his films. For Skarsgard’s Gustav, it’s how he’s shot when he is doing his job versus when he’s inte...
letterboxd.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Sentimental Value is just straight up one of the best movies of the year. My goodness. Just an unbelievable film. It takes like 30 minutes to totally recognize what Trier is doing but once you let it wash over you, it's just wonderful. letterboxd.com/samvecenie/f...
NBA Midseason Awards time from @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I. MVP, All-NBA, DPOY, All-Defense, ROY, All-Rookie, etc.
We opened on the Kuminga "demand" then also talked a bit about KOC's Lakers' draft picks trade report.
youtu.be/God-gj5Qg38
We opened on the Kuminga "demand" then also talked a bit about KOC's Lakers' draft picks trade report.
youtu.be/God-gj5Qg38
Midseason NBA Awards! Plus, Kuminga DEMANDS trade | Game Theory Podcast
YouTube video by Game Theory Podcast w/ Sam Vecenie
youtu.be
January 16, 2026 at 11:56 AM
NBA Midseason Awards time from @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I. MVP, All-NBA, DPOY, All-Defense, ROY, All-Rookie, etc.
We opened on the Kuminga "demand" then also talked a bit about KOC's Lakers' draft picks trade report.
youtu.be/God-gj5Qg38
We opened on the Kuminga "demand" then also talked a bit about KOC's Lakers' draft picks trade report.
youtu.be/God-gj5Qg38
From the pod that'll go live in like 6 hours or so, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I talked about Jonathan Kuminga and his "trade demand" at the top.
The best comparison I could come up with is when Michael Scott walks into the Office and just shouts "I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY"
The best comparison I could come up with is when Michael Scott walks into the Office and just shouts "I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY"
January 16, 2026 at 5:05 AM
From the pod that'll go live in like 6 hours or so, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I talked about Jonathan Kuminga and his "trade demand" at the top.
The best comparison I could come up with is when Michael Scott walks into the Office and just shouts "I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY"
The best comparison I could come up with is when Michael Scott walks into the Office and just shouts "I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY"
Reposted by Sam Vecenie
Typical Monday Game Theory show with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social is up.
-Ja Morant Trade Market
-Pistons, Pacers, Thunder Trade Markets
-Rudy Gobert: Still good!
-Blazers check in
youtu.be/nz8O-WVcX1I
-Ja Morant Trade Market
-Pistons, Pacers, Thunder Trade Markets
-Rudy Gobert: Still good!
-Blazers check in
youtu.be/nz8O-WVcX1I
Ja Morant Trade Incoming? | Pistons, Pacers, Thunder Trade Plans? | Rudy Gobert Remains UNDERRATED
YouTube video by Game Theory Podcast w/ Sam Vecenie
youtu.be
January 12, 2026 at 11:20 AM
Typical Monday Game Theory show with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social is up.
-Ja Morant Trade Market
-Pistons, Pacers, Thunder Trade Markets
-Rudy Gobert: Still good!
-Blazers check in
youtu.be/nz8O-WVcX1I
-Ja Morant Trade Market
-Pistons, Pacers, Thunder Trade Markets
-Rudy Gobert: Still good!
-Blazers check in
youtu.be/nz8O-WVcX1I
Typical Monday Game Theory show with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social is up.
-Ja Morant Trade Market
-Pistons, Pacers, Thunder Trade Markets
-Rudy Gobert: Still good!
-Blazers check in
youtu.be/nz8O-WVcX1I
-Ja Morant Trade Market
-Pistons, Pacers, Thunder Trade Markets
-Rudy Gobert: Still good!
-Blazers check in
youtu.be/nz8O-WVcX1I
Ja Morant Trade Incoming? | Pistons, Pacers, Thunder Trade Plans? | Rudy Gobert Remains UNDERRATED
YouTube video by Game Theory Podcast w/ Sam Vecenie
youtu.be
January 12, 2026 at 11:20 AM
Typical Monday Game Theory show with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social is up.
-Ja Morant Trade Market
-Pistons, Pacers, Thunder Trade Markets
-Rudy Gobert: Still good!
-Blazers check in
youtu.be/nz8O-WVcX1I
-Ja Morant Trade Market
-Pistons, Pacers, Thunder Trade Markets
-Rudy Gobert: Still good!
-Blazers check in
youtu.be/nz8O-WVcX1I
Reposted by Sam Vecenie
The Ja Morant era in Memphis feels like it’s hurtling toward a conclusion.
So what deals make sense for the Grizzlies to explore?
Here's an idea from @samvecenie.bsky.social involving the Raptors and Lakers 👀
So what deals make sense for the Grizzlies to explore?
Here's an idea from @samvecenie.bsky.social involving the Raptors and Lakers 👀
January 11, 2026 at 1:38 AM
The Ja Morant era in Memphis feels like it’s hurtling toward a conclusion.
So what deals make sense for the Grizzlies to explore?
Here's an idea from @samvecenie.bsky.social involving the Raptors and Lakers 👀
So what deals make sense for the Grizzlies to explore?
Here's an idea from @samvecenie.bsky.social involving the Raptors and Lakers 👀
Reposted by Sam Vecenie
Talked for like an hour on the Trae Young deal with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social.
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...
Trae Young TRADED to Washington Wizards! McCollum, Kispert to Hawks | Kuminga Trade Predictions
YouTube video by Game Theory Podcast w/ Sam Vecenie
youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:29 AM
Talked for like an hour on the Trae Young deal with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social.
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...
Talked for like an hour on the Trae Young deal with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social.
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...
Trae Young TRADED to Washington Wizards! McCollum, Kispert to Hawks | Kuminga Trade Predictions
YouTube video by Game Theory Podcast w/ Sam Vecenie
youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:29 AM
Talked for like an hour on the Trae Young deal with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social.
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...
Here you go, going live to talk about the Trae Young trade to the Washington Wizards.
Come hang out with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I!
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...
Come hang out with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I!
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...
Trae Young TRADED to Washington Wizards! McCollum, Kispert to Hawks | Kuminga Trade Predictions
YouTube video by Game Theory Podcast w/ Sam Vecenie
youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:56 AM
Here you go, going live to talk about the Trae Young trade to the Washington Wizards.
Come hang out with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I!
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...
Come hang out with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I!
youtube.com/live/kH30woT...