Dean Oliver

Jennifer Logg, a Georgetown professor researching how people respond to algorithmic advice, and Dean Oliver, an ESPN data scientist who helped pioneer NBA analytics, join the conversation. They discuss the Celtics’ analytics-driven rebuild and how algorithms can outperform human judgment in prediction tasks. The show also explores when to trust machine guidance and the risks of biased or incomplete data.

Discover the evolution of basketball analytics with pioneers Dean Oliver, Brittni Donaldson, and Mike Zarren. They discuss the beginnings of analytics, tracking data revolution, challenges in data accuracy, and balancing three-point shooting with team dynamics. Explore player development, coaching strategies, and the future of analytics in basketball.

In this highlight reel, guest insights shine bright. Annanya Raghavan dives into Google Trends, revealing a surge in WNBA interest and how analytics drives fan engagement. Brandon Copeland advocates for college athlete rights, explaining NIL's evolution and the need for collective bargaining. Jane Leavy critiques modern baseball strategies shaped by analytics and proposes changes to revive the game. Dean Oliver explores NBA analytics, discussing player evaluation and emerging talents like Victor Wembanyama. Each guest offers a unique perspective on where sports are heading.