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: sam.vecenie@gmail.com
@TheAthletic on the NBA/NBA Draft. Host of the Game Theory Podcast. Email: sam.vecenie@gmail.com
Hello! @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I coming to you with Week 2 of the Game Theory NBA Draft Show.
-Caleb Wilson Breakout
-Peterson, Dybantsa
-Boozer Finishing ?s
-Koa Peat, Neoklis Avdalas monster performances
youtu.be/M_0zPt5mgN4
-Caleb Wilson Breakout
-Peterson, Dybantsa
-Boozer Finishing ?s
-Koa Peat, Neoklis Avdalas monster performances
youtu.be/M_0zPt5mgN4
November 11, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Hello! @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I coming to you with Week 2 of the Game Theory NBA Draft Show.
-Caleb Wilson Breakout
-Peterson, Dybantsa
-Boozer Finishing ?s
-Koa Peat, Neoklis Avdalas monster performances
youtu.be/M_0zPt5mgN4
-Caleb Wilson Breakout
-Peterson, Dybantsa
-Boozer Finishing ?s
-Koa Peat, Neoklis Avdalas monster performances
youtu.be/M_0zPt5mgN4
New show with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social is up. Week 3 NBA Takeaways
-Wemby/Sengun is the next great NBA big rivalry
-The Pistons are on fire
-Alex Sarr's breakout
-Phoenix Suns are...fine?
-Bucks potential ceiling?
-Role Player Madness
youtu.be/rPq0dPQfJq4
-Wemby/Sengun is the next great NBA big rivalry
-The Pistons are on fire
-Alex Sarr's breakout
-Phoenix Suns are...fine?
-Bucks potential ceiling?
-Role Player Madness
youtu.be/rPq0dPQfJq4
November 10, 2025 at 11:54 AM
New show with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social is up. Week 3 NBA Takeaways
-Wemby/Sengun is the next great NBA big rivalry
-The Pistons are on fire
-Alex Sarr's breakout
-Phoenix Suns are...fine?
-Bucks potential ceiling?
-Role Player Madness
youtu.be/rPq0dPQfJq4
-Wemby/Sengun is the next great NBA big rivalry
-The Pistons are on fire
-Alex Sarr's breakout
-Phoenix Suns are...fine?
-Bucks potential ceiling?
-Role Player Madness
youtu.be/rPq0dPQfJq4
Hello! @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I talked through the Rookies of the NBA through the first 8-10 games of the season.
Lots of stuff on Cooper, VJ, the Hornets (!), Fears and Queen, Harper, Coward, more.
youtu.be/SOZo2vcg4yI
Lots of stuff on Cooper, VJ, the Hornets (!), Fears and Queen, Harper, Coward, more.
youtu.be/SOZo2vcg4yI
November 7, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Hello! @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I talked through the Rookies of the NBA through the first 8-10 games of the season.
Lots of stuff on Cooper, VJ, the Hornets (!), Fears and Queen, Harper, Coward, more.
youtu.be/SOZo2vcg4yI
Lots of stuff on Cooper, VJ, the Hornets (!), Fears and Queen, Harper, Coward, more.
youtu.be/SOZo2vcg4yI
Also, on Tuesdays this year, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I will have a show talking only NBA Draft.
We started this week with a baseline preview of the class and a breakdown of the top-3 (Peterson, Boozer, Dybantsa), but we'll have more to talk next week.
youtu.be/DE0x3QN84sk
We started this week with a baseline preview of the class and a breakdown of the top-3 (Peterson, Boozer, Dybantsa), but we'll have more to talk next week.
youtu.be/DE0x3QN84sk
November 4, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Also, on Tuesdays this year, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I will have a show talking only NBA Draft.
We started this week with a baseline preview of the class and a breakdown of the top-3 (Peterson, Boozer, Dybantsa), but we'll have more to talk next week.
youtu.be/DE0x3QN84sk
We started this week with a baseline preview of the class and a breakdown of the top-3 (Peterson, Boozer, Dybantsa), but we'll have more to talk next week.
youtu.be/DE0x3QN84sk
Big NBA Draft day from me.
2026 NBA Mock Draft is here over at @theathletic.com. Lot of prospects to dive into beyond just the loaded top-three of Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer.
But man, that top-3 is going to tempt a lot of NBA teams to tank in 2026.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
2026 NBA Mock Draft is here over at @theathletic.com. Lot of prospects to dive into beyond just the loaded top-three of Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer.
But man, that top-3 is going to tempt a lot of NBA teams to tank in 2026.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
November 4, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Big NBA Draft day from me.
2026 NBA Mock Draft is here over at @theathletic.com. Lot of prospects to dive into beyond just the loaded top-three of Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer.
But man, that top-3 is going to tempt a lot of NBA teams to tank in 2026.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
2026 NBA Mock Draft is here over at @theathletic.com. Lot of prospects to dive into beyond just the loaded top-three of Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer.
But man, that top-3 is going to tempt a lot of NBA teams to tank in 2026.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
New Podcast is up with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social. Week 2 NBA Takeaways is here.
-The Pivotal Point of Ja Morant's career in Memphis
-Trae Young Out
-Fun Chicago Bulls!
-Slow starts for new acquisitions?
-Jazz Frontcourt!
-Wide Open East
youtu.be/Zx-M1WPQvpg
-The Pivotal Point of Ja Morant's career in Memphis
-Trae Young Out
-Fun Chicago Bulls!
-Slow starts for new acquisitions?
-Jazz Frontcourt!
-Wide Open East
youtu.be/Zx-M1WPQvpg
November 3, 2025 at 10:34 AM
New Podcast is up with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social. Week 2 NBA Takeaways is here.
-The Pivotal Point of Ja Morant's career in Memphis
-Trae Young Out
-Fun Chicago Bulls!
-Slow starts for new acquisitions?
-Jazz Frontcourt!
-Wide Open East
youtu.be/Zx-M1WPQvpg
-The Pivotal Point of Ja Morant's career in Memphis
-Trae Young Out
-Fun Chicago Bulls!
-Slow starts for new acquisitions?
-Jazz Frontcourt!
-Wide Open East
youtu.be/Zx-M1WPQvpg
Hey! @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I podcasted!
-Wemby and the 5-0 Spurs
-The East's big stories so far, to me, are the Bucks, 76ers and Magic.
-Austin Reaves
-Pelicans are struggling hard.
youtu.be/Pst4WZdaJRk
-Wemby and the 5-0 Spurs
-The East's big stories so far, to me, are the Bucks, 76ers and Magic.
-Austin Reaves
-Pelicans are struggling hard.
youtu.be/Pst4WZdaJRk
October 31, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Hey! @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I podcasted!
-Wemby and the 5-0 Spurs
-The East's big stories so far, to me, are the Bucks, 76ers and Magic.
-Austin Reaves
-Pelicans are struggling hard.
youtu.be/Pst4WZdaJRk
-Wemby and the 5-0 Spurs
-The East's big stories so far, to me, are the Bucks, 76ers and Magic.
-Austin Reaves
-Pelicans are struggling hard.
youtu.be/Pst4WZdaJRk
Over on Game Theory, did a Dylan Harper breakdown from his performance over the weekend vs. BKN. 20 pts, 6 rebs, 8 asts
Harper has been a monster in transition, but it's more the chemistry he and Wemby are building that should terrify the NBA long-term.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dylan-harp...
Harper has been a monster in transition, but it's more the chemistry he and Wemby are building that should terrify the NBA long-term.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dylan-harp...
October 28, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Over on Game Theory, did a Dylan Harper breakdown from his performance over the weekend vs. BKN. 20 pts, 6 rebs, 8 asts
Harper has been a monster in transition, but it's more the chemistry he and Wemby are building that should terrify the NBA long-term.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dylan-harp...
Harper has been a monster in transition, but it's more the chemistry he and Wemby are building that should terrify the NBA long-term.
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dylan-harp...
Hey! @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I did Week 1 NBA Takeaways.
-Great Rookie Class!
-Defensive Trend!
-Wemby's MVP chances
-76ers Backcourt
-More!
youtu.be/yLhmLNYH1Ck
-Great Rookie Class!
-Defensive Trend!
-Wemby's MVP chances
-76ers Backcourt
-More!
youtu.be/yLhmLNYH1Ck
October 27, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Hey! @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I did Week 1 NBA Takeaways.
-Great Rookie Class!
-Defensive Trend!
-Wemby's MVP chances
-76ers Backcourt
-More!
youtu.be/yLhmLNYH1Ck
-Great Rookie Class!
-Defensive Trend!
-Wemby's MVP chances
-76ers Backcourt
-More!
youtu.be/yLhmLNYH1Ck
Recorded a podcast with @andrewjclaudio.bsky.social after Nuggets/Warriors.
-The Steph/AG show
-OKC 2OT x2
-NBA Gambling Arrests Reaction
-WEMBY
-SAS/DAL, PHI/BOS, NYK/CLE, MIN/POR, ORL/MIA
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlwA...
-The Steph/AG show
-OKC 2OT x2
-NBA Gambling Arrests Reaction
-WEMBY
-SAS/DAL, PHI/BOS, NYK/CLE, MIN/POR, ORL/MIA
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlwA...
October 24, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Recorded a podcast with @andrewjclaudio.bsky.social after Nuggets/Warriors.
-The Steph/AG show
-OKC 2OT x2
-NBA Gambling Arrests Reaction
-WEMBY
-SAS/DAL, PHI/BOS, NYK/CLE, MIN/POR, ORL/MIA
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlwA...
-The Steph/AG show
-OKC 2OT x2
-NBA Gambling Arrests Reaction
-WEMBY
-SAS/DAL, PHI/BOS, NYK/CLE, MIN/POR, ORL/MIA
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlwA...
Went quite basic on the Criterion Flash Sale this time around. But honestly, feel pretty great about what I picked up here.
October 22, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Went quite basic on the Criterion Flash Sale this time around. But honestly, feel pretty great about what I picked up here.
Hello! @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I recorded a podcast last night!
Reactions to HOU-OKC and GSW-LAL (mostly Rockets-Thunder).
Then some talk about the preseason extension window, including Dyson, Braun, Nesmith, and some notes on guys who didn't extend.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWdU...
Reactions to HOU-OKC and GSW-LAL (mostly Rockets-Thunder).
Then some talk about the preseason extension window, including Dyson, Braun, Nesmith, and some notes on guys who didn't extend.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWdU...
October 22, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Hello! @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I recorded a podcast last night!
Reactions to HOU-OKC and GSW-LAL (mostly Rockets-Thunder).
Then some talk about the preseason extension window, including Dyson, Braun, Nesmith, and some notes on guys who didn't extend.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWdU...
Reactions to HOU-OKC and GSW-LAL (mostly Rockets-Thunder).
Then some talk about the preseason extension window, including Dyson, Braun, Nesmith, and some notes on guys who didn't extend.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWdU...
Did a second video breakdown on Kansas' Darryn Peterson. My No. 1 guy entering 2026 NBA draft cycle.
What makes him so special? The way everything flows together. The pull-up looks the same as his hesitations and he's excellent at maintaining his dribble
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/darryn-pet...
What makes him so special? The way everything flows together. The pull-up looks the same as his hesitations and he's excellent at maintaining his dribble
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/darryn-pet...
October 20, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Did a second video breakdown on Kansas' Darryn Peterson. My No. 1 guy entering 2026 NBA draft cycle.
What makes him so special? The way everything flows together. The pull-up looks the same as his hesitations and he's excellent at maintaining his dribble
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/darryn-pet...
What makes him so special? The way everything flows together. The pull-up looks the same as his hesitations and he's excellent at maintaining his dribble
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/darryn-pet...
Hey, going live here momentarily with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and we're giving predictions on who wins the title as well as some best offense/defense stuff in the NBA this year.
Plus, KD Extension, some other news and notes.
youtube.com/live/70fKqLs...
Plus, KD Extension, some other news and notes.
youtube.com/live/70fKqLs...
October 19, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Hey, going live here momentarily with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and we're giving predictions on who wins the title as well as some best offense/defense stuff in the NBA this year.
Plus, KD Extension, some other news and notes.
youtube.com/live/70fKqLs...
Plus, KD Extension, some other news and notes.
youtube.com/live/70fKqLs...
Hey, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I are doing our first 2026 NBA Mock Draft of the cycle tonight. Back and forth, going through the top-30 guys we have in the class.
Come hang out, should be fun! Lot of Darryn Peterson, Dybantsa, Boozer, more.
t.co/p1amwx8PjX
Come hang out, should be fun! Lot of Darryn Peterson, Dybantsa, Boozer, more.
t.co/p1amwx8PjX
October 12, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Hey, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I are doing our first 2026 NBA Mock Draft of the cycle tonight. Back and forth, going through the top-30 guys we have in the class.
Come hang out, should be fun! Lot of Darryn Peterson, Dybantsa, Boozer, more.
t.co/p1amwx8PjX
Come hang out, should be fun! Lot of Darryn Peterson, Dybantsa, Boozer, more.
t.co/p1amwx8PjX
Deep dive on Shaedon Sharpe's preseason game vs. GSW on Game Theory Substack.
Not sure I've heard teammates in pressers talk up a player's breakout more in media so far, so wanted to see him early.
22 pts in 23 mins. Good patience. Positive steps, IMO
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/shaedon-sh...
Not sure I've heard teammates in pressers talk up a player's breakout more in media so far, so wanted to see him early.
22 pts in 23 mins. Good patience. Positive steps, IMO
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/shaedon-sh...
October 10, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Deep dive on Shaedon Sharpe's preseason game vs. GSW on Game Theory Substack.
Not sure I've heard teammates in pressers talk up a player's breakout more in media so far, so wanted to see him early.
22 pts in 23 mins. Good patience. Positive steps, IMO
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/shaedon-sh...
Not sure I've heard teammates in pressers talk up a player's breakout more in media so far, so wanted to see him early.
22 pts in 23 mins. Good patience. Positive steps, IMO
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/shaedon-sh...
Hey, on the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social substack, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social broke down Dash Daniels' game vs. the New Orleans Pelicans in Melbourne.
Thought these two plays Bryce breaks down were particularly encouraging offensive signs.
Go subscribe: gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dash-danie...
Thought these two plays Bryce breaks down were particularly encouraging offensive signs.
Go subscribe: gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dash-danie...
October 4, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Hey, on the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social substack, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social broke down Dash Daniels' game vs. the New Orleans Pelicans in Melbourne.
Thought these two plays Bryce breaks down were particularly encouraging offensive signs.
Go subscribe: gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dash-danie...
Thought these two plays Bryce breaks down were particularly encouraging offensive signs.
Go subscribe: gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dash-danie...
Hey, over on the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social substack, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social did a breakdown of 2026 NBA Draft prospect Karim Lopez.
Versatile player, has some mixed bag stuff defensively, but a very interesting guy to track over with the NZ Breakers.
Go over there and see the full video.
Versatile player, has some mixed bag stuff defensively, but a very interesting guy to track over with the NZ Breakers.
Go over there and see the full video.
October 2, 2025 at 4:24 AM
Hey, over on the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social substack, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social did a breakdown of 2026 NBA Draft prospect Karim Lopez.
Versatile player, has some mixed bag stuff defensively, but a very interesting guy to track over with the NZ Breakers.
Go over there and see the full video.
Versatile player, has some mixed bag stuff defensively, but a very interesting guy to track over with the NZ Breakers.
Go over there and see the full video.
Looks like the Kuminga episode took the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social YouTube channel up over 75K subscribers.
We appreciate all of you so immensely for hanging out with us as much as you do. We try to make basketball fun and analytical and we love the game. You guys are a huge part of making it fun
We appreciate all of you so immensely for hanging out with us as much as you do. We try to make basketball fun and analytical and we love the game. You guys are a huge part of making it fun
October 1, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Looks like the Kuminga episode took the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social YouTube channel up over 75K subscribers.
We appreciate all of you so immensely for hanging out with us as much as you do. We try to make basketball fun and analytical and we love the game. You guys are a huge part of making it fun
We appreciate all of you so immensely for hanging out with us as much as you do. We try to make basketball fun and analytical and we love the game. You guys are a huge part of making it fun
Recorded with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social for 45 minutes tonight on the Jonathan Kuminga contract. Tried to hit all of the angles.
-Clear win for GSW
-Why he couldn't take the qualifying offer
-What next? Trades? How can he fit in within GSW's scheme?
youtu.be/j1Jjvm3aAiQ
-Clear win for GSW
-Why he couldn't take the qualifying offer
-What next? Trades? How can he fit in within GSW's scheme?
youtu.be/j1Jjvm3aAiQ
October 1, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Recorded with @motorcityhoops.bsky.social for 45 minutes tonight on the Jonathan Kuminga contract. Tried to hit all of the angles.
-Clear win for GSW
-Why he couldn't take the qualifying offer
-What next? Trades? How can he fit in within GSW's scheme?
youtu.be/j1Jjvm3aAiQ
-Clear win for GSW
-Why he couldn't take the qualifying offer
-What next? Trades? How can he fit in within GSW's scheme?
youtu.be/j1Jjvm3aAiQ
Hey, over at the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social substack, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social did a Dash Daniels video breakdown for everyone from his game against NZ Breakers last week.
10 minutes explaining what makes him a potential 2026 NBA Draft prospect!
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dash-danie...
10 minutes explaining what makes him a potential 2026 NBA Draft prospect!
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dash-danie...
September 30, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Hey, over at the @gametheorysamv.bsky.social substack, @motorcityhoops.bsky.social did a Dash Daniels video breakdown for everyone from his game against NZ Breakers last week.
10 minutes explaining what makes him a potential 2026 NBA Draft prospect!
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dash-danie...
10 minutes explaining what makes him a potential 2026 NBA Draft prospect!
gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/dash-danie...
Think AJ Dybantsa has a real chance to be a strong low-man defender in the NBA and in college at BYU this year. Covers a ton of ground with his length and athleticism.
One of his strongest clips at the U19 World Cup.
(Full video over at Substack: gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/aj-dybants...)
One of his strongest clips at the U19 World Cup.
(Full video over at Substack: gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/aj-dybants...)
September 23, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Think AJ Dybantsa has a real chance to be a strong low-man defender in the NBA and in college at BYU this year. Covers a ton of ground with his length and athleticism.
One of his strongest clips at the U19 World Cup.
(Full video over at Substack: gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/aj-dybants...)
One of his strongest clips at the U19 World Cup.
(Full video over at Substack: gametheorysamv.substack.com/p/aj-dybants...)
Hello! @gametheorysamv.bsky.social has started a Substack channel!
We'll be uploading video breakdowns there. Draft, NBA, etc. First set will be on AJ Dybantsa from Under-19 World Cup. Three full game breakdowns coming today/tomorrow/Thursday.
Go subscribe over there!
gametheorysamv.substack.com
We'll be uploading video breakdowns there. Draft, NBA, etc. First set will be on AJ Dybantsa from Under-19 World Cup. Three full game breakdowns coming today/tomorrow/Thursday.
Go subscribe over there!
gametheorysamv.substack.com
September 22, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Hello! @gametheorysamv.bsky.social has started a Substack channel!
We'll be uploading video breakdowns there. Draft, NBA, etc. First set will be on AJ Dybantsa from Under-19 World Cup. Three full game breakdowns coming today/tomorrow/Thursday.
Go subscribe over there!
gametheorysamv.substack.com
We'll be uploading video breakdowns there. Draft, NBA, etc. First set will be on AJ Dybantsa from Under-19 World Cup. Three full game breakdowns coming today/tomorrow/Thursday.
Go subscribe over there!
gametheorysamv.substack.com
Who are going to be the most important players in the NBA this season? The players that could swing title races or whose status will be an essential talking point throughout the year?
@motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I are going to break it down!
t.co/pJE0yJTc2D
@motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I are going to break it down!
t.co/pJE0yJTc2D
September 21, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Who are going to be the most important players in the NBA this season? The players that could swing title races or whose status will be an essential talking point throughout the year?
@motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I are going to break it down!
t.co/pJE0yJTc2D
@motorcityhoops.bsky.social and I are going to break it down!
t.co/pJE0yJTc2D
Going live here momentarily with
@motorcityhoops.bsky.social
-Kawhi Leonard new circumvention investigation report
-Josh Giddey 100M contract
-Dylan Harper, Thomas Sorber injuries
-Other news, notes.
youtube.com/live/8z7zhaZ...
@motorcityhoops.bsky.social
-Kawhi Leonard new circumvention investigation report
-Josh Giddey 100M contract
-Dylan Harper, Thomas Sorber injuries
-Other news, notes.
youtube.com/live/8z7zhaZ...
September 11, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Going live here momentarily with
@motorcityhoops.bsky.social
-Kawhi Leonard new circumvention investigation report
-Josh Giddey 100M contract
-Dylan Harper, Thomas Sorber injuries
-Other news, notes.
youtube.com/live/8z7zhaZ...
@motorcityhoops.bsky.social
-Kawhi Leonard new circumvention investigation report
-Josh Giddey 100M contract
-Dylan Harper, Thomas Sorber injuries
-Other news, notes.
youtube.com/live/8z7zhaZ...