Pomp Podcast #375: Ben Cohen on The Mystery and Science of Streaks

TL;DR

Ben Cohen discusses his journey covering the NBA, the evolution of basketball, and his new book.

Transcript

all right guys bang bang i've got ben here with me uh super excited to do this thank you uh so much for coming on thank you for having me absolutely so uh ben is uh one of the rare people who gets to write about the nba all day uh and then spend his time learning about that he also uh for those that are watching this rather than listening wrote thi... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚙 Ben Cohen's career path into NBA journalism involved serendipity during a pivotal time for the sport, starting with LeBron James’s return to Cleveland.
• 😮 The evolution of basketball incorporates the rise of three-point shooting, influenced greatly by players like Steph Curry and Harden, altering the game's traditional foundations.
• 😅 The hot hand theory presents a psychological phenomenon that resonates across various fields, not just basketball, reflecting our innate tendencies to seek patterns.
• 🚙 Writing sports narratives for a prestigious publication requires balancing sophisticated quantitative analysis with accessible storytelling for a diverse readership.
• 😅 There's an inherent conflict between intuitive beliefs about luck in sports, as highlighted by the hot hand theory, and the rigorous, rational analysis of statistics.
• 👾 The NBA Bubble prompted unique dynamics regarding player performance and game quality, offering insights into adaptations during unprecedented circumstances.
• 👟 The interconnectedness of financial models and sports performance, as illustrated by the Golden State Warriors’ strategic building, showcases the blend of economics within athletic success.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired you to write about the NBA, and how did you get your start?

My inception into NBA coverage was somewhat serendipitous. I began as an intern at the Wall Street Journal when they launched a sports page in 2010, and I was hired full-time after consistently contributing stories that captured the transformation of the NBA. My coverage started during the pivotal moment when LeBron James returned to Cleveland, marking a significant change in the league's landscape.

Q: How has the NBA changed since you began reporting on it in 2014?

The league has evolved dramatically, particularly in playing style and team dynamics. During my tenure, the game's approach shifted from a focus on traditional methods to a more perimeter-centric strategy, largely influenced by players like Steph Curry. The Warriors’ dominance and the emphasis on three-point shooting have redefined basketball tactics, making it a revolutionary time to cover the sport.

Q: Can you explain the significance of the hot hand phenomenon?

The hot hand refers to the belief that a player who has made several successful shots in a row is more likely to make subsequent shots. This concept has been debated extensively, with significant evidence suggesting it’s a cognitive bias—people perceive a pattern where randomness exists. My book explores both perspectives and the broader implications of believing in the hot hand within various contexts.

Q: What challenges do you face in writing about sports for a non-sports publication like the Wall Street Journal?

The challenge lies in crafting narratives that appeal to both sports aficionados and general readers. I strive to find unique, engaging angles that combine statistical analysis and emotional storytelling. Every story I write must be compelling to someone deeply enmeshed in the NBA as well as to someone with no prior knowledge of the sport.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ben Cohen shares his journey into sports journalism, detailing how he got a unique opportunity at the Wall Street Journal during a transformative time for the NBA.

• He discusses the shift in basketball styles, notably emphasizing the influence of players like Steph Curry and James Harden in evolving the game away from traditional methods.

• Cohen introduces his book, "The Hot Hand," which explores the psychological concept of the hot hand in sports, analyzing its significance and relevance beyond basketball.