The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss a turbulent weekend for Victor Wembanyama in his NBA Summer League debut, why Scoot Henderson is definitely the real deal, Portland's Damian Lillard conundrum, Jabari Smith Jr.'s encouraging performances, Chet Holmgren's return, Gregg Popovich's five-year extension, in-season NBA tournament thoughts, Bill's report from UFC 290 in Las Vegas, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about yo...
Jul 10, 2023•2 hr 43 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill SImmons shares some NBA thoughts, including the only realistic way Damian Lillard can be traded to the Heat, teams that are "on the clock" with their superstars, the Celtics parting ways with their defensive anchors, who is truly the greatest Trail Blazer of all time, and more (1:19). Next, Bill talks with Chris Ryan about how the James Harden situation will be resolved, new 76ers coach Nick Nurse, a competitive Eastern Conference, NBA in-season tournament takes, and more (28:3...
Jul 07, 2023•2 hr 43 min•Transcript available on Metacast In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined again by Ryen Russillo to break down the early stages of NBA free agency, including which teams made positive moves and which teams left them confused, such as the Lakers, Rockets, Bucks, and more (0:53). Then, they close it out with their thoughts on Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, and the ESPN layoffs (1:11:40). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
Jul 03, 2023•2 hr 40 min•Transcript available on Metacast In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Damian Lillard's trade request, why they think the Trail Blazers should wait on trading Lillard, another James Harden trade request, the 76ers' future, fake trades for both Harden and Lillard, guessing the 2023-24 tank teams, and more. Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 03, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on James Harden's decision to pick up his $35.6 million player option and reports that the 76ers are looking to trade him (1:05). Then, Bill is joined by Logan Murdock to discuss the Lakers' aspirations for the 2023-24 NBA season, their potential acquisition of Bruce Brown, and why Bill thinks they may be the second-best team in the Western Conference (13:15). They then discuss the new-look Warriors with Chris Paul, questions about who is making the ...
Jun 30, 2023•2 hr 40 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Jason Goff to discuss the Bulls' position in NBA no-man's-land for the last decade, whether to tank or compete, fake offseason trades, and more (1:49). Next, Bill talks with his longtime friend and Yankees fan JackO to discuss the Yanks' disappointing start to the season, fantasies of changes to the front office, and the state of mind of the average Yankees fan (39:57). Finally, Bill, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson discuss Season 2 of FX's 'The Bear' [S...
Jun 28, 2023•2 hr 28 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss some three-day-old NBA draft thoughts, including Cam Whitmore's slide to 20th, the Clippers, and the Mavericks' draft day moves (1:33), before wondering what the Kings are up to after clearing a sizeable amount of cap space and presenting the most logical Damian Lillard trade for all parties (19:53). Then, they figure out which teams are going to run it back "one more time" next season (43:20), and guess the contract and team for NB...
Jun 26, 2023•2 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O'Connor and Tate Frazier to react to the first round of the NBA draft, including the Hornets' choice to take Brandon Miller second overall over Scoot Henderson, Cam Whitmore's slide to the Rockets at 20, ESPN's draft coverage, another savvy Thunder draft, the Mavericks' trade up, the surprisingly competent Wizards, and much more! Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Kevin O'Connor and Tate Frazier Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Jun 23, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O'Conor and Tate Frazier to react to the Warriors trading Jordan Poole and draft picks to the Wizards for Chris Paul, how Paul's veteran presence can impact the Warriors, evaluating the Wizards' offseason, speculation on the Hornets' decision with no. 2 overall pick, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Kevin O'Connor and Tate Frazier Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 22, 2023•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and Kevin O’Connor after the Celtics, Grizzlies, and Wizards made a surprise trade that sent Marcus Smart to Memphis and Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. They discuss Porzingis’s fit and future with the Celtics, why the deal makes sense for Memphis, and why Bill is going to miss Marcus. Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Ryen Russillo and Kevin O’Connor Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a...
Jun 22, 2023•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons starts the show by talking about six guys he believes are the most interesting in the NBA over the next few days. Then, he is joined by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst to discuss what makes Victor Wembanyama different from past generational prospects. They also talk about how Wemby's handled his growing fame, what San Antonio’s long-term plan is for him, and more (28:12). Then, The Ringer’s Ben Solak joins Bill to run through some of their favorite futures bets for the upcoming ...
Jun 21, 2023•2 hr 52 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Suns trading for Bradley Beal, and Chris Paul's future (1:03), before throwing out a plethora of fake trades and NBA draft scenarios (47:44). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 19, 2023•2 hr 57 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss the buzz around a potential Bradley Beal trade and the possible suitors (1:36), before Bill reveals his updated NBA Trade Value List, complete with dishonorable mentions, toughest omissions, and the top 65 trade-value players in the NBA (24:00). Then, House describes his day on LACC at the U.S. Open, some updated odds, and more (1:05:35). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Joe House Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Jun 16, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by NBA champion head coach Doc Rivers to recap the Denver Nuggets' first title win in franchise history over the Miami Heat in five games. They talk about what made this Nuggets team so special, including Nikola Jokic's historic playoff run, Jamal Murray's growth as a player, and more. Then, they discuss Doc's final year in Philly, his thoughts on what it will take for Joel Embiid to win a title, what it's like coaching James Harden, what happened in Game 6 ag...
Jun 13, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo, and they start by talking about Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets' impressive play to take a 3-1 lead. They also discuss whether the Nuggets would have been in a position to win a championship sooner if Jamal Murray hadn't injured his ACL (29:50). Later, Bill and Ryen draft guys they could see on a different team by the start of next season, and Bill tells some stories from Kyle's wedding (1:17:07). The Ringer is committed to responsible ga...
Jun 12, 2023•2 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by David Jacoby and Kevin Wildes to talk about Denver’s dominating win over the Heat in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Nikola Jokic ascending to the indisputable best player in the league, and the road map for Miami to still win this series before predicting tomorrow morning's headlines. Later, they discuss the rumor that Phoenix will waive Chris Paul, what’s next for Bob Myers, and a wild day on social media for Zion Williamson (1:10). Then, Bill is joined by Matt...
Jun 08, 2023•2 hr 59 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House and Nathan Hubbard to discuss the abrupt PGA Tour–LIV Golf merger. Was this the endgame for LIV all along? What about the players who never left? Could this happen again with other sports like tennis? And more (1:49). Then, Bill talks with Raja Bell about the Heat's improbable playoff run, Denver's need to "fight back" vs. Miami's aggressive play, Jimmy Butler's unique career arc, Game 3 thoughts, and more (44:44). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Joe H...
Jun 07, 2023•2 hr 43 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Heat’s Game 2 road win over the Nuggets, Game 3 thoughts, where Jimmy Butler and Nikola Jokic rank among all-time players, and Pat Riley's legend continuing to grow (1:39), before discussing what the Trail Blazers' offseason should look like (46:55), Adam Silver's comments about the Ja Morant situation (55:16), drafting the worst GM jobs in the NBA, and more (1:06:51). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crich...
Jun 05, 2023•2 hr 44 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss the history behind perennial NBA playoff contenders that never secured a title, and what that history says about the Brown/Tatum Celtics (2:36), before they are joined by Raheem Palmer to run through some of their favorite NBA Finals bets (48:30). Then Bill talks with The Ringer’s lifelong Nuggets fan Chuck Mindenhall about rooting for the Nuggets for the last few decades, Nikola Jokic's NBA journey, Heat-Nuggets thoughts, and more (1:1...
Jun 01, 2023•2 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by his dad directly after leaving TD Garden to discuss the Heat eliminating the Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. They discuss the Celtics' inability to combat the Heat's zone defense, Caleb Martin's impact on the series, Jayson Tatum's ankle injury, playoff Jimmy Butler, Celtics offseason roster moves, NBA Finals predictions, and more. Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Bill's Dad Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...
May 30, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Celtics' Game 6 win over the Heat, the controversial final moments of the game, big picture Game 7 thoughts, and the Nuggets lying in wait (1:40), before discussing the new NBA CBA and the massive implications of the new luxury tax, NBA Draft thoughts, and more (1:07:56). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 28, 2023•2 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss the Celtics' Game 5 win over the Heat to bring the series to 3-2, and they look ahead to Game 6 (2:39). Then, Bill talks with Van Lathan and Charles Holmes of 'The Midnight Boys' to discuss the looming end of HBO's 'Succession' (55:24) before participating in The Ringer's first 'Succession' character draft (1:20:13). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Rob Mahoney, Van Lathan, and Charles Holmes Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad...
May 26, 2023•2 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O’Connor to discuss the Celtics avoiding elimination with their Game 4 victory over the Heat and how the next couple of days might affect Boston’s offseason (1:44). They also crown Nikola Jokic the best player in the world (35:38). Then, Bill talks with Jovan Buha of The Athletic about the Nuggets-Lakers series, LeBron James’s ambiguous comments on the possibility of retirement, Lakers offseason decisions, and more (1:01:35). Host: Bill Simmons Guests...
May 24, 2023•2 hr•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Celtics' third straight loss to the Heat to put them on the verge of elimination, initial Celtics overreactions, "Heat Culture" praise, and more (1:05), before discussing the Nuggets' 3-0 series lead over the Lakers, whether Game 3 was Denver's best win ever, whether the Lakers are LeBron's best shot at a title next season, and more (1:11:57). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ...
May 22, 2023•2 hr 59 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House and David Jacoby to discuss the Nuggets' Game 2 victory over the Lakers to bring the series to 2-0 (1:29), the Celtics losing Game 1 at home to the Heat, the next move for the 76ers, the hyperbole surrounding top NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama, and more (29:32). Then, Bill talks with Derek Thompson about AI's fast-paced integration into our lives, as well as the good, fun, and scary possibilities for the future (1:06:39). Host: Bill Simmons Guests...
May 19, 2023•2 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer’s Bill Simmons briefly reacts to the Nuggets winning Game 1 of the Western Conference finals over the Lakers (0:39). Then Bill talks with Tate Frazier about the Spurs winning the NBA draft lottery, the Hornets’ second overall pick, and Scoot Henderson vs. Brandon Miller (8:13), before they are joined by Steve Ceruti to discuss some fake trades, draft prospects, and the ceiling for the Spurs’ 2023-24 season (32:04). Then Bill is joined by Michael Lombardi of ViSN and The Daily Coach to...
May 17, 2023•2 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the second part of the podcast, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Lakers heading to the Western Conference finals and whom they like in the series against the Nuggets (02:00). Next, they talk about the future of the Warriors and if this was an "end of an era" loss (27:00). Then, they play the "What do we do now?" game with the Suns, including trade ideas for Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul (45:00). Finally, they close it out with how the Knicks can take another ...
May 15, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Jayson Tatum’s historic Game 7 performance in the Celtics' win over the Sixers, just how embarrassing this loss is for Philly, and whether Embiid, Harden, and Doc are still in Philly next season. Then, they preview the Celtics-Heat Eastern Conference finals matchup. Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...
May 15, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin Hench to discuss the Celtics tying up their series with the Sixers, Jayson Tatum’s rollercoaster game, and which fan base should be more afraid in Game 7 (1:20). Then, he chats with Rob Mahoney about the Nuggets closing out the Suns, Nikola Jokic’s incredible run, and whether the Suns can get better this offseason (45:23), before closing out by discussing whether the Warriors can force Game 7 against the Lakers (1:02:22), and can the Heat close out th...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O'Connor to discuss the Celtics' Game 5 loss to the 76ers (1:39), a runaway Nuggets win over the Suns in Game 5 (41:10), the Warriors' current predicament and shaky future, and more (53:32). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Kevin O'Connor Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 10, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
