The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the noticeable shift in NBA officiating since the All-Star break, and which teams could benefit or suffer from increased physicality on the floor (2:30), Nuggets vs. Celtics, and some potential fatal flaws in the title contenders, including the Cavaliers, Suns, Thunder, Bucks, and more (19:34). Then, they compare the talent in the NBA from 2004 to 2024, and check in with some of the bottom-tier NBA teams (44:58). Finally, they discuss LeBron's next deal before touching on some NFL news, including the end of the Mac Jones era in New England, and the buzz about Russell Wilson going to the Steelers (1:23:04).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guest: Ryen Russillo
Producer: Kyle Crichton
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Disappointment All-Stars, LeBron’s Unapproachable 40K, Minnesota Concerns, and Boston’s F-You Game With Ryen Russillo
The Wemby Era, a Women’s Hoops Revolution, Taylor Swift Vs. the Beatles, and Maye Vs. Daniels With Chuck Klosterman
Best In-Person NBA Stars, Trickiest Playoff Teams, Jaylen Brown on Trial, and the Hottest Take With Ryen Russillo
The Future of Everything With Derek Thompson, Plus UFC 300’s Missing Main Event and the Rock’s Turn With Ariel Helwani
The Warriors Come Alive, Wemby, Mahomes, the Bucks, and the Uncertain 2024 Election With Logan Murdock and Tara Palmeri
Three for KC, MVP Mahomes, Shanahan’s Error, Craziest Bets, and More Super Bowl Reactions With Cousin Sal
Part 2: The NBA Trade Deadline Was a Dud With Ryen Russillo
Part 1: NBA Trade Deadline Reactions With Ryen Russillo
The 2024 NBA Trade Value Rankings
The Super Bowl LVIII Props Mega-Special With Cousin Sal
Tortured Jets Fans, NFL Fixes, and Curb Your Enthusiasm’s 25-Year Run With Larry David
A Lion-Sized Collapse, Mahomes Rises Again, Guess the Super Bowl Line, and NBA Award Long Shots With Cousin Sal
The Badass Knicks, Purdy on Trial, Lamar vs. Mahomes and Million Dollar Picks With Rob Mahoney and Peter Schrager
Milwaukee Blows It Up, and Miami’s Big Move With Kevin O’Connor and Joe House, Plus, a Celtics/Patriots Report With Bill’s Dad
Wide Right (Again), Alpha Mahomes, the Lucky 49ers, Playoff Diarrhea, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
An NBA Midseason Power Poll, Allen Vs. Mahomes, and Divisional-Round Million-Dollar Picks With Peter Schrager
The Philly Not-Special, Baker’s Redemption, Bills-Chiefs, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Dallas Gets Crushed, Miami’s Tua Problem, Detroit’s Big Night, and Rookie QB Magic With Cousin Sal
Part 2: An NBA All-Star Snapshot, Washington’s Pain, Round 1 Picks, and a Belichick Story With Joe House
Part 1: Belichick’s Gone, NFL Coach Roulette, and a Round One Mega-Preview With Michael Lombardi and Peter Schrager
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective
The Old Man and the Three with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter
The Lowe Post
Plain English with Derek Thompson
The Big Picture