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
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Part 1: The Annual NFC Over/Unders With Cousin Sal
The Annual AFC Over/Unders With Cousin Sal
The "My Guy" Fantasy Football Draft With Danny Heifetz, Craig Horlbeck, and Danny Kelly. Plus, a Cleveland Sports Check-in With Garrett Bush.
Surprise NFL Playoff Teams, the Post-Lance Niners, Wilson’s Future, and the Least Defensible Trades Ever With Michael Lombardi
Charles Barkley’s NBA-NFL Summer Takes, Plus the Jewish Pop Culture Pantheon With Juliet Litman and Mallory Rubin
Make-or-Break Fantasy Football Guys With Matthew Berry. Plus, Malcolm Gladwell on How to Fix Youth Sports.
USA Hoops, Harden Advice, the AFC East, and Half-Baked Ideas With Kevin Wildes and David Jacoby
Part 2: The 2023 NBA Expansion Draft with Ryen Russillo
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Portland’s Dilemma, the Rise of Autobiographical Docs, Memory Loss Benefits, and Fun Conspiracies With Chuck Klosterman
Talking Basketball and Life With Stephen A. Smith
The Wemby Weekend, Scoot vs. Dame, UFC 290, and Bill’s Big Vegas Weekend With Ryen Russillo
Boston’s Gamble, the GOAT Blazer, Philly’s Future, and ‘The Idol’ Flames Out With Chris Ryan and Wesley Morris
Part 2: Our Favorite NBA Free Agency Moves, Plus the Biggest Mistakes, and the ESPN Layoffs With Ryen Russillo
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The Bulls in Limbo, the Terrific Season 2 of 'The Bear,' and a Frustrating Yankees Season With Jason Goff, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, and JackO
Sneaky Sacramento, Free Agency Deal Guesses, and the "One More Time" Draft With Ryen Russillo
NBA Draftapalooza Part 3: Winners and Losers From Draft Night With Kevin O’Connor and Tate Frazier
NBA Draftapalooza, Part 2: Chris Paul to the Warriors! Whoa!!! With Kevin O’Connor and Tate Frazier
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