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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The Jokic Effect, a Murray What-If Game, a Most-Likely-to-Be-Traded Draft, and Kyle’s Wedding With Ryen Russillo
Joker’s Wild in Miami, CP3’s Future, CNN Turmoil, and Streaming TV Chaos With Kevin Wildes, Dave Jacoby, and Matt Belloni
The Unfathomable LIV-PGA Merger, Miami’s Special Sauce, and Butler’s Unusual Superstardom With Joe House, Nathan Hubbard, and Raja Bell
Miami’s Zombies Do It Again, Portland’s Dilemma, Ja’s Future, and Worst GM Jobs With Ryen Russillo
The NBA’s Almost Club, Denver-Miami Picks and Taylor Swift’s Iconic Year with Joe House, Raheem Palmer, Nathan Hubbard and Chuck Mindenhall
The Caleb Martin Series, Boston’s Bizarre Demise, and Jaylen Brown’s Future With Bill’s Dad
The Derrick White Game, the Miracle Play Hierarchy, a Game 7 Preview and a Dangerous New CBA Deal With Ryen Russillo
The Comeback Celtics and a Best 'Succession' Character Draft With Rob Mahoney, Van Lathan, and Charles Holmes
Jeter and A-Rod Save the Celts, the Jokic Moment, and LeBron’s Retirement Ploy With Kevin O’Connor and Jovan Buha
The Broken Celtics, Miami’s Improbable Run, Denver’s Biggest Win Ever, and LeBron’s Next Move With Ryen Russillo
Lakers In Trouble, Wemby vs. Young Tiger, and the Shiv Roy Celtics With Joe House and Dave Jacoby. Plus, AI’s Rapid Ascent With Derek Thompson.
Jokic Prevails, Wemby to San Antonio, Philly’s Culture Fail, and Fun NFL Over/Unders With Tate Frazier and Michael Lombardi
Part 2: Lakers-Nuggets Picks, the Warriors' "End of an Era" Loss, and Suns Trade Options With Ryen Russillo
Part 1: TatumPalooza in Boston, Philly’s Blow-It-Up Potential, and Celts-Heat Predictions With Ryen Russillo
Tatum’s No-No-Yes Game, Jokic Runs Amok, KD’s Lost Year, and GSW-LAL Predictions With Kevin Hench and Rob Mahoney
A Celtics Rock Bottom, Embiid’s Big Statement, and Golden State at the Crossroads With Kevin O’Connor
Part 2: Booker’s Brilliance, Jokic vs. Ishbia, and Best Playoff Guys Right Now With Ryen Russillo
Part 1: Harden Does It Again, Boston’s Issues, and LeBron’s Genius With Ryen Russillo
Draymond’s Still Got It, the AD Rollercoaster, the Giannis Clock, and a Rejuvenated Aaron Rodgers With Wosny Lambre and Peter Schrager
AD Wreaks Havoc With Kevin O’Connor, Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Stops By, Plus Chris Mannix on the Failing Celtics
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