The Bill Simmons Podcast The Shohei Live Experience, Plus the Maxey-V.J. Show, Surprise NBA Contenders, and Early Trends With Tim Legler
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Oct 28, 2025 
Joining the discussion is Tim Legler, a former NBA guard and now a keen basketball analyst. He dives into the NBA's unprecedented depth this season, with a surge in 50-point games highlighting the shooting talent across teams. Tim shines a light on rookies like Vj Edgecombe and Cooper Flagg, emphasizing their readiness and potential impact. The talk extends to the Spurs’ early success driven by Victor Wembanyama, Philadelphia's fast game and Maxey's breakout, and concerns about the Celtics' roster fit.
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Stars Create Cultural Moments
- Simmons argues modern sports crave a transcendent 'water-cooler' superstar like Shohei Ohtani.
- He suggests Victor Wembanyama could serve that role for the NBA if his trajectory continues.
Leaguewide Shot-Making Explosion
- Tim Legler notes unprecedented scoring performances and deeper shot-making across the entire NBA.
- He attributes this to players' improved off-the-dribble shooting and league-wide pace-and-space trends.
Confidence Accelerates Rookie Impact
- Legler explains rookies like Victor Wembanyama and Victor Edgecombe succeed when confidence and situational comfort align.
- He says some rookies arrive mentally ready to be playmakers, accelerating their impact.