A 2023 NFL Re-Draft, Deion’s Next School, the 76ers Soap Opera, and Week 3 Picks With Danny Kelly, Van Lathan, and Howard Beck
Sep 22, 2023
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Danny Kelly, a writer for The Ringer known for his NFL insights, joins to re-draft the top NFL rookies, spotlighting talents like CJ Stroud and B. John Robinson. Van Lathan shares his thoughts on college coaching dynamics, with a keen eye on Deion Sanders potentially shaking things up. Howard Beck delves into the NBA landscape, discussing trade tensions with players like James Harden and reflecting on his experiences covering Kobe Bryant. The conversation intertwines football fervor with basketball intrigue, making for a riveting listen!
Player discontent and trade demands have destabilized teams and reduced the importance of the NBA regular season.
Fans' loyalty to teams has shifted towards supporting individual players, leaving smaller market teams at a disadvantage.
Forced trades in the NBA can significantly impact a team's chances of success and hinder their ability to build a competitive roster.
Deep dives
Ben Latham, the unofficial college football correspondent, discusses his top five highlights from a day of watching college football. He starts his Saturdays by waking up early and watching games all day long, focusing on SEC matchups, big games that tell big stories, and games involving his favorite teams. He mentions upcoming games like LSU versus Arkansas and Notre Dame versus Ohio State. Despite being a Colorado fan, he acknowledges that their upcoming game against Oregon might be challenging. Ben also shares his insight on the Broncos, their friskiness, and their upcoming schedule. He concludes by discussing the importance of staying committed to the college football season, even if your team loses a game.
Superstar Discontent Dampens Excitement
The NBA season is overshadowed by the constant talk of player dissatisfaction and potential trades. This trend of superstar discontent has become a recurring theme in the league, with players like James Harden, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant expressing their desire to switch teams. While this constant chatter keeps the league in the headlines and maintains a year-round discussion about basketball, it also destabilizes teams and reduces the importance of the regular season.
Impact on Fans and Fandom
The increase in player movement and trade demands has impacted fans and their loyalty to teams. In the past, fans rooted for the laundry, supporting their team no matter what. But now, fans often prioritize following and supporting individual players rather than specific teams. This shift in fandom can be difficult for smaller market teams that struggle to attract and retain star players. Fans who once celebrated and identified with a player can be left heartbroken when that player forces their way out.
League's Desperation and Challenges Ahead
The NBA is constantly striving to maintain a 12-month presence and has embraced player movement to generate ongoing buzz. However, the league may face challenges when it comes to making the regular season matter. Efforts such as the in-season tournament and cracking down on player rest aim to increase regular season significance, but their effectiveness remains uncertain. The league's focus on transactional discussions and rumors keeps the NBA in the spotlight, but it's important not to overlook the impact on fans and the overall stability of the league.
The Rise of Forced Trades in the NBA
Forced trades have become a regular occurrence in the NBA, with players like James Harden and Ben Simmons demanding trades to specific destinations. This trend of players forcing their way out of teams through trades has increased in recent years, surpassing the number of forced trades in the past. The league has allowed this situation to develop, and while there might not be a clear solution, it is clear that forced trades are not beneficial for the league.
The Impact of Forced Trades on Contending Teams
For a contending team like the Brooklyn Nets, forced trades can significantly alter their chances of success. The example of the Nets blowing up their team before they had a real chance to compete shows the potential consequences of forcing trades. This offseason, teams like the Philadelphia 76ers also face uncertainty due to Ben Simmons' trade request. These forced trade situations can have a negative impact on teams and hinder their ability to build a competitive roster.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Danny Kelly to re-draft the top NFL rookies after Week 2 (1:45), before Bill makes his Million Dollar Picks for NFL Week 3 (30:51). Then Bill talks with Van Lathan about the top five college football coaches he thinks should be watching out for Deion Sanders taking their job (40:57). Finally, Bill talks with Howard Beck about joining The Ringer, the story lines dominating the upcoming NBA season, stories from Beck's time covering Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, and more (1:20:00).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Danny Kelly, Van Lathan, and Howard Beck
Producer: Kyle Crichton
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