The Bill Simmons Podcast The 2025 Made-Up NBA Awards, Plus Duke’s Collapse With Ryen Russillo
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Apr 6, 2025 
Ryen Russillo, an analyst at The Ringer known for his sharp NBA insights, joins to dissect Duke's surprising Final Four collapse and the standout play of Cooper Flagg. They dive into whimsical fictional NBA awards, debate NBA unicorns, and critique player performances, including LaMelo Ball's shooting technique. The duo humorously navigates media narratives around stars like LeBron and explores player impacts, contract dynamics, and potential offseason scenarios, blending sharp analysis with lighthearted banter.
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Go-To Guard
- Duke's lack of a go-to guard proved costly under pressure, especially in a large stadium setting.
- They needed a player who could confidently take charge in clutch moments.
Duke's Collapse
- Duke suffered a monumental collapse against Houston in the Final Four, bringing back memories of 80s college basketball.
- The collapse began when Duke was up six with the ball and then unraveled with turnovers and missed shots.
Flagg's Draft Decision
- Cooper Flagg should enter the 2024 NBA draft to start his rookie max extension clock.
- Waiting another year offers no clear advantage, especially with his NBA readiness.