The Bill Simmons Podcast Sacramento’s Sleeper Potential, More MVP Arguments, and a Bizarre All-NBA Situation With Ryen Russillo
Mar 13, 2023
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst and co-host of The Ringer's podcast, joins Bill Simmons to dive into the Sacramento Kings' surprising potential in the Western Conference and whether De'Aaron Fox deserves more recognition. They debate the MVP race, favoring Joel Embiid over Nikola Jokic, but suggest that Jokic won't mind the outcome. The discussion wraps up with spirited All-NBA team debates and a look back at the implications of historical trades, including the notable Deron Williams deal.
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Kings' Potential
- The Sacramento Kings are a legitimate two-seed in the West, exceeding expectations after a long playoff drought.
- Despite starting 3-6, their record since then is among the league's best, boasting the top offense.
Fox and Sabonis Synergy
- De'Aaron Fox's clutch performance has drastically improved, making smarter decisions and controlling games effectively.
- Sabonis complements Fox well, offering a "discount Jokic" skillset and enhancing their offensive versatility.
Fox's Transformation
- Bill Simmons and Ryen Russillo used to text each other about Fox's poor late-game decisions.
- Now, Fox's command and confidence in crunch time have significantly improved.