The Bill Simmons Podcast Giannis Stays! Plus: Mark Cuban on Luka’s Ceiling, NBA Bubble Lessons, and Dirk as Dallas’s Sports GOAT.
Dec 15, 2020
Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a savvy entrepreneur, dives into the NBA landscape’s shifts. He discusses the significance of Giannis's supermax deal for the Bucks and small-market teams. Cuban shares insights from the successful NBA bubble, emphasizing player safety and evolving officiating. He reflects on building the Mavericks around Luka Doncic, comparing him to Dirk Nowitzki's legacy. The conversation also touches on NBA expansion, changing player dynamics, and the future of team management in the aftermath of COVID-19.
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Small Market Win
- Bill Simmons suggests that Giannis Antetokounmpo staying with the Bucks is a win for small-market teams and challenges the narrative of NBA becoming like the Premier League.
- This counters the idea that players only chase super-teams, showing loyalty can still exist.
Bucks History
- Bill Simmons recounts the Milwaukee Bucks' history, highlighting key moments like the 1971 title and the controversial 2001 Eastern Conference Finals.
- He emphasizes the significance of Giannis Antetokounmpo's decision to stay, marking it as a pivotal moment for the franchise.
League-Wide Impact
- Bill Simmons believes Giannis staying is good for the NBA's image and player empowerment narrative. It also benefits other teams by preventing a Luka-Giannis super-team in Dallas.
- This maintains a competitive balance, making the league more exciting.