The Bill Simmons Podcast Part 1: Ayton’s Leap, Kawhi the Enigma, GSW Trades, and a 2018 Redraft With Ryen Russillo
Jun 28, 2021
Ryen Russillo, a savvy sports analyst known for his insightful NBA commentary, joins to discuss a captivating playoffs landscape. They dive into Deandre Ayton's pivotal role in the Suns' success, and the mysterious nature of Kawhi Leonard’s impact. The conversation flows into a thought-provoking redraft of the 2018 NBA class, evaluating star players like Luka Doncic and Trae Young. Adding layers, they tackle draft strategies for teams like the Warriors, highlighting the evolving dynamics in basketball.
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Russillo's Playoff Jitters
- Bill Simmons recounts Ryen Russillo's playoff collapse anxieties.
- Russillo wore protective gear anticipating another Chris Paul playoff failure.
Ayton's Small-Ball Advantage
- Deandre Ayton's ability to stay on the court against small lineups is key.
- Traditional centers must dominate the boards to counter small ball.
Paul's Impact on Ayton
- Chris Paul's mentorship transformed Deandre Ayton into a franchise center.
- Ayton's ceiling has significantly risen due to Paul's influence.