The Bill Simmons Podcast Phoenix in Shambles, Cleveland’s Ceiling, Best Third Bananas, NBA Refs, St. John’s, and ‘Season on the Brink’ With Ryen Russillo
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Mar 17, 2025 Ryen Russillo, a seasoned sports analyst and co-host at The Ringer, dives into the tumultuous season of the Phoenix Suns and discusses whether Kevin Durant’s future lies elsewhere. He plays a thought-provoking game about NBA teams and their playoff readiness, especially the experience gaps in the Cleveland Cavaliers. The conversation also touches on the legacies of legends like Bill Russell, their impacts on sports literature, and the significance of ‘third bananas’ in shaping team success as we approach March Madness.
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Phoenix Suns' Puzzling Struggles
- The Phoenix Suns' struggles are perplexing, despite their talent on paper.
- Their lack of competitiveness and defensive effort are major concerns.
Suns' Lack of Intensity
- The Suns' style of play is starkly different from teams like the Celtics and Thunder.
- They lack intensity and aggressiveness, playing more like an all-star game.
Durant's Market Value
- Bill Simmons questions Devin Booker's desire to stay with the Suns given their current situation.
- Ryen Russillo believes a market for players like Kevin Durant always exists, despite team struggles.
