The Bill Simmons Podcast Reliving The Zion Sweepstakes and Heartbroken Knicks Fans With Ryen Russillo and Brian Koppelman | The Bill Simmons Podcast
May 15, 2019
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst renowned for his NBA insights, teams up with Brian Koppelman, co-creator of Billions and an ardent Knicks fan. They dive into the heart-wrenching journey of Knicks fans as they nearly miss out on the coveted Zion Williamson. The duo discusses the highs and lows of draft karma, exposing the emotional ties that bind fans to their teams. They also dissect the ethics of the NBA draft lottery, exploring its impacts on team strategies and the intricacies of franchise decisions. Humor laces their analysis of the drama that unfolds in sports fandom.
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Knicks Fan Loyalty
- Bill Simmons recalls a Knicks fan couple who likely questioned why they can't divorce their team.
- This anecdote highlights the frustration and loyalty conflict many sports fans experience.
Imperfect Lottery Systems
- Ryen Russillo points out that no NBA draft lottery system satisfies everyone.
- Tanking and perceived unfairness will always be debated, regardless of the rules.
1985 Lottery Conspiracy
- Bill Simmons believes the 1985 NBA draft lottery might have been rigged in favor of the New York Knicks.
- He cites a noticeable turn on the envelope corner as evidence, visible on YouTube.