The Bill Simmons Podcast An NBA Power Poll, the Surprise Celtics, the Queen Conundrum, and Fake Trades Galore With Rob Mahoney
116 snips
Dec 9, 2025 
Rob Mahoney, a keen basketball analyst known for his detailed NBA insights, joins the discussion to dissect current power rankings. They delve into the surprising rise of the Celtics and Jalen Brown's standout season. The pair also explore the Clippers’ trade possibilities, debate the future of teams like Chicago and Indiana, and ponder hypothetical trades like Giannis for Paolo. Listeners get a glimpse of young teams making waves and the intriguing implications of the current NBA landscape.
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Wizards' Losing Masked By Long-Term Assets
- The Washington Wizards are in a different class of losing but have valuable young assets and flexibility.
- Their defensive attention span is disastrously poor, making them uniquely bad now but salvageable long-term.
Queen's Talent Outshines The Trade Backlash
- Derek Queen is an unusually creative offensive big who can run an elite half-court offense.
- Trading a high-value protected pick for him looks poor on paper despite his clear talent.
Sell Herb Jones While His Value Is High
- Trade Herb Jones now if you can get a strong return because his contract fits contenders.
- Target teams needing defensive wings and use him as a tradable asset rather than a long-term keeper.
