NBA Trouble Teams, the WR Mini-Pyramid, and the Knicks Can’t Catch a Break With Howard Beck, Sean Fennessey, and Steve Ceruti
Apr 5, 2024
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NBA analyst Howard Beck, sports commentator Sean Fennessey, and sports enthusiast Steve Ceruti join Bill Simmons to discuss trouble teams in the NBA, a wide receiver mini-pyramid, the Knicks' struggles without Julius Randle, the Suns' volatility, Nikola Jokic's MVP chances, and more NBA topics.
The Knicks are facing challenges after Julius Randle's season-ending injury, but smart signings signal a positive future direction.
Randle's absence has highlighted the team's offensive struggles, emphasizing the need for a scoring boost through his return, a trade, or lineup changes.
Exploring a trade involving Randle and picks to align the Knicks' core lineup, potentially targeting Miles Bridges with signals from Brooklyn.
Considering an expanded MVP ballot and introducing the League Pass Value Award to recognize players who enhance the entertainment value of the league.
Deep dives
The Knicks navigate without Julius Randle
With Julius Randle ruled out for the season, the Knicks face challenges, but their recent moves signal a positive direction. Despite Randle's absence, the team made smart signings like De'Vante, Jalen Brunson, and Anunoby, fostering optimism. Building a solid core with players like Brunson, De'Vante, Hart, Robinson, Hartenstein, Deuce McBride, and potentially extending Anunoby can set up the Knicks for future success.
Addressing the offensive void
The Knicks are feeling the offensive gap left by Julius Randle's absence, being 16-14 since his injury. Randle's contentious play and energy fluctuations have complicated his fan support. The team's offensive struggles highlight the need for a scoring boost, whether through Randle's return to full health, a strategic trade, or a lineup restructuring.
Strategic trade possibilities for the Knicks
Considering the Knicks' core lineup with Brunson, Stephen Chenzo, Hart, Robinson, Hartenstein, Deuce McBride, and potentially Anunoby, exploring a trade involving Randle and picks could be beneficial. Aligning the core group, all around 27 years old, may open avenues for a move that brings in a key piece like Miles Bridges. The Villanova connection and signals from Brooklyn hint at a possible Bridges acquisition.
Trade scenarios with the Nets for a key acquisition
As the Nets struggle with internal issues, players measuring up differently than expected, and a somber atmosphere at games, exploring trade options with them, especially for Miles Bridges, makes sense. A potential deal between the Knicks and the Nets could involve leveraging Randle for key acquisitions to enhance the teams' lineup dynamics. The rarity of inter-team trades adds intrigue to the possibility and presents an opportunity for a strategic move that benefits both sides.
Clutch Player Award
The MVP poll should include a 6th and 7th spot to recognize more deserving candidates like Zion, Booker, or Durant. This expanded ballot would allow for a broader range of recognition for players who had outstanding seasons.
League Pass Value Award
Introducing an award like the League Pass Value Award (LPV) to acknowledge players who made the season more entertaining and fun. Players like Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokic could contend for this award based on their impact on the overall entertainment value of the league.
Historical MVP Controversy
The discussion around the historical significance of players winning multiple MVP awards like Jokic raises questions about the importance of awards in defining all-time greatness. It's essential to focus on the season's merit rather than the historical context.
Most Entertaining Player Award
An award recognizing the player who brought the most excitement and entertainment to the season, such as a Lance Stephenson-type player or someone who added a unique flavor to the games. This award celebrates players who enhance the fan experience with their on-court antics and style.
The Ringer's Bill Simmons runs through some NBA and NFL topics, including three NBA teams in trouble, the Jets, and the Stefon Diggs trade, before sharing his NFL WR mini-pyramid with Steve Ceruti (2:24). Then, Bill is joined by Sean Fennessey and Howard Beck to do a Knicks check-in after hearing the news that Julius Randle's injury will keep him out for the rest of the season (37:12). Finally, Howard and Bill hit some other NBA topics, including the volatile Suns, Nikola Jokic's next MVP, NBA awards ideas, and more (1:08:27).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Howard Beck, Sean Fennessey, and Steve Ceruti
Producer: Kyle Crichton
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