The Bill Simmons Podcast The NBA’s Risky Restart and Quibi’s Struggles, With Shams Charania and Matthew Belloni
Jul 8, 2020
Shams Charania, an NBA insider known for his breaking news on The Athletic, shares insights on the complexities of restarting the NBA season during the pandemic. He discusses ethical dilemmas reporters face and the financial strains on teams. Matthew Belloni, former editor-in-chief of The Hollywood Reporter, critiques Quibi’s failures in the streaming landscape, emphasizing its disconnect with audience preferences and its rigid content structure. They also explore shifts in media relationships with athletes and the implications for the entertainment industry.
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Gobert COVID Reporting
- Shams Charania waited over an hour to report Rudy Gobert's positive COVID test.
- This delay was due to the unprecedented nature of the situation and legal vetting.
Fan Attendance Uncertainty
- NBA teams face uncertainty regarding fan attendance for the next season.
- This uncertainty affects revenue and complicates planning.
Too Many Bubble Teams?
- Bill Simmons believes having 22 teams in the NBA bubble is a mistake.
- He suggests a smaller number, like 12 or 13, would have been more effective.