The Bill Simmons Podcast

Joining the discussion is Chuck Klosterman, a renowned writer and pop culture commentator. They dive into the Olympics, contrasting sports cultures and the joy of competition beyond medals. Klosterman shares insights on the potential sale of the Boston Celtics, labeling them a 'crown jewel' franchise, and debates what makes a team iconic. The conversation also touches on air travel, from streaming challenges to evolving in-flight entertainment, and dives into the intersections of crime, sports, and society's larger issues.

Doc Rivers, the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, reflects on Team USA's thrilling gold medal victory over France and marvels at Steph Curry's extraordinary shooting. He discusses the evolving dynamics within the Olympic basketball landscape, highlighting players like LeBron James and rising star Victor Wembanyama. Later, fantasy sports experts Joe House and Craig Horlbeck share their top picks for the upcoming football season, examining key players like Derrick Henry and emerging talents while debating strategies that could give fans the edge in their leagues.

Joe House, contributor to The Ringer, teams up with Rob Mahoney, a basketball commentator, and Anthony Dabbundo, a sports analyst specialized in NFL, for a lively discussion. They dive into Team USA's nail-biting win over Serbia, highlighting standout performances from stars like Curry and Embiid. The conversation also teases the upcoming gold medal match against France. Dabbundo shares insights on his favorite NFL futures bets, offering strategic betting advice as the new season approaches.

Rob Mahoney, a basketball writer for The Ringer, joins the conversation to dive into the thrilling Olympic men's basketball quarterfinals. They examine Team USA's lineup, discuss Steph Curry's struggles, and break down exciting semifinal matchups like USA vs. Serbia. Mahoney highlights the evolving role of LeBron James and the rising strength of international teams, especially Germany. They predict the gold medal games while addressing the importance of mental health for players under pressure. A fun mix of analysis and fan enthusiasm!

Joining the discussion are Joe House, a savvy sports analyst known for his betting insights, and Derek Thompson, a writer from The Atlantic renowned for his astute reflections on technology and culture. They tackle Olympic basketball betting, evaluating Team USA's chances and suggesting prop bets. Derek dives into thought-provoking topics like political polarization, the impact of AI on society, and emerging conspiracy theories, while also examining the future of media and women's sports. Insightful and entertaining, the conversation balances serious predictions with lighthearted commentary.

Joining the discussion are Bryan Curtis, a media and politics expert from The Ringer, Tara Palmeri, a political journalist with Puck News, and Chris Ryan, a writer focused on sports and culture. They dive deep into President Biden's abrupt exit from the 2024 race and debate the future of the Democratic Party, including Kamala Harris's potential candidacy. In a lighter tone, they chat about Team USA basketball and analyze the upcoming NBA season. Plus, they brainstorm creative ideas for a sequel to the classic film 'Heat,' balancing thematic depth with commercial appeal.

Sports analyst Ryen Russillo joins Bill Simmons to discuss NBA offseason moves, including DeRozan to Kings, Markkanen's future, and Sixers signing Paul George. They also preview Olympic basketball rosters with Ceruti.

Rob Stone, a Fox Sports personality known for his soccer coverage, and Van Lathan, co-host of Higher Learning and cultural commentator, join the discussion. They dive into the USMNT's disappointing loss to Uruguay and debate Christian Pulisic's leadership. The conversation shifts to the excitement surrounding Bronny James' draft prospects and the hope for the new 'Beverly Hills Cop' movie. They also reflect on the emotional weight of sports ownership changes and share insights on the latest season of FX's 'The Bear', highlighting its critical themes.

Kevin Wildes, a sports analyst for FS1, joins the conversation to dive into the latest NBA drama, including Paul George's potential move to the 76ers and the implications for the Clippers. They discuss the decline of the Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson's uncertain future. The duo also analyzes recent trades and their impact on team dynamics, all while blending humor with wild ideas like a biking foghorn. Expect insights on player performance and some light-hearted banter that keeps the conversation lively.

Ryen Russillo, a sharp sports analyst from The Ringer, joins for a lively discussion on the recent NBA draft. They dissect the surprising picks, including the Timberwolves' strategic move for Rob Dillingham and the steal for the 76ers. Russillo highlights the significant impact of French players and critiques questionable choices from teams like the Pistons and Trail Blazers. The duo also delves into the evolving definition of 'unicorn' in NBA talent, providing insightful evaluations of emerging prospects, mixed with a sprinkle of humor and nostalgia.