The Bill Simmons Podcast

Gabe York, a rising star in the G League featured in the documentary "Destination NBA: A G-League Odyssey," shares his inspiring journey and the challenges faced by players in the league. Alongside him, Zoe Simmons reflects on the legacy of "The O.C." two decades later, discussing its nostalgic impact and cultural relevance. The conversation dives into the recent struggles of the U.S. women's soccer team and offers insights into the optimism around the New York Jets, blending sports analysis with a touch of heartfelt nostalgia.

Chuck Klosterman, an author and cultural commentator, joins the conversation to tackle everything from Damian Lillard's trade talks to the legacies of basketball icons. They delve into the changing landscape of documentaries and the rise of autobiographical storytelling. Klosterman muses on the curious benefits of memory loss and engages in fun conspiracies, including eerie encounters with the supernatural. The duo also explores how technology is reshaping our relationship with media, making for a lively and humorous discussion.

Stephen A. Smith, ESPN commentator and host of his own podcast, dives into the NBA's intricacies and personal workload challenges. He shares his past with ESPN and discusses the intense nature of sports commentary, including player MVP debates influenced by biases. The conversation touches on the shifting dynamics of player loyalty, especially concerning Damian Lillard, and reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of being a Knicks fan, navigating frustration amidst hope for a comeback.

Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst known for his sharp basketball insights, joins Bill Simmons to discuss the ups and downs of Victor Wembanyama's Summer League debut. They dive into Scoot Henderson's potential as a franchise player and his rising stardom, while also tackling the ongoing drama around Damian Lillard's situation in Portland. The conversation shifts to Bill's adventures at UFC 290 in Las Vegas, including memorable father-son moments and some lighthearted reflections on generational differences in sports fandom.

Chris Ryan, a Contributor to The Ringer and Philadelphia sports expert, joins forces with Wesley Morris, a New York Times film critic. They dive into the complexities surrounding James Harden's uncertain future with the 76ers and dissect the competitive Eastern Conference. Then, they turn to the world of entertainment, analyzing HBO's 'The Idol', discussing why it failed to resonate and its commentary on celebrity culture. Their candid takes blend sports dynamics with cultural critique, offering a refreshing perspective.

Ryen Russillo, a sports commentator at The Ringer, joins the discussion to analyze NBA free agency moves, highlighting both savvy and questionable decisions made by teams like the Lakers and Rockets. They dive into the implications of key contracts, scrutinizing players such as Fred VanVleet and Dylan Brooks, and their potential impact on team dynamics. The conversation also touches on the emotional aftermath of recent ESPN layoffs, reflecting on the changes in sports media and commentary that may lie ahead.

Ryen Russillo, an ESPN and The Ringer sports analyst, joins for a thought-provoking discussion. They delve into Damian Lillard's trade request and why Portland should hesitate on a deal. The complexities surrounding James Harden's future in Philadelphia spark debate about team dynamics and strategies. Insights on potential tank teams for the upcoming season highlight the unpredictable nature of the NBA offseason. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of player contracts and the balance between franchise needs and player empowerment.

Logan Murdock, a writer for The Ringer, dives into the Lakers' ambitious season plans and potential player acquisitions, sparking debates about their playoff prospects. He also analyzes the shifting dynamics of the Warriors with Chris Paul's arrival and the team’s challenges in maintaining a title run. Meanwhile, renowned restaurateur Dave Chang offers insights on FX's 'The Bear,' discussing the intense realities of restaurant life and evolving food trends in 2023. Their conversations blend sports strategies with culinary brilliance, creating an engaging dialogue.

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Jason Goff to discuss the Bulls' position in NBA no-man's-land for the last decade, whether to tank or compete, fake offseason trades, and more (1:49). Next, Bill talks with his longtime friend and Yankees fan JackO to discuss the Yanks' disappointing start to the season, fantasies of changes to the front office, and the state of mind of the average Yankees fan (39:57). Finally, Bill, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson discuss Season 2 of FX's 'The Bear' [SPOILERS] and why they love it so much (1:57:13).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Jason Goff, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, and JackOProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Simmons welcomes Ryen Russillo, a savvy contributor to The Ringer, for an insightful dive into the NBA's off-season dynamics. They dissect Cam Whitmore’s surprising draft slide and speculate about potential trades involving the Kings and Damian Lillard. The duo also analyzes teams looking to make a ‘one last run’ while predicting free agency moves for stars like Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet. Their blend of analytical prowess and candid observations makes for an engaging conversation for any basketball fan.