The Bill Simmons Podcast

Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst known for his insights on the NBA, and Ethan Sherwood Strauss, a seasoned journalist in sports, dive into the Celtics' rising performance and their quest for identity as the playoffs loom. They explore the Warriors' struggles, particularly without Draymond Green, and take a closer look at the baffling inconsistencies of the Lakers. Strauss adds depth by discussing the critical role of sports agencies and their influence on the modern NBA landscape, revealing the complex realities of managing player relationships and team dynamics.

Chris Vernon, a sports media personality, shares insights on Ja Morant's impact on the Memphis Grizzlies and the thrill of their playoff prospects. Joe House discusses the MLB lockout, comparing it to past issues and advocating for necessary changes in the sport. Finally, Michael Rubin, CEO of Fanatics, dives into the evolution of sports fandom, the rise of merchandise sales, and innovations in the trading card industry, emphasizing a direct-to-consumer model that aims to enhance both collector experience and fan engagement.

Rob Mahoney, an NBA writer for The Ringer, highlights sleeper teams in the Western Conference, including the Mavericks and Nuggets, while diving into the Memphis Grizzlies' playoff potential and star Ja Morant. Bryan Curtis discusses the competitive landscape of NFL broadcasting, including rising salaries and network changes. Finally, Zoe Simmons shares insights into HBO's 'Euphoria,' presenting awards for its latest season and analyzing its cultural impact on teenagers, from nuanced character arcs to pressing social themes.

Ryen Russillo, sports analyst and co-host at The Ringer, joins for a lively chat about NBA dynamics. They dive into the implications of James Harden’s debut in Philly and assess the Buck's worrying prospects. The discussion also highlights LeBron's media mastery and his desire to share the court with his son. They even inaugurate the NBA Saboteur Hall of Fame, featuring infamous players like Carmelo Anthony and Wilt Chamberlain, sparking a fun debate on player behavior and team chemistry.

Zach Lowe, ESPN NBA analyst known for his sharp insights, dives deep into the crucial questions shaping the NBA's future, like the impact of the Ben Simmons–James Harden trade and the Warriors' playoff dynamics hinging on Draymond Green's health. He even ranks the most shocking trades of the last decade. Later, showrunners Brian Koppelman and David Levien share their creative journey behind 'Super Pumped,' discussing the triumphs and challenges of producing during a pandemic and the complexities of storytelling in television.

Kevin Wildes, a Contributor to The Ringer and known for his role on 'First Things First', joins fellow Contributor David Jacoby to dive into NBA All-Star Weekend and the future of LeBron James with the Lakers. They share quirky ideas about basketball and discuss the celebrity culture surrounding sports. Later, rapper Freddie Gibbs opens up about his journey in the music industry, drawing parallels between athletes and musicians, and shares his aspirations in film. It's a lively mix of sports, entertainment, and laughs!

Haralabos Voulgaris, a former NBA executive and analytics expert, dives into the Mavericks' departure from Kristaps Porzingis and the frightening rise of the Suns. He discusses shifts in NBA team strategies over the last two decades, including small-ball trends and the evolving role of centers. Voulgaris also provides insights on the MVP-caliber season of Nikola Jokic and analyzes potential playoff scenarios. The conversation takes a turn toward modern finance with thoughts on Bitcoin and NFTs, blending sports with investment trends.

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin Clark to discuss some post–Super Bowl narratives, including the Matt Stafford Hall of Fame debate, whether the Bengals will be back in the Super Bowl anytime soon, rumors about Rams head coach Sean McVay stepping away, speculation on Tom Brady's future, and more (1:54). Then Bill talks with Sean Fennessey about the upcoming Oscars, the waning award-show audience, how adding more categories would help the broadcast, their award predictions, and more (45:59). Finally Bill talks with David Shoemaker about news of Cody Rhodes's shocking departure from AEW and speculated return to WWE before Bill and David lay out their idea of what Rhodes's first few months back at the WWE should look like (1:23:46).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Kevin Clark, Sean Fennessey, and David ShoemakerProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hosts dive into the Rams' nail-biting Super Bowl win, discussing the pivotal moments and injuries that shaped the game. Cooper Kupp's MVP performance steals the spotlight, while they reflect on the offensive struggles of both teams. The chaotic fan experience is unpacked, revealing surprising turnout and ticket mishaps. Betting insights add another layer, with humorous anecdotes about good and bad wagers. A lively conversation about the halftime show and family dynamics brings a light-hearted touch to the excitement surrounding the big game.

Kevin O’Connor, a keen NBA analyst from The Ringer, teams up with Rob Mahoney and J. Kyle Mann, along with Wosny Lambre, to dissect the latest trade deadline twists. They evaluate the winners and losers, diving deep into Russell Westbrook’s rocky fit with the Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks’ strategic moves. The conversation also highlights the 76ers' chemistry post-Harden trade and reflects on the weak 2015 NBA draft. Expect riveting analyses on team dynamics and intriguing insights on the playoff race as they unpack pivotal trades.