An Olympic Hoops Four-Game Marathon of Fun With Rob Mahoney
Digest
The podcast begins with a brief introduction to the Ringer Fantasy Football Show, hosted by Danny Kelly, Danny Heifetz, and Craig Horalbeck. They discuss their plans for the upcoming 2024 fantasy football season, covering news, topics, and listener emails. The hosts then mention a recent two-part podcast on the Rewatchables, dedicated to Pulp Fiction, which was released without prior notice. They highlight the extensive coverage of the movie and encourage listeners to check it out on Spotify and YouTube. The speaker shares their thoughts on the recent Olympic basketball games, particularly the performance of Team USA. They discuss the team's reliance on LeBron, Durant, and Curry, and express concerns about Steph Curry's struggles. The speaker also discusses the possibility of the Patriots trading for Brandon Ayuk, a receiver they believe is underrated. They also mention the recent energy and changes within the Patriots organization, including a new coach and a more accessible atmosphere. The speaker announces their return to the podcast on Thursday, following the Olympic semi-finals. They mention their plans to discuss the games and conclude with a segment on "Presumed Innocent." The speaker, along with Rob Money, recaps the four Olympic basketball games they watched. They discuss the overall excitement of the event, highlighting the presence of top players and the intensity of the games. The speakers delve into a detailed analysis of Team USA's performance, focusing on individual players like LeBron, Durant, Curry, Tatum, and Booker. They discuss the team's strengths and weaknesses, lineup combinations, and potential for success. The speakers highlight the unique aspect of Olympic basketball, where superstars are placed in unfamiliar contexts, either on a loaded Team USA or on international teams with limited talent. They discuss the challenges and opportunities this presents for players. The speakers express their admiration for Germany's basketball team, particularly Dennis Schroeder's performance. They discuss the differences between Schroeder's NBA and international play, and ponder whether he is being underutilized in the NBA. The speakers discuss Franz Wagner's recent contract extension with the Orlando Magic, and the speaker's initial hesitation but eventual acceptance of the deal. They also briefly recap the "Presumed Innocent" segment. The discussion starts with a comparison between Team USA's team building strategy and the "Bad Boy" Pistons. The hosts ponder if the Orlando Magic should embrace a more aggressive, "asshole" approach to become a more intimidating team. The hosts discuss Anthony Black's potential and whether he should have played more last season, including in the playoffs. They acknowledge his defensive prowess and his improvement from three-point range. The hosts discuss the Orlando Magic's likability due to their young players and their lack of a "mean edge." They suggest potential moves to improve the team, including acquiring Dennis Schroder and potentially signing Bojan Bogdanovic. The hosts discuss France's performance in the Olympics, highlighting Victor Wembanyama's athleticism and the team's overall improvement. They also express their preference for France and Germany over the USA in the tournament. The hosts analyze France's upset win over Canada, focusing on the emergence of Gershon Yabusele as an X-factor. They discuss the impact of Rudy Gobert's absence and the strong performance of Mateusz Lusor. The hosts discuss Canada's disappointing performance, criticizing Jamal Murray's lackluster play and the team's inability to match France's energy. They attribute some of the loss to home court advantage and Canada's lack of cohesion. The hosts discuss Canada's lack of big men, highlighting the absence of Zach Edey and the struggles of Dwight Powell. They also mention the absence of Maxi Kleber from the German team and the potential impact of Isaiah Hartenstein. The hosts discuss Canada's unclear pecking order and the lack of explanation for their struggles despite the talent on the team. They acknowledge Shay Gilgeous-Alexander's strong performance but question why other players couldn't contribute more effectively. The hosts discuss Yahoo Fantasy Football and the importance of drafting. They share their own experiences and highlight the importance of having a well-rounded team. The hosts discuss Rudy Gobert's limited minutes and potential surgery. They question whether the Gobert trade was a mistake, considering Victor Wembanyama's emergence and Gobert's lack of offensive impact. The hosts discuss Victor Wembanyama's performance, comparing him to his early days with the Spurs. They highlight his defensive prowess but question his offensive consistency. They also point out the lack of ball-handling skills on both the Spurs and Team France. The hosts discuss the upcoming Germany vs. France matchup, acknowledging the impact of home court advantage for France. They still favor Germany but acknowledge that France's performance against Canada could change the dynamic. The hosts discuss Germany's physicality and France's inconsistent offense. They believe Germany's depth and execution will overwhelm France, despite Wembanyama's potential for highlight plays. The hosts discuss the potential for a Jokic-Embiid rivalry, particularly in the context of the USA vs. Serbia matchup. They wonder if the American team might try to target Jokic defensively, given his status as a former MVP and champion. The hosts discuss hypothetical Olympics scenarios, including what if Embiid played for Cameroon with Siakam. They also discuss Oscar Schmidt's legacy as an Olympic basketball player and his place in the pantheon of great Olympic performers. The hosts discuss the possibility of Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant playing together, potentially in Minnesota. They acknowledge the potential for a strong partnership but believe a Durant move to Phoenix is more likely. The hosts discuss Steph Curry's recent extension and express concern about Jamal Murray's performance and potential work ethic issues. They acknowledge his injury history and his tendency to go through long stretches of inconsistency. The hosts discuss their favorite failed lottery picks and their performances in the Olympics. They highlight the strong performance of Luka Samanic and express disappointment that Killian Hayes wasn't involved in the tournament. The hosts reiterate their prediction for a US vs. Germany matchup in the Olympics. They then transition to discussing the TV show "Presumed Innocent" and their thoughts on the ending and its comparison to the movie adaptation.
Outlines
Fantasy Football, Rewatchables, and Olympic Basketball
The podcast begins with a discussion about the upcoming fantasy football season, followed by a mention of the Rewatchables podcast dedicated to Pulp Fiction. The hosts then share their thoughts on the recent Olympic basketball games, particularly Team USA's performance.
Patriots Trade Rumors and "Presumed Innocent"
The speaker discusses the possibility of the Patriots trading for Brandon Ayuk and the recent changes within the organization. They also announce their return to the podcast on Thursday, following the Olympic semi-finals, and mention their plans to discuss the games and conclude with a segment on "Presumed Innocent."
Olympic Basketball Recap and Team USA Analysis
The hosts recap the four Olympic basketball games they watched, highlighting the excitement of the event and the presence of top players. They then delve into a detailed analysis of Team USA's performance, focusing on individual players and the team's strengths and weaknesses.
Superstars in Unique Contexts and Germany's Team
The speakers discuss the unique aspect of Olympic basketball, where superstars are placed in unfamiliar contexts. They express their admiration for Germany's basketball team, particularly Dennis Schroeder's performance, and ponder whether he is being underutilized in the NBA.
Franz Wagner's Extension and "Presumed Innocent"
The speakers discuss Franz Wagner's recent contract extension with the Orlando Magic and briefly recap the "Presumed Innocent" segment.
Team USA and the "Bad Boy" Pistons
The discussion starts with a comparison between Team USA's team building strategy and the "Bad Boy" Pistons. The hosts ponder if the Orlando Magic should embrace a more aggressive, "asshole" approach to become a more intimidating team.
Anthony Black's Role and Potential
The hosts discuss Anthony Black's potential and whether he should have played more last season, including in the playoffs. They acknowledge his defensive prowess and his improvement from three-point range.
The Orlando Magic's Likability and Future Moves
The hosts discuss the Orlando Magic's likability due to their young players and their lack of a "mean edge." They suggest potential moves to improve the team, including acquiring Dennis Schroder and potentially signing Bojan Bogdanovic.
France's Performance in the Olympics and Upset Win Over Canada
The hosts discuss France's performance in the Olympics, highlighting Victor Wembanyama's athleticism and the team's overall improvement. They analyze France's upset win over Canada, focusing on the emergence of Gershon Yabusele as an X-factor.
Canada's Disappointing Performance and Lack of Big Men
The hosts discuss Canada's disappointing performance, criticizing Jamal Murray's lackluster play and the team's inability to match France's energy. They discuss Canada's lack of big men, highlighting the absence of Zach Edey and the struggles of Dwight Powell.
Canada's Unclear Pecking Order and the Impact of Shay Gilgeous-Alexander
The hosts discuss Canada's unclear pecking order and the lack of explanation for their struggles despite the talent on the team. They acknowledge Shay Gilgeous-Alexander's strong performance but question why other players couldn't contribute more effectively.
Yahoo Fantasy Football and Drafting Strategies
The hosts discuss Yahoo Fantasy Football and the importance of drafting. They share their own experiences and highlight the importance of having a well-rounded team.
Rudy Gobert's Role and the Gobert Trade
The hosts discuss Rudy Gobert's limited minutes and potential surgery. They question whether the Gobert trade was a mistake, considering Victor Wembanyama's emergence and Gobert's lack of offensive impact.
Victor Wembanyama's Performance and Team France's Lack of Ball-Handling
The hosts discuss Victor Wembanyama's performance, comparing him to his early days with the Spurs. They highlight his defensive prowess but question his offensive consistency. They also point out the lack of ball-handling skills on both the Spurs and Team France.
Germany vs. France and the Impact of Home Court Advantage
The hosts discuss the upcoming Germany vs. France matchup, acknowledging the impact of home court advantage for France. They still favor Germany but acknowledge that France's performance against Canada could change the dynamic.
Germany's Physicality and France's Offensive Fluctuation
The hosts discuss Germany's physicality and France's inconsistent offense. They believe Germany's depth and execution will overwhelm France, despite Wembanyama's potential for highlight plays.
The Potential for a Jokic-Embiid Rivalry and Hypothetical Olympics Scenarios
The hosts discuss the potential for a Jokic-Embiid rivalry and hypothetical Olympics scenarios, including what if Embiid played for Cameroon with Siakam. They also discuss Oscar Schmidt's legacy as an Olympic basketball player.
Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant's Potential Reunion and Steph Curry's Extension
The hosts discuss the possibility of Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant playing together and Steph Curry's recent extension. They express concern about Jamal Murray's performance and potential work ethic issues.
Favorite Failed Lottery Picks and "Presumed Innocent"
The hosts discuss their favorite failed lottery picks and their performances in the Olympics. They reiterate their prediction for a US vs. Germany matchup and then transition to discussing the TV show "Presumed Innocent" and their thoughts on the ending.
Keywords
Ringer Fantasy Football Show
A weekly podcast hosted by Danny Kelly, Danny Heifetz, and Craig Horalbeck, covering fantasy football news, topics, and listener emails.
Rewatchables
A podcast series on The Ringer network that rewatches and discusses classic movies, providing in-depth analysis and commentary.
Team USA
The United States men's national basketball team, representing the United States in international competitions, including the Olympics.
LeBron James
A legendary NBA player, widely considered one of the greatest of all time, known for his versatility, leadership, and scoring prowess.
Kevin Durant
A highly skilled NBA player, known for his scoring ability, smooth shooting, and consistent performance.
Steph Curry
A revolutionary NBA player, known for his exceptional three-point shooting, ball-handling skills, and impact on the game.
Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama is a French basketball player widely considered to be the top prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft. He is known for his exceptional height, length, and skillset, making him a unique and potentially transformative player.
Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert is a French basketball player known for his exceptional defensive abilities, particularly his shot-blocking prowess. He has been named Defensive Player of the Year three times and is considered one of the best defensive centers in the NBA.
Anthony Black
Anthony Black is a young basketball player who was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2023. He is known for his defensive prowess and his potential to be a valuable player in the NBA.
Q&A
What are the key concerns about Team USA's performance in the Olympics?
The team's reliance on LeBron, Durant, and Curry, Steph Curry's struggles, and Jason Tatum's shooting slump are major concerns.
How has LeBron James's role evolved in Team USA?
LeBron has transitioned from a ball-dominant player to a facilitator, focusing on making his teammates better and keeping the ball moving.
What is the significance of Dennis Schroeder's performance in international basketball?
Schroeder's exceptional play in international competitions raises questions about his underutilization in the NBA and whether he is being placed in the right roles.
What are the key factors that make Germany's basketball team so enjoyable to watch?
The team's cohesive style of play, Dennis Schroeder's brilliance, and the emergence of players like Franz Wagner and the Wagner brothers make them a compelling team to follow.
What are the potential trade scenarios for Michael Porter Jr. and the Denver Nuggets?
The speakers discuss the possibility of a trade involving Porter, potentially to the Atlanta Hawks, as a way for the Nuggets to improve their roster depth and address their offensive needs.
What are the key takeaways from the Serbia vs. Australia game?
The game highlighted the importance of Nikola Jokic's presence, both offensively and defensively, and the struggles of Serbia's offense when they failed to utilize him effectively.
What are the potential implications of the Derek White and Jalen Brown decision for Team USA's future?
The decision to select White over Brown could have long-term implications for Team USA, as Brown could be a valuable asset in future Olympic teams while White and Drew may be edged out.
What are the speaker's overall impressions of the Olympic basketball games?
The speakers express their excitement and appreciation for the event, highlighting the intensity of the games, the presence of top players, and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents for players.
What is the "Bad Boy" Pistons approach to team building and how does it relate to the Orlando Magic?
The "Bad Boy" Pistons were known for their aggressive, sometimes controversial playing style. The hosts suggest that the Orlando Magic could benefit from embracing a similar approach to become a more intimidating team.
What are the hosts' thoughts on Anthony Black's potential and his role on the Orlando Magic?
The hosts believe Anthony Black has the potential to be a valuable player for the Magic, particularly on defense. They suggest he should have played more last season, including in the playoffs.
What are the hosts' predictions for the upcoming Germany vs. France matchup in the Olympics?
The hosts favor Germany, citing their depth, execution, and physicality. However, they acknowledge that France's upset win over Canada could change the dynamic of the game.
What are the hosts' thoughts on the Rudy Gobert trade and his impact on the Minnesota Timberwolves?
The hosts are questioning whether the Gobert trade was a mistake, considering Victor Wembanyama's emergence and Gobert's lack of offensive impact. They are still working through their thoughts on the trade.
What are the hosts' thoughts on the ending of the TV show "Presumed Innocent" and how does it compare to the movie adaptation?
The hosts found the ending of the TV show to be disappointing and lacking in narrative foundation. They prefer the movie adaptation's twist, which they believe is more satisfying and better executed.
Show Notes
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss all of the Olympic men's basketball quarterfinal games as well as their favorite Team USA lineups, Steph Curry's Olympic struggles, the semifinal matchups (USA-Serbia and France-Germany), gold-medal game predictions, and more!
Host: Bill Simmons
Guest: Rob Mahoney
Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti
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