DiscoverThe Bill Simmons PodcastBoston Wins Game 2, Plus NBA Draft Stuff, Nets/Hawks Advice, and the Next Lakers Coach With Ryen Russillo
Boston Wins Game 2, Plus NBA Draft Stuff, Nets/Hawks Advice, and the Next Lakers Coach With Ryen Russillo

Boston Wins Game 2, Plus NBA Draft Stuff, Nets/Hawks Advice, and the Next Lakers Coach With Ryen Russillo

Update: 2024-06-106
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The hosts delve into the complexities of potential trades involving Trae Young and Jimmy Butler, exploring various scenarios and analyzing the value of different assets. They discuss the Atlanta Hawks' potential for a rebuild, considering the possibility of trading both Young and De'Andre Hunter. They also examine the Brooklyn Nets' situation, considering their lack of a first-round pick in the 2025 draft and their need for a second star. The hosts explore potential trades for Young to Brooklyn, Miami, and other teams, weighing the pros and cons of each scenario. They also discuss the potential for a Jimmy Butler trade, considering his age and durability. The hosts then transition to a discussion about the Lakers' coaching search, speculating on the potential for a Monty Williams return. They analyze the factors that could influence Williams' decision, including the Lakers' willingness to pay him a high salary. The hosts also discuss the potential for other candidates, including JJ Redick and Dan Hurley. They conclude by offering their final advice for the Hawks and Nets, suggesting that the Hawks should trade at least one of their star players and that the Nets should try to build around Mikal Bridges.

Outlines

00:00:00
Game 2 Recap and Drew Holiday's Impact

This Chapter discusses the Celtics' Game 2 victory over the Mavericks, highlighting Drew Holiday's exceptional performance and his crucial role in Boston's success. The hosts praise Holiday's steady play on both ends of the court, particularly his ability to guard Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving effectively. They also discuss the surprising trade that brought Holiday to Boston and how he has become a difference-maker in the Finals.

00:02:02
Anger Rankings of Other Franchises

This Chapter explores the frustration of other franchises watching the Celtics-Mavericks series unfold. The hosts discuss the anger levels of teams like Milwaukee, Minnesota, and Denver, who might feel they were a better match-up against Boston. They analyze the specific reasons for each team's frustration, including Milwaukee's trade of Drew Holiday to Boston and Minnesota's missed opportunity to acquire Kyrie Irving.

00:04:30
Kyrie Irving's Struggles and Boston's Defensive Strategy

This Chapter focuses on Kyrie Irving's underwhelming performance in Game 2, highlighting his reliance on hero ball and lack of involvement in the offense. The hosts discuss Boston's effective defensive strategy against Irving, which involved throwing guards and size at him, forcing him into one-on-one situations and bad shots. They also analyze the Mavericks' lack of scoring options beyond Doncic and Irving, questioning their ability to overcome Boston's defensive pressure.

00:06:59
Tatum's Struggles and Lack of Mid-Range Shot

This Chapter delves into Jayson Tatum's struggles in Game 2, pointing to his lack of confidence and inability to unlock a consistent mid-range shot. The hosts analyze Tatum's shot chart, highlighting the absence of shots in the mid-range area, which they believe is a crucial element missing from his game. They discuss the impact of Tatum's struggles on the Celtics' offense and the need for him to develop a more complete offensive repertoire.

00:11:21
Luka Doncic's Performance and the Mavericks' Scoring Issues

This Chapter examines Luka Doncic's performance in Game 2, highlighting his hot start and subsequent decline in scoring. The hosts discuss the Mavericks' reliance on Doncic and Irving to carry the scoring load and their lack of consistent contributions from other players. They analyze the Mavericks' offensive struggles and question their ability to overcome Boston's defensive pressure.

00:14:25
The Mavericks' Path to Victory and Jason Kidd's Mind Games

This Chapter explores the Mavericks' path to victory in the series, focusing on the need for Kyrie Irving to shoot better and for the role players to step up. The hosts also discuss Jason Kidd's mind games, particularly his decision to target Jayson Tatum, and how it ultimately backfired. They analyze the impact of Kidd's strategy on the Celtics' performance and the potential for it to affect the rest of the series.

00:19:27
Tatum's Body Language and Lack of Confidence

This Chapter delves into Jayson Tatum's body language and lack of confidence in Game 2. The hosts discuss Tatum's struggles and how his body language reflected his mental state. They analyze the impact of Tatum's performance on the Celtics' offense and the need for him to regain his confidence and composure.

00:27:13
The Celtics' Bad Habits and Luka Doncic's Injury

This Chapter examines the Celtics' bad habits and Luka Doncic's potential injury. The hosts discuss the Celtics' tendency to slow down and rely on four-corners offense when they have a lead, which they believe contributed to the Mavericks' comeback attempt. They also analyze Doncic's movement and discuss the possibility of a knee injury, which could significantly impact the rest of the series.

01:16:25
NBA Draft Prospects and Trade Rumors

This Chapter delves into the upcoming NBA draft, specifically the potential of players like Cason Wallace and the possibility of trades involving players like Trae Young and Jimmy Butler. The hosts debate the value of players like Cason Wallace and Reed Sheppard, and whether they are worth a high draft pick. They also discuss the potential for trades involving Trae Young and Jimmy Butler, and the factors that could influence their decisions. The hosts also discuss the importance of entry passes in basketball, and how they have become a lost art in the modern game.

01:34:08
Atlanta Hawks Trade Scenarios

This Chapter focuses on the Atlanta Hawks and their potential trade scenarios involving Trae Young and De'Andre Hunter. The hosts discuss the possibility of both players being traded, and the potential return they could receive. They also discuss the Hawks' overall strategy for the upcoming draft, and whether they should rebuild or try to contend for a championship.

01:40:48
Trade Scenarios for Trae Young and Jimmy Butler

This Chapter delves into potential trade scenarios for Trae Young and Jimmy Butler, exploring various possibilities and analyzing the value of different assets. The hosts discuss the Atlanta Hawks' potential for a rebuild, considering the possibility of trading both Young and De'Andre Hunter. They also examine the Brooklyn Nets' situation, considering their lack of a first-round pick in the 2025 draft and their need for a second star. The hosts explore potential trades for Young to Brooklyn, Miami, and other teams, weighing the pros and cons of each scenario. They also discuss the potential for a Jimmy Butler trade, considering his age and durability.

01:57:39
Brooklyn Nets Trade Scenarios

This Chapter focuses on the Brooklyn Nets and their potential trade scenarios, considering their lack of a first-round pick in the 2025 draft and their need for a second star. The hosts explore potential trades for Trae Young to Brooklyn, weighing the pros and cons of each scenario. They also discuss the possibility of trading for Darius Garland, considering his talent and potential fit with the Nets. The hosts analyze the Nets' assets and their willingness to make a major move to improve their roster.

02:09:49
Brooklyn Nets' Future and Mikal Bridges' Value

This Chapter focuses on the Brooklyn Nets' future and the value of Mikal Bridges. The hosts discuss the Nets' need for a second star and their willingness to make a major move to improve their roster. They also analyze Bridges' talent and potential, considering his age and his ability to contribute to a championship-caliber team. The hosts explore potential trade scenarios for Bridges, considering his value and the teams that might be interested in acquiring him.

02:13:21
Lakers' Coaching Search and Monty Williams' Potential Return

This Chapter delves into the Lakers' coaching search, speculating on the potential for a Monty Williams return. They analyze the factors that could influence Williams' decision, including the Lakers' willingness to pay him a high salary. The hosts also discuss the potential for other candidates, including JJ Redick and Dan Hurley. They analyze the pros and cons of each candidate and the potential impact they could have on the Lakers' future.

Keywords

Trae Young


Trae Young is an American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks. He is known for his exceptional scoring ability, playmaking skills, and three-point shooting. Young has been a controversial figure throughout his career, known for his sometimes erratic behavior and his reliance on hero ball. He is a two-time NBA All-Star and has led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals. Young's future with the Hawks is uncertain, as there have been rumors that he could be traded in the upcoming offseason.

Jimmy Butler


Jimmy Butler is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat. He is known for his exceptional scoring ability, defensive intensity, and leadership qualities. Butler has been a key contributor to the Heat's success in recent years, leading them to the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023. Butler is a four-time NBA All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA Team twice. His future with the Heat is uncertain, as there have been rumors that he could be traded in the upcoming offseason.

Mikal Bridges


Mikal Bridges is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets. He is known for his exceptional defensive abilities, his three-point shooting, and his versatility on the court. Bridges has been a key contributor to the Nets' success in recent years, and he is considered one of the best young players in the NBA. Bridges' future with the Nets is uncertain, as there have been rumors that he could be traded in the upcoming offseason.

Darius Garland


Darius Garland is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is known for his exceptional scoring ability, playmaking skills, and three-point shooting. Garland has been a key contributor to the Cavaliers' success in recent years, and he is considered one of the best young point guards in the NBA. Garland's future with the Cavaliers is uncertain, as there have been rumors that he could be traded in the upcoming offseason.

Monty Williams


Monty Williams is an American professional basketball coach who is currently the head coach of the Phoenix Suns. He is known for his coaching style, his ability to develop players, and his leadership qualities. Williams has been a successful coach throughout his career, and he is considered one of the best coaches in the NBA. Williams' future with the Suns is uncertain, as there have been rumors that he could be traded in the upcoming offseason.

JJ Redick


JJ Redick is an American former professional basketball player and current sports analyst. He is known for his exceptional shooting ability, his basketball IQ, and his ability to connect with fans. Redick has been a successful player throughout his career, and he is considered one of the best shooters in NBA history. Redick is currently a commentator for ESPN, and he is also a co-host of the podcast "The Old Man and the Three." Redick has been rumored to be interested in coaching, and he has been linked to the Lakers' coaching vacancy.

Dan Hurley


Dan Hurley is an American professional basketball coach who is currently the head coach of the University of Connecticut Huskies. He is known for his coaching style, his ability to develop players, and his leadership qualities. Hurley has been a successful coach throughout his career, and he is considered one of the best coaches in college basketball. Hurley has been rumored to be interested in coaching in the NBA, and he has been linked to the Lakers' coaching vacancy.

NBA Draft


The NBA Draft is an annual event in which the teams of the National Basketball Association (NBA) select amateur players to join their rosters. The draft is typically held in June, and it is one of the most anticipated events in the basketball calendar. The draft order is determined by the teams' records from the previous season, with the worst teams having the best chance of selecting the top players. The NBA Draft is a major opportunity for teams to add talent to their rosters and build for the future.

Atlanta Hawks


The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are known for their high-flying offense and their ability to compete with the best teams in the NBA. The Hawks have won one NBA championship, in 1958. They are currently competing in the Eastern Conference, and they are looking to build a championship-caliber team. The Hawks have the number one pick in the upcoming NBA draft, and they are expected to make a major move in the offseason.

Brooklyn Nets


The Brooklyn Nets are an American professional basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York. They are known for their star-studded roster and their ability to compete with the best teams in the NBA. The Nets have won two NBA championships, in 1974 and 1976. They are currently competing in the Eastern Conference, and they are looking to build a championship-caliber team. The Nets have been rumored to be interested in trading for Trae Young, but it is unclear if they have the assets to make a deal.

Q&A

  • What are the hosts' thoughts on the potential for a Trae Young trade?

    The hosts believe that a Trae Young trade is possible, but they are unsure if it is the right move for the Atlanta Hawks. They acknowledge Young's talent and star power, but they question his ability to lead a team to a championship. They also discuss the potential return the Hawks could receive for Young, and whether it would be worth it to trade him.

  • What are the hosts' thoughts on the potential for a Jimmy Butler trade?

    The hosts believe that a Jimmy Butler trade is possible, but they are unsure if it is the right move for the Miami Heat. They acknowledge Butler's talent and leadership qualities, but they question his age and durability. They also discuss the potential return the Heat could receive for Butler, and whether it would be worth it to trade him.

  • What are the hosts' thoughts on the Brooklyn Nets' potential interest in trading for Trae Young?

    The hosts believe that the Brooklyn Nets are interested in trading for Trae Young, but they are unsure if it is the right move for the team. They acknowledge Young's talent and star power, but they question his ability to lead a team to a championship. They also discuss the potential return the Lakers would have to give up for Young, and whether it would be worth it to trade for him.

  • What are the hosts' thoughts on the Miami Heat's potential interest in trading Jimmy Butler?

    The hosts believe that the Miami Heat are considering trading Jimmy Butler, but they are unsure if it is the right move for the team. They acknowledge Butler's talent and leadership qualities, but they question his age and durability. They also discuss the potential return the Heat could receive for Butler, and whether it would be worth it to trade him.

  • What are the hosts' thoughts on the Lakers' coaching search?

    The hosts believe that the Lakers' coaching search is a complex situation, with several factors influencing the decision. They discuss the potential for a Monty Williams return, considering his coaching style and his relationship with LeBron James. They also analyze the potential for other candidates, including JJ Redick and Dan Hurley, weighing the pros and cons of each candidate.

  • What are the hosts' thoughts on the value of Mikal Bridges?

    The hosts believe that Mikal Bridges is a valuable asset, considering his age, talent, and potential. They discuss his ability to contribute to a championship-caliber team and his potential to develop into a star player. They also explore potential trade scenarios for Bridges, considering his value and the teams that might be interested in acquiring him.

  • What are the hosts' thoughts on the potential for a Darius Garland trade?

    The hosts believe that a Darius Garland trade is possible, considering his talent and potential. They discuss his ability to contribute to a championship-caliber team and his potential to develop into a star player. They also explore potential trade scenarios for Garland, considering his value and the teams that might be interested in acquiring him.

  • What are the hosts' thoughts on the future of the Brooklyn Nets?

    The hosts believe that the Brooklyn Nets are at a crossroads, considering their lack of a first-round pick in the 2025 draft and their need for a second star. They discuss the possibility of trading for Trae Young or Darius Garland, weighing the pros and cons of each scenario. They also analyze the Nets' assets and their willingness to make a major move to improve their roster.

  • What are the hosts' thoughts on the future of the Atlanta Hawks?

    The hosts believe that the Atlanta Hawks are at a crossroads, considering their need to make a major move to improve their roster. They discuss the possibility of trading Trae Young and De'Andre Hunter, weighing the pros and cons of each scenario. They also analyze the Hawks' assets and their willingness to make a major move to improve their roster.

  • What are the hosts' thoughts on the potential for a Monty Williams return to the Lakers?

    The hosts believe that a Monty Williams return to the Lakers is possible, considering his coaching style and his relationship with LeBron James. They discuss the factors that could influence Williams' decision, including the Lakers' willingness to pay him a high salary. They also analyze the potential impact Williams could have on the Lakers' future.

Show Notes

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Celtics' Game 2 win vs. the Mavericks, more Tatum struggles, Jrue Holiday's brilliance, Kyrie's slump, the keys to keep Dallas's hope alive, series predictions, and more (1:25 ). Then Bill and Ryen talk about the puzzling 2024 NBA draft (1:05:18 ), get into Jimmy Butler's uncertain future (1:24:30 ), and offer up offseason advice and fake trades for the Hawks and Nets (1:33:42 ).


Host: Bill Simmons

Guest: Ryen Russillo

Producer: Kyle Crichton




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Boston Wins Game 2, Plus NBA Draft Stuff, Nets/Hawks Advice, and the Next Lakers Coach With Ryen Russillo

Boston Wins Game 2, Plus NBA Draft Stuff, Nets/Hawks Advice, and the Next Lakers Coach With Ryen Russillo

The Ringer