DiscoverThe Bill Simmons PodcastPart 2: A Mavs-Celts Breakdown, Philly’s Summer Plans, and a Lakers Competency Check-In With Ryen Russillo
Part 2: A Mavs-Celts Breakdown, Philly’s Summer Plans, and a Lakers Competency Check-In With Ryen Russillo

Part 2: A Mavs-Celts Breakdown, Philly’s Summer Plans, and a Lakers Competency Check-In With Ryen Russillo

Update: 2024-06-174
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The podcast begins with a discussion of the NBA Finals, specifically Game 4 between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. The hosts analyze the Celtics' loss, attributing it to factors like human nature, Dallas's adjustments, and the absence of Al Horford. They also discuss the emergence of Derek Lively II for Dallas and the potential impact of Kristaps Porzingis's return. The conversation then shifts to a "What Would You Do" segment, focusing on the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls. The hosts explore various trade scenarios for both teams, including potential moves for Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine, and even Bronny James. They also discuss the challenges of coaching in the NBA and the Lakers' head coach search. The episode concludes with a lively debate about the Bulls' direction and whether they should rebuild or try to compete. The hosts discuss the Bulls' current state, arguing that they are in a difficult position and need to make significant changes. They suggest that the Bulls should consider a full-blown reset, trading key players like Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams to acquire assets and rebuild the team. The hosts also discuss the importance of having a clear direction and a standard for success, arguing that the Bulls have lacked both in recent years. The episode ends with a lighthearted discussion about various topics, including the possibility of Charles Barkley retiring from TNT, Connor McGregor's future in MMA, and the downtown area of Dallas.

Outlines

00:00:00
NBA Finals Game 4 Recap

This Chapter discusses the Boston Celtics' loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The hosts analyze the Celtics' performance, highlighting their struggles with rebounding and defense. They also discuss the emergence of Derek Lively II for Dallas and the potential impact of Kristaps Porzingis's return.

00:44:23
What Would You Do: Philadelphia 76ers

This Chapter focuses on the Philadelphia 76ers and their upcoming free agency period. The hosts discuss various trade scenarios for the team, including potential moves for Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine, and even Bronny James. They also explore the challenges of coaching in the NBA and the Lakers' head coach search.

01:04:55
What Would You Do: Chicago Bulls

This Chapter focuses on the Chicago Bulls and their potential offseason moves. The hosts discuss various trade scenarios for the team, including potential moves for Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams. They also explore the Bulls' direction and whether they should rebuild or try to compete.

01:08:44
The Bulls' Direction

This Chapter discusses the Chicago Bulls' current state and their need for significant changes. The hosts argue that the Bulls should consider a full-blown reset, trading key players like Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams to acquire assets and rebuild the team. They also discuss the importance of having a clear direction and a standard for success, arguing that the Bulls have lacked both in recent years.

Keywords

NBA Finals


The championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA), played between the Eastern Conference champion and the Western Conference champion. The Finals are a best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games being crowned the NBA champion.

Boston Celtics


A professional basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics are one of the most successful teams in NBA history, having won 17 championships. They are known for their rich history, passionate fan base, and iconic green and white uniforms.

Dallas Mavericks


A professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. The Mavericks are known for their high-scoring offense and their star player, Luka Dončić. They won their first NBA championship in 2011.

Derek Lively II


A young and promising center for the Dallas Mavericks. Lively was drafted by the Mavericks in the 2023 NBA Draft. He is known for his athleticism, rim protection, and rebounding ability.

Kristaps Porzingis


A Latvian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks. Porzingis is a skilled scorer and shot-blocker. He has been hampered by injuries throughout his career, but he remains a valuable asset for the Mavericks.

Philadelphia 76ers


A professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers are known for their star player, Joel Embiid, and their passionate fan base. They have won three NBA championships, most recently in 1983.

Chicago Bulls


A professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls are one of the most popular teams in the NBA, having won six championships in the 1990s with Michael Jordan. They are known for their iconic red and black uniforms and their passionate fan base.

Zach LaVine


A professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls. LaVine is a high-scoring guard known for his athleticism and his ability to score from all three levels. He has been a consistent scorer for the Bulls, but his defensive abilities have been questioned.

Bronny James


The son of NBA superstar LeBron James. Bronny is a high school basketball player who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He is known for his athleticism, ball-handling skills, and his ability to play both guard positions.

Paul George


A professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers. George is a two-time NBA All-Star and a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He is known for his scoring ability, his versatility on both ends of the court, and his leadership.

Q&A

  • What were the main reasons for the Celtics' loss in Game 4 of the NBA Finals?

    The hosts attributed the Celtics' loss to a combination of factors, including human nature, Dallas's adjustments, and the absence of Al Horford. They argued that the Celtics may have been mentally fatigued after winning Game 3 and that Dallas's defensive adjustments, particularly the emergence of Derek Lively II, proved effective.

  • What are the Philadelphia 76ers' options in free agency?

    The hosts discussed several potential moves for the 76ers, including signing Paul George or Jimmy Butler, trading for Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso, or drafting Bronny James. They also considered the possibility of the 76ers making smaller moves to fill out their roster.

  • What are the Chicago Bulls' options in the offseason?

    The hosts debated whether the Bulls should rebuild or try to compete. They discussed the possibility of trading Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams, as well as the potential value of other players on the roster. They also considered the Bulls' draft position and their ability to acquire assets through trades.

  • What are the challenges of coaching in the NBA?

    The hosts discussed the pressure and scrutiny that NBA coaches face, as well as the constant need to adapt to changing rosters and league trends. They also highlighted the importance of having a strong relationship with players and the need to create a winning culture.

  • What are the Lakers' plans for their head coach position?

    The hosts discussed the Lakers' head coach search, noting the uncertainty surrounding the process and the various candidates who have been linked to the job. They also expressed concern about the Lakers' lack of a clear direction and their history of frequent coaching changes.

  • What is the current state of the Chicago Bulls and what should they do in the offseason?

    The hosts believe the Bulls are in a difficult position and need to make significant changes. They suggest a full-blown reset, trading key players like Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams to acquire assets and rebuild the team.

  • What is the importance of having a clear direction and a standard for success in the NBA?

    The hosts argue that the Bulls have lacked both a clear direction and a standard for success in recent years. They believe that these factors have contributed to the team's struggles and that they need to be addressed in order for the Bulls to improve.

Show Notes

In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss whether the Mavs found something in Game 4 of the Finals, or if the Celtics just sucked. Plus how nervous is Bill heading into Game 5? Then, they chat about why the Lakers haven’t hired a coach yet, and play a game of "What Would You Do?" if they were running the Sixers and Bulls.


Host: Bill Simmons

Guest: Ryen Russillo

Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti

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Part 2: A Mavs-Celts Breakdown, Philly’s Summer Plans, and a Lakers Competency Check-In With Ryen Russillo

Part 2: A Mavs-Celts Breakdown, Philly’s Summer Plans, and a Lakers Competency Check-In With Ryen Russillo

The Ringer