A Knicks Miracle (and an All-Time Spurs Collapse), a Mini-Mailbag, and a World Cup Preview | With Joe House, Kirk Goldsberry, Anthony Dabbundo, and Cousin Sal

America Gets Bounced, World Cup Picks, Knicks Fan Bliss, ‘Heat 2’ and ‘The Odyssey’ With Chris Ryan, Anthony Dabbundo, and Jason Concepcion

Jul 7, 20261h 38mSummary

In this episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan and Anthony Dabbundo to break down the United States’ disappointing exit from the World Cup. The group dissects a rough performance against Belgium, expressing frustration with the defensive lapses, the lack of tactical identity, and the team's inability to win second balls or one-on-one battles. While the hosts acknowledge the talent of key players like Folarin Balogun, they debate whether the current core—including Christian Pulisic and the midfield duo of Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams—is sufficient to compete at the highest level or if the U.S. lacks a true playmaker to bridge the gap to elite international teams. The discussion also touches on the broader tournament landscape, including England's impressive tactical resilience and the electric atmosphere surrounding recent matches. Despite the sting of the USMNT’s defeat, the hosts analyze the state of soccer in America, concluding that while the sport has firmly taken root, the program is still searching for its breakthrough moment. The episode rounds out with reflections on the tournament's best moments and candid observations about the future direction of the national team.

England Survives, the Jaylen Trade Fallout, and an All-NBA Mailbag With Zach Lowe

Jul 6, 20261h 35mSummary

In this episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons and NBA analyst Zach Lowe dive into a wide-ranging discussion that bridges international soccer and the fallout of recent NBA roster shifts. The hosts begin by sharing their visceral reactions to the intensity of the World Cup, specifically analyzing England’s rugged win over Mexico. They reflect on the unique, high-pressure nature of international tournaments, debating the pros and cons of tournament formatting, the controversial role of VAR, and the passionate atmosphere of global fanbases. Transitioning to the NBA, the pair provides a detailed post-mortem on the surprising trade involving Jaylen Brown. They explore the consensus around the league, noting the widespread confusion and skepticism regarding Boston’s decision to move on from Brown. The conversation touches on the motivations behind the trade, the fit of Paul George within the Celtics' system, and the broader implications for the team’s salary cap and long-term flexibility. Throughout the discussion, Simmons and Lowe examine how front-office reputations impact public reaction to such controversial moves, ultimately highlighting the tension between analytics-driven decision-making and the emotional stakes for fans.

The Jaylen Brown Colonoscopy Trade (and More NBA Summer Reactions) With Chris Ryan and Kirk Goldsberry

Jul 2, 20261h 54mSummary

In this episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons sits down with Chris Ryan and Kirk Goldsberry to break down the shock trade that sent Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons recounts the surreal experience of learning about the deal while recovering from anesthesia, highlighting the intensity of the current NBA landscape. The hosts delve into the motivations behind the move, questioning why the Celtics would part ways with a core player. They explore several theories, ranging from the team's desire to reshape their salary structure under the new league rules to a belief that the partnership between Brown and Jayson Tatum had reached its ceiling. The conversation also touches on the role of advanced analytics, which often paint a less flattering picture of Brown’s impact than traditional statistics, and the historical gravity of a major trade between two long-time rivals. Ultimately, the discussion centers on whether this was a strategic reset or a decision born of internal friction, as the panel draws parallels to past iconic trades in Boston sports history while analyzing the long-term implications for both franchises.

A Crazy NBA Month With Zach Lowe, Plus Taylor Sheridan on Building a TV Empire and the Problems With Hollywood

Jun 29, 20262h 45mSummary

In this episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons is joined by NBA expert Zach Lowe to navigate the chaotic landscape of the league’s offseason. The primary focus of their discussion is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jalen Brown’s future with the Boston Celtics. The duo analyzes why the team’s pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo may have alienated Brown and potentially diminished his trade value, as opposing teams now view him as an asset the Celtics are actively looking to move. They also weigh in on the dynamics of the star duo of Brown and Jayson Tatum, questioning whether they have reached a natural breaking point in their partnership. Beyond the Celtics, the hosts propose and evaluate several hypothetical trade scenarios, including intriguing possibilities involving the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers, while highlighting the difficulties of moving high-salary players under current collective bargaining rules. The second half of the episode shifts gears to welcome filmmaker Taylor Sheridan. The creator of Yellowstone joins the show to discuss the complexities of building a television empire, the challenges of navigating Hollywood, and his perspective on the evolving media industry.

2026 NBA Draft Winners and Losers With Joe House and J. Kyle Mann

Jun 24, 20261h 59mSummary

In this episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons is joined by J. Kyle Mann to break down the winners and losers of the 2026 NBA Draft. The hosts analyze the draft’s shift toward hyper-rational decision-making, noting that the modern league has seen the disappearance of the old-school front office style in favor of data-driven, methodical drafting. They discuss the lack of wildcards or massive reaches this year, suggesting that the era of unpredictable draft blunders is fading. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Joe House’s Washington Wizards, who selected AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick. The hosts evaluate Dybantsa’s polished skill set and maturity, alongside the controversial decision by the Wizards to sign Trey Young to a massive, long-term contract. Additionally, the duo examines the Utah Jazz’s selection of Derik Queen/Peterson, debating the team's rapid turnaround and the potential for them to become a surprise playoff contender in a competitive Western Conference. The episode provides a comprehensive look at how these high-stakes roster moves are shaping the future landscape of the league.

Giannis to Miami! An Urgent Gathering Pod With Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier

Jun 23, 202651 minSummary

In this episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons is joined by The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier to dissect the major trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. The hosts analyze the haul Milwaukee received, including Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and multiple draft picks, questioning whether the Bucks truly improved their future or simply hit the reset button to avoid further stagnation. The discussion shifts to the Heat, with the panel debating if adding Giannis makes them a legitimate title contender or if they remain a tier below juggernauts like the Knicks and Celtics. The hosts highlight the defensive identity Miami aims to build around a core of Bam Adebayo, Giannis, and Andrew Wiggins. Finally, the group pivots to the Boston Celtics, examining why they stood firm against including more assets in their pursuit of Giannis. They discuss the uncertain future of Jalen Brown, the emotional toll trade rumors take on franchise pillars, and whether Boston should make tactical adjustments to their existing core rather than pursuing a total overhaul. The episode captures the urgency and volatility of the NBA’s current trade landscape.

The Giannis Never-Trade and a Mega-Mailbag With Zach Lowe, Plus Wyndham Clark’s Second U.S. Open Title With Joe House

Jun 22, 20261h 56mSummary

In this episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons is joined by Zach Lowe for an in-depth discussion surrounding the ongoing trade speculation involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two analyze the potential trade landscapes for teams like the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics, examining the logistical challenges of matching salaries and the potential inclusion of additional pieces like Kyle Kuzma or Andrew Wiggins. They delve into the team-building philosophies of both franchises, questioning whether a major shake-up—such as moving Jalen Brown—is a necessary risk to elevate title contention or if it threatens the chemistry of current rosters. The conversation transitions into a wide-ranging mega-mailbag segment, where the duo pivots to basketball history and hypothetical scenarios. They simulate a tournament bracket featuring the last eight NBA champions, debating how teams like the 2024 Celtics would match up against historical powerhouses like the 2022 Warriors or the 2023 Nuggets. Additionally, the episode features a brief update from Joe House, who shares insights on Wyndham Clark’s impressive performance at the U.S. Open, rounding out an episode focused on both current league maneuvering and retrospective basketball analysis.

NBA Draft Questions, Harper vs. Fox, and the USMNT’s World Cup Ceiling

Jun 19, 20262h 10mSummary

In this episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN analyst Tim Legler to break down the upcoming NBA Draft. The two engage in a deep dive regarding the evaluation of top prospects, discussing the challenges of player comparisons and the importance of separating raw high school highlights from college performance. They place specific emphasis on the top four picks, debating the potential and developmental trajectories of players like Boozer and Peterson. The hosts analyze the archetypes of NBA prospects, categorizing them into groups like pure stars versus playoff-ready role players, while questioning why certain high-value assets are frequently undervalued in the draft process. Beyond the draft, the conversation shifts toward the USMNT’s performance and outlook as they approach the World Cup. Simmons invites guest Anthony DeBundo to provide an optimistic assessment of the team's chances, focusing on their growth and the critical upcoming matches. The episode offers a blend of professional basketball expertise and soccer analysis, providing listeners with a comprehensive preview of both the immediate future of the NBA and the international stage.

2026 Finals Lessons, Giannis’s Next Stop, Brunson’s Apex, and Mike Brown’s Magic Touch With Doc Rivers

Jun 17, 20261h 59mSummary

In this episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons sits down with Doc Rivers to break down the 2026 NBA Finals. The discussion centers on the tactical battle between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, highlighting the Knicks' veteran composure and the emergence of Jalen Brunson as an elite closer. Rivers offers a unique perspective on the series, noting how Mike Brown’s complaints about officiating after Game 3 influenced the rhythm of the games and affected the physicality of the series. The hosts delve into the development of Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, debating his usage, physical durability, and the need for him to diversify his offensive repertoire beyond the perimeter. They also explore the nuances of what defines a truly "great" player, with Simmons positing that leading a team to a title is the ultimate barometer of success. Drawing from historical comparisons, including Michael Jordan’s 1993 Bulls and the legendary impact of players like Reggie Miller, the conversation emphasizes the importance of team cohesion and having a reliable second option. The episode provides a masterclass in basketball strategy, coaching philosophies, and historical context.

Why Brunson Is Top 50 All Time, a Finals Mega-Mailbag, and NBA Fake Trade Season With Joe House

Jun 15, 20262h 4mSummary

In this episode, Bill Simmons and Joe House dive deep into the NBA’s post-Finals landscape, analyzing the league’s shifting dynamics and the immediate frenzy of the trade market. The duo examines the fallout of the NBA Finals, debating whether the San Antonio Spurs’ performance should be viewed as a massive success or a disappointment, particularly focusing on the team’s maturation process and the ongoing tension between Darrin Fox and Harper. A major portion of the discussion is dedicated to placing Jalen Brunson in the historical context of the NBA pyramid. Simmons and House debate whether Brunson’s title-winning performance warrants a spot in the top 50 players of all time, focusing on his ability to overcome double-digit deficits and his unique leadership style. The episode also navigates the heavy rumors surrounding a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and the complexity of the upcoming draft, with particular interest in the potential of the Clippers being involved as a third team. Wrapping up with draft storylines and trade scenarios, the hosts explore how teams might maneuver to acquire top prospects like AJ Dybantsa and Cooper Flagg.