logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
2h 15m

Phoenix in Shambles, Cleveland’s Ceiling...

The Ringer
About this episode

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the continued disaster that is the Phoenix Suns' season, what Kevin Durant's trade options will be this summer, and whether Devin Booker should be untouchable (03:02). Then, they play a game of "I Just Don't Have An Answer" for a few NBA questions, including whether the Nuggets are actually good, Thibs's coaching ability, and are there some experience concerns for the Cavs come playoff time (26:51). Finally, they talk about the latest episode of 'Celtics City' and whether Bill Russell has become underrated as time goes on (01:35:21), before closing it out with some thoughts on March Madness (01:59:59).


Host: Bill Simmons

Guest: Ryen Russillo

Producers: Kyle Circhton, Chia Hao Tat, and Steve Ceruti



The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.


Order Michelob ULTRA today, available on Doordash!

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY © 2025 ANHEUSER-BUSCH, MICHELOB ULTRA® LIGHT BEER, ST. LOUIS, MO.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Up next
Aug 22
The "My Guy" Fantasy Football Draft (4th Annual!) With Danny Heifetz, Danny Kelly, and Craig Horlbeck
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Danny Heifetz, Danny Kelly, and Craig Horlbeck for their annual "My Guy" Fantasy Football Draft (1:49). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Danny Heifetz, Danny Kelly, and Craig Horlbeck Producers: Chia Hao Tat and Eduardo Ocampo The Ringer is commit ... Show More
2h 3m
Aug 14
NFL Preseason Hype Buy or Sell. Plus, Spike Lee on Basketball and Movies | With Danny Kelly
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Danny Kelly of The Ringer Fantasy Football Show to discuss the preseason NFL hype (2:54). Then, Spike Lee joins to talk Knicks; Denzel Washington; his new film, ‘Highest 2 Lowest’; and much more (01:02:09)! Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Danny K ... Show More
2h 25m
Aug 12
The UFC Cashes In, Plus a Truly Riveting 1990s Cowboys Documentary With Ariel Helwani, Cousin Sal, and Bryan Curtis
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ariel Helwani to react to the news of UFC landing a blockbuster streaming deal with Paramount and discuss what it means for the fans, the fighters, and the company (3:01). Then, Bryan Curtis and Cousin Sal join to talk about the new Cowboys ... Show More
1h 41m
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
Do the Lakers and Warriors Deserve All Those National TV Games?
Verno and KOC react to the NBA schedule release and discuss the glaring lack of excitement around the release as well as the need for more rivalries in the NBA (01:19). Also, they debate whether the NBA is making the right call by positioning the Lakers and Warriors as the two te ... Show More
59m 47s
Jun 14
Shai Saves the Thunder, and the NBA Finals Are Now 2-2: All the Drama in the NBA With Bill Simmons.
After a riveting Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Indianapolis, Bill Simmons joins Zach to break it all down (1:52): Did tonight’s game decide the NBA title? They discuss Shai’s stellar MVP performance (16:51) and adjustments from both teams as it’s now a best-of-three for the champio ... Show More
1h 28m
Oct 2024
The Biggest Questions Leading Up to the NBA Season
Verno and Jacoby go through some of the most burning questions leading up to the start of the NBA season (02:00). They talk about Joel Embiid’s comments about not playing anymore back-to-backs, which teams other than the Thunder can reach the 1-seed in the West, Donte DiVincenzo, ... Show More
1h 23m
Dec 2024
Can the Mavericks Get Back to the NBA Finals? Are the Surging Bucks Contenders Again? | Real Ones
Michael Pina and Raja Bell discuss the NBA Cup teams and where they currently stand in the league. Are we witnessing an all-time defensive team with this year's OKC Thunder (3:11)? Has the Bucks’ streak with the current core ran its course (22:17)? Do the Knicks have the best off ... Show More
1h 12m
Feb 2024
The Disappointing State of All-Star Weekend. Plus, Is It Time to Panic for the Bucks? | Real Ones
Logan and Raja share their thoughts on this year’s All-Star Weekend, the frustrating lack of effort from players, and whether it can be salvaged in the future (3:15). Next, they discuss the lackluster start to Doc Rivers’s tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks and how listening to star ... Show More
54m 48s
Oct 2024
How Much Does Coaching Matter? The Cavs' and Lakers' Hot Start to the Season. | Real Ones
Howard and Raja are back to dive into a loaded start of the NBA regular season. They kick things off with a chat about Dwyane Wade’s Miami Heat statue and Joel Embiid’s continued absence (04:00). Then, they discuss Steph Curry’s ankle injury and where the Warriors go from here (2 ... Show More
1h 8m
Apr 2025
Warriors Outlast Lakers. Plus, Ja Morant Controversy Continues. | Real Ones
The Warriors defeated the Lakers Thursday night thanks to Steph Curry dropping 37 and Brandin Podziemski hitting eight 3s. Logan and Raja discuss what this means for both teams and whether they are championship contenders (5:30). Ja Morant was fined $75k for finger gun pointing g ... Show More
1h 6m
May 2024
Why the Magic Are Actually Ahead of Schedule and a Knicks-Pacers Preview. Plus, Can Anthony Edwards Be the Best Player in the NBA? | Real Ones
Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss the somewhat anticlimactic Game 7 between Orlando and Cleveland, what the series highlighted about both teams, and how the Magic can take the next step (1:03). Next, they preview the upcoming Knicks-Pacers matchup and what each team needs to do to ... Show More
1h 17m
Jan 2024
Why Doc Rivers Is an Upgrade for the Bucks and What It’s Like to Deal With Trade Rumors as a Player | Real Ones
Logan and Raja discuss why the Milwaukee Bucks fired first-year head coach Adrian Griffin halfway into the season, whether the decision was ultimately justified, and if Doc Rivers is a better long-term fit for the Eastern conference contender (2:16). Along the way, the guys talk ... Show More
56m 12s
Jun 2024
Lakers & Cavs Coaching Searches, Future Planning For Big Teams
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk the Lakers’ coaching search, the future for the Cavs with Donovan Mitchell & the coaching situation, the Suns challenge for Mike Budenholzer going forward, some drama for the Timberwolves and a key injury u ... Show More
55m 46s