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    The Bill Simmons Podcast

    The Wemby Weekend, Scoot vs. Dame, UFC 290, and Bill’s Big Vegas Weekend With Ryen Russillo

    Mon Jul 10 2023
    BasketballSummer LeagueNBATrade RumorsPlayer EmpowermentUFCBen SimmonsDodgers

    Description

    The episode covers various topics including the performances of Wim Bajama and Maniama in the Summer League, insights on finding the right point guard, glimpses of Zion Williamson's talent, trade rumors involving Damian Lillard, Grant Williams' value and Celtics' roster depth, Popovich's retirement plans, the new basketball tournament, excitement of UFC events, Ben Simmons' trip to Vegas, and Dodgers game experience. The episode provides a comprehensive summary of these topics.

    Insights

    Wim Bajama's Potential Improvement

    Wim Bajama initially disappointed in the Summer League but showed improvement in the second game. There are questions about his position due to his size advantage.

    Maniama's Unique Skills

    Maniama is a unique player who needs the right environment to thrive in the NBA. He showcased impressive dribbling skills and has potential to develop more advanced moves.

    Importance of Finding the Right Point Guard

    Identifying the right point guard is crucial for maximizing impact. Tony Parker or Jamal Murray could be good options.

    Glimpses of Zion Williamson's Talent

    Zion Williamson showed glimpses of his talent even in his first game. It's important not to write off a player based on early performances.

    Trade Rumors and Player Empowerment

    Rumors of Damian Lillard being traded are causing market disruption and limiting options. Questions about fairness and player empowerment in the NBA arise.

    Grant Williams' Value and Celtics' Roster Depth

    Grant Williams has value in certain matchups, but Boston may have overpaid considering their roster depth. Celtics prioritized offense over defense in roster changes.

    Popovich's Retirement Plans and the New Basketball Tournament

    Popovich's retirement plans and the introduction of an in-season tournament in basketball are discussed.

    Excitement and Intensity of UFC Events

    UFC events provide a unique experience with sustained anxiety and intense energy. Fighting is considered everyone's favorite sport.

    Ben Simmons' Trip to Vegas and Dodgers Game Experience

    Ben Simmons' trip to Vegas and his experience at a Dodgers game are shared, along with frustration about the Red Sox letting Mookie Betts go.

    Dodgers' Trade Decision and Comparison of Fans

    The Dodgers' trade decision and comparison of Dodgers and Red Sox fans are discussed.

    Chapters

    1. Wim Bajama's Performance in the Summer League
    2. Maniama's Unique Skills and Potential
    3. Player's Skills and Potential with Remarkable Size
    4. Importance of Finding the Right Point Guard
    5. Glimpses of Zion Williamson's Talent in Summer League
    6. Scoot Henderson's Potential as a Star Player
    7. Trade Rumors and Player Empowerment in the NBA
    8. Insights on Damian Lillard's Potential Trade
    9. Grant Williams' Value and Celtics' Roster Depth
    10. Popovich's Retirement Plans and the New Basketball Tournament
    11. The New Basketball Tournament and Its Potential Impact
    12. Excitement and Intensity of UFC Events
    13. Ben Simmons' Trip to Vegas and Dodgers Game Experience
    14. Dodgers' Trade Decision and Comparison of Fans
    Summary
    Transcript

    Wim Bajama's Performance in the Summer League

    00:03 - 06:46

    • Initially disappointing, but showed improvement in the second game
    • Audience had high expectations, but first game was underwhelming
    • Looked nervous and had no feel for the game
    • Excessive fouling made it difficult for him to perform well
    • Started to show glimpses of his potential in the second game
    • Questions about whether he should play as a forward or near the rim due to his size advantage
    • Summer League games are tough to watch because players are fighting for their careers

    Maniama's Unique Skills and Potential

    06:31 - 12:51

    • Unique player who needs the right environment to thrive in the NBA
    • Exceptional dribbling skills despite his size
    • Questionable dribbling skills in the first game, but improved in the second game
    • Consistently attacks off the dribble at seven-five height
    • Causes defensive panic when near the basket
    • Impressive dunking abilities and potential for more advanced moves
    • Good passing skills and supportive teammate despite losing confidence
    • Hype as an immediate superstar is premature; still needs time to develop physically and improve his game
    • Valuable insights into his potential from Summer League games, but too early for definitive conclusions

    Player's Skills and Potential with Remarkable Size

    12:33 - 18:40

    • Showcased skills and scored nine straight points in the second game
    • Intelligence on offense and defense, knowing what to do in different situations
    • Remarkable size and potential to be a great defender
    • Concerns about ability to stay healthy due to size
    • No indications in Summer League games that he isn't a talented player
    • Unique combination of skills that make him special
    • Can shoot over defenders when setting picks
    • Finding the right point guard to play with him crucial for maximizing impact

    Importance of Finding the Right Point Guard

    18:13 - 24:53

    • Identifying the right point guard crucial for maximizing impact
    • Tony Parker or Jamal Murray could be good options
    • Importance of finding the right player through free agency, drafting, or trading
    • Summer League performances should not be overreacted to
    • Observations on second-year players like Jabar Smetches and K.S. Amalas
    • Some third-year players like Book Knight struggling in Summer League
    • ESPN's coverage of Summer League games and difficulty in finding highlights
    • Potential impact of Jalen Green on Celtics if they had traded for him
    • Excitement surrounding certain players in the league, similar to Otani in baseball

    Glimpses of Zion Williamson's Talent in Summer League

    24:31 - 31:02

    • Notable basketball players attract crowds to watch them play
    • Hype around international players like Zion Williamson and Luka Doncic adds excitement
    • Zion's college performance and determination despite injury endeared him to fans
    • Tall players shooting three-pointers like LeBron James are always impressive
    • Showed glimpses of talent even in his first game
    • Questions about how he would handle stronger opponents, but intelligence gives hope for success
    • Importance of not writing off a player based on early performances; they can still develop their skills
    • Focus should be on how he performs during the season rather than in summer league games

    Scoot Henderson's Potential as a Star Player

    30:49 - 37:01

    • Impressed in a game against Ben Yama
    • Potential to be a star player with speed and athleticism
    • Ability to go by defenders is a precious skill for an offensive player
    • Blazers should trade damn and start the new era with Scoot
    • Two teams passed on Scoot, which will haunt Charlotte
    • Immediate impact on the game with his abilities
    • Comparison to Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook in their prime

    Trade Rumors and Player Empowerment in the NBA

    47:54 - 54:03

    • Rumors of Damian Lillard being traded causing market disruption and limiting options
    • Limited number of teams need a point guard and have assets to trade for Lillard
    • Unlikely for Celtics to trade Jalen Brown for Lillard
    • Possible destinations include Miami, Brooklyn, Orlando, Toronto, Washington, Minnesota, and New Orleans
    • Clippers' offer of Paul George and picks may not be enough
    • Trade expected to happen through Brooklyn or Miami
    • Lillard's request negatively impacting market, making it difficult for other teams to make competitive offers
    • Questions about fairness and player empowerment in the NBA

    Insights on Damian Lillard's Potential Trade

    53:36 - 1:00:34

    • Trading Lillard to Miami still a possibility, but package offered may not be that good
    • Brandon Ingram for Dame considered a fair trade
    • New Orleans likely to reject Miami's offer for Ingram
    • Portland in no hurry to make a deal and will wait it out
    • Scoot Henderson highly regarded and expected to be better than other top prospects
    • OKC's rookie Josh Giddey looks promising for Rookie of the Year contention
    • Chet Holmgren may struggle to get enough points to sway voters for Rookie of the Year
    • Scoot Henderson expected to put up impressive stats consistently
    • Utah had karma with Paul Reed contract after previous poison pill situations with Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin
    • Grant Williams signed fair extension with Dallas, taking into account Texas' lack of state tax

    Grant Williams' Value and Celtics' Roster Depth

    1:00:07 - 1:06:31

    • Benefits of playing in Texas due to no state tax mentioned by Grant Williams
    • Boston may have overpaid Grant Williams considering their roster depth
    • Discussion on various players and their potential roles in Celtics' summer league team
    • Grant Williams has value in certain matchups, especially if his shooting improves
    • Celtics in tough spot financially with multiple high-paid players and Grant Williams' contract
    • Prediction that two players traded by Celtics, including Grant Williams, will perform well on new teams
    • Dallas seen as a good fit for Grant Williams due to playing alongside Luka Doncic
    • Celtics prioritized offense over defense in roster changes
    • Approval of Marcus Smart's trade to Memphis by podcast hosts
    • Gregg Popovich signed five-year $80 million extension despite previous retirement rumors

    Popovich's Retirement Plans and the New Basketball Tournament

    1:06:03 - 1:12:44

    • Retirement plans and the love for one's work
    • Perception of the San Antonio Spurs and their recent performance
    • Importance of superstars in shaping team culture
    • Shift in influence and status when no longer in a position of power
    • Popovich's continued passion for coaching and the presence of Wim Banyama
    • Initial confusion surrounding Popovich's takeover of the Spurs
    • Speculation about Popovich's retirement over the years
    • Introduction of an in-season tournament in basketball and its potential impact

    The New Basketball Tournament and Its Potential Impact

    1:12:22 - 1:18:37

    • Tournament scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays, avoiding conflicts with football
    • Organizers aim to create an event similar to NBA All-Star Weekend with more exciting games
    • Stakes in the tournament not very high, which may affect interest
    • Understanding the format of the tournament made it seem easy and enjoyable
    • Tournament does not interfere with regular season except for actual tournament games
    • Possibility that tournament could evolve into something like Champions League in soccer
    • Way for basketball to gain attention during time when football dominates sports coverage
    • Disappointment that there were no significant rewards or benefits for winning the tournament
    • Speaker does not want Chris Paul to win tournament due to personal pain
    • Speaker took son to Las Vegas and enjoyed watching UFC fights together

    Excitement and Intensity of UFC Events

    1:18:30 - 1:24:54

    • Crowd goes crazy for Robbie Lawler at UFC event
    • Donald Trump makes surprise appearance, increasing energy in the building
    • Great fight card with every fight being entertaining
    • UFC event is a unique experience with sustained anxiety and intense energy
    • McGregor fights draw large number of fans from Ireland
    • Best UFC fights are when round flips and there is sudden shift in momentum
    • Volkanovski's fighting style difficult to strategize against
    • Fighting is everyone's favorite sport

    Ben Simmons' Trip to Vegas and Dodgers Game Experience

    1:30:29 - 1:36:24

    • Ben Simmons and his father stayed in separate hotel rooms during trip to Vegas
    • Unable to gamble together due to strict casino rules on underage gambling
    • Ben Simmons disappointed he couldn't gamble and walked around streets of Vegas instead
    • No fear level between Ben Simmons and his father, as they trust each other
    • Attended UFC event together and Ben Simmons dressed up for the occasion
    • Podcast host may start traveling for UFC events instead of baseball games
    • Host went to Dodgers game with dad and brother, who had never been to Dodger Stadium before
    • Comparison of Dodger Stadium to Fenway Park and praise for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful surroundings
    • Impressive performance by Mookie Betts during the game
    • Frustration with Red Sox for letting Mookie Betts go

    Dodgers' Trade Decision and Comparison of Fans

    1:36:05 - 1:40:17

    • Dodgers didn't see value in versatile player like John Havletich
    • Dodger fans upset about trade and feel team should have paid him
    • Similarities between Dodgers and Red Sox fans in dedication and knowledge
    • Intensity of Dodgers and Lakers fans unmatched in Los Angeles
    • Possibility of continuing podcast during summer league, but uncertain
    • Plan to do podcast from one of their homes if unable to record together
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