Part 1: An NBA Six-Pack, UFC 308, and the Yankees Are Back With Ariel Helwani and JackO
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Orlando surpass Miami in the NBA this season?
Orlando had swagger, competitiveness, and Paolo Banchero, who was undeniably the best player on the court, leading to their throttling of Miami.
Why might Jimmy Butler be available for trade soon?
Miami's future is uncertain, and Butler's expiring contract at $40.3 million could make him tradeable, especially if the team decides to reboot.
Why is the Rookie of the Year race considered weird this season?
The race lacks clear frontrunners, similar to past years where established players or those with limited games won, making it unpredictable.
Why does Ben Simmons have trade value despite his recent struggles?
Simmons showed asset qualities by handling the ball, rebounding, and playing defense, suggesting he could be impactful for a playoff team.
Why is Jason Tatum's MVP case gaining attention?
Tatum fixed his shooting hitch, improved his shot, and has a chip on his shoulder from not being played in the Olympics, making him a strong MVP candidate.
Why did the Knicks and Timberwolves feel different after their big trades?
The Knicks missed offensive rebounding, defense, and playmaking, while the Timberwolves missed Karl-Anthony Towns' size, spacing, and physicality.
Why is Alex Pereira a fan favorite in UFC?
Pereira is beloved for his striking skills, intimidating presence, and backstory of overcoming personal struggles, making him a compelling figure.
Why are the Yankees in the World Series considered a surprise?
The Yankees were criticized throughout the season but managed to win against perceived stronger teams, defying expectations.
Why is Aaron Boone's management style now seen more positively?
Boone managed the bullpen well in the playoffs, which is crucial in modern baseball, earning him credit despite past criticisms.
Why does Giancarlo Stanton perform better in the postseason than Aaron Judge?
Stanton has a history of delivering in big moments, while Judge has struggled in the playoffs, making Stanton more reliable in postseason pressure.
- The impact of the pitch clock and shift ban on gameplay.
- Early standout teams and players.
- The excitement of the NBA's return and fan engagement.
Shownotes Transcript