The Bill Simmons Podcast

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons, still coming down from the NBA Finals, talks LeBron's hand injury, the media aftermath of a finals sweep, and legacy implications for Kevin Durant and Steph Curry (3:15), before sitting down with Bryan Curtis to revisit NBA Finals narratives, the NBA replay, the NBA and NFL offseasons, and more (24:28). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by the toughest guy in NBA history, Charles Oakley, to talk Michael Jordan stories, the difference between old-school and today's NBA, the Pat Riley Knicks, why LeBron should leave the Cavs, his MSG ban, and a slew of his NBA beefs on and off the court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by his old friend Jalen Rose to talk about what NBA players do in Cleveland, Kawhi Leonard's "Pre-Agency," some of Jalen's NBA seasons, the Kardashians/Jenners' impeccable NBA scouting, all-time greats, LeBron's next move, where Kevin Durant may end up in the next few years, Jalen's new morning show schedule, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons recaps Game 2 of the NBA Finals (2:13) before he is joined by actor and long-time Warriors fan Andy Samberg to discuss Game 1 of the NBA Finals, a PED hall of fame, comparisons between NBA teams and 'SNL' casts, and more (18:35). Then Bill sits down with Viceland's Desus and Mero to talk Pusha-T and Drake, LeBron's current mindset, and fixing the Knicks, Yankees, and Red Sox, before trying to figure out what is actually going on in 'Fortnite' (56:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on the Bryan Colangelo situation (3:15) before talking NBA Finals narratives and subplots, including historic Finals runs, the real difference between LeBron and Michael Jordan, and Kevin Durant versus LeBron James, Part 2 (14:25). Then Bill sits down with Durant's business manager, Rich Kleiman, to talk about his music industry origins, his run with Roc Nation, meeting Durant, and how players are more equipped today to branch out in the business world (32:10). Colangelo Article Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons connects with his longtime friend Joe House to mull over the Rockets' loss to the Warriors in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals. Then they discuss the possible LeBron narratives for the offseason, including one that lands him in Houston, and who could steal Luca Doncic in the NBA draft before talking about the Stanley Cup final, the Vegas Golden Knights' incredible story, and how Alex Ovechkin is the top dog in all of Washington, D.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks with Celtics fan and TV producer Kevin Hench about Boston's loss to the Cavs in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals and LeBron's superhuman ability to single-handedly pull out a series win (with the help of a few Celtics players) (2:55). Then Bill talks with Fox Sports commentator Rob Stone about the Champions League final and World Cup soccer (41:53), before sitting down with his daughter, Zoe Simmons, to discuss 2018 teenage girl culture involving YouTube, Netflix, and Instagram (1:09:43). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan to talk about Thursday night's Warriors-Rockets Game 5, the Cavs-Celtics series, and the All-NBA team ballot (2:50). Then Bill sits down with the legend Johnny Knoxville to talk growing up a prankster, 'Jackass' origins, shared experiences with the infamous 'Action Park,' 'The Ringer,' 'Bad Grandpa,' and Knoxville's new film, 'Action Point,' coming to theaters Friday, June 1 (39:58). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard J.J. Redick to discuss Round 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Boston home crowd, Chris Paul's great fit with the Houston Rockets, LeBron's calculated movements, and the NCAA one-and-done phenomenon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN's Zach Lowe to discuss possible Chris Paul–Rockets contract decisions, Toronto's coaching situation, fixing the NBA playoffs, and the wildest NBA summer moves you'd actually believe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks with Jonathan Tjarks about the Eastern and Western Conference finals and NBA draft lottery candidates including Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, and Miles Bridges (3:00), Then Bill sits down with music legend and 45-plus-year Lakers season-ticket holder Lou Adler to talk about witnessing NBA history, the Roxy, some incredible Jack Nicholson stories, and more (38:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons gives his thoughts on the improbable Celtics run as he names the most improbable finals teams in NBA history (3:10). Then Bill calls up his dad to talk about Boston's victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals (24:38). Finally, Bill is joined by Shea Serrano to talk about YouTube Red's 'Cobra Kai,' liking Johnny Lawrence, '80s movies that need to be TV shows, and 'Den of Thieves' and other bank robbery films (58:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons calls up Cousin Sal to celebrate the Supreme Court's ruling on sports gambling in America. They talk about why this is so important, wonder what form sports gambling will take at places like 7-Eleven, and speculate on who the first person involved with a sports gambling scandal will be (2:50). Then, Bill sits down with actor Ethan Hawke to talk about the pre-internet era, sports movies, working with Robin Williams and Denzel Washington, quitting smoking, falling in love on set, and Ethan's new film, 'First Reformed,' written and directed by Paul Schrader. Then Ethan talks about how he lost his Knicks tickets, the progressiveness of the NBA, and accepting LeBron's greatness (23:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons calls Joe House to tell him that LeBron has jumped Bill Russell and is now no. 2 on his all-time list. They talk about today's conditioning and health knowledge versus other basketball eras, the 76ers-Celtics series, Raptors coach Dwane Casey getting fired, and fake trades for DeMar DeRozan (4:25). Finally, Bill connects with Boston Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck to talk about the franchise's strong roots, working with Danny Ainge, the Brooklyn trade, Boston's rookies, and more (58:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons connects with former Cleveland Cavaliers GM David Griffin to talk about the different levels of LeBron's game, the Kyrie Irving trade and its surrounding story lines, fixing the MVP award, LeBron's next move, and Kawhi Leonard (3:00). Then Bill calls up JackO to talk about the Red Sox–Yankees series, the NHL playoffs, Mike Francesa's return, and more (1:04:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons weighs in on Game 4 of Celtics-76ers and LeBron James's merciless play against the Raptors (3:15). Then Bill is joined by Ringer TV critic Alison Herman to talk about 'SNL,' its historic run, its recent seasons, and where it could go from here (21:35). Next he connects with staff writer Katie Baker to talk about the NHL playoffs, the Capitals beating the Penguins, the legacy of Alex Ovechkin, and the unlikelihood of a new expansion team taking a shot at the Stanley Cup (54:25). Finally he calls music critic Lindsay Zoladz to discuss Donald Glover's ascension to creative leader, Kanye West's legacy vs. his recent behavior, and more (116:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons connects with his dad to talk about the Celtics' second playoff win over the 76ers, how Philly can get back on track, the Red Sox, and (maybe) for the last time revisit the Patriots' 2018 draft picks (3:10). Then, Nathan Hubbard calls in to talk about his vision for next-gen ticket sales and his new company, Rival, as well as L.A. FC's new stadium, and being a sports parent (39:45), Finally, Bill talks with Mark Titus about the Rockets, the NBA's lackadaisical enforcement of traveling violations, the Pacers, the college basketball teams with the biggest persecution complexes, and Titus's bid to be head coach of the Chicago State men's basketball program (1:05:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks with ESPN's Brian Windhorst about how LeBron James seems to believe in this Cavs team once again, the different peaks of LeBron's career, the Celtics-76ers series, LeBron's "final act," Kawhi Leonard's future, and what a wild offseason the NBA is about to have. You can find the 'Melothon 2018' shirt at bit.ly/ringershop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to talk NBA playoffs, including the Wizards-Raptors series, and what the Bucks need to do in order to keep Giannis happy. The two also take a swing at how to fix OKC this summer, and talk about LeBron's superhuman performance in the Pacers-Cavs series (3:05). Then Bill connects with JackO to talk about the Yankees, Red Sox, the return of 'Jersey Shore', and the return of Mike Francesa to WFAN Sports Radio (1:00:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to talk about the first round of the NFL draft—from the quarterback selections to the merciless booing of Roger Goodell—and topics from the NBA playoffs, including: Jaylen Brown's potential, the Pelicans, Philly's chance to come out of the East, issues with the NBA lottery, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks about some NBA story lines, including the 76ers undoubtedly being playoff-ready, the Pacers-Cavs series, and Russell Westbrook's impact on the Thunder (6:25), Then Bill is joined by comedian and television star Jerrod Carmichael to talk about about music, Twitter, making TV shows, streaming services, and more (30:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks about a captivating NBA Playoffs first round (2:24) before sitting down with Viceland's Desus and Mero to discuss Yankees-Red Sox, Uber drivers, Kobe Bryant, The Knicks (of course), making TV shows, and getting to the bottom of the beef with The Breakfast Club's DJ Envy (18:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons connects with Chuck Klosterman to discuss Tiger Woods and his legacy through the lens of Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian's recent book 'Tiger Woods' (3:05); the NBA playoffs, including Anthony Davis and all five of Rajon Rondo's levels (42:20); and a quarterback-rich NFL draft (1:08:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks about the bleakest Patriots outlook in recent memory in the wake of Tom Brady's hesitation to sign a new contract (4:12). Then Bill is joined by colleague and Spurs fan Shea Serrano to further discuss the Kawhi Leonard situation (16:33) before talking about the best new action movies and sequel hopefuls (45:45). Warning: There is a lot of 'John Wick: Chapter 3' talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to talk NBA, including a breakout Giannis performance, the Knicks' hilarious coaching search, Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs, the 76ers-Heat series, and the Pacers' beatdown of the Cavs. Then they revisit the 'House of Carbs' NBA food cities pod with some feedback from the masses. You can find the official Ringer web store here: http://bit.ly/ringershop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the NBA playoff matchups. They talk gambling stay-aways, questionable coaching, and give their playoff predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's BIll Simmons is joined by Mike Francesa to talk about present and past Masters winners, the Yankees' slow start, the Red Sox's hot streak, other AL teams, NBA MVPs, the NBA playoffs, and what the first couple of picks in this year's NFL draft might look like (5:50). Then The Ringer's Alyssa Bereznak connects to talk about the Facebook scandal, Mark Zuckerberg's comments, and how to regulate the internet (1:08:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to mull over the surprising success of the Philadelphia 76ers (03:30), Patrick Reed's win in Augusta (15:00), and 'WrestleMania 34' (21:00). Then, Bill and Sean Fennessey sit down with 'Andre the Giant' director Jason Hehir to discuss meeting with Vince McMahon (41:15), how important editing is to a documentary (01:07:45), Andre's sex life (01:15:00), interviewing Robin Wright (01:35:00), the use of narrators in documentaries (01:40:00), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Simmons is joined by his dad and Joe House in Augusta, Georgia, after Round 1 of the Masters to talk about the remainder of the Celtics’ season without Kyrie Irving and the Eastern Conference playoffs before getting into their third day at Augusta National Golf Club (23:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons sits down with his dad live from Augusta to talk about his lifelong dream of going to the Masters (5:11) and other news from the sports world (10:30). Then, Bill sits down with the "Mayor of Hollywood," a.k.a. Jeff Goldblum, to talk Steelers vs. Patriots (37:48), to play the IMDb Game (47:01), and to compare stories from fatherhood (88:31). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan and Kevin O’Connor to discuss the upcoming NBA playoffs (2:31), conspiracies surrounding Kawhi Leonard (5:04), and Bill’s disinterest in anything the Spurs are doing (21:03). Then, JackO comes through to discuss the Yankees, Red Sox, and more in the return of the MLB season (56:59); UConn women’s basketball losing to Notre Dame (01:11:37); and their favorite memories from this year’s NCAA men’s March Madness (01:16:10). You can find the official Ringer web store here: http://bit.ly/ringershop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and Kevin Durant dive right back into the mailbag to discuss the Warriors' best game this season (5:00), Klay Thompson stories (13:00), the "take" era of sports media (28:00), Durant's three-on-three dream team (40:00), LaVar Ball (46:00), basketball bloggers (56:00), and NBA free agency this summer (1:01:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by self-proclaimed "Basketball Guru" Kevin Durant to discuss the distance between players and fans (5:00), growing the game of basketball (11:00), Twitter's impact on the NBA (19:00), the desire to master basketball (25:00), the All-NBA team (30:00), the revamped NBA All-Star Game (34:00), the Rookie of the Year race (41:00), the LeBron partnership (48:00), and the start to another KD mailbag (53:00). You can find the official Ringer web store here: http://bit.ly/ringershop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Al Pacino and Barry Levinson to discuss how the two get along so well (14:45), their new film ‘Paterno’ (19:00), and what they expect the reaction to the film will be (27:20). Then, Bill debunks a ‘Heat’ conspiracy theory (41:20) and Al talks about how Francis Ford Coppola saved his job (48:30), when John Cazale realized Meryl Streep was the greatest actor alive (56:00) and the impact Marlon Brando had on him (59:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by ‘Billions’ co-creator Brian Koppelman to discuss the rewatchability of ‘Rounders’ (05:30), which ‘Billions’ character gets mentioned the most in real life (13:45), the show resonating with rappers and NBA players (1:04:00), and finding a way to make it entertaining without being campy (1:11:15). Then they discuss HBO’s upcoming documentary ‘Andre the Giant’ (1:24:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Michael and Martellus Bennett as they discuss why NBA players are more outspoken than NFL players (10:04), what Tom Brady is like as a teammate (34:32), how it feels to get the sudden call that you're being traded (53:02), what they want their legacies to be (56:57), and how elitism keeps change from happening in the NFL (1:16:51). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Trail Blazers's quest to conquer the Western Conference (03:45), the baggage that could hold back the Rockets (24:00), the Russell Westbrook conundrum (38:00), the insignificance of the triple-double (48:30), the Rookie of the Year race between Ben Simmons and Donovan Mitchell (50:45), Brad Stevens and the struggling Celtics (57:45), the Boston sports radio scene (01:09:45), and ranking UMBC's win over Virginia among the greatest upsets of all time (01:19:00). Read "Four Big Questions for the Thunder" by Kevin O'Connor here: https://t.co/jIxZTu6PCO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Chuck Klosterman to discuss the present and future state of college basketball and how it affects the NBA (03:00) and to debate the potential of the internet forcing today’s youth to grow up faster (15:00). Then they debate how much of an obligation you have to be plugged into society (30:00) before airing their frustrations with awards shows (57:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin Clark to discuss Kirk Cousins's massive contract (03:00), the new-look 49ers (13:00), and more impactful free-agency moves (20:00). Then, Bill's dad calls in to talk about trusting in the Patriots' process (31:00) and his frustrating Celtics (42:30). Finally, Kevin O'Connor joins the show to discuss the benefits of tanking (50:30) and to talk about All-NBA predictions, so far (01:14:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined live in Austin by Bill Hader to discuss his new HBO comedy, 'Barry', some of his best stories from working on 'South Park,' and the state of satire in the world today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by two-time NBA champion Chris Bosh to discuss the conspiracy behind the 2008 Olympics leading to LeBron's "Decision" (8:00), Bosh's blood clot issue (24:00), Vince Carter's natural talent (38:00), Jalen Rose as a teammate (52:00), and NBA title contenders this season (1:02:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by two-time NBA champion Chris Bosh to discuss the rebound leading to Ray Allen's iconic shot in the 2013 Finals (6:00), the difficulty of completing a three-peat (18:00), the first season in Miami with LeBron (31:00), and the peak of the Miami Heat during the LeBron-Wade-Bosh era (40:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Jimmy Kimmel and Cousin Sal to discuss Bill's reason for missing Jimmy's post-Oscars party (6:00), the odds on Jimmy's monologue jokes (12:00), President Donald Trump's tweet about ratings (22:00), Jimmy's growing profile in the political space (32:00), Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty's return (43:00), a special edition of "Parent Corner" (50:00), the Mount Rushmore of late-night guests (55:00), and what's next for Jimmy (1:05:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by BuzzFeed senior writer Charlie Warzel to discuss the information war on the internet (6:00), the power of conspiracies (17:00), the idea of internet vigilantes (22:00), translating computer crimes into movies (38:00), misusing the internet (52:00), and the power of Twitter (1:02:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by The Ringer's Mark Titus and Tate Frazier to discuss Arizona head coach Sean Miller versus ESPN (6:00), ways to fix the collegiate basketball system (14:00), potential top-five NBA draft picks (28:00), Anthony Davis's dominance (40:00), and Oden vs. Durant (46:00). Then, The Ringer's Kevin Clark calls in from Indianapolis to discuss the NFL combine (55:00) and the Browns' best draft options (1:02:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ringer staffer Kevin O'Connor to discuss who the NBA MVP is as things stand right now (6:00), the pace of the Pelicans (13:00), LeBron vs. Giannis (20:00), takeaways from the Sloan Conference (25:00), Brandon Ingram vs. Ben Simmons (38:00), Kawhi Leonard's trade value (46:00), and the top 2018 NBA draft prospects (1:01:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by The Ringer's David Shoemaker to discuss the WWE TV rights (6:00), UFC vs. WWE on Fox (13:00), Ronda Rousey's character in the WWE universe (27:00), and HBO's 'Andre the Giant' documentary (40:00). Then, Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey and New York Times critic-at-large Wesley Morris join to re-rank the 2013 Oscars (50:00) and review where the Academy went right and wrong five years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons calls up Joe House to discuss the need for the definitive Michael Jordan documentary (06:30), how every MJ game was "must-see TV" (19:00), the trouble with comparing him to LeBron (26:00), the Kawhi Leonard mystery (41:30), and tweaking the playoff format (45:00). Then JackO gets on the line to talk about Johnny Weir's style (54:15), Canada's performance in the Winter Olympics (56:00), Tonya Harding's undeserved redemption (01:04:30), and their favorite moments of the Olympics (01:05:00). Read Bill's article, "How LeBron Can Finish His Fairy Tale Better Than MJ," here: https://t.co/dze1usPJ0m Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal dish out potentially problematic parenting advice and share stories from their time as dads in the second part of this series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons breaks down the reasons why the NBA playoff format needs to be dramatically different (5:00). Then, Cousin Sal hops on the line to give his thoughts on the Winter Olympics (27:00), the NBA All-Star Game (34:00), and early Oscars picks (42:00). Finally, Rockets GM Daryl Morey joins to detail his journey through the NBA ranks and the importance of analytics in his life (56:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices