The Bill Simmons Podcast
Episode Title: A Jokic Fest, the Worry Scale, Rather Have, and Favorite Movie Girlfriends LIVE From Denver With Ryen Russillo
Release Date: December 5, 2024

Live Show Introduction [05:03]

Bill Simmons welcomes listeners to a special live episode recorded at the Fillmore in Denver with Ryen Russillo. The central theme of the show revolves around their mutual admiration for Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets' star center. They set the stage for an in-depth discussion on Jokić's exceptional performance and his impact on the game.

Jokic Fest: Celebrating Nikola Jokić [05:03 – 29:11]

Jokić's Evolving Game [05:53 – 12:35]

Bill and Ryen delve into Jokić's transformation over the current NBA season. Bill remarks, “He’s now solving stuff instantaneously” ([08:43]), highlighting Jokić’s ability to adapt and excel even when defensive strategies against him evolve. Ryen adds, “He can unlock anything in every single game at that size in a way that I don't know that we've ever seen before” ([08:15]).

Statistical Dominance and MVP Contention [12:35 – 20:50]

The conversation shifts to Jokić's statistical achievements, including his MVP prospects. Bill states, “If he wins a fourth MVP here, now we're in the club with Jordan, LeBron, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wilt Chamberlain” ([16:18]). Ryen concurs, emphasizing Jokić’s unique skill set that bridges traditional center roles with contemporary playmaking.

Comparisons to NBA Legends [20:50 – 29:11]

Bill and Ryen compare Jokić to historical greats, debating his place among them. Bill mentions, “I think for me, just as somebody who's watched basketball my whole life, I like, he's. He does the same stuff Bird or Magic did” ([21:56]). They consider factors like championships, individual accolades, and durability, concluding that while Jokić is elite, comparisons to the all-time greats remain complex.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Simmons: “Jokić is on pace to join the Mount Rushmore of NBA legends” ([16:18]).
• Ryen Russillo: “Watching him in person last night, Golden State was like, you're not doing the thing you always do. We're not giving you 14 assists tonight. We're going to take away everybody else, and you're going to have to do the thing you hate to do, which is score a lot” ([08:43]).

Worry Scale: Assessing Concerns [42:08 – 58:12]

Bill introduces the "Worry Scale," where he and Ryen rate their concerns about various players and teams on a scale of 1 to 10.

Player Concerns [42:26 – 56:55]

• Stephen Curry: 9/10
  Bill expresses significant concern over Curry’s ability to secure a fifth title, questioning his longevity and the Warriors' sustainability.

• Jamal Murray: 8.5/10
  Ryen rates Jamal Murray highly worried due to recent performance dips and injury concerns. Bill shares an eight-and-a-half rating, citing Murray's importance to the Nuggets' success.

• Nikola Jokić:
  While primarily celebrated, underlying concerns about team support and future performance rates are discussed.

Team Concerns [56:55 – 58:12]

• Minnesota Timberwolves: 8.5/10
  Both hosts express worries about the Timberwolves' defensive consistency and team cohesion, especially with ongoing lineup changes.

• Philadelphia 76ers: 7/10
  Concerns revolve around Embiid’s commitment and team dynamics post-extension, impacting their playoff viability.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Simmons: “Do you think he would ever not be on Denver? I don't think Curry will ever not be on Golden State, and I honestly don't think Tatum will ever not be on Boston” ([42:56]).
• Ryen Russillo: “He can unlock anything in every single game at that size in a way that I don't know that we've ever seen before” ([08:15]).

Rather Have: Player and Team Preferences [83:01 – 99:15]

In the "Rather Have" segment, Bill and Ryen make choices between two options related to players, coaches, and sports entities.

Key Decisions:

1. Embiid or Kawhi Leonard:

   • Ryen: Prefers Embiid for his championship potential despite Kawhi’s prowess.
   • Bill: Agrees, citing Embiid's lack of a championship ring.

2. Jamal Murray or Damian Lillard:

   • Ryen: Chooses Damian Lillard for his consistent scoring and leadership.
   • Bill: Prefers Jamal Murray for his high-stakes playoff performances and potential.

3. Roger Goodell or Adam Silver:

   • Ryen: Favors Adam Silver due to NBA’s handling of various issues.
   • Bill: Prefers Roger Goodell, recognizing his influence and management style.

4. Landman or Yellowstone:

   • Ryen: Enthusiastic about "Yellowstone" for its drama and character development.
   • Bill: Appreciates "Landman" for its intense storytelling.

5. Sean Payton or Jim Harbaugh (Coaches):

   • Ryen: Chooses Jim Harbaugh for his coaching philosophy.
   • Bill: Agrees with Harbaugh, valuing his strategic approach.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Simmons: “I would rather have Embiid beat Kawhi” ([83:19]).
• Ryen Russillo: “Damian Lillard will be hunted defensively” ([94:47]).

Favorite Movie TV Girlfriends: Pop Culture Favorites [72:28 – 115:47]

Bill and Ryen shift gears to discuss their favorite fictional girlfriends from movies and TV shows, blending humor with personal anecdotes.

Key Discussions:

• Blake Lively’s Characters:
  Ryen reminisces about meeting a Blake Lively look-alike during a celebrity football game, highlighting her charm and on-screen presence.

• Succession and The Sopranos Comparisons:
  Both hosts compare their favorite TV dramas, praising "Succession" for its intricate storytelling and complex character interactions, akin to "The Sopranos."

• Character Preferences:
  They discuss various characters from shows like "Yellowstone," emphasizing traits that make certain fictional girlfriends memorable and relatable.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryen Russillo: “I think some people hate the Lakers, but I just do it in the context of sports hate” ([31:15]).
• Bill Simmons: “Favorite movie TV girlfriends... it's a part of pop culture that resonates with our listeners” ([72:53]).

Closing Remarks and Future Episodes [115:47 – End]

Bill and Ryen wrap up the live show with final thoughts on Jokić’s performance and express gratitude to the Denver audience. They tease upcoming episodes, including their third podcast of the week featuring Packers vs. Lions analysis and more million-dollar picks on FanDuel.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Simmons: “We love being here and hope you guys appreciate Jokic” ([115:47]).
• Ryen Russillo: “We'll see you at the gun” ([115:47]).

Conclusion

This episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast offers a comprehensive celebration of Nikola Jokić's outstanding NBA performance, thoughtful assessments of current player and team standings through the "Worry Scale," engaging preference debates in "Rather Have," and lighthearted discussions on favorite fictional girlfriends. Bill and Ryen provide a blend of expert analysis, personal insights, and entertaining banter, making it a valuable listen for basketball enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados alike.

Disclaimer: All quotes are attributed based on timestamps provided and aim to capture the essence of the conversation accurately.