The Bill Simmons Podcast – January 15, 2026 Episode: An NBA Mini-Mailbag and All-Star Picks, Plus Kon Knueppel Stops By

Overview

In this packed hoops-focused episode, Bill Simmons kicks off with an NBA “mini-mailbag,” tackling a slew of listener questions about everything from All-NBA game minimums to whacky NBA skills. He then reveals his unofficial NBA All-Star starter and reserve picks for both conferences. The episode wraps with an in-depth interview with standout Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, touching on his acclimation to the league, his family basketball dynasty, rookie routines, teammate camaraderie, and evolving trends in the NBA. The vibe is classic Simmons—opinionated, informed, and sprinkled with nostalgia and humor.

Mini-Mailbag: Key Discussion Points & Insights

(03:00–33:00 approx.)

NBA Awards and the 65-Game Minimum

• Listener Q: Is the 65-game minimum for NBA awards too rigid, especially in light of Nikola Jokic's recent injury?
• Simmons: Acknowledges the origin—the rule was put in place to combat star players sitting out, hurting fan experience.
• Suggested Nuance: Proposes a tweak allowing players who miss 12+ consecutive games due to injury to qualify with 60 games, instead of 65. “If you miss three consecutive weeks with an injury, maybe that drops from 65 to 60. I think that solves this Jokic issue.” (05:30)

Alt-Broadcasts with Local Color Commentators

• Inspired by fan email about kooky, ultra-biased local commentary (e.g., Pacers’ Quinn Buckner calling Pascal Siakam an All-Star).
• Simmons loves the idea: Suggests regular season “free-for-alls” between rival color guys. "They would just be incredulous with each other for two and a half hours.” (10:20)

Phoenix Suns' Dramatic Turnaround & The “Costanza Theory”

• The Suns shifted from “the most unwatchable NBA team of the decade” to an “absolute delight” (thanks to coaching, young personnel).
• Simmons: Acknowledges the “Costanza” (do-the-opposite-of-your-instincts) effect, but credits smart moves and coach Jordan Ott, not just random chance or reversal.
• Notes the Sacramento Kings are a candidate to try the “Costanza” approach given their persistent struggles. (13:30)

Rich Paul’s Candid Lakers Podcast

• Addresses conspiracy theory that The Ringer's involvement in a Lakers-adjacent podcast is “destroying” the team.
• Simmons: Playfully denies any plotting, but is “delighted” as a Celtics fan to see the candor and newsiness from Rich Paul, calling it part of a larger trend of insiders, players, and agents entering the podcast space. (16:00)

LeBron’s Legacy Post-Playing

• Can LeBron pass Michael Jordan in the GOAT argument if he shifts to coaching, GM, or ownership?
• Simmons: “No”—championships matter most as a player, but admits greatness in post-playing roles (like Jerry West) can enrich the legacy.

Linsanity Revisited

• If Jeremy Lin’s breakout happened in 2026, would the impact be different?
• Simmons: “Smaller.” 2012’s unique internet/Twitter/media climate made Lin’s rise iconic. Now, “so much stuff going on all the time, I don’t know if anything would cut through in the same way.” (20:40)

Celtics & Jaren Jackson Jr. Trade Rumor

• Bill explains Celtics’ front office is leak-proof—don't believe rumors unless it’s official.
• He’s personally “out” on trading for Jaren Jackson (money, rebounding, fit), though admits he’d talk himself into it if it were to happen. (22:40)

NBA’s Best “Weirdo Skills” Award

• Listener proposes awards for niche, untracked skills (e.g., T.J. McConnell’s inbound steals).
• Bill’s nominees:
  • T.J. McConnell – sneaky inbound steals ("almost like he's hiding in the bushes")
  • Derrick White – guard blocks, breaking up 2-on-1 fast breaks
  • Jokic – 70-yard one-handed passes
  • Michael Porter Jr. – wild off-balance shooting ability (28:30)
• “McConnell would be minus-180 to win that award.” (30:00)

Most Improved/Breakthrough Player & Sneaker Culture

• Shifts “Most Improved” to “Where Did You Come From?”—guys who suddenly jump into the limelight, even shoe deals.
• Surprised so many lesser stars now have shoes; Jokic notably does not.

All-Star Voting, All-NBA, and Toughest Cuts

• Simmons takes All-Star voting seriously; discusses different philosophies to reward proven stars or current breakout players.
• Derek White and Kawhi Leonard are notable tough omissions due to injury/minutes/record.

Bill Simmons’ All-Star Starters and Reserves

(40:00–53:50)

West Starters:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
• Nikola Jokic
• Anthony Edwards
• Steph Curry ("He's Steph Curry... I selfishly want to see him in the game.” (41:30))
• Luka Doncic

East Starters:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Jalen Brown
• Tyrese Maxey
• Cade Cunningham
• Jalen Brunson

Key West Reserves:

• Jamal Murray
• Devin Booker
• Alperen Sengun
• Victor Wembanyama ("He tilts the floor in all these different ways…")
• Kevin Durant
• Deni Avdija (“doing 26/7/7 on a Portland team that shouldn’t be near .500”)
• Julius Randle (Minnesota)

Kawhi is the “toughest cut.”

Key East Reserves:

• Donovan Mitchell (“toughest cut” but makes it as reserve)
• Jalen Johnson
• Scottie Barnes
• Jalen Duren
• Michael Porter Jr.
• Norman Powell (over Derek White: “My heart says it’s Derek White, but I… might not be thinking about it rationally.”)
• Karl-Anthony Towns

Interview: Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets Rookie

(53:55–1:27:00+ approx.)

Rookie Adjustment, Mentality, and Arrival

• “You're the youngest podcast guest we’ve ever had.” (54:00)
• Kon credits playing in men's leagues as a kid for his mature game: “Playing in that men’s league, you learn to grow, be more physical, how to move off the ball—all those things that are really important in today’s NBA.” (54:47)
• Lives alone in Charlotte, enjoys the independence. Drove a Ford Explorer—“cheap guy.”

NBA Transition & Camaraderie

• Notes value of arriving on a young team with other rookies.
• Praises Charlotte’s squad for unity. “We got a great squad of just guys that kind of embrace you right away.” (58:06)

On- and Off-Court Life

• Spontaneous team gathering at his family’s house in Milwaukee—“didn’t think it was that big of a deal, but people like knowing NBA players are normal.”
• Discusses rookie wall: “Honestly, I feel it’s more mental than anything. It gets really repetitive… the same thing.” (64:10)

Playing With/Against NBA Stars

• Describes learning to play with Lamelo Ball, notes his unpredictability and high-level passing.
• On Giannis: “He loves going baseline, gets you with a high elbow. It’s hard for the officials to see… it’s really hard to stay in front of him.”
• On Harden: “He got me with a foul… put my hand in the cookie jar, he did the [move], went right into the three, got me.”
• Discusses defending SGA, Brunson, McConnell; learning from veterans like Grant Williams, Pat Connaughton, Mason Plumlee.
• Sang the praises of the rookie class: “It’s a good group. Hopefully it keeps going that way.” (58:41)
• On playing Jokic: “He seemed like he wasn’t even trying that hard… then you look up, it’s 29/13/9.” (82:01)

Family, Background, and Brothers

• Knueppel comes from a basketball dynasty: four younger brothers, all big and talented, three currently on high school varsity.
• “The law of professional sports says the 8th grader is going to be the best one.” (96:51)
• His mother helps with off-court logistics and family text checks in before every game (“be aggressive, play hard” from mom; “light ‘em up, D ‘em up” from dad).

Personal Tidbits

• Long-distance relationship with his high school sweetheart, now a Marquette freshman.
• Recently deleted social media: “More so just didn’t want to be scrolling and have three hours go by.”
• Massive sports podcast listener (“NBA, NFL… I listen to a bunch of stuff.”)
• Eats brunch after shootaround, getting used to NBA eating/travel schedule.

NBA and Game Trends

• Impressed by the league’s “efficiency revolution,” spread offenses, and improved shot quality: “The shot quality throughout the league is a lot better.”
• “You gotta have a good big now… small ball was getting real popular; can’t do it anymore.” (73:07)

Analytics, Practice, and Injury Trends

• Engages with analytics to spot his own weaknesses (“one corner three was below average; it’s evened out now”).
• “I think we are playing a lot more possessions… and the pace, everybody’s playing fast.”
• “It’s so much harder now to compare eras; the stats don’t translate.”

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Simmons to Knueppel: “You’re kind of the poster boy of this next generation… efficient everything.” (69:57)
• On NBA camaraderie: “Mason Plumlee says half the battle in this league is having everybody still like each other in February.” (86:16)
• On family group chat: “Before every game, mom’s ‘be aggressive, play hard;’ dad’s ‘light ‘em up, D ‘em up.’” (113:12)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “If Jokic plays 60 games but misses 17 in a row, I still think he should be eligible for all NBA.” — Bill Simmons (05:30)
• “All casts should have some sort of bent… I like the idea of an alt cast where it’s basically a regular season free for all.” — Bill Simmons (10:20)
• “He’s candid… and it’s fascinating. I couldn’t be more delighted the Ringer’s involved. If it’s caused trauma for Lakers fans… I can’t say that was the intention but it’s a pure delight to me as a Celtic fan.” (16:00)
• “You’re the youngest podcast guest we’ve ever had… but I don’t understand why you seem like you’re 27 years old in these games.” — Bill Simmons to Kon Knueppel (54:00)
• “Honestly, I feel it’s more mental than anything else. It just gets really repetitive—the same thing.” — Kon Knueppel on the rookie wall (64:10)
• “Half the battle in this league is having everybody still like each other in February.” — Mason Plumlee, relayed by Kon Knueppel (86:16)

Episode Highlights & Takeaways

• A nuanced, deeply fan-focused take on the 65-game rule and why injury exceptions might make sense.
• Honest behind-the-curtain look at All-Star voting, including Simmons’ biases and logic for his toughest calls.
• Insightful rookie perspective from Knueppel—insight into adaptation, team culture, the grind, and joys of NBA life.
• Playful rundown of wild NBA skills that deserve more recognition.
• Endearing family and personal insights from Knueppel, revealing humility and gratitude.
• Genuine engagement with listener ideas and nuanced discussion of current league debates.

Recommended Segments & Timestamps

• 03:00 – Start of Mini-mailbag: 65-game minimum, alt-broadcasts, Phoenix turnaround
• 16:00 – The Rich Paul Podcast and player/agent media candidness
• 40:00 – All-Star picks rundown & philosophy
• 53:55 – Kon Knueppel interview
• 64:10 – Rookie “wall” discussion and adapting to NBA life
• 73:07 – League’s changing play styles and big men comeback
• 86:16 – NBA team vibes and locker room chemistry
• 113:12 – Family support structure and game-day rituals

Tone & Language

Conversational, candid, humorous, sharp; Simmons in top podcasting form—mixing informed critiques with fandom and personal stories. Knueppel brings a steady, thoughtful, and mature rookie perspective, underlining the night-in, night-out grind and supportive family background.

This summary provides a detailed guide to the discussed themes, takeaways, and direction for listeners new or old, skipping over sponsor reads and non-content segments as requested.