Podcast Summary: The Ringer NBA Show – "The 2025 Realy Awards and Sue Bird Stops By"
Release Date: July 25, 2025

Hosts:

• Logan Murdoch
• Raja Bell
• Howard Beck
• Cliff

Special Guest:

• Sue Bird – WNBA Hall of Famer, podcaster, and media mogul

Introduction and Episode Overview

Logan Murdoch (00:00):
Kicks off the episode by celebrating the five-year anniversary of the "Real Ones" segment. Announces the annual Real Ones Awards for the basketball season and introduces the co-hosts Raja Bell and Howard Beck. Teases the appearance of special guest Sue Bird, honored for her contributions to the WNBA.

Key Points:

• Five-year milestone of "Real Ones"
• Transitioning to include video content with new producers Cliff and Victoria
• Introduction of Sue Bird as a three-time honoree

Award Categories and Discussions

1. Newcomer of the Year (06:09)

Logan Murdoch (07:24):
Nominates the new producer team, Cliff and Victoria, praising their seamless integration of video content into the podcast.

Raja Bell (07:44):
Considers other nominees like Stefan Castle and Ahmed Thompson but ultimately supports Logan’s choice.

Howard Beck (08:04):
Agrees with the nomination, highlighting Cliff and Victoria's impact on the podcast’s evolution.

Quote:
"Cliff and Victoria have taken this podcast to a whole new level with the video transitions. It’s seamless." – Logan Murdoch (07:24)

2. Worst Trade of the Year (10:35)

Logan Murdoch (11:28):
Denounces the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers as the worst trade in NBA history, emphasizing its long-term negative impact on both franchises.

Raja Bell (12:03):
Echoes Logan’s sentiments, highlighting the widespread backlash and the shadow it casts on the league.

Howard Beck (16:19):
Supports the notion, discussing the detrimental effects on the Mavericks’ future and overall league dynamics.

Quote:
"The Mavericks trading Luka was a landslide that will cast a shadow on both teams forever." – Raja Bell (12:03)

3. Worst Take of the Year (19:52)

Cliff (30:54):
Suggests Draymond Green for his frequent ejections and controversial moments.

Logan Murdoch (32:22):
Agrees, noting that Green's behavior consistently affects team dynamics.

Howard Beck (32:56):
Mentions JJ Redick’s on-air outbursts and Deandre Ayton’s questionable decisions as other contenders.

Final Nomination:
JJ Redick for his unprofessional press conference behavior.

Quote:
"JJ Redick storming out of a press conference qualifies as a crash out." – Cliff (32:22)

4. Crash Out of the Year (25:04)

Logan Murdoch (27:43):
Highlights Isaiah Stewart’s multiple altercations and technical fouls, placing him as the frontrunner for this award.

Raja Bell (28:04):
Considers whether factors like being baited into fights mitigate Stewart's actions but ultimately concurs with Logan.

Howard Beck (30:51):
Supports the nomination, citing Stewart’s consistent negative incidents throughout the season.

Final Nomination:
Isaiah Stewart for his contentious behavior and frequent technical foul calls.

Quote:
"Isaiah Stewart decided that was supposed to happen, but he's the one crashing out." – Logan Murdoch (27:43)

5. Raja Bell Memorial Defender of the Year (34:22)

Raja Bell (34:26):
Nominates De'Aaron Fox and Deandre Ayton for their exceptional defensive skills, emphasizing their disruptive presence on the court.

Cliff (35:56):
Agrees, commending both players for their ability to consistently challenge opponents and impact games defensively.

Final Nomination:
De'Aaron Fox and Deandre Ayton as co-winners for their outstanding defensive performances.

Quote:
"De'Aaron Fox and Deandre Ayton are super disruptive on defense, making them deserving candidates for Defender of the Year." – Raja Bell (34:26)

6. Philly Sports Person of the Year (45:02)

Cliff (45:08):
Awards Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles for his stellar performance and impactful leadership, especially noting his transition from the New York Giants to the Eagles.

Raja Bell (45:57):
Gives an honorable mention to "Gilly," a local sports figure known for his multi-sport prowess and viral moments.

Final Nomination:
Saquon Barkley as the standout Philadelphia sports figure.

Quote:
"Saquon Barkley deserves Philadelphia Sports Person of the Year for his incredible contributions to the Eagles’ Super Bowl defense." – Cliff (45:08)

7. Moment of the Year (40:36)

Howard Beck (40:36):
Chooses Aaron Gordon’s game-winning putback dunk against the Clippers, highlighting its unprecedented nature and game-changing impact.

Logan Murdoch (41:48):
Picks the Stud Buds’ livestream during the WNBA All-Star Weekend as a pivotal moment, emphasizing its role in showcasing the league’s growth and camaraderie.

Sue Bird (73:49):
Shares memorable moments from the WNBA All-Star Game, praising the authenticity and positive vibes it brought to the league.

Final Nomination:
Both Aaron Gordon’s clutch dunk and the Stud Buds’ livestream at the WNBA All-Star Weekend are recognized as significant moments of the year.

Quotes:
"Aaron Gordon’s clutch dunk at the buzzer was unprecedented and game-changing." – Howard Beck (40:36)
"The Stud Buds live-streaming the WNBA All-Star Weekend was a monumental moment, showcasing the league's growth." – Logan Murdoch (41:48)

8. Real One of the Year (47:26)

Howard Beck (47:26):
Considers both Nico Harrison’s press conference missteps and Jimmy Butler’s authentic handling of his trade to the Warriors. Ultimately nominates Tyrese Haliburton for his leadership and resilience despite an Achilles injury.

Raja Bell (52:00):
Shares a personal anecdote illustrating his own "real one" moment, emphasizing authenticity and resilience.

Final Nomination:
Tyrese Haliburton is honored as the Real One of the Year for embodying authenticity and making a significant impact during the postseason.

Quotes:
"Tyrese Halliburton pushed through an injury and stamped his authority on the postseason, making him our Real One of the Year." – Logan Murdoch (49:05)

Special Guest Segment: Sue Bird (61:54)

The latter part of the episode features an in-depth interview with Sue Bird, exploring her life post-retirement, her foray into media, and her insights on the current state and future of the WNBA.

Key Discussions:

• Retirement Journey:
  Sue explains her gradual transition into retirement, focusing on personal growth and new ventures rather than following a strict plan.

  Sue Bird (62:15):
  "It's been about stepping out of my comfort zone, trying new things, and seeing what sticks without a strict blueprint."

• Media and Mentorship:
  She emphasizes the need for nuanced media coverage in the WNBA, advocating for more informed voices to enrich the conversation around women's basketball.

  Sue Bird (64:50):
  "We need knowledgeable voices in WNBA media to provide the nuance that was missing before."

• Growth of the WNBA:
  Sue highlights the significance of the WNBA All-Star Weekend in elevating the league’s profile and showcasing the genuine camaraderie among players.

  Sue Bird (71:24):
  "Our All-Star Game showcased how we actually are—competitive on the court and supportive off it."

• Advice for Current Players:
  She advises players to focus on controllable aspects of their game and personal development, balancing the influence of social media with on-court performance.

  Sue Bird (69:51):
  "Keep the main thing the main thing. When you're prepared and focused, the highs and lows are easier to manage."

Funny and Memorable Moments:

• Stud Buds Highlights:
  Sue shares humorous and memorable moments from the Stud Buds’ livestream, appreciating their authentic and fun-loving nature.

  Sue Bird (73:49):
  "They were dancing, having a good time—just normal people enjoying each other's company."

Closing Remarks

Logan Murdoch (60:40):
Expresses gratitude to the audience for their unwavering support over the past five years, sharing anecdotes of real fans recognizing and engaging with the hosts in public settings.

Howard Beck (57:35):
Thanks listeners for tuning in every week and highlights memorable interactions with fans during live shows and events.

Final Thoughts:
The hosts reflect on their growth over five years, the community they've built, and look forward to continuing their insightful and entertaining coverage of the NBA and WNBA in future episodes.

Quote:
"Thank you so much for holding down the show. We'll be back in the fall. Real ones, we'll talk soon." – Logan Murdoch (60:40)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Cliff and Victoria have taken this podcast to a whole new level with the video transitions. It’s seamless." – Logan Murdoch (07:24)

• "The Mavericks trading Luka was a landslide that will cast a shadow on both teams forever." – Raja Bell (12:03)

• "Aaron Gordon’s clutch dunk at the buzzer was unprecedented and game-changing." – Howard Beck (40:36)

• "Keep the main thing the main thing. When you're prepared and focused, the highs and lows are easier to manage." – Sue Bird (69:51)

• "Tyrese Halliburton pushed through an injury and stamped his authority on the postseason, making him our Real One of the Year." – Logan Murdoch (49:05)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, award presentations, and the insightful interview with Sue Bird, providing a detailed overview for those who haven't listened to the episode. Notable quotes with timestamps are included to highlight significant moments and statements from the hosts and guest.