The Ryen Russillo Show (Barstool Sports)

Episode: Tomlin Is One of One, Plus Inside Giannis’s Trade Desires, Anthony Davis’s Future, and More w/ Sam Amick
Airdate: January 14, 2026

Episode Overview

Ryen Russillo returns for the first show at the podcast's new Barstool Sports home, opening with a deep dive into Mike Tomlin's legacy following his departure from the Steelers. NBA insider Sam Amick (The Athletic) joins to demystify the latest on Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade rumors, discuss Anthony Davis’ market value amid injury, handicaps the NBA trade deadline, and touches on hot topics around the league. As always, Russillo, Kyle, and Ceruti round out the episode with an extended 'Life Advice' mailbag, blending banter with sincere listener guidance.

Mike Tomlin: "One of One" (02:16–11:21)

Tomlin’s Departure: Context and Reaction

• Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach after 19 years: one Super Bowl win, another Super Bowl appearance, but seven straight playoff losses in recent years.
• Russillo explores the ambiguous language of Tomlin “stepping down,” questioning whether it’s a respectful euphemism for a forced exit:

  “Are they doing this out of respect to him?...Is this possibly just a nice way of, like, 'Hey, we need to move on, because this is ridiculous now?'” (02:34)

• Tomlin’s age (53), contract status, and general coach archetype (most coaches “would rather die than not coach”) suggest he’s probably not done coaching forever.

The Unmatched Respect for Tomlin

• Russillo is fascinated by how national discourse doesn’t unanimously support moving on from a coach with seven straight playoff losses—highlighting Tomlin’s unique status.

  “I don’t think there’ll ever be a head coach who gets the chance to lose seven straight playoff games in the NFL.” (03:27)

• Tomlin’s extraordinary bond with his players is central. Russillo recounts stories to illustrate:
  • Ryan Clark vehemently defending Tomlin (and crediting him with saving his life during a sickle cell crisis in Denver, when Tomlin refused to let him play).
  • Willie Colon’s text: “All caps. With all my heart.”
• Tomlin’s ability to manage ego-heavy, unstable situations (citing the Antonio Brown saga) is considered an underappreciated coaching skill.

  “Managing all of that bullshit and being the face of this for 20 years and getting this many people that have played for you to absolutely adore you...that should really matter.” (08:55)

League Perception, Legacy, and Future

• Russillo summarizes: Tomlin’s ultimate legacy may outstrip what’s on his playoff resume; the X’s and O’s matter, but the emotional and cultural management is priceless.
• Even Aaron Rodgers went out of his way in a press conference to lavishly praise Tomlin, impressing Russillo:

  "He gave an incredible answer, super in depth...talks about the special places." (09:52)

• If Tomlin wants to coach again, Russillo asserts, he’ll be hired quickly—his rare human skills are invaluable.

  "You need to bring all that other stuff up, because when it comes to that, I don’t know that he has many peers." (11:14)

NBA Insider Roundtable with Sam Amick (12:30–43:51)

Inside Giannis’s Trade Desires and Bucks Future

How the Story Came Together (12:55–15:19)

• Amick details his access and approach to Giannis: spontaneous postgame conversations, a longstanding rapport, and the Bucks not “orchestrating” a PR move.
• Giannis’s desire to address “false narratives” directly led to the tell-all conversation.

  "He goes, ’false narrative.’ So I was like, all right, then fine. If that's the way you're going to frame it, then let's unpack it." (14:06)

Two Key Giannis Takeaways

• (1) Giannis says he’ll never ask for a trade, “it’s not in his nature”—but contextually only for this season.
• (2) Amick pressed Giannis to acknowledge the franchise power he wields; Giannis resists, claiming he’s “not in charge,” but Amick pushes back:

  “‘Stop saying you’re not in charge of this situation. You are the franchise centerpiece. You hold almost all of the cards. Your voice matters.’” (16:31)

• Giannis uses analogies (e.g., scrambled eggs, wife as metaphor for commitment) to explain: he can’t guarantee the future.

Giannis, Loyalty, and Strategic Outs (16:41–20:09)

• Russillo picks up on Giannis’s careful phrasing—a blend of loyalty, pragmatism, and “leaving outs.”

  “Was he leaving himself these outs if he changes his mind? Because that’s basically what he’s saying, while also then being mad that anyone’s speculating...” (17:02)

• Amick’s analysis: Giannis wants both loyalty and the right to change his mind later (“no shit...that’s reality”). The real test: what will happen when his extension is eligible?

• Notably: If Giannis declines to extend (eligible for 4/$270M on Oct 1), all the pressure shifts to the Bucks, who might be forced to contemplate trading him rather than risk him leaving for nothing.

• Amick’s read: No imminent deadline trade, but “Bucks fans shouldn’t rest easy” until the offseason.

Knicks, Extensions, and Realities of Star Power (24:47–26:28)

• Amick notes summer discussions about Giannis to the Knicks were tangible, not media invention; the Knicks were reportedly frustrated by last-minute conversations.

Anthony Davis, Ja Morant, and the Trade Market

Anthony Davis’ Future (26:32–32:08)

• Russillo and Amick discuss AD’s injury and trade buzz:

  “Right out the gate when the injury news happened...it destroys his market.” (27:05)

• The injury both confirms and deepens his “fragile” reputation—and Rich Paul’s camp was frustrated as AD was being actively shopped, especially to the Mavs.
• Amick: “Everybody in the East thinks they’re an AD away.” (30:34)

Market for Ball-Dominant Guards (Ja Morant, Trae Young) (32:08–35:09)

• Ja Morant’s trade value is low, even though he’s technically worth more than Trae Young. The Grizzlies’ front office had unrealistic expectations for a return—no team appears eager for a blockbuster. Miami is the likeliest suitor if a move happens.

Kings/Kaminga/Potential Additions (35:11–41:07)

• Discussion shifts to the Kings, their various targets (Kaminga, Monk, DeRozan, Levine), and practical realities for Golden State (who won’t move Draymond or Jimmy, so big moves seem unlikely).

Miami Heat and Summer Star Chasing (37:29–39:41)

• Amick: Miami’s always lurking, thinking big, and remains a logical destination for Giannis if the extension isn’t signed.

Rumor Mill—Michael Porter Jr. (41:07–43:45)

• MPJ’s value is “cleaner” than many other rumored names, but Amick suggests much of the Bucks' name-dropping is partly performative—to show Giannis they’re “active” at the deadline.

Notable Quotes

• On Tomlin’s impact:

  “Managing all of that bullshit and being the face of this for 20 years and getting this many people that have played for you to absolutely adore you... that should really matter.” (08:55, Russillo)

• On Giannis’s media tactics:

  “He did want to clear a few things up and at least be heard.” (15:16, Amick)

• On player power:

  “Stop saying you’re not in charge of this situation. You are the franchise centerpiece. You hold almost all of the cards.” (16:31, Amick recalling what he said to Giannis)

• Trade market reality:

  “Everybody in the East thinks they’re an AD away.” (30:34, Amick quoting an exec)

Extended Life Advice, Listener Mail, and Banter (45:02–93:15+)

Podcast Chemistry & Banter Highlights

• Mailbag features:

  • Humorous back-and-forth about injuries, being outpaced by young NBA players, and appreciating Jamal Murray’s “ridiculous” productivity without Jokic.
  • Advice to a New York City couple debating between moving to Westchester vs. Kingston, NY—deeply informed by Kyle’s Hudson Valley insights (“If you’re concerned about being, you know, the snooty...it’s probably not the place for you.” [57:19, Guest])
  • The value of small-town living, school quality, and vibes (“I’d always choose the Hudson Valley; I’m biased.” [57:00, Kyle])

• Am I a dick?:

  • Story: listener arranges a friend’s birthday dinner—at the absent friend’s favorite spot, sending him a taunting photo—only to be met with anger when the friend returns from Europe.
  • Group consensus: The host, guest, and Kyle agree the emailer is NOT a dick. Instead, they think the offended friend is being petulant.

    "I think Kyle nailed it. And even the email nailed it. I would think this is the coolest thing ever..." (68:05, Russillo)

  • Gentle ribbing: “I would have changed this guy's name in my phone to ‘Birthday Stalin.’” (68:49, Kyle)

• On parents, phone addiction, and retirement routines:

  • Listener describes dad “doomscrolling” YouTube with headphones, alienating the family, only leaving the house to drive Uber Eats.
  • Ceruti (Guest): “Purpose is a weird thing, right? Like, you have years...when your day’s not filled, you fall into these weird habits.” (77:22)
  • Advice: Find a technology-free activity to reconnect (e.g., golf, racquetball, book club with your father).

Other Memorable Moments

• Discussion of the importance of parents/kids reaching out as they age:
  Russillo advocates for routine check-ins and even a father-son book club as a subtle, meaningful way to keep connected.

• Listener who accidentally hit a stray cat:

  • Advice on what to bring the neighbor (edible arrangements debated, but ultimately, “think hearty—maybe a new shovel or firewood” prevails).

• Running podcast jokes

  • Frequent size/comp stats given by emailers (“Basketball comp: Boris Diaw”; 88:41), riffed by the hosts.
  • Ongoing affection for “edible arrangements,” small-town bulletin boards, and “Elks Club” membership as possible outlets for retired men.

Important Timestamps (approximate)

• Mike Tomlin segment: 02:16–11:21
• Sam Amick interview begins: 12:30
• Giannis/Bucks specifics: 13:25–21:13
• AD/Trade market: 26:34–32:08
• Ja Morant/Trey Young market: 32:08–35:09
• Golden State/Kings: 35:11–41:07
• Life Advice (Banters/Mailbag): 45:02–end

Tone & Style

Russillo’s tone is sharp, wry, and analytical—balancing earnest sports discussion with dry, self-aware humor. The roundtable chemistry is engaging, mixing real insight (esp. on coaching culture and NBA rumor mechanics) with bursts of group laughter and well-timed irreverence.

Summary Takeaways

• Mike Tomlin’s Steelers exit is a prime case study of NFL respect, leadership, and the limits of judging a head coach strictly by wins and losses.
• Giannis’s future continues to be the league’s quietest powder keg: his words calm the fans, but his calculated ambiguity keeps the Bucks accountable (and the Knicks, Heat, etc., lurking).
• Star player trades (AD, Ja, Trae, etc.) are more complicated than ever: health, contract timing, and diminished market value cloud previously straightforward blockbuster formulas.
• Listener 'Life Advice' brings levity and relatability via debates about suburbia, friendship etiquette, and surviving as a parent in the digital age.

Notable Quotes

• Russillo on Tomlin's legacy:

  “There’s just so much turnover in all this that for you to be able to manage all that stuff for like 20 years and…get this many people that have played for you to absolutely adore you…That should really matter.” (08:55)

• Amick on Giannis and NBA player agency:

  “He is a smart guy…even if in the back of his mind he’s got serious doubts about the future…he never has to ask for a trade out of Milwaukee. Then the pressure shifts to the Bucks…” (18:02)

• Ceruti (on parents’ post-retirement routines):

  "When your day's not filled, you can fall into these weird habits…It's a real test of how much willpower I have." (77:22)

For more: Check out Sam Amick’s recent NBA trade deadline reporting on The Athletic.