The Bill Simmons Podcast The Bill Simmons Podcast

NBA One Guy (the East!), a Man City Punishment Primer, and Tom Cruise’s Bomb With J. Kyle Mann, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Oct 6, 2026 · 2h 12m

Summary

The hosts discuss the Man City suspension saga, Tom Cruise, and the Cable Star Hall of Fame before diving into NBA preseason analysis. They debate the most exciting rookies, favoring Caleb Wilson and Karl-Anthony Towns, and preview key player movements like Paul George’s fit with the Celtics and Michael Porter Jr.’s potential trade value. The episode also features an "NBA One Guy" segment where they identify pivotal swing players for teams including the Bulls, Hawks, Nets, Hornets, Cavaliers, and Pacers.

Topics discussed

Sponsorships and podcast preview Memphis Grizzlies: Excitement for Ja Morant and Karl-Anthony Towns Memphis Grizzlies: Defense and athletic duo Oklahoma City Thunder: Lou Dort's departure and role players Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's stats and durability Boston Celtics: Paul George's legacy and trade analysis Boston Celtics: Depth and ball movement with new pieces NBA player anecdotes and Michael Porter Jr. free agency Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball's absence and team strategy Cleveland Cavaliers: De'Andre Hunter's fit and shooting Detroit Pistons: Jalen Duren's contract and development Oklahoma City Thunder: Isaiah Joe and Miles Turner's impact Miami Heat: Andrew Wiggins' role and team outlook Miami Heat: Giannis Antetokounmpo's health and offense New York Knicks: Karl-Anthony Towns' high-post passing Orlando Magic: Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs' potential Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis' future and stats San Antonio Spurs: Foundation and contract concerns NFL coaches: Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay comparison TV Hall of Fame: Actors from prestige dramas Movie review: Digger and Tom Cruise's career Manchester City: Financial charges and potential penalties Closing sponsorships and sign-off
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