Bill Simmons’s 2023 NBA Expansion Draft | The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and Ryen Russillo have an NBA expansion team draft for two new franchises after determining some of the players current teams would protect.
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[@chriswoodward2046]

This is some real NBA sicko stuff. We're here debating between Max Christie and Miles McBride. Incredible.

[@jimmynotnice9190]

😭😭😭

[@dwaynekeenum1916]

It’s Christie btw

[@Yo_LBC13]

😂😂🤣🤣all here for it

[@Henry-kv7zl]

😅😅​@@dwaynekeenum1916

[@maxdubs222]

It’s miles McBride now

[@delaneylonergan7504]

This is incredible. A completely fictitious 23’-24’ expansion draft with real debate and consideration. These guys truly live and breath the NBA

[@fortynights1513]

Bill Simmons’ draft videos are interesting

[@michaelturley3457]

First time I’ve found bill and Ryen content boring wtf were they thinking lol

[@mitchellbowser6764]

This is sicko shit. I love it

[@UncleJrueForTue]

Bill gotta rein in this addiction someday. He'll run out of things to draft eventually.

[@javi3947]

I hope not, genuinely love them 😂

[@loooooop-2]

Never😈

[@benjohannes7873]

But today is not that day and tomorrow's not looking great either

[@Thatfantasyfootballchick]

He will draft his favorite past podcast draft episodes if he has to

[@damion1011]

Bill is like a middle school boy who loves the nba and has their own podcast to express their crazy daily thoughts and what ifs.

[@lenflakisinski6260]

You know, I really don't mind Bill doing so many drafts. The draft is a fine setup to talk hoops and go into detail on specific players. Its not often on other shows you have people go into depth on the 7th or 8th man on the roster

[@kalebduggar4251]

Absolutely I haven't watch Basketball Talk in nearly 2 mths.

[@benoitwaffle5439]

The format they used made it more difficult to follow. If they went through each team figuring every team would lose one guy from the back half of their roster to the two expansion teams, it would have flowed better.

[@seanknapp1]

nobody does it like bill. he coulda named these the rewatchables too cuz i gotta rewatch the drafts every few months

[@p.johnson1]

42:24 may be some of the best content I've seen in awhile. R: "Give me Josh Minott" B: "Who?" R: "Josh Minott.......... you ok?" B: "...........I dunno who that is." Bill does such a great dumbfounded look, as we all came to find out this past year.

[@willwatkins9693]

R: "You didn't see him in the summer league last year? B: "No" LOL

[@p.johnson1]

2nd place in content from this podcast? 46:04

[@spikesrd]

I posted this same thing, then deleted when I saw you already posted it. 1000% agree that this was pure comedy.

[@scandelez]

I also had no idea who tf that was lol

[@eazyscottie]

This how I know I’m getting old as a 30 year old lol. Idk who any of these young hoopers are. You gotta be serviceable for at least 2 years in the league before I start remembering your name.

[@Blunderbanana]

The Ben Simmons pick made me spit my beer out 😂 great moment

[@JDRusse11]

I knew that pick was coming 😂

[@dreamcage1801]

No Ben Simmons on my team

[@mzou89]

For a second in honestly thought he was drafting his son

[@MF-fd2ug]

russilo physically recoiling is great

[@Yo_LBC13]

Simmons would do wonder to build the stadium with all them bricks lol

[@MikeWazowskisBurner]

No matter what Vegas ends up calling their NBA team, in my heart they will always be the Regrets 😂 Thank you Ryen for that gem

[@juiceman8108]

No regerts

[@OneWeekGetAway]

There is no world where the Knicks leave Grimes unprotected.

[@Dnero518]

Seriously, half the team should go before Grimes. it would easily be McBride though in that scenario even though I love his defense. Grimes should be a starter guaranteed, we need to keep him, really think he can be an elite two way player.

[@telemachusr9598]

I usually don't dislike Bill's takes, but Grimes being left unprotected is just delusional.

[@OneWeekGetAway]

@@Dnero518 more than half. I think he's my next keeper after Brunson, with Quickly next.

[@caseypeanuts3222]

Grimes might be the second guy I’d protect after Brunson, he’s still severely underrated by most people

[@maxdubs222]

@@Dnero518yeah I can see them not protecting McBride and Fournier. Sims probably too.

[@johndixon1725]

Russilo going from "I know what it is" to most shocked he maybe has ever been in his life.

[@loganblumenberg]

seeng Ryen react like he did with the Ben Simmons pick is SOO funny

[@OctagonObserver]

There is zero, ZERO chance the Knicks give up Grimes, who is their starting shooting guard, best 3 and D, all while on a rookie contract.

[@Dnero518]

Definitely, it was obvious they valued Grimes more than most of the roster even before last season. Seemed like he was even more valuable than RJ to the front office and I think their right. His defense, hustle, unselfishness, athleticism, quickness, shooting. I hope Grimes gets much more aggressive on offense too this season. He showed flashes of being able to put it on the floor, drive and finish, if he can put his slashing together with continuing to shoot the 3 better he can be the perfect two way player. Really think he can be an all star. Also when he got hurt on a play going against Jimmy Butler in the playoffs and somehow stole the ball from him on a huge play after he got up limping badly that was incredible. Showed serious heart and grit.

[@thebigknicka-boka4409]

Agreed. Knicks keep Grimes and expose sims and mcbride

[@seansisson7981]

Isn’t that exactly why the Knicks would give him up? (See the last 25 years)

[@thebigknicka-boka4409]

@@seansisson7981 dont be stupid look at the last 3 yrs

[@Shortballa11]

Right i thought i was going crazy when they said it

[@ajgreene5677]

“He almost wanted it to be ‘Kenrick’” “I don’t think anybody does” 😂

[@andrewtaylor8433]

Bill "I don't know who that is" 😂

[@rip93ford]

Coaches should be apart of this expansion draft too. Every team protects their head coach and top assistant, everyone else on the coaching staff is available. Would like to see who bill and ryen pick

[@bookaufman9643]

I think there's no chance that Golden State would leave Payton available. They realized last year that they'd made a mistake in letting him go and because of that they ditched James Wiseman just to get him back. I think it would be Moses Moody on the chopping block.

[@darian11t]

i think it would be paul

[@seanknapp1]

@@darian11t paul would be taken instantly

[@russellst.martin4255]

If I didn't know any better I'd swear Ryen actually thinks he has to negotiate a future trade for a 2nd rounder in real life now

[@nicholaschristodoulou3821]

Too funny😂

[@carlanderton3rd]

I've learned more about the NBA from Bill Simmons than anyone.

[@johngist3761]

The "Vegas Regrets" 😅😅😅

[@liluzibourne7157]

Am I the only person who died out laughing when he said vegas regrets 😂😂😂😂😂

[@MikeWazowskisBurner]

Same! Incredible joke 😂

[@ineedsaltplease620]

It should be the Regret like the Heat

[@gracej4306]

I was told this was one of the best episodes ever.... it has not disappointed

[@benoitwaffle5439]

Bill Simmons drafting Sam Hauser, Kevin Love, and Ben Simmons is very on brand.

[@scottflanary7652]

You should review the last few expansion drafts and do a deep dive on why plays were picked and left unprotected.

[@Nolia12]

love this idea

[@jugo1944]

How is a new team supposed to be remotely competitive if each team can protect their 8 best players. It means the new teams are starting 9-12s

[@mitchellty]

Start of the Draft 24:30

[@parshva.]

thank you

[@TomDanz]

19:03 Knicks protect Grimes in a heartbeat over Hartenstein. Hartenstein is on an expiring contract and Grimes is one of the most important defenders on the roster.

[@charlesubah5430]

100%. I couldn’t believe they said Hartenstein over him. Grimes is legit one of the best 3&D guys in the league with potential to be much more.

[@martyc1960]

this didn't age well.

[@slurmsmackenzie5729]

To these guys, watching basketball is "practice" and the off-season is "the game"

[@replicantona]

The action is the juice.

[@Bradleytosh]

I love this comment. I'm the same way

[@jmilkie44]

This is amazing. One of the best nba podcasts I’ve watched in a WHILE. Not at all kidding.

[@joedirenzo4002]

You’re smoking DMT, PCP and LSD if you think the Knicks would not protect Grimes in an expansion draft. That is ludicrous. Love the pod though great idea and a fun watch.

[@michaelmoore9518]

Hey dmt is the vibes lol. You would be more enlightening lol. But I agree they would keep grimes

[@martyc1960]

ummmmm. current thoughts?

[@LoreSports]

This aged like milk

[@NotoriousLANK]

Kevin O’Connor really likes the Sonics now

[@kalebduggar4251]

How many years does CP have on his deal? If I am their GM I am giving him a call something like, "Are you ok with being our closer 6th man? If not you're going to an expansion team. Which honestly I think would be really great for him. Personally I really want to see him go to SA.

[@ImElectro]

I’m just waiting on bill to draft the most fun drafts he’s done

[@01BarryBonds]

Russillo shitting on the Knicks all year then tries to draft our whole bench is typical 😂

[@75aces97]

People vote with their draft wishes 😁

[@g.holland4862]

Best moments for was the Ben Simmons pick, and Bill saying “you just drafted a guy that I’ve literally never heard of, and I follow basketball for a living” in response to the Vegas Regrets last pick 😂😂😂

[@Esposo77]

Vegas regrets would be so good for marketing lol

[@davidburke2453]

The Raptors would obviously keep Gary Trent Jr. protected. He is only 24 years old and one of the only 3pt shooters on the roster. Siakam/Barnes/Anunoby/Trent Jr./Poeltl/Achiuwa/McDaniels/Koloko. They also took two players on the Raptors in their draft in McDaniels & Koloko.

[@tylerhatch8962]

Bruh had me rolling at "Thadgic Johnson" 😂😂

[@Yoda35421]

Protect Grimes at all costs.

[@Nolia12]

Gary Payton Jr. getting a chance to play in Seattle is an unfortunate miss. Great video. Loved this draft idea!

[@stevealavi]

And Simmons had the audacity to follow his Alvarado pick with the comment, "Seattle fans will love alvarado." Nah dude, Seattle will LOVE GP2

[@eboooo]

Seattle needs a team this market is tremendous

[@lilpenny1982]

Seattle, Las Vegas, Vancouver and Mexico City needs an NBA team

[@lilpenny1982]

Michael Jordan getting that Las Vegas team for sure.

[@lilpenny1982]

LBJ getting that Seattle team when he retires.

[@julianbell9161]

@@lilpenny1982LBJ is getting Vegas. I think Jordan is done being a owner after failing for 20 years in Charlotte. I think he’s just tired of it.

[@ccselmo9363]

@@lilpenny1982please no

[@shotdoctor5869]

We need a draft of Bill Simmons drafts.

[@bookaufman9643]

You should definitely make Ben Simmons the face of your franchise because he responds really well to pressure. He's the perfect guy for you to put the entire destiny of your franchise on his shoulders. LOL 😅

[@MrOctober44]

Yes, lots of pressure when no one is expecting anything out of you or your team.🙄

[@KTF0]

Expectations to tank for the #1 pick

[@eliwarrix6677]

the silence from” i feel like i could throw him out there” is some of the funniest shit i’ve ever seen, and then bill cracking up at it

[@NoName-us3nb]

Should’ve done 7 guys protected. 8 was for when there was only one expansion team.

[@googs771]

Pretty sure it was 8 in 1995, 1989 and 1988

[@untexan]

And back then it was 8 out of 12, not 8 out of 15

[@NoName-us3nb]

Damn not much talent past 8 but I guess that’s the point

[@sadtwolvesfan]

Honestly this was the best podcast episode I've ever heard, left me speechless

[@corydanielson7369]

The Kenrich stuff at 27:30 killed me

[@joeyhanan4482]

I think Rubio said he was sitting out, didn't he?

[@davidmork8000]

He did. I don’t know if it’s just for FIBA World Cup or the whole season, but he said he needed to step away to focus on mental health

[@SchulzEricT]

I can't get over how badly Bill mangles the very very simple name of "Monk". It's like if he said "Smath" instead of "Smith", or "Moller" instead of "Miller".

[@Jonteponte71]

He's got dyslexia but only for names. Or he does it for the LOL's. It's fun nevertheless.

[@amcoolio]

Shows how much things change in 10 months.... Hartenstein, Joe, Jalen Johnson really helped their stock in one season

[@GKA11111]

Yeah that’s actually exactly how sports works

[@turneryoung905]

Cooper Flagg in the 2026 Draft couldn’t be a better fit for Seattle to regain and rebuild their entire franchise around from the ground up, in the midst of Portland driving the PNW basketball market with an exciting burgeoning GSW dynasty 2.0 with Shaedon-Scoot leading a talented 23U crew. I wish Portland could somehow put a Flagg who grows to 6’9/6’10 around Shaedon/Scoot, but Maine to Seattle Superstar is awesome.

[@dreamcage1801]

If Cooper Flagg does get drafted by Seattle he could be the their Schrmphf

[@turneryoung905]

@@dreamcage1801 combined with Rashard Lewis

[@dreamcage1801]

@@turneryoung905than who’s the next Reign man and the glove?

[@dreamcage1801]

@@davidmcTurd want it to be like the old days you know lol

[@Ellisdurell]

Orlando Magic is screaming for anyone to take Jonathan Isaac 😂😂😂

[@AceManning18]

I know, god forbid a guy stand up for what he believes in. When that was your entire argument for kneeling and somebody doesnt do it then it's a problem 😂😂😂 y'all are clowns. He loves god and America. What a terrible human.

[@joeshanahan2919]

Tbh NBA 2K My Career storyline needs to be you were drafted and then drafted to an expansion team and you have to make your own legacy with that new franchise

[@jmcook96]

im pretty sure Detroit had to pick between either Mahorn or Salley, if im not mistaken

[@artvandelay2717]

There is no way the Knicks would protect Hartenstein over Grimes.

[@martyc1960]

yo! how you feel about this post now?

[@johndebono1870]

As a Toronto fan, there is no way Flynn or Boucher are protected over Trent Jr. or McDaniels.

[@conorpesicka47]

Simmons looking precognizant giving the timberpups their flowers before this season.

[@brandancarroll6936]

I love the concept of drafts I’m a real nba junky so this was really entertaining

[@mbabaneamputee7725]

I actually love the Thanasis pick

[@benoitwaffle5439]

You can tell they regretted the concept of the podcast after a few picks.

[@lachlanpeacock3946]

Bless my youtube reccomended for leading me here. Great stuff guys 🏀🔥

[@WheresWaldo05]

Tre Mann requested a trade. He would be exposed. He doesn't get any run anyways. They traded multiple 1sts for Dieng. Easy protect on him.

[@isaacnorman6686]

Russillo is a gem in this pod!

[@robertbaker782]

Really? I think he's a complete moron and not only that, every time Bill Simmons wants to move on this mook interrupts to keep discussing the last team. Read the host.

[@mca217]

I want a Vegas Regrets shirt!

[@MattD24]

Incredible content! Loved this shit. Simmons needs better headphones though. Are those from his college walkman?

[@afal381]

I like the Vegas Regrets as a team name, fits a bad basketball team and the city perfectly

[@Jonteponte71]

Or the Vegas Rugrats. Either way :)

[@KTF0]

Especially as an expansion team name with the first couple of years of stinking.

[@djacks247]

I fell asleep and woke up to the most complicated Simmons draft ever lol

[@SacredSilversexual]

Y;all should share the spreadsheets for this, hard to follow without visuals

[@ccselmo9363]

Jalen McDaniels is from Seattle 😊 well, Federal Way. But it’s right by Seattle

[@Raider2Pac]

GS would never expose Thompson, that was a silly discussion

[@johnconnor3860]

Someone should add these teams into 2k to see how the season would go

[@magicofshootingstar5825]

Ricky Rubio pick is interesting since he just announced that he put professional basketball aside to focus on mental health. I don't know if it's just for summer or it will carry on the season but wouldn't be my first pick anyway 🤔😃

[@mattromo]

They need a producer to organize/focus these two. Though it was funny how angry Ryen gets when he keeps forgetting Bill picked a guy from a team he wanted to grab someone from. Those that didnt stop him from takins a second Raptors player (McDaniels taken by Bill and then he took Koloko).

[@MattD24]

Absolutely not! Focused is boring. Chaos is a better listen.

[@brandonmoskos9149]

Ben Simmons would probably love if he got drafted by the Regrets. Lmao. He would be perfect for Vegas.

[@PapaGeorgio97]

This is real content

[@PeeDee69]

Bill must be coming off a bender!!! Why would an expansion team not take Klay? Even if there was some backroom deal opportunity where GS offers you a future pick...you could just trade Klay to a team from for way more at the deadline. Don't take the brown acid, bill!

[@revan3841]

I am positive about one thing - Simmons will play well in his contract year.

[@Biz613]

The next expansion draft needs to be televised live

[@aro3275]

It needs to be done every year until it happens. At the time before it would actually be held.

[@mattwilliams7454]

I think that if these new franchises are paying that much, they will want some better conditions. It may get lessened to 7 keepers or something. Or possibly there is increased draft capital for the first couple years. The NHL changed expansion draft rules and it's really benefitted Las Vegas and Seattle. They're competitive right away

[@michaelahurt]

And there are 30 existing owners who absolutely don't want that and they have ALL the leverage here You're more likely to see 9 protected than 7

[@mattwilliams7454]

@@michaelahurt they're taking a huge lump sum payment from the new franchises. They each scratch each other's backs

[@michaelahurt]

@@mattwilliams7454 Like they did for Minnesota (10) & Orlando (11), Charlotte (8) & Miami (9), Vancouver (6) &Toronto (7) or the Bobcats (4)? You don't become a billionaire by sharing well with others.

[@mattwilliams7454]

@@michaelahurt it's a new era. Revenue goes up for everyone if teams cultivate a loyal fanbase. Leagues have learned from these past mistakes

[@75aces97]

If anything the NHL point works against expansion buyers. Keep in mind several NBA owners also own NHL teams. The 30 NBA owners aren't in the business of helping prospective new buyers benefit. They'd get a one time expansion fee windfall, but they'd also have to split any new league wide contracts 32 ways instead of 30. Mark Cuban has already expressed not being in favor of expansion. Most owners probably agree, but just haven't said so publicly. What's your argument for why current owners should want to expand, let alone limit protections to 7 players?

[@kingsun2112]

Knicks would 1000% protect Grimes over Hartenstein

[@Dnero518]

Yeah losing Hartenstein would hurt though. Feel like he's the perfect backup center and if Thibs or whatever coach could really utilize his passing skill and vision and give him the ball at the elbows a lot more running action around him it would be huge. Should be used like Draymond or Bam with his passing to add a nice wrinkle to the offense. Seemed like they started to figure it out at the end of the season when Mitch was getting hurt.

[@WheresWaldo05]

Hartenstein is the clear cut better player right now. Casuals will disagree though.

[@martyc1960]

@@Dnero518 this post is spot on. could take before the hype.

[@rubeniniguez9784]

No lie, would be much better with a bit of graphics and videos or pictures. I know that's copyright but you guys can afford it for the views. Thanks guys. I love the authentic basketball point of view. Keep it up

[@Bradleytosh]

Thank you for not talking about the Damian Lillard situation

[@LiamborninDC]

Taking Johnny Davis in an expansion draft would turn him into the next Muggsy Bogues.

[@franklinvibes7701]

Very informative!! Thank you!

[@cajxii1]

back end of this draft sounded like a key and peele skit

[@kuljitt5254]

Bill not knowing who Josh Minot is is hilarious 😂

[@Starxnd]

This is why I love mynba drafts

[@MLNYD]

I had to check if something was wrong with the phone. Think you forgot the audio files when you exported

[@nickeddy1823]

I really look forward to a day that the detroit pistons is a conversation and not just well I don't care team

[@js8281]

43:48 Bill called the Minnesota-Denver matchup wow

[@denigster]

never been a fan of drafts but for some reason they are all awesome - russilo getting really pissed because bill picks the wrong players and bill getting close to a heart attack because he doesnt know the player are some highlights - the teams are so bad that i m now really dont know if a expansion is a good idea

[@jonnyharding3646]

Bill's reason for leaving Klay exposed actually makes a lot of sense

[@nicholaspu]

BILLY BOOYYYYYYY IS BACK!

[@AthletesLoungePodcast]

Amazing video

[@stillwiththe3037]

Could’ve given each a pick in the ‘23 draft like the teams would’ve had, probably #5 and #6

[@nczyoung1]

As a basketball nerd, i love this video

[@brandonmoskos9149]

Killian Hayes was cut and never found another job. Lmao

[@deadarmd]

Bill played this like hes only playing RR in a 1v1 fantasy league

[@nbarealtalker]

Bill would have a draft for cracks on the sidewalk if he could.

[@ccselmo9363]

KPJ hate is crazy. He’s legitimately one of the most talented players in the league

[@Ellisdurell]

Agreed but his head isn’t in the right place is what these teams say.

[@ccselmo9363]

@@Ellisdurell I would agree. He’s had off the court issues since high school. If he matures with age he’ll be a real problem

[@Shortballa11]

Hes barely one of the most talented guys on his own roster

[@ccselmo9363]

@@Shortballa11 obviously you don’t know what you’re talking about 😂 go do your film study squirt

[@northernassassin6056]

You took two Raptors. McDaniels and Koloko.

[@jimmynotnice9190]

Tillman pick and pop offense is insane 😭😭

[@ernestoortiz3108]

22:55 bill almost shit his pants lol

[@jhank0cean]

Knicks would protect Grimes. They value Quentin really highly, probably higher than they value Immanuel Quickley. *Certainly wouldn't keep Hartenstein or Sims over Grimes.

[@martyc1960]

man YT got the receipts on this bad take.