LaMelo’s Leap and the Surprisingly Good NBA Rookie Class | The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss LaMelo Ball’s surprising start to the season and why they were wrong about him coming into the draft. They also talk about why the 2020-21 rookie class is better than they expected it to be.
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[@Dc9127-d9d]

“ I told you so” - Lavar Ball

[@makecodgreatagain6049]

Seriously bro😂😂 i mean honestly tho what a father man spoke it into existence & his kids really back all that hype - LiAngelo hopefully can get there too feel bad for that guy

[@szninc7315]

Neva Lost

[@smilezthepoet778]

The hat at the lamelo’s draft tho is the ultimate fuck you to all the haters

[@isaiahhollingsworth372]

The Patrick Williams disrespect is real

[@xXSprMgaAwsmFxyHtXx]

They said they liked him tho I thought, maybe it was in the full pod

[@JayyBanks]

People want LaMelo to have the efficiency of Kevin Durant at 19..

[@petermadash4488]

For real. They don't want him to go through the process of learning until he perfects his skills as KD did.

[@TheIcemanthomas]

@@petermadash4488 idk what process you watched. But kd averaged 20 his first season and was a scoring champion within the next few years. Melo is nowhere near that process. No one is. Lol. Melo got his own lower tier process.

[@Watchingvideoslikeu]

I 100 percent agree with @CPdagoat

[@petermadash4488]

@@TheIcemanthomas You totally took my comment out of context. I'm just using the process of learning as an example of what he needs to do to get to that level. I didn't say Melo is at KD's level as a rookie. KD was a scorer and was drafted to a team where he was a starter immediately and shouldered a lot of responsibility scoring-wise. Having said that, Melo has shown before that he can score the basketball if he put his mind to it and can also average 20ppg if he so chooses. He has made a conscious decision to be an around player rather than just be a scorer. If you're objective though, Melo is impacting winning on his team better than KD did as a rookie. Don't just pull scoring averages, what about his rebounds, assists, steals, FG, three-point percentages etc.? LaMelo is better in those other categories than KD ever was as a rookie. So, he is trending in the right direction. You make it sound like KD was MJ as a rookie when he was not. What he had was bucketloads of potential just as LaMelo Ball is right now.

[@Joseph-zh7fm]

no they don't . stop making up stuff

[@petermadash4488]

This draft class in total is not as bad as many so-called "experts" in the media were saying it was. It is actually better than even I anticipated it was going to be.

[@seanreodica4976]

I think the “experts” believed that there isn’t much superstar talent in the draft. They did believe that this class was deep with role players and guys who could contribute right away.

[@petermadash4488]

@@seanreodica4976 Well then, how many draft classes have had several "superstars" other than the 1984, 1996 and 2003 draft classes? Not many. A draft in my opinion is good if it has several all stars in it and I believe Melo, Edwards, Halliburton, Wiseman, Avdejia Okoro, Okongwu will be all stars. LaMelo Ball has all time great potential. That would not be bad now would it?

[@petermadash4488]

Russillo - just admit you were hating, dude. I and many who followed Melo since he was in high school have been preaching this gospel after his stint in Australia... he will be better in the NBA with better teammates. Anybody who watched him in Australia with an objective mind could tell that his teammates sucked and missed too many layups which could have boosted his assist numbers and gotten them more wins. With better teammates, his assists are still going to go up significantly. But, it's good though. At least you guys had this podcast where you both admit you were wrong. I admire that.

[@DrDetfink]

Kevin O'Connor's draft prediction, Killian Hayes as the next James Harden, hasn't aged well so far.

[@arshaddahlan]

It has been only 11 games and he's missed the last couple with a hip injury

[@dumbthings7800]

@@arshaddahlan he’s out for the season

[@arshaddahlan]

@@dumbthings7800 yup, but it's not like that was necessarily in his control. You can't blame KOC for not predicting he'd miss the rest of the season

[@rjchi7317]

Literally his reason was bc he a lefty and has a step back...his game resembles nothing like james harden lol

[@brysonwade7701]

next dante exum?

[@AshTan6]

Remember when people said this draft class was sub-par

[@silewis9396]

I do hate it when people definitively state that. I think comes down to the lack of "generational talent" though. A lot of the lottery picks weren't even starters straight away.

[@OOTD_]

They were judged unfairly because of Covid 19 canceling March Madness.

[@TheeDevinMartin]

The reason Bill didn’t like LaMelo is cuz he never saw him play. Bill, like most people until they see Melo(Spire-present) still think of the little kid with the blonde fro who “cherry picked” and scored 92. LaMelo, the current edition does everything Simmons likes in a player(even plays better defense than Simmons gives him credit for). Rebounds, great passer,gets everyone involved and it’s infectious. As he gets stronger he will finish better at the rim, is already ambidextrous at the Kyrie level on layups and floaters. LaMelo can shoot too he will have 5-6 3s in a game soon but he is prone to those dud nights.. he’s streaky. But LaMelo will be great, multiple all stars in his future.

[@jasonruby3311]

I think the level of disrespect which is placed on a horribly used Deni Avdija simply isn’t fair. That guy has so much talent, great creativity, genuinely two way, and such polished BBall IQ. The Wizards need gone of Scott Brooks and everyone will see what he can actually do.

[@silewis9396]

Its clear to see Deni is very good if you watch the games. I don't think these guys watched enough though. I dont think it's just the coach that has him in such a bad situation.

[@Marshall56781]

He did what he wanted because he owned the team 😂

[@brandongordon2392]

I think we nickel and dimed this Rookie class... LaMelo, Williams, Wiseman, Haliburton, Edwards, Maxey, Pritchard, Achiuwa & Bey... This class is going to be remembered as a class with so much adversity against them due to the pandemic and due to the media thinking this class isn't that good... we may remember this class as a great one if this keeps up

[@houseofm561]

On point on Edwards (potentially) being good in the early 90s. Many do see some Isiah Rider in him, myself included.

[@burny890]

That's because the Celtics weren't utilizing hayward correctly at all Bill it was strikingly obvious after seeing how they let him create in Utah. They pretty much just said hey Gordo go stand over there on the wing and maybe you'll get some catch and shoot opportunities. He needed the ball in his hands off the pick and roll so much more. I honestly think he is more valuable than Jaylen Brown too he is way too streaky still.

[@M0ebius]

The problem is there aren’t enough touches to spread around that squad between Kemba, Tatum, and Brown. And coming off of injury I don’t think Hayward played nearly well enough to warrant retooling the settled roles, and sometimes it just looked like he was losing his confidence. That said the Hayward we see now is much closer to the All-Star caliber player that he was supposed to be when the Celtics first got him.

[@coolvibesonly2914]

He can shoot he’s adjusting his shot game by game

[@kroy079]

The most underrated part of melo’s game, is his team first mentality. This aspect was overshadowed during his development by babe Ruth esqe half court heaves etc. however he made winning basketball plays his whole amateur career. He’s got a little rondo in his game, where he’ll go 10+ rebs., 10 ast., and like 8 points. It makes offense so easy, when your best playmaker gets the rebound.

[@Marshall56781]

The class was always good. Y’all just got tired of talking about them for all those months

[@casualfandestroyer2503]

I remember Simmons said melo has a Michael Carter Williams type ceiling

[@uukee3967]

It made me so mad when people were saying this wasnt a good draft class

[@Yeoitsski]

Saying james borego is a terrific coach is the biggest reach rusillo has ever said

[@MikeyMikeShabadoo]

I wish all of Bill's podcasts featured Ryen

[@Jbcomedystl]

Just admit both of you didn’t know what you were talking about. Levar was right all along, all of them told you melo lamelo Was the better one

[@hawksprizepicks6570]

Toronto got a good point guard in Flynn! If he picks up Kyle and Fred’s game he can become pretty good!

[@addictedtoyoutubecomments5950]

This class is top notch

[@johnappleseed203]

Edwards is the shit, you can tell Simmons hasn't watched the Wolves (I don't blame him)

[@reputablehype]

Ryen absolutely did say the NBL was garbage

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

Predictable. Corona not only kept scouts from getting a good look at players. It interrupted the yearly hype storm we get around draft time.

[@ragingoracle6239]

No Pressure for the rookies yet.. wait til fans get in the building, then you 'll see.. This season is like AAU fir these guys right now..

[@astrahl]

The class was underrated as hell

[@burnzyburnswild]

I most definitely see Halliburton becoming the best player from this class. He’s efficient as hell...already. Sacramento could win this draft.

[@w025jds]

He can't shoot.. but his shooting percentage is good? You guys are just culturally clueless.. he can shoot if you watch him

[@coolvibesonly2914]

Patrick Williams has been impressive

[@obnoxiouslakerfan]

I keep double checking that this was actually posted today... did they not see tyrese maxey and precious’ recent games? Are they not seeing how lamelo has been his teams mvp on a 4 game win streak? Why is immanuel quickley even mentioned??

[@tjlevey378]

You guys better make a video on the Sebastian Telfair theory.

[@magillagorillagrapeape6139]

Bill, you're a jacker! Defend the Temple, Ryen!

[@BubbaMcCheese]

I think LaMelo is going to be a borderline all-star...best case he becomes Jason Kidd, worst case Ricky Rubio.

[@petermadash4488]

Respectfully disagree. The first ingredient of being an all-time great is work ethic, and LaMelo has it in spades. He genuinely loves the game and plays it for love not because of the money. From all accounts, he spends most of his time in the gym working on his game. The second ingredient is a lack of fear. He approaches the game differently to a lot of his peers as can be gleaned from his comments. Every time he is asked about the occasion, he always responds that it is only basketball. That is a great way to approach it. MJ was like that in that he never cared if he missed a shot. He was always ready to take the next one and did not think about the consequences. I personally have him pegged as a Hall of Famer.

[@alexiii2k954]

Jason kidd peak?? His ceiling is much higher imo

[@alexiii2k954]

@SuperPunch76 one of the best ever talent wise is very debatable

[@alexiii2k954]

@@aaronfc02 lamelo better by eye test already idc

[@jeremym7587]

Edwards is still a top 4 pick based on what we know now. Should the wolves have selected Wiseman with KAT?

[@4us2grow]

man.. the rush to judgement is ridiculous.. how many games have we played?.. let's reschedule this podcast for all-star break.. ok?.. ok. good talk.

[@thecaveat4739]

Every body compared lonzo to Jason Kidd I think lamelo is more like it

[@MrMburciaga]

Love the Pritchard trolling by Russillo

[@realsinceday1632]

Bill said he doesn’t kno if Melo will ever be able to shoot he’s shooting 35% from 3 which if I’m not mistaken is damn near league avg so AS A ROOKIE he’s an average shooter that will only improve chill with that narrative

[@markice4163]

They are definitely Haters!! Especially Ryen Russillo.

[@traevonhennessy2813]

I'll always listen to these guys they talk about good stuff, but at times you can really tell they haven't played the game at all.

[@natew.7951]

Maxey is higher up for me

[@CjBlk]

Nobody will admit that they have mixed feelings about lamelo bc of his dad

[@jmar3160]

So u dont bash Luka for lookin horrible during the beginning of the year while Trae was amazing , but bashing Trae now that hes having a slump. Smh. We all have to realize EVERYONE who covers sports on a big platform are Bias and want their predictions to be right like somehow it counts as them knowing what they're talking about. They can't even admit fully they were wrong about Melo so far. Oh and to say a player will he a bust because of a fuckin zoom interview is the most ridiculous shit I've ever heard

[@miluliemlv1486]

It looks like Bill has stolen all of Ryen's posters from his room.

[@nicholaschristodoulou3821]

Lol😂

[@PJTorres]

LMAO!

[@nounks6020]

Ryens a bachelor. No time to hang stuff on the walls 😂

[@beatinbuzzers]

Thats fuckin great! Well done sir...

[@ntnnot]

Ryen, live from jail

[@toogifted6491]

The thing most impressive about Lamelo to me is when you watch him play how fucking easy the game is to him. I understand most guys who get the nba level have played there whole lives but this guy makes basketball look like a walk in the park no pressure at all

[@DJM3KS]

Never seen a 19yo rookie so relaxed and unphased playing against nba stars. Literally just come in and running the team like a vet. It's crazy

[@dylanpinatelli4969]

Luka lol

[@toogifted6491]

@@dylanpinatelli4969 he played professionally for years too though

[@pat_n_black7563]

@@dylanpinatelli4969 that’s an entirely different level. Luka is a top 3 player in the league. This kid is a rookie with a lot of promise. As a boy dad I’m glad his father didn’t ruin him. I saw so many people praying on this kids downfall just because they didn’t like his family. Hope he realizes he made it to the league off his own hard work and talent and not his dads antics

[@rossjn9885]

Topic of this 2020 NBA Draft: “Not sure what he is yet, but he’s clearly something.”

[@ShalomBeats1026]

Melo is a pure hooper. He passes all the eye tests. No light is too bright for him. Love his game

[@petermadash4488]

Exactly. As Borrego has said already... nothing fazes him. That's the sign of a potentially great player.

[@williamscarcia7903]

Ya Carmelo is great!

[@ShalomBeats1026]

@@williamscarcia7903 hilarious joke. This one really landed.

[@bluerabbitjeevs]

He didn't tank the interviews! The whole interview process is stupid and if you see the kid talk, he doesn't like talking about himself at all. Whoever leaked those reports dont know basic human psychology

[@228mjl]

Wasn't a Charlotte newspaper that leaked it? Makes you wonder if they were just trying to turn off other organizations from going after him. (or maybe I'm remembering it wrong)

[@petermadash4488]

@@brianbadonde9251 LOL, LaVar said it already that Melo is a California kid and wouldn't like living in cold Minnesota.

[@obnoxiouslakerfan]

These guys are dingos. KZbin comments knew this draft had a lot of talent, and they’re still sleeping on lamelo a bit

[@csy2068]

Yeah this draft is super deep

[@Stephen246666]

"youtube comments knew"

[@petermadash4488]

@@Stephen246666 Yes, we did. Only the "experts" got it wrong.

[@alexescutia4805]

KZbin comments said the draft had depth but the top players weren’t great

[@BrazilianBeast45]

lmao bill you asking where hayward was in boston he was behind 3 other dudes in the rotation that’s where he was

[@25AInMR25]

My god yes. And he still had some amazing impact in some games staying in the flow of the offense ...

[@bluerabbitjeevs]

Russillo your analysis is completely off and I dont think you watch a single game of LaMelo in the NBL. His teammates loved him in Australia, LaMelo was not meant to be the starting guy until Illawara's actual starting point guard (Aaron Brooks) got injured for the season. And since the Hawks were abmismal and had other issues going, they empowered him to play his game, and he pulled off some fkn impressive wins. You probably just looked at the stats and came to a generic conclusion like the rest of the hating population, that LaMelo was gonna become his brother again. Poor journalism

[@turk3sh]

The Aaron Brooks? Damn, I had high hopes for him

[@petermadash4488]

Very well put, my brother. You can tell when somebody's basing their analysis on stats having not watched the games. Russillo is that cat. He only watched highlights and panned through stats and then came to this shortsighted conclusion. I admire somebody like a Zac Lowe, who you can tell, actually watches games on the subjects of his work and comes up with great analysis. That is why you will never hear anybody criticizing his analytic work.

[@davidadeyemi9466]

@@petermadash4488 real talk. Zach Lowe transitioned to sport journalism from investigative in I believe law. You can see that in his depth of analysis

[@exterfun]

Just downright lazy analysts 🧏🏾‍♂️

[@elitheeconomist5674]

Lonzo’s rookie season in value is comparable to lamelos they just do it in different ways

[@kubo4889]

Y’all are jokes for disrespecting Lamelo

[@walterrobinson5487]

35 percent is great for a 1st year NbA player. Also early on they gave him the ball at the end of the shot clock. High 40s FG shoots good for me. He leads his team in Rebounds and Steals pretty good defense to me. If he sucks on D everyone on his whole team sucks.

[@nathanmitchell8512]

Ryen doesn’t want to admit he is wrong smh

[@Air2theRon]

Many ppl have had their opinions but never really watched...another example here

[@kalebcahalan6527]

These dude refuse to admit they’re wrong and he’s good😂

[@uscdude159]

6:20 ?

[@kalebcahalan6527]

It’s Backhanded compliments for everything, “can’t shoot or play defense but..”

[@silewis9396]

@@countblobula 💯 someone with sense rather than emotional talk for their adopted brother

[@mayhemnbc22]

This is funny, while giving melo his respect you still have to take a shot. Smh.

[@williamscarcia7903]

Melo will forever be Carmelo

[@yaadman_entrepreneur]

The whole video is a contradiction, “ he’s a terrible shooter “ yet he shoots 35% from 3 ... 🤡

[@iwantaoctosteponmyneckbut3545]

@@yaadman_entrepreneur tf? he says he was wrong right after

[@isboredandonline]

He said he's really good and loves watching him?

[@mayhemnbc22]

@@isboredandonline not Simmons the other guy. "Surprised how well melo playing" then give credit to the coaching staff. Then proceeds to rip melo for his approach to australia. This dude I cant listen to him to long because he is just not positive.

[@michaelgomez2522]

I actually think he can shoot, or at least has better mechanics than Lonzo in the first year. He has good upside as a scorer as well imo

[@petermadash4488]

It's all good, Bill. We all make mistakes and it's big of you to come out and admit you were wrong. You have my respect for that even though I already shredded you on another pod about your take on Melo.

[@burny890]

Lmao you do realize Melo is never going to be a superstar right? As long as he keeps shooting that broken ass jump shot big daddy ball taught him.

[@burymeinakobebryantnumber8598]

Burny's Sports Pub nobody ever said he is gonna be a superstar or expected him to be , he can still be a really good player make great money and have a great career . We hold these guys to enormous expectations jus let there careers play out a couple years before we decided what they won’t and will be

[@ToxicRice12]

@@burny890 LOL the touch is elite his jumper isn't even broken he's not only a superstar in the making but he's a future legend

[@burny890]

@@ToxicRice12 That's hilarious

[@burny890]

@@ToxicRice12 Just like Lonzo was going to have his jersey in the rafters at Staples??? yeah okay

[@aql2961]

the thing about the ball brothers is that they’re great teammates. always. whether it be being pass first (on the court) or off the court. they may seem quiet, chilled, like in interviews and stuff but they’re funny as hell. they’re fun as hell. so the schtick about them being bad people were always about lavar being loud, and not about them. so bill, ryan, and all analysts that always questioned the ball brothers demeanors, learn from your mistakes. don’t hate because of their father being loud, rather look at it objectively.

[@7Louise7]

Why is it okay for white men to loud and confident but it's not okay for a black men to be the same in America? Serena and Venus father, Richard Williams, was hated too for beliving in his teen daughters. This cultural thing in America to be loud, flashy and confident needs to change. Lavar is great father and human being. The charity work that Lavar & the family does is not even mentioned

[@bdgamble7]

Happy you apologized Bill!

[@davebryant9271]

No shocker with Melo. Everyone who's been following him, Lonzo, and Gelo knew.

[@Marshall56781]

Anthony Edwards should work with Tatum in the off season.. or Donovan

[@devinmiller3484]

That would help him a lot, I have a question and you can feel free to say no but for scheme fit would you swap Devin booker for Edwards?

[@calebbc5434]

I think the thing about lamelo in Australia is that he knew he was better than everyone. Same thing in high-school. He was better than everyone else, so he was chucking up shots and doing wild shit to see what his boundaries and limits were. I think he's also a humble dude, which is why you never heard him vocalize the fact that he knew he was better than everyone, but was letting it show through his play. Now you see the humility coming out bc he understands he's nowhere near the best player on the floor yet. So now he knows his limits from having free reign in high-school and Australia, and has the humility to get his teammates involved first. I like the kid, and I think he's going to be a top 10 PG in the league sooner rather than later

[@trilliam8806]

This is what I’ve been telling ppl. He had more followers than the whole Australian league combined lol. His bad shooting and bad decisions were because he had no one to really respect. No OGs. That’s not flying in this league and now we see all these skills being focused and controlled.

[@brysonwade7701]

The media was so wrong about the quality of this rookie class. Goes to show for the most part the media kinda cheeks

[@macalloway1]

The Hayward thing doesn’t surprise me. Guess what happens when you loose confidence after an injury and there are 5000 20ppg players on one team. You probably won’t play the same.I honestly didn’t understand why people killed Jordan for signing him knowing that Charlotte would never be able to get quality free agents conventionally . He had to take risk and maybe hit on a gamble (no joke there) if he ever wanted close to a free agent superstar and while getting value from that contract. Even if Hayward sucked I wouldn’t hold the signing against him.

[@silewis9396]

You are 100% correct. Its really not rocket science. These guys base so much of their stuff on Basketball Reference numbers but failed to see he averaged 17.5 PPG on 50/38/86 shooting as the 4th option. Not to mention fitting in well on the court alongside two stud wings with 4 assists. I can't believe the hate he got for securing that bag

[@MEDICI92]

MJ gets a W with this. He's gonna be at least fringe all star this year.

[@OOTD_]

Doesn't play defense but got 3 steals. He plays as much defense as many players in this defenseless NBA era.

[@WearePhZD]

Melo leads the rookie class in steals, he does more than just tries at defense

[@shannonjones1042]

Leading is steals doesn’t mean your great at defense....it means your good at playing the passing lane....AI lead in steals and who ever he was sticking would give him 30 but he would have 3 steals lol....he’s on his way tho

[@etcjr17]

@@shannonjones1042 he literally is locking up everybody stfu

[@davidadeyemi9466]

@@etcjr17 locking up everybody is a stretch. He's better on defense than we expect but we expected nothing in that department. He's been passable and can put up a decent effort at 3 positions.

[@Ballerville]

Lamelo the best player on that Charlotte Hornets team

[@etcjr17]

@@Ballerville 2nd but he will be soon

[@terryindachat7296]

Isn't the Ryen guy that lied and said Melo was doing poor in interviews when Melo only done one interview at that time that was posted online for everyone to see?! Now they're walking it back.. typical Lamelo haters...

[@trvspvrk]

How can Bill just definitively say “he can’t shoot” after just 10 games into his career

[@Frankje01]

because it isn't rocket science

[@MrArjunchoudhary]

He can't shoot tho

[@himmie1]

He hates lamelo

[@Keizi]

Not even that. How can he say that when his percentages aren’t even bad

[@RecapRico]

He literally said 5 seconds after that "you're right I was wrong." 😂😂😂 it wasn't after 10 games he said it. That was his perspective of Lamelo when he was walking into the NBA

[@dollarize6412]

Don't sleep on Devin Vassell, not getting many minutes as usual with Spurs rookies but he'll prove to be better than some of the guys named here. Incredible defensively and surprisingly good on offense.

[@MG-yj6lo]

Achiuwa is gonna be a stud.

[@SuperDamon95]

Patrick Williams needs more love. He's probably been the 2nd best rookie behind Haliburton. Stats don't tell the whole story.

[@benfrank8649]

Agreed, the Bulls are stacked with talent!

[@Keizi]

He’s just not aggressive enough

[@silewis9396]

He absolutely needs more talk. Great pick by the Bulls. He has good chemistry with White and I really like his shot selection

[@isaiahhollingsworth372]

LeBron and Kawhi can notice that but these guys can’t

[@benfrank8649]

@@Keizi he's 19 he'll be fine.

[@PatrickMHoey]

Things LaVar has nevah done: Told a lie!

[@Mdautkreix]

NEVA LOST

[@fatality601]

Devonte graham is 5'11 he cant hang in a starting lineup when they just drafted a 6'7 point guard

[@jayjones9225]

Lol Sebastian Telfair was one of the most fun to watch mediocre guards

[@clsupreme7408]

Bill keeps saying he can’t shoot but he’s not horrible. He’s just not great. BEN SIMMONS can’t shoot so there needs 2 be some type of line in the sand regarding that statement

[@eatcheesekobe]

I like how Bill keeps saying Lamelo can't shoot, but right after says he's shooting 36% from 3 which is above league average.

[@daindigokid]

The players and coaches in the NBL loved him bro. You guys are a joke. You’re about to get either and embarrassed.

[@Joe-xo4qp]

One thing I think they’re underestimating about Melo is his ability to create for himself too.

[@calebbc5434]

He has the handles, but sometimes he gets lost in what to do if he can't break his defender the first time. And he's not got an incredible first step, and hasn't shown he can hit those pull ups and shit. He's a hooper though, I can see him getting a lot better at both of those things

[@RecapRico]

The draft class that was supposed to be mediocre has been saved by Lavar Ball. The Real Goat

[@ahmedabbasi7686]

Y’all wanna talk about Patrick Williams or what...having an insanely efficient season and doing it all on both ends

[@tjmj5238]

John Collins disgruntled? Go get him Danny!

[@cp3fan5]

Seriously.. Bill can we get the John Collins to the Celtics rumors started?! And get some steam behind it...

[@tjmj5238]

@@cp3fan5 haha for sure gotta get it going. Simmons, help the green teamers out so we can put something in Danny’s ear!

[@LiamborninDC]

You didn't even mention Deni, who is shooting 45% from 3.

[@wolf7el356]

That Trae Young shot by Bill Simmons was hilarious 😂

[@alexwhite5355]

Tyrese Maxey

[@POA2Elite]

You suprised cause u dnt do ya homework

[@davincerica7232]

Haliburton won't ever be an Allstar

[@hathbeenslain]

QUICKLEY! Nice to see him get a shoutout.

[@ImmZzzz]

This is nothing they’re really gonna hate him when he heats up

[@nedkelly5688]

I saw melo play in Australia and I knew he was the real deal first time seeing him. The NBL is so underrated in America. It's not a bum league.

[@Laabby17]

Bill I remember all that shit you was saying about lamelo pre draft 😂🤦🏽‍♂️ and bro what are y’all saying he can’t shoot he’s pretty decent shooter and he’s actually been solid defender he gets alot blocks and steals

[@Hooderaw]

Who is this clown next to bill? I watched all the aussie games and he was the best player on that crappy team when Aaron got injured.

[@TimothyFitch]

That team was bad and he didn’t exactly play defense or shoot efficient

[@Hooderaw]

@UCXlwkF-l1CtMlvyOsjA1i6g and he had to shoot cause the other players sucked. If you watched the games you would know this. They had the worst roster. They were allowed 3 non aussie players and when Brooks went down they never replaced him. And, he had 2 triple doubles in a row with the other teams keying on him. So you stfu and learn the game so you know what you are watching.

[@Hooderaw]

@@TimothyFitch understand the dynamics of the team. The owner could not afford the team anymore. That's why the league sold the team after last year. He stopped paying top dollar for players. The team was paid to let melo play as they didn't have to pay his salary. The coach was a former high school coach who had little experience and the system showed. They ran the weave offense for God's sake sometimes along with the standard 1-3-1. The defensive scheme wasn't that much better. The other coaches in the league where light years ahead of this guy. Dudes on that team were blowing wide open layups and had little athleticism. Now, you get to see him play better cause he has better player and a coach who runs a matchup zone defense with a lot of switches. Melo's defense has not been bad this year but he's not a lock down defender like his brother. That will take some time to see if he gets better.

[@tjlevey378]

Whyd you waste your time watching Australian basketball. Unless you’re an analyst 😅

[@Hooderaw]

@@tjlevey378 because I wanted to have an informed opinion about his game outside of highlights on KZbin in the same why that I was able to look at college players.

[@needpoor]

What about Melo at Spire Academy? He really did play, VERY GOOD, THERE! I believe he'll get better in the NBA. And additionally, nobody in basketball, makes every shot, and players have ups and downs. As someone said on comments on another video, the coach should start him, let him play through struggles, etc. And, someone said it's hard to believe he's not starting, when he's a third round NBA pick! 1-18-21.

[@oddcouplemusic]

fam the lengths these guys will go to just to avoid saying “we misjudged this kid unfairly bc of his dad”

[@ChrisbeFoSerious]

Re-draft based on current showings, projected talent, and team need: 1. LaMelo Ball - Wolves 2. James Wiseman - Warriors 3. Tyrese Haliburton - Hornets 4. Patrick Williams - Bulls 5. Saddiq Bey - Cavs 6. Anthony Edwards - Hawks 7. Tyrese Maxey - Pistons 8. Devin Vassell - Knicks 9. Deni Avdija - Wizards 10. Payton Prichard - Suns 11. Onyeka Okongwu - Spurs 12. Isaac Okoro - Kings 13. Obi Toppin - Pelicans 14. Precious Achiuwa - Celtics Other players who have definitely seen their stock rise: 1. Immanuel Quickley 2. Malachi Flynn 3. Cole Anthony 4. Desmond Bane 5. Theo Maledon 6. Aleksej Pokusevski 7. Isaiah Joe 8. Vernon Carey 9. Jaden McDaniels 10. Sam Merrill

[@CaptainMorgan45]

Sooooooooooo funny cause Bill Simmons was the #1 hater... And claims to forget more than we'll ever know... AND STEVIE WONDER COULD SEE THIS!!! And watching Ryan back track is one great joys of my life... At least they admitted they was wrong.... But still gotta pull your basketball card.

[@rizzosaint]

I really don’t understand why he’s was so shocked about melo, he must of not been paying attention to his growth as a player over the years