Bill Simmons [Archive] - RonFez.net Messageboard

hammersavage

02-12-2009, 06:43 PM

I know he's been mentioned in a few threads around here but any time I want to mention an article or podcast, I don't deem it thread worthy. So this is for all those times.

I'm sure there are some of the hip kids around here who think he is a hack and hate him because he is popular but I love the guy. Been reading him since he came to espn.com and never miss a podcast. He's really improved as a writer (less stretching for pop culture references, they are usually a little more on point now) and the podcasts probably aren't for everybody because they can get a little too specific but I love them.

There needs to be more writers who understand modern basketball and he's better than anybody right now. I hate the Red Sox but love to read his passion, thought his book was great. He's a funny guy who tries to do things for his audiences and makes sly remarks shitting on ESPN all the time which I appreciate.

He's the biggest sports writer on the web right now. Sure, he can run a joke into the ground from time to time and he is a homer sometimes to a fault. But there is nothing I find more consistently enjoyable than the stuff he puts out (Ron and Fez not included).

This week he put out one of his best yearly columns, his NBA trade value column. Hard to argue it. I would have had Kobe and Durant a little higher and moved Yao down but its pretty on target.

Snoogans

02-12-2009, 06:46 PM

I made it to Brook Lopez and got distracted. Ill catch the rest later

hammersavage

02-12-2009, 06:52 PM

I don't know why he kills Beasley. He's not playing up to his potential but he was asked to do so much from the get go. He had 21-7-3 tonight in 31 minutes. Give him some time.

Yea, this article is long as hell.

Snoogans

02-12-2009, 07:15 PM

im fine with kobe where he is at cause he is older then his age. Remember he was playin pro ball at 16 in italy

Snoogans

02-12-2009, 07:18 PM

4. Tim Duncan
His finishes in the Trade Value column since 2001: No. 2, No. 3, No. 1, No. 2, No. 1, No. 3, No. 3, No. 4. Uncanny. Speaking of consistency, check out his 12 regular seasons (including this one) split into groups of three seasons ...

Duncan (first three years): 22-12-3, 52 percent FG, missed eight games.

Duncan (next three years): 23-13-4, 51 percent FG, missed eight games.

Duncan (next three years): 21-12-3, 50 percent FG, missed 31 games.

Duncan (last three years): 20-11-3, 52 percent FG, missed five games.

Then, remember that he also played 155 playoff games and averaged a 23-13-4 with 50 percent shooting, plus first-class defense and leadership. And sprinkle in the little fact that no Duncan team has ever lost even 30 games in a regular season. Translation: Greatest power forward ever, most consistent superstar ever and you cannot sleep on him in May and June.

that has to be said. Tim Duncan is NOT appreciated nearly enough

TheGameHHH

02-12-2009, 08:05 PM

I don't give a shit what anybody says, Simmons rules.

And on a side note I'd love to see a pic of the Sports Gal

Snoogans

02-12-2009, 08:10 PM

Does anyone remember the cartoons he used to do?

Snoogans

02-12-2009, 08:13 PM

Snoogans

02-12-2009, 08:15 PM

scary foresight

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hammersavage

02-12-2009, 08:54 PM

I don't give a shit what anybody says, Simmons rules.

And on a side note I'd love to see a pic of the Sports Gal

He probably got a good lookin' chick cuz he's funny.

At least I pray to god that that's how things work.

I thought I heard him mention in a podcast that they contacted him about partnering up with Francesa. And how 10 years ago he would have killed for the job and now its beneath him. That never would have worked on any level.

STC-Dub

02-12-2009, 09:04 PM

I think there was also something in there about him being under contract to ESPN for another year. I agree it would not have worked, he is more of a podcast guy than a regular radio guy. Love Simmons' stuff, I just do not see him as a guy who can do 15 hours a week on the radio.

hammersavage

02-12-2009, 09:06 PM

I think he's good at the 3 hours or so he is at now. The Jack-O stuff is incredible.

He definitely hates ESPN but where can he really go to keep that audience. Sometimes you gotta just put up with corporate bullshit.

STC-Dub

02-12-2009, 09:12 PM

Yeah, you can tell ESPN is getting to him but no one else can pay him what he is getting or get him as big an audience.

weekapaugjz

02-12-2009, 09:13 PM

I used to read his articles a lot but I got sick of him. Lame jokes, too many Boston references, and too much nba.

EddieMoscone

02-13-2009, 12:08 AM

Been a fan of his since he was the "Boston Sports Guy" back on the AOL Message Boards in the 90's.

He put up a wrestling message board after AOL shut down one in an area called The Grandstand and wrestling nerds loved him for it.

El Mudo

02-13-2009, 03:37 AM

I used to read his articles a lot but I got sick of him. Lame jokes, too many Boston references, and too much nba.

I feel pretty much the same way.

He tries to be cool and Klostermanesque with his "cultural observations" but mostly they just end up being dumb stuff from the 80s that no one cares about.

He's a guy that I liked before I started actually reading better blog writers and better columns

A.J.

02-13-2009, 03:39 AM

Simmons fan since Day 1.

Ritalin

02-13-2009, 04:25 AM

I feel pretty much the same way.

He tries to be cool and Klostermanesque with his "cultural observations" but mostly they just end up being dumb stuff from the 80s that no one cares about.

He's a guy that I liked before I started actually reading better blog writers and better columns

I like Simmons, but Mudo is right. He is Klosterman lite - or as Dave would say "a poor man's Chuck Klosterman".

Simmons and Klosterman share the same quality that puts me off: every piece they write starts with "I". Once they get over themselves and start actually writing they have interesting things to say, but sometimes it's hard to get past.

At least Simmons is writing about sports and not Coco Puffs. He also is as hung up on Boogie Nights as Dave is on Goodfellas.

His podcasts are a gigantic hit or miss. He's brilliant talking to people like David Stern or Charles Barkley, really digs deep and asks great questions. But then he spends too much time calling his "buddies" at work to ask them about the Yankees. That boors me to death.

Chip196

02-13-2009, 05:35 AM

I like Simmons a lot. His wife is definitely good looking ... I saw her at one of his book signings in NY.

I posted the story he wrote about losing his dog recently ... it was a great read.

Dan 'Hampton

02-13-2009, 05:39 AM

His podcasts are a gigantic hit or miss. He's brilliant talking to people like David Stern or Charles Barkley, really digs deep and asks great questions. But then he spends too much time calling his "buddies" at work to ask them about the Yankees. That boors me to death.

If you were a vindictive yankee hater like me you'd love it.

Freitag

02-13-2009, 06:01 AM

I like Simmons, don't like the podcasts. He tried to interview Tony Stewart and it was a disaster.

From what I've heard, Simmons traded up bigtime when it comes to his wife. She is SMOKING hot.

Freitag

02-13-2009, 06:04 AM

TripleSkeet

02-13-2009, 09:14 AM

I love Simmons. He seems like he would fit right in with my friends on a trip to Vegas.

hammersavage

02-22-2009, 08:51 PM

An Opie and Anthony mention on the Adam Carolla podcast. Nothing derogatory but weird to hear two world's cross over. Adam's insane, I love it.

STC-Dub

02-23-2009, 06:15 PM

I missed the O& A reference but Simmons and O&A do have at least one common friend -- I cannot remember the comedian but the one who does all the roasts.

hammersavage

03-06-2009, 08:57 AM

Huge mailbag today that was quite enjoyable. Can't wait for his book, should be out in a few months.

STC-Dub

03-06-2009, 06:30 PM

I haven't had a chacne to listen to this yet but it was mentioned on Deadspin: http://carollaradio.com/2009/02/26/aco-20090227-adam-and-bill-simmons/

hammersavage

03-06-2009, 07:31 PM

Weird to hear Simmons as a guest on some else's show. He's usually good on Damashek's.

Oooo, he said penis right away. I guess he has more freedom with these. Cool....

hammersavage

03-12-2009, 09:35 PM

Klosterman on as a guest on today's podcast. Always a great guest. He always turns the interview around and starts asking Bill great questions.

I wish Fez would book him so damn bad.

STC-Dub

03-23-2009, 02:44 PM

Simmons was on Corolla's podcast again today: http://cioffi.cachefly.net/2009.03.23ACP.mp3

FezsAssistant

03-23-2009, 02:49 PM

I like his podcasts, except for the ones where him and Kimmel-show-rejects make basketball and football picks for 70 minutes.
"I got the Steelers........"
"Interesting...I had the Eagles........................"

Otherwise, I enjoy the shows.

hammersavage

04-09-2009, 01:52 PM

Pretty interesting guest on today's podcast. Rick Rosner who is apparently highly intelligent, sued Who Wants to be a Millionaire, writes for Kimmel but has what appears to be some sociological issues. Weird guy...

I like his podcasts, except for the ones where him and Kimmel-show-rejects make basketball and football picks for 70 minutes.
"I got the Steelers........"
"Interesting...I had the Eagles........................"

Otherwise, I enjoy the shows.

That's not at all what they do, they never make picks on games.

They determine the spreads for the NFL games without looking at them. Which if you are a gambler is some of the most compelling stuff he does. I play along and love those podcasts.

STC-Dub

04-09-2009, 05:53 PM

Yeah, that guys was a little strange. Sort of the mad genius type who makes Fezzy seem very normal.

hammersavage

05-01-2009, 12:34 PM

Good article today about the Bulls/Celtics series. He is amazed that a series means this much to him after last year. He puts it in good perspective.

Snoogans

05-01-2009, 05:36 PM

it should. This might be the best series ive watched of NBA playoffs. Maybe ever, any round

Snoogans

05-01-2009, 05:37 PM

Pretty interesting guest on today's podcast. Rick Rosner who is apparently highly intelligent, sued Who Wants to be a Millionaire, writes for Kimmel but has what appears to be some sociological issues. Weird guy...

That's not at all what they do, they never make picks on games.

They determine the spreads for the NFL games without looking at them. Which if you are a gambler is some of the most compelling stuff he does. I play along and love those podcasts.

He sucks at it though. Cousin Sal always kicks his fuckin ass

hammersavage

05-01-2009, 05:38 PM

From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the games themselves are probably the best series ever. 5 out of 6 games decided on the final shot.

But with the stakes what they are and no KG, it takes a huge step back from being the all time best.

hammersavage

05-01-2009, 05:39 PM

He sucks at it though. Cousin Sal always kicks his fuckin ass

You didn't listen to this past season then

Snoogans

05-01-2009, 06:09 PM

i havent listened to the podcasts since yea, prob like feb 08, because with RF and OnA replay and shit its just too much listenin to stuff. I guess ill start gettin them on my ipod again and check em out

hammersavage

06-15-2009, 07:55 PM

My favorite Simmons article in a long time today. Discussing the Lakers and Kobe's 'change' in particular. I disagree a little, I think he changed between last year and this year a little.

This is the highlight for me:
Again, the lightning rod here is Kobe. If you want to play the "We'll Never See Anyone Like Him Again" card, you're probably right ... but not for the reasons you might think. He grew up atypically from most NBA stars, the only child of a successful professional player, someone who never had to worry about money and even spent seven formative years abroad. The Lakers acquired him when he was 17. He started an All-Star Game when he was 19. He signed a $71 million contract when he was 20. He married when he was 22. He won three titles by the age of 23. He became a father at 24. He also became the most polarizing figure in sports at 24, thanks to whatever happened in Eagle, Colo. The next four years were awkward as hell -- the league's most gifted player struggling on a series of forgettable teams, the most-discussed athlete in any sport, someone who learned to feed off constant negativity much like Barry Bonds did -- before fate intervened in October 2007, when a trade to Chicago fell through and Gasol/Ariza were gift-wrapped for Los Angeles a few months later. The rest is history.

He really has had a unique life/career.

TheGameHHH

06-15-2009, 09:49 PM

id pay Simmons 10 grand out of my own pocket to write one article that doesnt mention any of the following: the red sox, celtics, patriots, bruins or any famous boston athlete.

TheGameHHH

06-15-2009, 09:52 PM

My favorite Simmons article in a long time today. Discussing the Lakers and Kobe's 'change' in particular. I disagree a little, I think he changed between last year and this year a little.

This is the highlight for me:

He really has had a unique life/career.

My favorite line was the end, "What Kobe Bryant accomplished over the past 20 months ranks up there with anything that ever happened in the National Basketball Association. He walks among the NBA gods now. Like it or not."

Snoogans

06-16-2009, 08:57 AM

Im just happy that GameHHH finally gets to be a Lakers fan again. It was tough for him being a Boston fan after they won last year

TheGameHHH

06-16-2009, 09:35 AM

Im just happy that GameHHH finally gets to be a Lakers fan again. It was tough for him being a Boston fan after they won last year

GO CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!

hammersavage

10-26-2009, 06:52 PM

His new book 'The Book of Basketball' is released tomorrow. All about the history of the NBA, ABA and everything else.

He writes best about basketball. I've ordered it and look forward to reading it this week.

Marc with a c

10-26-2009, 06:54 PM

good luck finishing that thing in one week.

hammersavage

10-26-2009, 06:55 PM

Its only 700+ pages.

STC-Dub

10-26-2009, 06:55 PM

It is only what, 700 pages?

A.J.

10-27-2009, 02:39 AM

El Mudo

10-27-2009, 04:05 AM

The excerpts I saw on ESPN.com have been pretty good.

I especially enjoyed the story about Kareem and the ABA. I remember reading that story in Terry Pluto's book about the ABA "Loose Balls" and being absolutely stunned anyone could be as stupid as George Mikan was in that situation.

"Loose Balls" is a great book, if only for the Marvin Barnes and James "Fly" Williams stories.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-xP1J6EOL._SL500_AA240_.jpg

TheGameHHH

10-27-2009, 10:33 AM

theres a pretty freakin funny video up right now on ESPN's main page with Kenny Maine and Simmons.

A.J.

10-27-2009, 10:37 AM

I like the part where the girls ask him if he minds if they make out while he's away.

hammersavage

10-27-2009, 10:50 AM

Nice slide Jenn with two n's.

Freitag

10-27-2009, 11:01 AM

Nice slide Jenn with two n's.

Sterger?

Snoogans

10-27-2009, 11:02 AM

Nice slide Jenn with two n's.

10 minutes ok?

TheGameHHH

10-27-2009, 11:07 AM

Scott......what the fuck?!?!

Meataball23

10-27-2009, 11:49 AM

Im still a fan even though its mostly podcasts now. His bs reports w/ cousin sal help me w/ gambling and I love when he talks to Jack-o about the yankees and mike and the mad dog.

I even think him on ron bennington interviews would be pretty interesting.