An NBA Playoff Preview With Doc Rivers, Plus Nick Khan on WrestleMania 42 and the Next Big WWE Stars
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In this four-part episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons welcomes back NBA legend and coach Doc Rivers for an in-depth preview of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The conversation centers on standout performances from players like Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Victor Wemby, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with Rivers praising Wemby’s defensive versatility as historic for a non-center and Green’s psychological intensity as Hall of Fame-caliber. Rivers also reflects on his own coaching career, announcing his retirement to reclaim joy and perspective in basketball, while Simmons grapples with the Bucks’ season, emphasizing the emotional toll of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury and contract uncertainty. The discussion transitions to Nick Khan, WWE executive and boxing promoter, who shares insights on WrestleMania 42’s return to Las Vegas—lauded for its infrastructure and fan experience—and the importance of NXT’s live touring initiative in developing future stars like Obafemi Owusu and Trick Williams. Khan reflects on leadership longevity, the evolving media rights landscape with Netflix and ESPN, and the cultural significance of live events. The episode closes with a reflective exchange on founder-led companies, personal transitions, and the contrast between structured live experiences like WrestleMania and chaotic festivals like Coachella. Simmons reveals he’s skipping WrestleMania this year to attend Coachella with his son, underscoring the growing role of YouTube in making large events accessible and family-friendly. The segment ends with a heartfelt promotion of upcoming content, including the new podcast 'La Gata,' rewatchable films on Netflix, and a live show with Zach Lowe.
Draymond Green’s defensive intensity and psychological edge elevate his game to Hall of Fame levels.
Victor Wemby’s defensive versatility as a non-center redefines what’s possible in modern NBA defense.
The NBA’s new wave of ball-pressure defense is reshaping offensive strategies and forcing turnovers.
Coaching success depends on fostering role clarity and team culture over individual talent alone.
WrestleMania 42’s return to Las Vegas leverages the city’s infrastructure to deliver a superior live event experience.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
NBA Playoff Preview: Curry, Draymond, and the New Era of Defense
“Draymond's defense was next-worldly. I thought Kawhi would be more aggressive... but I actually thought at times he was. I mean, fighting to get the ball every possession... it takes a toll. Kawhi probably very rarely fights or plays against someone that's bigger and stronger than him for a whole game.”
Victor Wemby, the Defensive Revolution, and the Rise of the Spurs
“Wemby can't get behind you. If he does, they throw it up and there's nothing you can do about it. You know, you have to shoot his recovery. You can beat him off the dribble at the free throw line, but you're not going to get the shot off.”
The Bucks’ Season, Giannis, and the Emotional Toll of Coaching
“I don't know if he wants to stay or not. And I don't know if the organization knows one way or not either. And it just, it's too bad because I just hope that part is figured out. When you win a title with someone, there's like a blood transfusion and that transfusion shouldn't be broken.”
The Legacy and Evolution of WrestleMania 42
“Just seeing the 42 makes me feel super old. It's just kind of like... fuck 42.”
Why Las Vegas is the Ideal Host for WrestleMania
Khan explains the strategic advantages of hosting WrestleMania in Las Vegas for a second consecutive year, citing seamless logistics, massive hotel capacity, and the city’s proven ability to handle large-scale events like the Super Bowl.
“Wemby can't get behind you. If he does, they throw it up and there's nothing you can do about it. You know, you have to shoot his recovery. You can beat him off the dribble at the free throw line, but you're not going to get the shot off.”
“I don't know if he wants to stay or not. And I don't know if the organization knows one way or not either. And it just, it's too bad because I just hope that part is figured out. When you win a title with someone, there's like a blood transfusion and that transfusion shouldn't be broken.”
“Draymond's defense was next-worldly. I thought Kawhi would be more aggressive... but I actually thought at times he was. I mean, fighting to get the ball every possession... it takes a toll. Kawhi probably very rarely fights or plays against someone that's bigger and stronger than him for a whole game.”
Host
Guests
Nick Khan
person
wrestlemania
other
Doc Rivers
person
Steph Curry
person
netflix
organization
Coachella
other
Draymond Green
person
Victor Wemby
person
las vegas
place
Giannis Antetokounmpo
person
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