Doc Rivers joins Bill Simmons for Finals takeaways, Brunson praise, and Giannis speculation
This preview is based on the episode’s published show notes, not the full audio. Bill Simmons and Doc Rivers are set to discuss NBA Finals reactions, Jalen Brunson’s rise, Mike Brown’s coaching impact, possible Giannis destinations, and broader concerns about coaching and refereeing in 2026.
If you’re deciding whether to queue this one up, the show notes suggest a wide-ranging NBA conversation with a strong mix of present-day analysis and forward-looking debate. Based on the published description, Bill Simmons brings in Doc Rivers to react to the NBA Finals, then moves into several of the league’s biggest talking points. The first half appears centered on Rivers’s Finals reaction, along with discussion of Jalen Brunson’s greatness and Mike Brown’s coaching. That makes this episode sound especially relevant for listeners interested in playoff-level basketball analysis and coaching perspectives, particularly around the Knicks and what strong leadership can change. Later, the conversation shifts toward Giannis and where he could land next, plus concerns for coaches in 2026 and a discussion of the best current referees. From the notes alone, this looks like a blend of big-picture league talk and opinion-driven basketball debate rather than a narrowly focused game breakdown. A useful reason to listen may be the pairing itself: Simmons and Rivers covering Finals lessons, coaching questions, star movement, and officiating in one episode. If those are your preferred NBA topics, this preview suggests a packed listen. If you’re mainly looking for a deep dive on a single team or a detailed recap of one specific Finals game, the notes point to a broader conversation instead.
About this episode
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Doc Rivers to talk about the NBA Finals, Knicks coaching, Giannis trades, and much, much more! (0:00) Intro (2:37) Doc Rivers’s NBA Finals reaction, Brunson’s greatness, and Mike Brown’s coaching (01:07:44) Giannis’s next stop, worries for coaches in 2026, and best current referees Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Doc Rivers Producers: Chia Hao Tat and Eduardo Ocampo Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at paypal.comThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices