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The Worst NBA Contracts Draft With Joe House and Big Wos

By The Ringer

In this episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, the hosts analyze several NBA players' lucrative contracts, scrutinizing their on-court performance and contribution to team success. They highlight concerns surrounding Ben Simmons' injury struggles and high salary with the Nets, and Jordan Poole's inconsistent play despite a hefty extension with the Warriors.

Their assessment extends to Zach LaVine's lack of playoff appearances, DeAndre Ayton's underwhelming impact compared to his hefty price tag, and LaMelo Ball's commitment to winning amid potential distractions of fame and wealth. The discussion weighs these players' current on-court production against the significant investments made by their respective franchises.

The Worst NBA Contracts Draft With Joe House and Big Wos

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The Worst NBA Contracts Draft With Joe House and Big Wos

1-Page Summary

Ben Simmons' Contract

Ben Simmons has played just 57 games since being traded to the Brooklyn Nets due to injuries and mental health issues, as Bill Simmons and Wosny Lambre point out. Despite this, the Nets are paying him $40 million, leading Lambre to call it a contract "burning a hole through their books." There are doubts about Simmons' ability to rehabilitate for next season.

Jordan Poole's Struggles

Jordan Poole signed a $126 million contract extension but has struggled this season. Bill Simmons cites Poole's poor shooting percentages, turnovers in clutch time, and questionable decision-making. Joe House calls him "Literally the Dumbest basketball player" when it comes to winning.

Zach LaVine and Never Making the Playoffs

In his 10-year NBA career, Zach LaVine has played only 4 playoff games despite a $198 million contract, the 7th largest in the league. Joe House groups LaVine with overpaid players like Bradley Beal given the team's lack of postseason success.

DeAndre Ayton Not Living Up to Max Contract

Bill Simmons admits defeat in defending DeAndre Ayton, who hasn't justified his $30+ million salary with the Blazers. Wosny Lambre notes cheaper centers outplaying Ayton, whose impact has been minimal.

LaMelo Ball's Commitment to Winning and Max Contract Questions

Simmons highlights LaMelo Ball's injury issues, questioning his ability to be the second-best player on a winning team. Lambre doubts Ball's incentive to develop a winning mindset given his earnings. Simmons suggests Ball may be remembered more for highlights than achievements.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Jordan Poole, a player for an unspecified team, signed a significant contract extension but has struggled in his performance. Critics, including Bill Simmons, have pointed out Poole's poor shooting percentages, turnovers during crucial moments in games, and questionable decision-making on the court. Joe House has been particularly critical, calling Poole "Literally the Dumbest basketball player" in terms of contributing to winning efforts. These criticisms suggest that Poole's play has not lived up to the expectations set by his lucrative contract extension.
  • Zach LaVine, despite being a highly paid player, has had limited playoff experience in his 10-year NBA career. This lack of postseason success has led to comparisons with other well-paid players like Bradley Beal, who have also faced criticism for their teams' lack of playoff achievements. LaVine's contract size and limited playoff appearances have raised questions about his impact on his team's success and whether he justifies his high salary.
  • LaMelo Ball, a young NBA player, has faced injury issues that have impacted his playing time and development. Concerns have been raised about his commitment to winning and whether he can evolve into a key player on a successful team. Some commentators question if Ball's focus on individual highlights may overshadow his contributions to team achievements.

Counterarguments

  • Ben Simmons' value should not be solely assessed by games played; his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities when healthy are significant assets.
  • Rehabilitation and mental health are complex issues, and Simmons' potential return to form could greatly benefit the Nets.
  • Jordan Poole's struggles could be attributed to adjusting to a new role or increased defensive attention, which are common challenges for young players.
  • Poole's work ethic and previous performances suggest he has the potential to overcome his current struggles.
  • Zach LaVine's lack of playoff appearances may be more reflective of team dynamics and roster construction than his individual talent and contribution.
  • LaVine's scoring ability and athleticism are elite, and with the right supporting cast, he could lead a team to playoff success.
  • DeAndre Ayton's performance should be evaluated over a longer period, as players often need time to adjust to new systems and teammates.
  • Ayton's physical presence and potential for growth at a young age could still justify his contract in the long term.
  • LaMelo Ball's injuries are not necessarily indicative of his commitment to winning, and his unique skill set and marketability are valuable to the franchise.
  • Ball's youth and talent provide him with ample time to develop into a leader on a winning team, and his current contributions are still significant despite injuries.

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The Worst NBA Contracts Draft With Joe House and Big Wos

Ben Simmons' Contract

Ben Simmons' contract situation has been a major talking point, with critics pointing out his lack of contribution to the Brooklyn Nets despite his substantial salary.

Simmons hasn't played many games since being traded to the Nets

Major injury and mental health issues

Ben Simmons has played in only 57 games since the Nets acquired him during the 2021-2022 season. His play has been affected by a variety of issues, including back surgery, mental health concerns, and an injury sustained while trying to get back in shape for the season. On the day of the podcast, news was reported of Simmons having back surgery for the second time in three years.

Being paid $40 million to not contribute

Bill Simmons notes that Ben Simmons was high on his board for the "worst NBA contracts draft," indicating Simmons is seen as overpaid. Wosny Lambre describes Simmons as a "complete zero" on the court, and when he does play, he's not effective. Lambre states that Simmons, who is owed $40 million for the next year, is effectively a backup center being paid a starter's salary.

Bill Simmons and Joe House discuss the financial burden that Simmons' contract presents. The Brooklyn Nets are effectively paying $40 million for Simmons to not contribute due to his injuries and mental health issues. It is implied that the team will be relieved when his contract expires next year.

Furthermore, there are doubts about whether Simmons will be able to rehabilitate and return to play in the upcoming season after his back surgery. House speculates that Simmons might take the $40 million and retire or move back to Australia, considering that it might ...

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Ben Simmons' Contract

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ben Simmons is a professional basketball player known for his time with the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets. He is a former first overall draft pick in the NBA. Simmons is recognized for his exceptional skills as a playmaker and defender, but has faced criticism for his inconsistent shooting ability, particularly from long range.
  • Bill Simmons, Wosny Lambre, and Joe House are well-known sports commentators and analysts in the basketball world. They often provide insights and opinions on players, teams, and contracts in the NBA. In this context, they are discussing Ben Simmons' contract situation with the Brooklyn Nets and expressing their views on his performance and value to the team.
  • NBA contracts are structured based on a salary cap set by the league. Players can sign contracts for varying lengths and amounts, often negotiated with their teams. The salary a player receives can be impacted by factors like performance, experience, and market demand. High salaries can lead to expectations of significant on-court contributions, and underperformance can lead to criticism and discussions about the value of the contract.
  • Th ...

Counterarguments

  • Ben Simmons' injuries and mental health issues are legitimate concerns that can affect any athlete's performance and availability, and they are not always predictable at the time of signing a contract.
  • The value of a player's contract is often based on their potential and past performance, and at the time of signing, Ben Simmons was considered one of the league's top talents.
  • The structure of NBA contracts is guaranteed, which protects players financially in cases of injury or other unforeseen circumstances, reflecting a broader agreement between the league and the players' association.
  • Ben Simmons' defensive capabilities and versatility when healthy are significant assets that can contribute to a team's success in ways that may not always be reflected in traditional statistics.
  • The high salary also reflects the market demand for players of Simmons' caliber at the time of the contract negotiation, and the Nets made a strategic decision based on their assessment of his value to the team.
  • The criticism of Simmons being a "complete zero" on the court when he does play may not take into account the adjustment period needed for a player returning from injury or personal issues.
  • The specul ...

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The Worst NBA Contracts Draft With Joe House and Big Wos

Jordan Poole's Struggles

Despite the large contract extension Jordan Poole secured, his performance has increasingly come under scrutiny due to a series of on-court struggles.

Poole has struggled despite a large contract extension

Jordan Poole, who was the ninth pick in the previous year's "worst contracts draft," is currently in the first year of a four-year, $126 million contract. However, his performance is not living up to the expectations that come with such a substantial deal.

Worst shooting percentage on pull-up threes of any guard

Bill Simmons points out Poole's poor net rating, ranking 173rd out of 179 players playing over 25 minutes per game, with a net rating of minus 11. Poole’s shooting accuracy is highlighted as a significant issue as he makes just 32% from three-point range while taking an average of 6.8 three-pointers per game.

Most turnovers without an assist in clutch time

Poole has the dubious honor of having the most turnovers without an assist in clutch time for any guard since the 1996-97 season. This alarming statistic underscores his difficulty in executing during critical moments of a game.

Questionable decision-making and focus

Joe House harshly labels Poole as "Literally the Dumbest basketball player" when linking his talent to winning basketball. This harsh criticism stems from Poole leading all NBA players in fouls committed beyond the three-point arc and being the top offender among guards for travelling violations.

Simmons reflects on Poole's performance in the last couple of finals games as an "instant offense off the bench" player but alludes that his performance has deteriorated since the incident with Draymond Green. Moreover, Wosny Lambre characterizes Poole as a negative influence on defense and criticizes his high usage rate compare ...

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Jordan Poole's Struggles

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Net rating is a statistic in basketball that measures a player's impact on the team's performance while they are on the court. A negative net rating, like "minus 11," indicates that when the player is playing, their team is being outscored by an average of 11 points per 100 possessions. It suggests that the team is performing worse with the player on the court compared to when they are off the court. In this case, Jordan Poole's net rating of minus 11 highlights his struggles and the team's difficulties when he is playing.
  • In basketball, "clutch time" typically refers to the final minutes of a close game when the outcome is uncertain and crucial plays can heavily impact the result. Players are often expected to perform their best during clutch time, showcasing their ability to handle pressure and make critical decisions under intense circumstances. This period is known for highlighting a player's composure, skill, and decision-making abilities in high-pressure situations.
  • "Fouls committed beyond the three-point arc" means that Jordan Poole has been called for fouls while defending against opposing players who are attempting three-point shots. This type of foul can be particularly detrimental as it gives the offensive team a chance to score three points with a successful free throw. It indicates a defensive lapse or aggression that can impact the team negatively.
  • A traveling violation in basketball occurs when a player holding the ball takes too many steps without dribbling. This results in a turnover, giving possession of the ball to the opposing team. It is considered a fundamental rule violation and is penalized by the referees during the game. Players must establish a pivot foot and adhere to rules regarding movement to avoid committing traveling violations.
  • True shooting percentage (TS%) is an advanced bas ...

Counterarguments

  • Poole's shooting percentage on pull-up threes may be low, but this could be a temporary slump or due to taking more difficult shots as part of the team's offensive strategy.
  • High turnover rates in clutch time could be indicative of a player being trusted with the ball in high-pressure situations, which can lead to both successes and mistakes.
  • Questionable decision-making and focus can be common in young players, and Poole may improve with more experience and guidance.
  • The incident with Draymond Green could have affected Poole's performance, but it's also possible that other factors are contributing to his struggles.
  • Defensive metrics can sometimes fail to capture a player's full impact on defense, and Poole might be contributing in ways that are not reflected in traditional statistics.
  • Teammates' reactions, such as eye rolls, may not necessarily r ...

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The Worst NBA Contracts Draft With Joe House and Big Wos

Zach LaVine and Never Making the Playoffs

Concerns arise over Zach LaVine's performance and contract in light of his minimal playoff experience throughout his 10-year NBA career.

LaVine is being paid like a star but has barely played in the playoffs

Zach LaVine, in his 10th year in the NBA, has an impressive contract for four years worth $198 million, making it the seventh largest in the league. Despite this financial valuation, LaVine has played in only four playoff games during his entire career. His limited postseason play raises questions about the justification of such a contract, especially considering how the Bulls performed in his absence due to injury this season.

LaVine's injuries have been a talking point, with at least one serious knee surgery for a torn ACL and a foot condition affecting his play. Notably, when he was available for trade, interest from other teams was almost nonexistent, except for expressed interest from LeBron ...

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Zach LaVine and Never Making the Playoffs

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Zach LaVine signed a four-year contract worth $198 million, making it one of the top contracts in the NBA. This significant financial commitment reflects the Chicago Bulls' belief in LaVine's talent and potential impact on the team. The contract's value is a reflection of LaVine's status as a key player for the Bulls and his importance to the team's future success. LaVine's contract is a substantial investment by the Bulls in securing his services for the foreseeable future.
  • Zach LaVine has faced significant injuries during his NBA career, including a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and a foot condition. These injuries have impacted his playing time and performance on the court. The torn ACL required serious knee surgery, while the foot condition has also affected his ability to play at his best. These injury challenges have been a notable aspect of LaVine's career trajectory.
  • Zach LaVine's lack of interest from other teams in trading for him can be attributed to various factors such as his significant contract, injury history, and limited playoff experience. Teams may have been hesitant to take on his contract due to concerns about his performance and health issues. Additionally, his lack of significant postseason success may have made other teams cautious about pursuing a trade for him.
  • Zach LaVine, Bradley Beal, and Trae Young are all NBA players who have received significant contracts. Some critics argue that these players are overpaid based on their team's performance, es ...

Counterarguments

  • LaVine's contract reflects his individual talent and potential, not just playoff appearances.
  • Playoff success in the NBA often depends on the entire team's performance, not just one player.
  • Injuries can affect any player's career and should not be the sole factor in evaluating their worth.
  • The lack of trade interest could be due to LaVine's high contract value, not necessarily his skills or potential.
  • Comparing players like LaVine, Beal, and Young may not account for the different contexts and roles t ...

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The Worst NBA Contracts Draft With Joe House and Big Wos

DeAndre Ayton Not Living Up to Max Contract

Bill Simmons and his guests discuss the performance issues surrounding NBA player DeAndre Ayton since being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, casting doubt on his value relative to his max contract.

Ayton has declined since being traded to the Blazers

Not justifying $30+ million salary as a starter

Bill Simmons directly questions whether DeAndre Ayton is justifying his $30 million salary. Despite Ayton’s potential, Simmons finds himself unable to continue defending Ayton any longer, admitting defeat with regard to his expectations for the player. Ayton’s contract, worth $102 million over three years, is a considerable investment for any player, and Simmons indicates that Ayton has not lived up to this price tag in his new role with the Blazers.

When compared to a much less expensive player like Luke Cornette, Ayton’s performance falls short. Simmons implies that the high salary of Ayton is not matched by his on-court impact, especially since joining the Blazers. Revealing statistics, Simmons notes that Ayton averages 15 points and 11 rebounds a game but questions his effort and highlights a net rating of minus 6.7, casting further doubt on Ayton’s effectiveness.

Getting outplayed by cheaper centers

Wosny Lambre criticizes Ayton for not making his presence felt on the court for long stretches. He remarks that Ayton’s impact during games has been minimal, suggesting that he is not playing at the standard expected of one of the better starting centers in the NBA. Ayton’s salary would suggest he should be among the top performers at his position, but Lambre implies that cheaper centers are outperforming him, underscoring a lackluster return on investment.

J ...

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DeAndre Ayton Not Living Up to Max Contract

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • DeAndre Ayton was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, selected by the Phoenix Suns. He quickly became a key player for the Suns, showcasing his skills as a dominant center with a strong inside presence. Ayton's performance in the 2021 NBA Playoffs was particularly notable, helping lead the Suns to the NBA Finals. Prior to his trade to the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton was seen as a rising star in the league with significant potential for growth and impact on the court.
  • Net rating in basketball is a statistic that measures a team's point differential per 100 possessions when a player is on the court. A positive net rating indicates that the team outscores opponents while the player is playing, showcasing their impact on the team's performance. Conversely, a negative net rating suggests that the team is being outscored during that player's minutes on the court. It is a valuable metric for evaluating a player's overall contribution to their team's success and efficiency.
  • Luke Kornet is a professional baske ...

Counterarguments

  • Ayton's statistics of 15 points and 11 rebounds per game are solid numbers for a center, indicating he does contribute significantly on the court.
  • The net rating of minus 6.7 may not solely reflect Ayton's performance but could also be influenced by the team's overall dynamics and strategies.
  • Comparing Ayton to a much less expensive player like Luke Cornette may not account for the different roles and expectations set for each player within their respective teams.
  • Ayton's perceived underperformance could be due to the adjustment period needed when joining a new team and system, which is not uncommon in the NBA.
  • The Blazers' overall performance and win-loss record should be considered when evaluating Ayton's impact, as basketball is a team sport.
  • The value of a player is not solely determined by their statistical output but also by their potential to grow, leadership qualities, and ability to draw fans.
  • The market for centers at the time of Ayton's contract signing may have dictated the high salary, which is a factor of the NBA's economic environment rather than individual performance.
  • Ayton's decline in stock among ...

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The Worst NBA Contracts Draft With Joe House and Big Wos

LaMelo Ball's Commitment to Winning and Max Contract Questions

Simmons, Lambre, and House share their concerns about LaMelo Ball's discipline, focus, injury woes, and overall fit into a winning team culture.

Ball has talent but lacks discipline and focus

Always injured and rarely available

Simmons highlights LaMelo Ball's injury record, pointing out that he played only 58 games in the past two seasons and is often seen not in uniform but in street clothes during games, which suggests a worrying pattern of unavailability due to injuries. House echoes this concern, noting the broader problem of the Ball family's injuries affecting court time.

Concerns about leadership and culture fit

Simmons also questions Ball's ability to be the second-best player on a winning team and raises concerns about his leadership potential and overall fit within the team's culture. He metaphorically refers to "a whole presidential term" to emphasize the significant amount of time given to assess Ball's impact, finding no positive signs.

Moreover, Lambre questions what incentive Ball has to develop a more serious approach to the game when he already earns a significant income with minimal achievement in the NBA. This adds to skepticism about B ...

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LaMelo Ball's Commitment to Winning and Max Contract Questions

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Simmons, Lambre, and House are sports analysts or commentators who are sharing their opinions and concerns about LaMelo Ball's performance, behavior, and potential impact on a winning team culture. They are evaluating Ball's discipline, focus, injury history, leadership qualities, and overall fit within a successful team environment. Their perspectives provide insights into how experts in the sports industry view Ball's abilities and potential challenges in his career.
  • LaMelo Ball, as a highly paid NBA player despite his young age, may face reduced motivation to improve his game further due to already earning a significant income. This situation can lead to questions about his drive to excel and contribute more to his team's success, especially in areas like defense where additional effort may be required.
  • A "good stats bad team guy" typically excels individually in terms of stati ...

Counterarguments

  • Ball's injuries could be a result of bad luck or a phase in his early career that he may overcome with proper conditioning and medical support.
  • Frequent injuries do not necessarily indicate a lack of discipline; they can happen to any athlete, regardless of their commitment.
  • Leadership skills can develop over time, and Ball may still be maturing as a player and a leader.
  • Ball's fit within the team's culture could improve as he gains more experience and the team evolves.
  • High income does not automatically diminish a player's motivation; many athletes continue to strive for excellence despite financial security.
  • Personal achievements in statistics can contribute to team success if utilized correctly within the team's strategy.
  • Bei ...

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