Bill Simmons has never been one to sugarcoat his takes, and his latest analogy about D’Angelo Russell’s career is as brutally honest as it gets. On The Bill Simmons Podcast, the veteran NBA analyst compared Russell to “a buddy who’s fun to have around for a da, but by day six, you’re ready for him to leave.”
“You know D-Lo is. He’s your buddy that comes to visit, and it’s really great when he is only there for one day and by day six you’re like, ah, I’m ready for him to leave. That’s D-Lo,” .D-Lo would be great for the one day, which in this case will be two months of his first season with the Mavericks, and they’re gonna, they’ll go through all the stages of D-Lo.”
“They’re gonna be like, ‘wow, what a steal. My god. D-Lo had 35 tonight. He’s amazing.’ They’re not gonna have to worry about the playoff version of him because Kyrie will be back by then.”
Simmons’ remark comes after the Dallas Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell to a short-term deal this summer, filling the gap left by Kyrie Irving’s long-term injury. Irving is expected to miss most of the regular season, leaving a huge void in playmaking duties. Dallas turned to Russell, a former All-Star and experienced floor general, hoping he could help keep the team afloat.
The problem, as Simmons pointed out, is that Russell’s career has been defined by inconsistency, flashes of brilliance mixed with long stretches of frustration.
Russell began last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he struggled early but eventually found rhythm midseason. However, his playoff performance once again fell short of expectations.
In the 2023–24 regular season, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds, but those numbers dropped to 14.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in the postseason while shooting poorly from the field. By the following year (2024–25), after being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, his averages declined further to 12.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.4 rebounds, signaling another downturn in production.
Simmons’ analogy captures the rollercoaster nature of Russell’s career perfectly. At his best, he’s dazzling: capable of scoring in bunches, controlling tempo, and looking like a borderline star. But those moments rarely last. As Simmons hinted, there’s usually a “honeymoon period” with Russell before the frustrations begin, questionable shot selection, defensive lapses, and a tendency to fade in big moments.
For Dallas, Simmons believes the situation might actually work out, but only because of timing.
Throughout his career, Russell has struggled with role adjustments. From Golden State to Minnesota to Los Angeles, his production and engagement often dropped whenever he wasn’t the primary ball handler. The Mavericks are hoping this short-term stint will tap into his best version, the confident scorer who can carry an offense for stretches without letting the inconsistency set in.
If Simmons’ prediction holds true, Dallas might enjoy a strong two-month run led by Russell’s hot shooting and playmaking. But once Kyrie returns and roles shift again, history suggests the Mavs could see the other side of D-Lo, the one fans and coaches often grow tired of.
Simmons’ blunt take wasn’t just a jab; it was a reality check. D’Angelo Russell remains one of the most talented yet unpredictable guards in the NBA, a player who shines bright but rarely for long.
