The Bill Simmons Podcast They Saved the NBA All-Star Game? Plus, the NBA’s Tumultuous Week, With Zach Lowe
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Feb 16, 2026 
Zach Lowe, veteran NBA writer and analyst known for deep strategy breakdowns, joins to react to a surprising All-Star format and which players actually competed. They debate fixes for league problems and big ideas like shortening the season. Conversation hops from standout moments to radical shot-call proposals and late-season storylines.
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KD Burner-Account Controversy
- Bill and Zach discussed KD's alleged burner account and public spat, noting video of him typing in warmups suggests smoke to the fire.
- Zach cautioned to wait for confirmation, calling it an "alleged" social-media scandal with major team chemistry implications.
Restructure All-Star Weekend Events
- Preserve marquee Saturday events like the Three-Point Contest and tweak inclusion, but drop or condense low-value Friday events.
- Both hosts recommend consolidating All-Star weekend and ensuring top shooters and legends get showcased to boost TV energy and relevance.
Dunk Contest Lost Its Star Power
- The dunk contest suffers because many stars won't risk embarrassment and there's limited upside versus injury; rookies once used it to ascend.
- Both hosts lament stars opting out, reducing spectacle and long-term promotional value for the league.