Matt Ishbia challenges Bill Simmons for predicting the “worst defense.”
The Phoenix Suns will open their new campaign against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday in an early clash between the division rivals.
The Suns, led by Devin Booker, want to make a comeback from a dismal run last season, in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020 after going 36-46.
The expensive experiment with the trio of Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal did not work out for Phoenix. With Durant and Beal out, the team is getting ready for a fresh start.
Ringer, however, was not so optimistic. The site, of which he is the founder Bill Simmonspredicted the Suns to have the worst defense in the NBA, noting their “abysmal” effort last season.
“Hustle was voluntary most nights and a complete fantasy on others. Everything else was terrible, too,” read part of The Ringer article by Michael Pina.
Suns ovner Matt Ishbia offended at the prediction and challenged Simmons to bet X.
“@BillSimmons, you and your crew have some good ones and some terrible ones. You’re a betting guru and even you know better than to actually take this bet. Tell you what, go put your money on this try. When you lose, I’ll donate the same amount to a charity of your choice,” wrote Ishbia, who was recently sued by two minority owners of the Suns.
“A different culture and a different team in PHKS this year. Let’s go!”
.@BillSimmonsyou and your crew have some good ones and some terrible ones. You are a betting guru and even you know better how to actually accept this bet. Tell you what, go put your money on this. When you lose, I will donate the same amount to the charity of your… https://t.co/dCLMUdtbMz
— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) October 22, 2025
The Suns allowed 116.6 points per game last season, which ranks them at the bottom of the league.
Phoenix has solid pieces that can make an impact defensively, including Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, Ryan Dunn, Royce O’Neal, Oso Ighodaro and Jordan Goodwin. Booker isn’t too shabby even when he’s fully engaged.
It will be interesting to see if Simmons takes Ishbia’s bet.
2025-10-22 05:24:00
