Detailed Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" Episode: "3 & Out - Top Players in Sports, Why Mike Malone Got Fired, How to Handle the Top Pick"

Release Date: April 10, 2025

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John Middlekauff delves into several pressing topics within the sports world, including the impact of top players on their franchises, the recent firing of NBA Nuggets coach Mike Malone, and strategies for handling top picks in drafts. The discussion is rich with insights, comparisons across different sports, and reflections on the broader implications for team dynamics and franchise value.

1. The Impact of Star Players on Franchise Value

Middlekauff begins by exploring how individual superstars can elevate the brand and value of their respective franchises. He uses Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors as a prime example.

• Steph Curry and the Warriors:

  • Franchise Transformation: Middlekauff observes how Steph Curry has transformed the Warriors from a locally-followed team into a national powerhouse. He states, "There is not a more national brand than this guy," highlighting Curry's unparalleled influence.
  • Loyalty and Consistency: He emphasizes Curry's loyalty to the Warriors, contrasting it with LeBron James's multiple team changes. "Part of Steph's brand power and value to the franchise has been his loyalty to the franchise and never even entertained bouncing."
  • Comparative Analysis: Comparing Curry to legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, Middlekauff asserts that Curry's impact rivals that of Jordan's on the Bulls. "The Bulls were 100% effed when he retired. That is going to be the Warriors."

• NFL and Other Sports Franchises:

  • NFL Teams: Middlekauff contrasts this with NFL franchises, stating that "NFL players are 100% replaceable." He cites examples like Peyton Manning with the Colts and the pitfalls teams face when key players leave.
  • Baseball and Other Sports: He mentions how teams like the Yankees and Lakers maintain their brand value regardless of individual player changes, thanks to decades of brand building.

Notable Quote:

"Once you watch Steph Curry and I go, if he disappeared tomorrow, this franchise that is now most of my life, like, if Steph disappeared tomorrow, their value as a franchise to me would get cut immediately in half somehow."
[12:30]

2. The Firing of Mike Malone and Ownership Dynamics

The episode shifts focus to the recent firing of Mike Malone, the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, analyzing potential reasons behind the decision and its broader implications.

• Ownership Influence:

  • Middlekauff discusses how owners who manage multiple franchises, like Stan Kroenke, might influence coaching decisions based on the performance of their entire portfolio. "If you coach for one of the teams, like, you're always going to be judged by, like, if they own three teams, whoever is doing the best, the teams that aren't doing as well are going to be judged based on the teams doing the best."

• Power Struggles and Professionalism:

  • He draws parallels with NFL teams, highlighting how power struggles between GMs and head coaches are handled differently across sports. "If you're Sean McVay and Les Snead, flip teams around, the way they act, just how professional they are, I would have zero patience."

• Accountability and Performance:

  • Middlekauff emphasizes the importance of accountability, stating that owners should not act as mediators in professional disagreements. "It's not my job to figure out your relationship with your GM, either figure it out. Or if you get fired, like, I'm sorry, I feel little to no empathy."

Notable Quote:

"The Kronkes have this huge portfolio of the AVs, obviously the Nuggets and the Rams. And I think sometimes individuals can pierce through that..."
[25:15]

3. Strategies for Handling Top Picks in Drafts

Middlekauff provides an in-depth analysis of draft strategies, particularly focusing on the NFL Draft and the importance of making informed decisions when handling top picks.

• Bringing in Multiple Candidates:

  • He advocates for bringing in multiple top candidates simultaneously to better assess their interactions and overall fit with the team. "I think bringing guys in together is the right move... you might get a better feel than if you bring them in individually."

• Draft Capital Management:

  • Discussing the balance between selecting top talent and preserving draft capital, Middlekauff warns against overcommitting to a single player at the expense of future opportunities. "I'm not blowing all my draft capital for one individual player."

• Gut Feelings and Team Dynamics:

  • He highlights the significance of team dynamics and gut feelings when drafting, comparing it to personal relationships. "You kind of have, I would say, somewhat of a gut feeling when they're taking off of what you felt when you're around them all."

Notable Quote:

"The draft is such a crapshoot, especially this upcoming draft. Like no one seems to know how it's going to shake out."
[22:45]

4. Comparative Analysis of Sports Leagues

Middlekauff offers a comparative perspective on how different sports leagues handle similar issues, such as team loyalty, player replacements, and organizational decisions.

• Basketball vs. Football:

  • He notes that in basketball, the presence of a star player like Curry can sustain a franchise's value indefinitely, whereas in football, the departure of a quarterback can significantly impact a team's fortunes.

• NBA’s Coaching Decisions:

  • Middlekauff remarks on the volatility within the NBA regarding coaching decisions, pointing out the inconsiderate timing of firings, even for coaches heading towards playoffs.

Notable Quote:

"But in basketball, it's like, yeah, it's kind of crazy league. But if you're the Kroenke family... I like Mike Malone. I think he's an entertaining personality."
[20:50]

5. Personal Reflections and Broader Insights

Throughout the episode, Middlekauff interweaves personal anecdotes and reflections on his experiences attending various sports events, emphasizing the cultural and emotional significance of sports in society.

• Attending Games and Fan Culture:

  • He shares stories about attending Warriors games and interactions with players like Brandon Crawford, highlighting the unique atmosphere of different sports venues.

• Franchise Legacies:

  • Middlekauff discusses how long-standing franchises like the Packers, Steelers, and Cowboys maintain their dominance and loyal fan bases through sustained excellence and brand development.

Notable Quote:

"I've been to a lot of games because you could just go to batting practice three hours or two hours before the game and just talk with Buster Posey standing there and you just have a conversation."
[09:15]

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Middlekauff wraps up the episode by reiterating the critical role of star players in shaping the destiny of their franchises and the complex interplay between ownership decisions, team dynamics, and draft strategies. He underscores the necessity for sports franchises to balance immediate performance with long-term brand building to sustain their success.

Notable Quote:

"You can't even compare him to NFL players because they are 100% replaceable."
[26:30]

Final Remarks:

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of how star athletes influence their teams, the consequences of coaching changes within multi-franchise ownership structures, and the nuanced strategies required for effective draft management. John Middlekauff's insights provide valuable perspectives for sports enthusiasts and professionals alike, emphasizing the importance of leadership, brand loyalty, and strategic decision-making in the competitive world of sports.