Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (June 23, 2025)
The Herd with Colin Cowherd delivers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the top sports stories of the day. In the "Best of The Herd" episode, host Rick Bucher, alongside guest analyst John Middlekauff, delves into pivotal topics ranging from NBA championships and player trades to emerging stars in the WNBA and the evolving landscape of sports rivalries. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.
1. Reflection on the Recent NBA Championship: Oklahoma City Thunder
Timestamp: [02:57] – [06:48]
Rick Bucher opens the discussion by evaluating the Oklahoma City Thunder's surprising NBA championship win. Despite the team's depth and strategic roster construction, Rick expresses skepticism about the championship's impact and memorability.
- Rick Bucher: "I thought it was a fairly predictable sequence of events that would occur regardless of the winner. [06:48]"
He critiques the team's performance, highlighting inconsistencies and injuries, particularly Tyrese Halliburton's pivotal injury, which Rick felt diminished the championship's significance.
- Rick Bucher: "I'm just telling you how I feel. I think Indiana 10 years from now will be the team you remember. [06:48]"
2. Kevin Durant's Trade to the Houston Rockets
Timestamp: [08:29] – [14:36]
The episode transitions to a significant NBA trade: Kevin Durant moving to the Houston Rockets. Rick analyzes the trade's implications for both Durant and the Rockets.
- Rick Bucher: "Kevin Durant to the Rockets felt bigger than Game 7, especially after the Halliburton injury. [08:44]"
He argues that Houston provides the ideal environment for Durant, citing the team's depth, defensive culture, and strategic fit that allows Durant to focus on his scoring prowess without the burden of leading defensively.
- Rick Bucher: "He can be a scorer and that's when he's at his best. [51:09]"
Durant's own reflections on the trade are featured, emphasizing his desire to choose his own path and align with a team that values him.
- Kevin Durant: "They asked me where I wanted to go, some of my destinations, I gave it to them and here we are. [12:22]"
3. Analysis of Recent NBA Champions
Timestamp: [19:09] – [44:52]
Rick presents a critical analysis of the last seven NBA champions, ranking them based on roster strength, performance, and overall impact. The ranking culminates with the Boston Celtics as the top team, praised for their dominant roster and consistent performance.
- Rick Bucher: "I would put Denver at number three. [25:22]"
He contrasts teams like the Raptors and Warriors with the Celtics and Lakers, arguing that recent championships have often been won by teams with strategic depth rather than star-stacked rosters.
- Clifton Cowherd: "You don't have to stack stars and we're seeing it in real time. [19:09]"
4. The Evolution of the NBA Under Adam Silver
Timestamp: [25:46] – [45:17]
The conversation shifts to the NBA's transformation under Commissioner Adam Silver. Rick posits that the league has consciously moved away from star-stacked dynasties toward a more collaborative and balanced competitive landscape.
- Rick Bucher: "We're seeing it in real time. The last seven years. Oklahoma City, excellent defensively, but basically one elite score and he didn't even shoot particularly well, especially from three point, and they still won. [19:09]"
This strategic shift, Rick believes, has led to a more diverse set of champions but may also contribute to the perception that recent titles are less memorable.
5. Emerging Rivalries: Dodgers vs. Padres
Timestamp: [35:10] – [38:38]
Rick and John Middlekauff discuss the intensifying rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Highlighting recent playoff drama, ejections, and on-field confrontations, they celebrate this matchup as one of the most exciting rivalries in sports.
- Rick Bucher: "This is everything a rivalry should be. [37:45]"
They emphasize the geographic proximity and contrasting team dynamics as key factors fueling the rivalry's excitement.
6. Spotlight on Caitlin Clark and the WNBA
Timestamp: [28:37] – [39:44]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Caitlin Clark, a standout player in women's basketball. John introduces Christine Brennan's book, On Her Game, which chronicles Clark's rise and her impact on the WNBA.
- John Middlekauff: "Caitlin Clark is so important to the financial future of the WNBA at the time. [28:37]"
Christine Brennan joins the discussion, praising Clark as a transformative figure whose performances are reshaping perceptions of women's basketball.
- Christine Brennan: "This athlete, Caitlin Clark, is so important to the financial future of the WNBA... [28:37]"
Rick and John explore how Clark's exceptional skills and visibility are pivotal for the WNBA's growth, contrasting her influence with previous stars who didn't receive similar attention.
7. Critique of the Current NBA Playoff Structure and Injuries
Timestamp: [56:54] – [58:38]
Rick critiques the NBA's intense playoff schedule, linking it to the rise in player injuries. He argues that the current system emphasizes short-term performance over long-term athlete health.
- Rick Bucher: "We do not need seven game first rounders. [54:39]"
Colin Cowherd counters, suggesting that the grind of the playoffs is essential for determining true champions and that altering the schedule could undermine the championship's legitimacy.
- Colin Cowherd: "I believe that grind and enduring the season and the postseason is part of what makes you a champion. [56:06]"
8. Future Outlook: NBA Draft and Emerging Talent
Timestamp: [51:07] – [54:40]
Looking ahead, Rick and Colin discuss the upcoming NBA draft, highlighting prospects like Cooper Flag and a Rutgers standout known for his defensive prowess. They debate the potential impact of these players on future team dynamics and championship races.
- Rick Bucher: "He's a good two-way player. [53:31]"
They also consider the balance between athleticism and skill, emphasizing the need for versatile players who can adapt to the modern NBA's demands.
9. Closing Remarks and Additional Commentary
Timestamp: [57:00] – [59:38]
As the episode draws to a close, Rick and Colin revisit earlier discussions, reinforcing their perspectives on the Thunder's championship and Durant's trade. They reiterate the importance of strategic roster construction and player health in building sustainable championship teams.
- Rick Bucher: "It's a perfect fit. [35:42]"
Colin Cowherd: "You get a bucket guy, he's agreeable, he can catch and shoot it, he's got length. [07:10]"
Conclusion
The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a thorough analysis of current sports narratives, blending critical insights with enthusiastic support for emerging talents and strategic team dynamics. From the nuanced evaluation of NBA championships to the groundbreaking influence of players like Caitlin Clark, Rick Bucher and Colin Cowherd provide listeners with a rich, insightful commentary on the evolving landscape of professional sports.
Notable Quotes:
- Rick Bucher: "I've been around long enough to know quality when I see it. [59:01]"
- Kevin Durant: "I wouldn't have rather done it with any other group in the world. It feels good to be a champion. [08:29]"
- Christine Brennan: "Caitlin Clark is so important to the financial future of the WNBA. [28:37]"
This episode is a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis and spirited discussions on the latest happenings in the sports world.