Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd Release Date: May 9, 2025

Introduction The Best of The Herd episode features Colin Cowherd engaging in an in-depth discussion with Draymond Green, focusing on Green's role in the NBA, comparisons to legendary players, and the dynamics of aggression and leadership within basketball teams. The conversation delves into the complexities of being a "villain" player, team strategies, and the broader implications of player behavior on and off the court.

1. Draymond Green's Role and Comparisons to NBA Legends

Colin Cowherd initiates the discussion by positioning Draymond Green alongside iconic NBA figures known for their confrontational play styles.

• Comparison to Legends: Cowherd identifies Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, and Draymond Green as the three best "villains" in NBA history, highlighting their offensive prowess paired with their tough, confrontational personas.

  “The three best of all time were Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman and Draymond Green. It was a chosen path.” [05:04]

• Effectiveness on the Court: Emphasizing their dual impact, Cowherd notes that while Laimbeer and Green excel offensively, they also bring an edge that disrupts opponents.

  “They are great at what they do. They provide an edge and toughness. They're annoying. They get into people's heads.” [05:19]

2. Choosing the Villain Path: Benefits and Consequences

The conversation explores the deliberate choice of adopting a villainous role and its implications for fame, wealth, and personal challenges.

• Deliberate Path: Both hosts agree that embracing a confrontational role leads to increased visibility and financial gain but also attracts significant criticism and backlash.

  “They leaned into it. They were comfortable being it. Laimbeer and Draymond are better offensively than Rodman.” [38:48]

• Personal Sacrifices: Draymond acknowledges the personal toll, referencing experiences of being booed and facing hostility from fans in various arenas.

  “A lot of arenas, man. Indiana, Toronto... being a Celtic is. You're a villain.” [40:07]

3. Draymond Green's Impact on Team Dynamics

Discussions focus on how Green's aggressive playing style influences team performance and leadership structures.

• Leadership and Coaching: Cowherd praises Green's coachability and professionalism, citing the influence of coaches like Tom Izzo and Steve Kerr in shaping his behavior.

  “He's as coachable as any employee I have... he gets along with people. He's totally professional.” [05:19]

• Team Strategy: Green's role as an enforcer is seen as crucial for team resilience, especially in high-stakes playoff scenarios where physicality can be a game-changer.

  “We gotta junk the game up. We gotta junk the game up.” [34:36]

4. Bill Belichick's Situation at Carolina and Rebranding Efforts

A significant portion of the episode examines Bill Belichick's tenure at the University of North Carolina, his relationship with his girlfriend Jordan Hudson, and efforts to rebrand his image.

• Controversy and Defense: Cowherd discusses reports about Carolina initially banning Hudson, followed by their clarification, portraying Hudson as an integral part of Belichick's personal brand management.

  “Belichick empowered her. She took the baton. She's aggressive.” [14:35]

• Rebranding Challenges: Belichick's attempts to modernize his image through media appearances and social media engagement are critiqued as seemingly inauthentic.

  “He's not a media guy. He's a pro football coach.” [14:59]

5. NBA Player Hierarchies: Ones vs. Twos

The debate shifts to categorizing NBA players based on their productivity and ability to lead a team to championships.

• Defining Criteria: Cowherd outlines four essential traits for a "number one" player: high productivity, emotional and physical reliability, durability, and a competitive "dog" mentality.

  “There are four things you need to have to be an absolute one.” [36:10]

• Evaluating Current Players: The discussion includes assessments of players like Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and others, debating whether they meet the criteria to be considered top-tier leaders.

  “Jason is too collaborative... Dude, grab the ball and take it to the basket.” [33:26]

6. Audience and Fan Reactions to Draymond Green

Green shares personal experiences of being booed and criticized, highlighting the challenges of maintaining composure under public scrutiny.

• Fan Hostility: Recounts instances of receiving negative reactions from fans, particularly in non-boston arenas, and how these experiences shape his approach to the game.

  “You got booed at the All Star Game... I think being a Celtic is. You're a villain.” [40:07]

7. Aggression in Playoffs and Team Strategies

The final segment discusses the heightened physicality in the NBA playoffs and its strategic advantages, particularly for teams like the New York Knicks.

• Physical Play as Strategy: Green advocates for the use of aggressive tactics to counter more talented but less physically rugged teams, likening it to a boxing match where unexpected physicality can offset talent disparities.

  “It’s like a boxing match... you junk it up.” [35:09]

• Impact on Series Outcomes: The hosts analyze the potential for close series outcomes due to increased physicality, suggesting that less polished teams can leverage aggression to their advantage.

  “Everyone can pass the Knicks art. And when you let OG grab and lean... it leans into New York's favor.” [34:36]

Notable Quotes

• Draymond Green on Public Perception:

  “The angry black man. I'm not an angry black man. I'm a very successful, educated black man with a great family.”
  (05:04)

• Colin Cowherd on Villainous Players:

  “Aggression meets aggression, and the fans are really, really rude.”
  (38:48)

• Draymond Green on Team Strategy:

  “We gotta junk the game up. We gotta junk the game up.”
  (34:36)

• Colin Cowherd on Player Hierarchies:

  “There are four things you need to have to be an absolute one.”
  (36:10)

Conclusion The Best of The Herd episode offers a nuanced exploration of Draymond Green's role in the NBA, juxtaposing his aggressive playstyle with historical legends to underscore the complexities of leadership and persona in professional sports. Through candid dialogue, Colin Cowherd and Draymond Green shed light on the interplay between strategy, personal conduct, and team dynamics, providing listeners with insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of basketball.

For those interested in diving deeper into these discussions, tuning into The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides a comprehensive look into the top sports stories and the personalities that shape them.