Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd Release Date: May 16, 2025

Hosts: Colin Cowherd, J. Mac, Danny Parkins

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd teams up with sports analysts J. Mac and Danny Parkins to delve into the most pressing sports stories of the day. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the NBA playoffs, the evolving dynamics in the NFL with a focus on the Chicago Bears, and an insightful interview with Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts. The conversation is peppered with expert opinions, memorable quotes, and in-depth discussions, making it an engaging listen for sports enthusiasts.

NBA Playoffs: Shifting Dynamics and Playoff Intensity

The episode opens with a robust discussion on the NBA playoffs, highlighting the shift from three-point-heavy strategies to a more physical, inside-scoring approach.

Key Points:

• Denver Nuggets’ Resilience: Denver’s performance despite doubts about their bench depth and Jamal Murray’s health showcases their depth and strategic prowess. Colin remarks, “Denver wins at home. They force a game seven,” emphasizing their ability to contend despite challenges ([Timestamp: 00:XX]).

• Playoff Physicality: The NBA's recent rule changes promoting physical play have leveled the playing field, making traditionally strong regular-season teams more vulnerable. Colin states, “The gap between the NBA's regular season and postseason is wider than we thought,” illustrating how teams reliant on three-point shooting are now struggling ([Timestamp: 00:XX]).

• Minnesota and Oklahoma City: Both teams exemplify the shift towards physicality and depth, with Minnesota already advancing to the Western Conference finals and Oklahoma City pushing to a game seven.

Notable Quote:

“These playoffs have had some tush push to them. Denver's a great example. Old, big, strong, tough.” – Colin Cowherd ([Timestamp: 00:XX])

Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams: Navigating NFL Challenges

The conversation transitions to the NFL, focusing on Caleb Williams’ transition to the Chicago Bears amidst skepticism about the team's history with quarterbacks.

Key Points:

• Caleb Williams’ Commitment: Despite initial reservations, Williams and his father are committed to the Bears, recognizing the significant offseason changes aimed at strengthening the team. J. Mac notes, “He's really excited to get to work right now and be the best version of himself for 2025” ([Timestamp: 12:33]).

• Offensive Line Improvements: Significant investments in the Bears’ offensive line are highlighted as a critical factor for Williams’ success. Colin observes, “Ben Johnson gets it right there. Their money and focus on the O line,” underscoring the strategic focus on enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities ([Timestamp: 31:06]).

• Drafting and Coaching Strategies: The episode discusses how effective coaching and smart drafting have historically turned around struggling quarterbacks, with references to notable NFL figures like Sean McVay and Kevin O'Connell.

Notable Quote:

“We need more context. Who are they playing? Are some other Celtics missing?” – Colin Cowherd ([Timestamp: 14:56])

Knicks vs. Celtics: A Pivotal NBA Showdown

Colin and J. Mac analyze the high-stakes game between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics, emphasizing the potential historical significance of the outcome.

Key Points:

• High Expectations: The game is positioned as one of the biggest Knicks matchups since the 2000 conference finals, with both teams showcasing strong performances.

• Impact of Key Players: The performance of key players like Jason Tatum and the strategic moves by the Celtics, such as deploying Luke Kornet, are scrutinized. Colin questions the necessity of Tatum’s absence, saying, “Celtics' net rating is better without Jason Tatum. It’s crazy” ([Timestamp: 52:05]).

• Historical Comparisons: The potential for the Knicks to either create a historic win or suffer a significant collapse is compared to legendary sports comebacks and chokes, drawing parallels to LeBron James’ comeback with the Warriors.

Notable Quote:

“If the star player on the Celtics ruptures his Achilles, I'll just say the Knicks better come out hot in the first quarter tonight.” – J. Mac ([Timestamp: 34:41])

NBA Conspiracy Theories: Debunking Rigging Claims

The hosts address recent conspiracy theories suggesting that the NBA is rigging certain outcomes, particularly focusing on the Dallas Mavericks' questionable draft pick.

Key Points:

• Rigging Speculation: Colin dismisses the idea of NBA rigging, labeling it as an internet-fueled conspiracy without substantial evidence. He remarks, “If the Spurs would have won the lottery, you don't think people would have said, 'Oh, it's rigged.'” ([Timestamp: 36:43]).

• Impact on Players: The discussion touches on the emotional and reputational impact on players like Nico Harrison, who fell victim to the supposed rigging, intensifying the debate around fairness in draft processes.

• Ping Pong Ball Theory: Colin references the ping pong ball lottery system, questioning the authenticity of the claims and defending the NBA's integrity despite low-probability events.

Notable Quote:

“The thing is, if you start looking at your Bakers, if you start looking at Darnold... where you land matters.” – Colin Cowherd ([Timestamp: 32:53])

Interview with Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts

A significant portion of the episode features an interview with Dave Roberts, the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, providing insights into managing a top-tier baseball team.

Key Points:

• Managing Star Athletes: Roberts discusses the challenges and rewards of managing elite players like Shohei Ohtani, emphasizing the importance of treating them like any other team member while respecting their unique contributions. He states, “I try to stay out of the way as much as possible and not intervene.”—Danny Parkins ([Timestamp: 40:51]).

• Pitching Injuries Crisis: The conversation delves into the rising trend of pitching injuries in baseball, with Roberts attributing it to the culture of throwing maximum velocity from a young age. He explains, “Right now we're in a culture where throw as hard as you can... the compensation is for strikeouts” ([Timestamp: 44:42]).

• Mental and Physical Resilience: Roberts shares his strategies for maintaining energy and motivation over the demanding MLB season, highlighting the importance of personal well-being and consistent team motivation. “Players can do that, but not us. We have to pour into ourselves.” ([Timestamp: 48:32]).

Notable Quotes:

“It's funny. Final question. If people always complain the NBA is too long, and I'm like, try being a baseball manager.” – Colin Cowherd ([Timestamp: 47:59])

“I have found a way to pour more into myself. My faith being number one and number two, I like to play golf.” – Danny Parkins ([Timestamp: 43:13])

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with Colin emphasizing the importance of strategic management in sports and highlighting memorable moments from the discussion. He underscores the evolving nature of sports strategies and the critical role of leadership in navigating these changes.

Notable Overall Quotes:

• “The Herd works if you use the code that gets you 200 bucks in bonus bets.” – Colin Cowherd ([Multiple Timestamps])
• “These playoffs have had some tush push to them. Denver's a great example.” – Colin Cowherd ([Timestamp: 00:XX])

Conclusion

"Best of The Herd" offers a rich tapestry of sports analysis, blending in-depth discussions on current NBA playoff dynamics, strategic shifts in the NFL, and firsthand insights from a top MLB manager. With engaging dialogue and expert commentary, this episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners seeking comprehensive coverage of major sports narratives.