Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd"

Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced By: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a thought-provoking, opinionated exploration of the day’s top sports stories. In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd, alongside co-host John Middlekauff and guest Nick Wright, delves deep into NBA drafts, team strategies, and NFL predictions, providing listeners with insightful analysis and spirited debates.

I. NBA Pre-Draft Insights

A. Cooper Flag as a Top Draft Prospect ([03:11] - [05:00])
Colin Cowherd initiates the discussion by spotlighting Cooper Flag, a standout college player poised for a high draft pick. He praises Flag’s versatility, comparing him favorably to established stars:

“I think Cooper Flag is a more aggressive version of Jason Tatum... he can do everything pretty well.”
— Colin Cowherd ([03:11])

John Middlekauff echoes Colin’s sentiments, emphasizing Flag’s potential to average nearly 20 points as a rookie and his importance to the Dallas Mavericks’ defensive lineup.

B. The Evolution of Player Versatility ([05:00] - [09:00])
The hosts debate the shift from specialized to versatile players in basketball. Colin argues that modern players like LeBron James and Cooper Flag exemplify the ideal “general practitioner” approach, capable of handling multiple facets of the game without relying on a single signature move.

“I don’t need a go-to move. I think Cooper Flag is a more aggressive version of Jason Tatum.”
— Colin Cowherd ([03:59])

II. Boston Celtics’ Strategic Moves

A. Trade Analysis and Salary Cap Management ([07:00] - [13:35])
Colin examines the Boston Celtics’ recent trade of Drew Holiday to Portland, highlighting the team’s efforts to manage their salary cap and acquire younger, cost-effective talent. He criticizes the Celtics’ approach of constantly shuffling players post-season, likening it to aggressive GM strategies seen in other leagues.

“Boston always gets multiple draft picks. They get a younger, cheaper player with an expiring contract...”
— Colin Cowherd ([07:00])

B. Impact on Team Dynamics and Future Prospects ([10:00] - [13:35])
The discussion extends to the implications of these trades on team performance and future builds, emphasizing the importance of winning on margins through smart, incremental moves rather than big, risky trades.

III. NFL Season Predictions

A. AFC and NFC Division Outcomes ([21:41] - [27:12])
Colin and John shift focus to the NFL, making bold predictions for the upcoming season. Colin forecasts the Los Angeles Chargers overcoming the historically dominant Kansas City Chiefs to win the AFC West:

“Don't consider the Chiefs not winning their division.”
— Colin Cowherd ([09:00])

John supports this view by analyzing the Chargers’ improved roster under coach Jim Harbaugh, predicting a strong performance despite the Chiefs' longstanding success.

B. Specific Team Breakdowns ([22:36] - [27:12])
They provide detailed analyses of other teams, including:

• Indianapolis Colts: Predicting Daniel Jones to lead the Colts to the playoffs with a solid but not spectacular record.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Foreseeing their first losing season in 18 years due to defensive and offensive line challenges.
• Miami Dolphins: Anticipating a major reboot with a struggling offense and lack of depth.
• New England Patriots: Expecting playoff appearances under new coaching dynamics.

IV. Guest Segment: Debate with Nick Wright

A. Ranking the Last Seven NBA Champions ([36:56] - [41:12])
Nick Wright joins the conversation to challenge Colin's rankings of recent NBA champions, particularly critiquing the placement of the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers. Nick defends LeBron James’ legacy against prevalent biases, arguing:

“There is not a single NBA myth or lie that you're like, oh, that's interesting. That one works in LeBron's favor.”
— Nick Wright ([37:11])

B. The Legacy of LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan ([39:15] - [53:51])
The debate intensifies as Nick and Colin dissect the careers of LeBron James and Michael Jordan, discussing signature moves, leadership, and their impacts on the game. Colin maintains that versatility negates the need for a singular signature move, while Nick criticizes the tendency to undermine LeBron’s contributions in favor of Jordan’s legacy.

“But he's not limited or boxed in or marginalized by having to go to his signature move.”
— Colin Cowherd ([05:00])

Nick counters by emphasizing that myths surrounding LeBron often skew perceptions, advocating for a more balanced view of his achievements.

C. Kevin Durant’s Trade to Houston Rockets ([41:12] - [45:22])
The conversation shifts to Kevin Durant’s strategic move to the Houston Rockets. Colin lauds the trade, highlighting Durant’s shooting prowess and the Rockets’ strengthened roster:

“You have to sign him a couple of big years... I think Houston is a great fit.”
— Colin Cowherd ([41:12])

Nick agrees, detailing how Durant’s addition transforms the Rockets’ lineup without severely impacting their bench strength.

V. Impact of NIL on College Basketball and Draft Dynamics

A. Empowerment of College Programs ([19:06] - [21:41])
Colin discusses the influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations on college basketball, positing that it has strengthened domestic talent pools by allowing colleges to attract top European players. He suggests this shift will lead to more mature and high-quality entrants into the NBA draft.

“My theory is, is that the NIL, not that it saved college basketball, but it has made college basketball much better.”
— Colin Cowherd ([19:06])

B. Decline of International Leagues ([19:06] - [21:41])
He further speculates that the availability of NIL benefits has caused international leagues, such as the Spanish league, to consider shuttering as talent migrates to the U.S. college system, enhancing the quality of players entering the NBA.

VI. Concluding Analysis and Final Predictions

A. Recap of Key Predictions ([47:08] - [53:51])
Colin wraps up the episode by reaffirming his predictions:

• Chargers to Win AFC West: Despite Chiefs’ historical dominance, the Chargers’ roster strength under Harbaugh gives them the edge.
• Steelers’ Downturn: Anticipates a losing season for Pittsburgh due to key player losses and offensive struggles.
• Colts’ Playoff Run: Expects Daniel Jones to lead the team to the playoffs with around nine wins.
• Dolphins’ Reboot: Predicts significant setbacks for Miami, citing offensive line weaknesses and lack of depth.

B. Reflection on Sports Management Trends ([50:25] - [53:51])
The hosts reflect on broader trends in sports management, emphasizing the shift towards building depth and making strategic marginal moves rather than pursuing high-risk, high-reward transactions. This approach, they argue, is increasingly crucial in both the NBA and NFL for sustained success.

“It's winning on the margins because you know the salary cap in the NFL is pretty tight.”
— Colin Cowherd ([13:35])

Notable Quotes

• On Cooper Flag’s Potential:
  “I think Cooper Flag is a more aggressive version of Jason Tatum... he can do everything pretty well.”
  — Colin Cowherd ([03:11])

• On Player Versatility vs. Specialization:
  “I don’t need a go-to move. I think Cooper Flag is a more aggressive version of Jason Tatum.”
  — Colin Cowherd ([03:59])

• On LeBron James’ Versatility:
  “He's not limited or boxed in or marginalized by having to go to his signature move.”
  — Colin Cowherd ([05:00])

• Nick Wright on LeBron vs. Jordan:
  “There is not a single NBA myth or lie that you're like, oh, that's interesting. That one works in LeBron's favor.”
  — Nick Wright ([37:11])

• On Kevin Durant’s Trade:
  “You have to sign him a couple of big years... I think Houston is a great fit.”
  — Colin Cowherd ([41:12])

Conclusion

In this "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd provides a thorough and engaging analysis of current sports narratives, blending statistical insight with passionate debate. From dissecting the intricacies of the NBA draft and trade strategies to forecasting NFL season outcomes, the episode offers valuable perspectives for sports enthusiasts. The lively exchange with guest Nick Wright adds depth, particularly in challenging prevailing narratives and encouraging a more nuanced understanding of player legacies and team dynamics. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated follower, this episode delivers a comprehensive overview of the sports landscape as of mid-2025.