Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (June 2, 2025)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, offers a deep dive into the top sports stories of the day. In the "Best of The Herd" episode released on June 2, 2025, host Jason McIntyre steps in for Colin Cowherd, who is on vacation. Joined by Alex Curry, the episode navigates through pivotal discussions surrounding the NBA, the NFL, and key player performances, providing insightful analysis and engaging debates for sports enthusiasts.

1. New York Knicks Season Review and Future Prospects

Timestamp: 04:03 – 06:54

The episode kicks off with Alex Curry sharing bittersweet news about his beloved New York Knicks. Despite a challenging end to their season in Indianapolis, Curry emphasizes the positive aspect: "Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the Knicks had their best season this century." He advocates for patience, suggesting that the team should avoid making hasty decisions in the wake of recent frustrations.

Notable Quote:

"Sometimes the move is to do nothing. Sometimes the move is to not make any big moves." – Alex Curry (05:30)

Curry highlights the Indiana Pacers' strategy of maintaining stability by retaining their top seven players and head coach Rick Carlisle, which led them to the conference finals. Drawing parallels, he urges Knicks fans to consider a similar approach.

2. Cleveland Browns and Deion Sanders' Influence

Timestamp: 07:09 – 14:18

Transitioning to the NFL, the discussion centers on the Cleveland Browns and head coach Deion Sanders. Curry critiques Sanders' public criticism of his son Shador Sanders, especially regarding incidents during the draft. He argues that Deion's outspoken nature may have adversely affected Shador's draft prospects.

Notable Quote:

"All you’re doing is hurting Shador." – Alex Curry (12:45)

Curry compares the situation to the Manning family, suggesting that Deion should adopt a more supportive stance to allow Shador to develop independently. The conversation underscores the potential negative impact of parental interference in professional sports.

3. Ranking the NBA's Best Players Without a Championship Ring

Timestamp: 16:07 – 31:02

A significant portion of the episode delves into an engaging debate between McIntyre and Curry over the top five NBA players who have yet to win a championship. Both hosts present their rankings, leading to a spirited exchange of viewpoints.

McIntyre’s Top Five:

1. Luka Doncic
2. Anthony Edwards
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
4. Jimmy Butler
5. Jalen Brunson

Curry’s Perspectives: Curry supports McIntyre's list but introduces slight variations, especially in debating the positions of Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The debate reaches a peak when discussing whether Anthony Edwards should be ranked above Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Notable Quote:

"Luka Doncic, the best player in the NBA without a ring." – Jason McIntyre (25:00)

The discussion highlights each player's impact on their teams, their individual talents, and the potential for future championships. Both hosts agree on Luka Doncic's exceptional ability to elevate his team's performance, solidifying his position at the top of the list.

4. NBA Finals Preview: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Timestamp: 33:08 – 41:04

The conversation shifts to a preview of the anticipated NBA Finals matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. McIntyre and Curry analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, emphasizing the Pacers' proficient three-point shooting and the Thunder's dynamic tempo and assist-to-turnover ratio.

Notable Quote:

"Pascal Siakam was the engine and Tyrese Halliburton was the driver." – Colin Cowherd (37:15)

They discuss Rick Carlisle's strategic prowess, given his extensive Finals experience, and how his coaching could influence the outcome of the series. The hosts express optimism about the Pacers' ability to push the series further, potentially extending it to six or seven games.

5. The Future of NBA Superteams and Player Dynamics

Timestamp: 41:04 – 52:55

Addressing the broader landscape of the NBA, McIntyre and Curry debate the viability of forming "superteams" in today's league environment. They reflect on iconic player movements, such as LeBron James joining the Miami Heat, and speculate on the potential impact of future player trades and signings.

Notable Quote:

"The super team era is over, sadly." – Alex Curry (46:20)

They consider the challenges of attracting star players like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo to teams outside of traditional powerhouses, discussing market dynamics and team assets necessary to lure top talent. The conversation underscores the evolving strategies teams must adopt to remain competitive.

6. Concluding Thoughts and Final Debates

Timestamp: 52:55 – 53:02

As the episode wraps up, McIntyre and Curry reflect on their extensive discussions, appreciating the depth of their conversation and the insights shared by guest Rick Bucher.

Notable Quote:

"This was a good session." – Alex Curry (52:56)

Key Takeaways:

• Patience with Team Management: The New York Knicks should consider stability and strategic adjustments rather than making abrupt changes following a tough season.

• Parental Influence in Professional Sports: Deion Sanders' public critiques may hinder his son Shador Sanders' professional prospects, highlighting the delicate balance between support and interference.

• Top NBA Players Without a Championship Ring: Luka Doncic stands out as the premier player seeking his first NBA title, followed closely by emerging stars like Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

• NBA Finals Dynamics: The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder bring a clash of strategic prowess and shooting excellence to the Finals, with Rick Carlisle's coaching experience being a pivotal factor.

• Evolution of NBA Superteams: Forming superteams remains challenging in the current NBA landscape, requiring teams to possess both strategic assets and market appeal to attract top-tier talent.

This episode of The Herd provides a comprehensive analysis of current sports narratives, blending expert opinions with passionate debates. Whether you're a Knicks fan pondering team strategies or an NBA enthusiast tracking the journey of rising stars, "Best of The Herd" delivers valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions.