Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (June 26, 2025)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd brings listeners an engaging and in-depth analysis of the top sports stories, with a particular focus in this episode on the NBA draft, emerging talents, and the dynamics of untradeable athletes across major sports leagues. Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, this episode, titled "Best of The Herd," dives deep into the intricacies of player selections, team strategies, and the evolving landscape of sports management.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage (02:35 - 03:27)

Colin Cowherd opens the episode with enthusiasm, welcoming returning co-host Jason McIntyre and new contributor John Middelkoff. The discussion quickly shifts to the recent NBA draft, emphasizing the unpredictability and projection-heavy nature of the event compared to other leagues like the NFL.

Jason McIntyre: "The NBA draft is funny because unlike the NFL draft, it's just all projection, right? Like you're just kind of guessing because everybody's so young."
(03:19)

2. Analyzing the NBA Draft and Key Players (03:27 - 16:33)

The bulk of the episode centers around an extensive analysis of the NBA draft, focusing on standout picks and their potential impact on their new teams.

a. Highlighting Promising Draft Picks

Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks):
Flagg is lauded for his immediate scoring potential and fit within a strong Dallas team.

V.J. Edgecomb (Philadelphia 76ers):
Edgecomb is recognized for his athleticism and defensive prowess, with expectations to contribute significantly to a powerhouse roster.

Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs):
Both players are viewed as crucial components of the Spurs' future core, with Harper expected to develop into a key scorer and Bryant praised for his defensive capabilities and potential star status.

Notable Quote:
Rick Pitino: "Cooper Flag is one of like three players that are ready to have an impact right away for the Dallas Mavericks. He's ready for the NBA and I think he'll be an impact basketball player right away."
(07:40 - 07:58)

V.J. Edgecomb Analysis:
Pitino discusses Edgecomb's athleticism and areas for growth, particularly his shooting consistency.

Rick Pitino: "VJ is a tremendous athlete... he needs a lot of work on his jump shot. But most guys when they go to the NBA from being declared non-shooters become great shooters by the time they're in their second or third year."
(08:09 - 08:35)

b. Evolution of Team Building in the NBA

The conversation touches on the shift from relying heavily on star centers in the past to the modern "core four" approach, influenced by recent collective bargaining agreements (CBA) and salary caps that prevent excessive stacking of All-Star talent.

Jason McIntyre: "I think we've moved into a different area. I would call it the core four. Because of the new CBA and salary caps, you can't stack it with All Stars. You have to draft and develop."
(05:15)

This strategic evolution necessitates teams to focus on drafting and nurturing young talent, ensuring sustained competitiveness without violating league financial constraints.

3. The Impact of NIL and Domestic Player Focus (11:15 - 14:33)

McIntyre and Lind delve into how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have transformed the NBA draft landscape, encouraging a greater emphasis on domestic (American) players over international prospects. This shift is attributed to enhanced branding opportunities and financial incentives for players staying in collegiate programs longer.

Jason McIntyre: "I do think that drafts will start looking more like this, that even if it's an international player, he'll have played at Oklahoma or Illinois or Michigan or, you know, Kentucky."
(11:15)

Rick Buecher: "I think branding is also part of it, in addition to the NIL... that trend of European players at the top of the draft that nobody knows, maybe that cycle is over and now we're transitioning back to American players."
(12:57)

This trend not only aids in player development but also boosts the visibility and marketability of American athletes, aligning with fan engagement strategies.

4. Untradeable Athletes Across Sports (17:21 - 28:56)

A significant segment is dedicated to discussing the most untradeable athletes in various sports, underscoring their immense value and indispensable roles within their respective teams.

Highlighted Athletes:

1. Caitlin Clark (WNBA):
   "She is not only the face of the WNBA, she's the greatest face, the most popular face ever."
   (23:00)

2. Patrick Mahomes (NFL):
   "He's the only guy in the last 20 years you're gonna surpass Brady here."
   (23:15)

3. Shohei Ohtani (MLB):
   "He makes every Dodger game an event. Completely untradeable."
   (24:00)

4. LeBron James (NBA):
   "The best player in the NBA. That's one of those things. Don't even contemplate trading him."
   (24:30)

5. Josh Allen (NFL):
   "He is the most physically gifted quarterback in the league's history."
   (24:50)

6. Aaron Judge (MLB):
   "He is so unique. He's a beloved player."
   (25:10)

7. Jaden Daniels (NFL):
   "He is our next superstar in the NFL. He was bizarrely good as a rookie."
   (25:30)

Discussion Highlights:

• Fan Base and Marketability: The untradeable status is often tied to an athlete's ability to drive merchandise sales and fan engagement.

• Impact on Team Dynamics: Trading such players could lead to significant backlash from fans and destabilization of team performance.

Notable Quote:
Jason McIntyre: "If you start looking at number one picks international or domestic. The guys that don't work usually just aren't ready for the moment. A lot of it's maturity."
(10:56)

5. Player Development and Concerns (28:56 - 43:53)

The hosts pivot to evaluating the development trajectories of recently drafted players, addressing potential red flags and areas needing improvement.

a. Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz):

Jason McIntyre: "If you go look at top picks that don't make NBA does a pretty good job of identifying... But my take is when you watch Ace Bailey, I'm like, okay, you're great, but Rutgers couldn't make the tournament. You wouldn't work out for anybody."
(33:34)

Colin Cowherd:
Though initially skeptical about Bailey's approach, Cowherd acknowledges the Jazz's strategic pick based on potential upside.

b. Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs):

Colin Cowherd: "I truly believe Carter Bryant is one of the two, three, four best players in this draft."
(36:14)

Bryant is highlighted as a player with immense potential, drawing comparisons to NBA veterans like Rudy Gay, indicating a promising long-term career.

c. V.J. Edgecomb (Philadelphia 76ers):

Colin Cowherd: "In a worst case scenario, you're getting an elite defensive player, elite athlete, guy that shows up every day and if the offense clicks."
(38:52)

Edgecomb's defensive skills are praised, though concerns about his offensive consistency remain.

d. Trey Johnson (Washington Wizards):

Colin Cowherd: "Anybody who isn't sold or doesn't know enough about him... He's a great scorer and provides what every team needs."
(40:17)

Johnson is appreciated for his scoring ability, though questions about his overall game impact linger.

e. Nate SGA (Denver Nuggets):

Jason McIntyre: "If the Denver Nuggets called and said we'll trade you SGA, you would be a moron."
(26:09)

SGA is firmly established as a cornerstone for the Nuggets, unlikely to be traded due to his central role in the team's success.

6. Commercial Breaks and Advertisements (Throughout Transcript)

While the majority of the transcript includes advertisements and promotional content for products like Degree deodorant, Uber Eats, Dell AI PC, DraftKings Sportsbook, Grainger, and Capital One, these segments are strategically placed between content discussions. As per user instructions, these sections are omitted from the summary to maintain focus on the core content.

7. Closing Remarks and Additional Insights (43:53 - End)

The episode concludes with final thoughts on player potential and the cautious optimism surrounding the new NBA season. The hosts reiterate the importance of player development and strategic drafting in building successful teams.

Colin Cowherd: "I don't think the rebuild has been quite as long as we think it is, but it feels like it's been like four or five years they've been waiting to get in position to get that guy."
(34:52)

Jason McIntyre: "I do think drafts will start looking more like this, that even if it's an international player, he'll have played at Oklahoma or Illinois or Michigan or, you know, Kentucky."
(30:25)

Key Takeaways

• NBA Draft Dynamics: Emphasis on projecting young talent and the strategic importance of drafting players who can immediately impact their teams.

• Player Potential vs. Readiness: Balancing a player's immediate abilities with their long-term potential and maturity plays a crucial role in draft decisions.

• Shift Towards Domestic Talent: NIL deals and enhanced branding opportunities are influencing teams to prioritize domestic players, potentially enriching the league's marketability.

• Untradeable Stars Across Sports: Understanding the unique value of certain athletes who are integral to their teams' identities and success.

• Player Development Focus: Continuous nurturing and development are essential for sustaining team competitiveness, especially under evolving league financial structures.

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive exploration of the NBA draft's nuances, the rise of promising players, and the broader implications for team strategies and sports management. Whether you're a dedicated sports enthusiast or a casual listener, the discussions provide valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports.