Podcast Summary: "Best of The Herd" Episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction
In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd teams up with co-host Jason McIntyre to dissect the latest happenings across major sports leagues. From NBA trade rumors and MLB All-Star Game insights to NFL quarterback rankings and innovative changes in baseball, the duo offers comprehensive analysis and engaging discussions for sports enthusiasts.
NBA Spotlight: LeBron James Trade Rumors
Key Discussion Points:
- Skepticism About Trade Rumors: McIntyre expresses doubt over the persistent trade rumors surrounding LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
- LeBron’s Value: Emphasis on LeBron’s high productivity and prime status, making him invaluable to the Lakers.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason McIntyre: “I do not buy the LeBron trade rumors.” [04:50]
- Colin Cowherd: “I think he starts the season with the Lakers. Now, if for some reason it goes terrible, would they try to move him at the deadline? Maybe…” [06:54]
Analysis: McIntyre argues that trading LeBron would undermine the Lakers' championship aspirations, especially given LeBron's significant contributions, such as being sixth in MVP voting and earning an NBA second-team honor last season. Colin Cowherd concurs, suggesting that the Lakers are likely to maintain stability unless faced with an unforeseen downturn.
MLB All-Star Game: Innovations and Player Highlights
Key Discussion Points:
- All-Star Game Features: Highlights include Cal Raleigh from the Mariners and Jacob Mizorowski (Miz) from the Brewers making their All-Star debuts.
- Introduction of ABS System: MLB's experimental Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system aims to enhance game efficiency and accuracy.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason McIntyre: “He's a phenom... six-seven, throws heat. I'm for it.” [09:32]
- Colin Cowherd: “Rob Manfred’s like, no, let's have fun. It's baseball.” [34:30]
Analysis: McIntyre champions Miz’s selection, emphasizing his impressive pitching speed and potential to electrify the game. The introduction of the ABS system, despite initial resistance from purists, is lauded by both hosts for its potential to modernize the sport by speeding up gameplay and increasing umpire accuracy from 83% to 97%.
NFL Quarterback Rankings: Top 10 Insight
Key Discussion Points:
- Top Quarterbacks: McIntyre ranks NFL quarterbacks based on insights from executives, coaches, and scouts, listing Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow at the top.
- Jalen Hurts Evaluation: Despite leadership and physical prowess, Hurts is placed outside the elite tier due to perceived limitations in passing ability.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason McIntyre: “...I don't think any GM sees him as an elite passer.” [16:00]
- Colin Cowherd: “I think he should be at number six... he doesn’t flinch.” [21:27]
Analysis: McIntyre's rankings highlight the blend of talent and potential in the current quarterback landscape, while Cowherd supports Hurts' placement by acknowledging his strengths in leadership and physicality, albeit questioning his elite passing skills.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Analyzing the Modern Dynasty
Key Discussion Points:
- Dodgers' Strategy: Examination of the Dodgers' resource-heavy approach, emphasizing their robust pitching roster and strategic planning for postseason success.
- Season Performance: Despite a rocky start, the Dodgers leverage their extensive resources to remain contenders.
Notable Quotes:
- Colin Cowherd: “The Dodgers are such an anomaly and they're such a unicorn. They're really the best-run franchise in the sport today.” [33:00]
Analysis: The hosts commend the Dodgers for their exceptional management and depth, comparing them to tech giants in terms of resource allocation. This strategic advantage allows them to mitigate early-season struggles and position themselves strongly for the playoffs.
Rafi Devers’ Transition: From Red Sox to San Francisco
Key Discussion Points:
- Performance Slump: Devers experiences a downturn after moving from the Boston Red Sox to San Francisco, raising questions about his adaptability.
- Mental and Environmental Factors: Discussion on how transitioning between leagues and teams impacts player performance.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason McIntyre: “He's going from the AL East to the NL West... lot of adjustments you get used to.” [30:27]
- Colin Cowherd: “Sometimes when you clear what's perceived as a stressful situation... Now is on us.” [31:49]
Analysis: The conversation delves into the psychological and environmental challenges Devers faces, including adapting to different team dynamics and ballpark conditions. The hosts suggest that his initial struggles are part of the adjustment process, with hopes for improvement as he settles in.
MLB Innovations: Rob Manfred’s Impact
Key Discussion Points:
- Commissioner Rob Manfred’s Reforms: Focused on modernizing baseball to attract new fans and improve game quality.
- Technological Advancements: Implementation of technology to enhance accuracy and accountability in the game.
Notable Quotes:
- Colin Cowherd: “Anytime you make players and umpires more accountable, it's a great thing.” [34:30]
- Jason McIntyre: “Rob Manfred deserves credit... saving our game.” [33:28]
Analysis: Both hosts praise Manfred for his forward-thinking initiatives, which include technological integrations like ABS and efforts to streamline game operations. These changes are seen as crucial for baseball’s evolution and maintaining its relevance in a rapidly changing sports landscape.
Cultural Differences in Sports: MLB vs. NBA
Key Discussion Points:
- Player-Owner Relationships: Contrast between the historically tense MLB player-owner dynamics and the harmonious relations in the NBA.
- Impact on League Culture: How these relationships influence league operations and player experiences.
Notable Quotes:
- Alex Rodriguez: “In MLB, the enemy has been the owners... Where in the NBA, owners love, love the players.” [36:50]
- Jason McIntyre: “The cultures are totally different... more fun, more interesting, captivating.” [36:50]
Analysis: Through a conversation with Alex Rodriguez, the episode explores how MLB’s fraught relationships between players and owners differ markedly from the NBA’s more cooperative environment. This discrepancy affects everything from league policies to player satisfaction and overall culture.
Conclusion
The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a multifaceted exploration of current sports trends, challenges, and innovations. Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre provide insightful commentary on significant issues like LeBron James’ trade rumors, MLB’s modernization efforts, and the nuanced dynamics within major sports leagues. Their discussions not only inform but also provoke thoughtful consideration of the evolving landscape of professional sports.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Jason McIntyre: “I do not buy the LeBron trade rumors.” [04:50]
- Jason McIntyre: “He's a phenom... six-seven, throws heat. I'm for it.” [09:32]
- Colin Cowherd: “Rob Manfred’s like, no, let's have fun. It's baseball.” [34:30]
- Alex Rodriguez: “In MLB, the enemy has been the owners… Where in the NBA, owners love, love the players.” [36:50]
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners seeking to stay updated on the intricate developments within the sports world, offering both depth and clarity on pressing topics.