Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd delves into a comprehensive analysis of current sports narratives, primarily focusing on the NBA and NFL landscapes. Joined by guests J. Mac and basketball Hall of Famer Paul Pierce, Cowherd offers insightful predictions, critical evaluations, and engaging discussions that cater to avid sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

NBA Analysis: Celtics vs. OKC

Celtics' Performance and Challenges Colin Cowherd opens the discussion by addressing the Boston Celtics' recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC), emphasizing the disparity between regular-season performance and playoff viability.

• Cowherd's Insight:
  "Regular season basketball is babysitting playoff Basketball is parenting. Same kids every night, couple of weeks, no days off, always discomfort. That's playoff basketball."
  (Timestamp: 05:10)

• Paul Pierce's Observation:
  "They have a weak... They have a weak [offensive] game when the shots aren't falling. They need to find other ways to score."
  (Timestamp: 25:05)

Depth and Team Dynamics The Celtics are lauded for their depth and intensity during the regular season, but Cowherd highlights concerns about their adaptability in high-pressure playoff scenarios.

• Key Points:
  • Celtics excel in regular-season depth but may struggle against more experienced playoff teams.
  • OKC's young and deep roster provides them with resilience and versatility.
  • injuries to key players like Chet Holmgren could hamper OKC’s playoff aspirations.

Comparative Analysis: Derrick Rose's Bulls vs. Current OKC Cowherd draws parallels between the current OKC Thunder and Derrick Rose's Bulls, noting both teams' regular-season tenacity but questioning their postseason effectiveness.

• Cowherd's Comparison:
  "That's what playoff basketball. The Celtics have a trophy. They have the better team. But they don't really have a weakness."
  (Timestamp: 06:45)

NFL Discussion: Aaron Rodgers' Predicament

Aaron Rodgers and Team Dynamics The conversation pivots to the NFL, focusing on veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future after his release from the Jets.

• Cowherd's Analysis:
  "Aaron Rodgers is holding the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants hostage."
  (Timestamp: 07:30)

• Pierce's Defense of Rodgers:
  "At 41 years old, the Giants and the Steelers were my last two options. There's a report out there, it could be Minnesota, but I just going to defend Aaron here."
  (Timestamp: 07:50)

Team Evaluations: Giants vs. Steelers The hosts critically assess the Giants and Steelers' organizational decisions, attributing Rodgers' sidelining to their management flaws.

• Cowherd's Critique:
  "The Giants front office is bad and the Steelers lack urgency at quarterback and tone deaf sensibility to offense."
  (Timestamp: 08:15)

• Pierce's Preference:
  "I would take the Giants over the Steelers because of their offensive strategy and willingness to invest in key positions."
  (Timestamp: 10:05)

Future Predictions Cowherd predicts Rodgers' likely destination, leaning towards the Steelers despite Pierce's preference for the Giants, citing the Steelers' defensive prowess.

• Cowherd's Prediction:
  "I think he's going to go to the Steelers, but I would take the Giants if given the choice."
  (Timestamp: 09:40)

Predictions and Team Evaluations

NFC Predictions Colin Cowherd shares his strategic approach to making NFC predictions first, hoping to infuse fresh insights into the season's outlook.

• Cowherd's Strategy:
  "For the first time this year, I'm dropping my NFC predictions... I'll do the AFC tomorrow."
  (Timestamp: 02:50)

Division Analyses

1. NFC North:

   • Lions: Favored for their robust roster and coaching upgrades.
   • Vikings: Considered the weakest in the division, struggling with performance metrics.

2. NFC East:

   • Eagles: Top pick over the Commanders due to their deep roster.
   • Giants: Ranked fourth despite managerial issues, based on offensive improvements.

3. NFC South:

   • Falcons: Evaluated as a new playoff team with strong potential.
   • Saints and Carolina: Mixed reviews based on recent acquisitions and team direction.

4. NFC West:

   • Rams: Viewed as division winners with strategic player acquisitions like Devonte Adams.
   • Seahawks and 49ers: Critical of their offensive line issues and schedule challenges.

• Notable Quote on Division Predictions:
  "So I don't think, you know, listen, Atlanta before Kirk Cousins fell apart, they beat Tampa Twice. I don't think I'm taking a big swing here."
  (Timestamp: 14:30)

AFC Predictions
Cowherd plans to discuss AFC predictions in detail in the following segment, indicating a thorough evaluation process that encompasses free agency movements, coaching changes, and team performances.

Interactive Segment with Paul Pierce

Player Performance and MVP Discussions In an engaging exchange, Cowherd and Pierce debate the merits of players like SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) and Nikola Jokic for the MVP title, highlighting their impact on their respective teams.

• Cowherd's Proposition:
  "I would give SGA the MVP over Jokic because SGA's team is much better."
  (Timestamp: 26:39)

• Pierce's Counterpoint:
  "The reason you give SGA the MVP is because he has the signature moments. Like last night was a signature moment."
  (Timestamp: 27:30)

Team Strategy and Player Acquisition The discussion shifts to team strategies, focusing on the importance of offensive versatility and player acquisitions that align with team strengths.

• Cowherd on Celtics' Strategy:
  "They know LeBron's like that. Like, yeah. That's the power."
  (Timestamp: 36:07)

• Pierce on Knicks' Potential Acquisition:
  "I was thinking more like Zion Williamson. That would be because, you know, Cat can still stretch the floor."
  (Timestamp: 29:56)

Key Takeaways and Conclusions

• Celtics vs. OKC:
  The Celtics' strong regular-season performance may not seamlessly translate into playoff success due to OKC's depth and resilience. Injuries and team adaptability are critical factors moving forward.

• Aaron Rodgers' Future:
  Rodgers' release from the Jets places him in a challenging position between the Steelers and Giants, with organizational issues at both teams influencing his potential next move. Pierce advocates for the Giants based on offensive strategy, while Cowherd anticipates a Steelers signing.

• NFC and AFC Predictions:
  Cowherd's incisive analysis covers multiple divisions, assessing team strengths, weaknesses, and strategic moves. His approach underscores the complexity of sports predictions, balancing current performance with potential future developments.

• Player Impact:
  The debate over MVP candidates like SGA and Jokic highlights the nuanced considerations of individual performance versus team success. Additionally, player acquisitions and their fit within team dynamics are pivotal for future seasons.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Regular season basketball is babysitting playoff Basketball is parenting." – Colin Cowherd
   (Timestamp: 05:10)

2. "Aaron Rodgers is holding the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants hostage." – Colin Cowherd
   (Timestamp: 07:30)

3. "I would give SGA the MVP over Jokic because SGA's team is much better." – Colin Cowherd
   (Timestamp: 26:39)

4. "The reason you give SGA the MVP is because he has the signature moments." – Paul Pierce
   (Timestamp: 27:30)

5. "I like the Giants situation here." – Colin Cowherd
   (Timestamp: 14:45)

Conclusion

"The Best of The Herd" episode encapsulates Colin Cowherd's analytical prowess, enriched by the expertise of guests like Paul Pierce. The discussions offer a blend of current sports evaluations and forward-looking predictions, making it a valuable resource for listeners seeking in-depth sports commentary.