Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Jason McIntyre
Co-Host: Alex Curry
Guest: Mitch Lawrence, NBA Writer and SiriusXM Host

1. Introduction and Initial Discussions [03:11 – 07:25]

Jason McIntyre kicks off the episode from Los Angeles, highlighting a "spicy show" ahead. He introduces his co-host, Alex Curry, and touches upon a previous discussion about "ghosts," which segues into the main sports topics of the day.

2. New York Knicks' Shocking Decision to Fire Tom Thibodeau [07:26 – 07:25]

The primary focus of the episode centers on the unexpected firing of the New York Knicks' head coach, Tom Thibodeau, despite having led the team to its best season this century. Jason expresses surprise, citing the Knicks being just two games away from the NBA Finals and having defeated the defending champion, the Celtics.

Notable Quote:

"The Knicks starters average more points per game than any other starting unit in the last 45 years in the NBA. Tibbs does not trust his bench."
— Jason McIntyre [05:15]

3. Analyzing the Reasons Behind Thibodeau’s Dismissal [05:15 – 15:01]

Jason delves into internal dynamics, revealing that James Dolan, the Knicks' owner who has been largely absent from team operations over the past five years, sat in on exit interviews with key players like Josh Hart, Mikhail Bridges, and Jalen Brunson. This presence likely influenced the decision to fire Thibodeau.

Key Points:

• Jalen Brunson vocally supported Thibodeau, questioning the necessity of the coach's return.
• Josh Hart had previous conflicts with Thibodeau over player utilization and bench time, highlighting systemic issues within the team's strategy.
• Thibodeau's inability to effectively develop a robust bench led to player fatigue and declining performance in crucial games.

Notable Quote:

"They gave up 126 points per game in the losses in the series. That's Thibodeau's calling card. He couldn't deliver."
— Jason McIntyre [07:35]

4. Guest Insights: Mitch Lawrence on Knicks' Front Office Politics [19:20 – 29:39]

Mitch Lawrence, an NBA writer and SiriusXM host, provides an in-depth analysis of the Knicks' tumultuous front office environment. He describes Madison Square Garden (MSG) as a "pit full of vipers," emphasizing the internal agendas and lack of accountability among the management.

Key Insights:

• Jim Dolan's hands-on approach disrupted the stability Thibodeau brought to the team.
• The Knicks' management style contrasts sharply with other successful franchises like the Spurs or Miami Heat, leading to organizational dysfunction.
• The lack of transparency and open communication with the media exacerbates the team's challenges.

Notable Quote:

"The Garden front office is full of vipers. These are guys who have their own agendas, whatever they are."
— Mitch Lawrence [19:20]

5. Potential Candidates for Knicks’ Head Coach Position [29:37 – 48:58]

Jason McIntyre and Mitch Lawrence brainstorm potential replacements for Thibodeau, considering various seasoned coaches:

• Michael Malone: Former Denver Nuggets coach with a championship title, praised for his ability to develop players. Jason advocates for Malone’s defensive acumen and leadership qualities, despite earlier reservations about his fit with the Knicks.

• Mark Jackson: A Knicks legend with deep roots in New York, though his past off-court issues and lack of recent head coaching opportunities make his candidacy uncertain.

• Steve Nash: Former Brooklyn Nets coach whose tenure was marred by conflicts with star player Kyrie Irving. Despite his basketball IQ, Nash's compatibility with the current Knicks roster remains questionable.

• Mike Brown: Known for his defensive strategies, Brown's experience could address the Knicks' defensive shortcomings. However, his recent mixed results make his hiring a risky move.

• Sam Cassell: A players' coach with a relatable persona, Cassell could bridge the gap between players and management. His lack of head coaching experience, however, poses a challenge.

Additional Consideration:

• Jason Kidd: Former Knicks star and Dallas Mavericks coach, Kidd's potential return is debated. While his legacy with the Knicks is strong, his current commitment to Dallas and the feasibility of a trade complicates his candidacy.

Notable Quote:

"He is one of the great point guards in NBA history, so I don't know. It's going to be fascinating."
— Jason McIntyre [27:59]

6. Kevin Durant’s Career Trajectory and Trade Speculations [15:01 – 24:13]

The discussion shifts to Kevin Durant, examining his recent performance decline and the implications for his career. Jason draws parallels between Durant and aging actors like Nicolas Cage, suggesting Durant's marketability and performance are waning.

Key Points:

• Durant's Declining Playoff Performance: Despite his illustrious career, Durant has been swept in two of his last three playoff runs with super teams, raising concerns about his future impact.
• Trade Speculations: The Phoenix Suns are reportedly interested but hesitant, suggesting a diminishing interest in Durant as a viable long-term asset.
• Market Value: At 36, Durant's $54 million contract next year raises questions about his fit with younger, developing teams versus super teams needing a veteran presence.

Notable Quote:

"Kevin Durant's defense is that superior to what you're getting at $54 million playing the position he does."
— Jason McIntyre [14:10]

7. Concluding Thoughts on Knicks' Future and Durant’s Situation [46:33 – 48:58]

As the episode wraps up, Jason and Alex reflect on the Knicks' uncertain future and Durant's potential exit from the league's elite echelon. They discuss the strategic missteps and possible outcomes for both the Knicks' coaching position and Durant’s career decisions.

Final Insights:

• The Knicks face a crossroads where the next head coach must not only manage the team effectively but also navigate the complex front office politics.
• Durant's career decisions will likely impact his legacy and the dynamics of team compositions across the NBA.

Notable Quote:

"If you're making a list of all-time great point guards, Kidd has to be top six, right?"
— Jason McIntyre [28:24]

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode provides a comprehensive analysis of significant NBA developments, focusing on the New York Knicks' unexpected coaching change and Kevin Durant’s career trajectory. Through insightful discussions and expert guest commentary, host Jason McIntyre and co-host Alex Curry offer listeners a deep dive into the intricate dynamics shaping the current sports landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Knicks' Uncertainty: The firing of Tom Thibodeau despite a successful season underscores deep-seated issues within the Knicks' management and front office.
• Kevin Durant’s Crossroads: Durant's performance and marketability are at a pivotal point, with potential moves that could redefine his career and the teams involved.

Quote to Remember:

"This is like a year or two away for Kevin Durant; he's either going to have to have a big reality check or change his ways."
— Jason McIntyre [14:50]

Note: Timestamps are approximate and based on the provided transcript. Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments have been excluded to focus on the core discussions.