The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" Summary
Release Date: June 9, 2025
In the "Best of The Herd" episode, hosts Colin Cowherd, Jason McIntyre, and Matt Hasselbeck navigate through a multitude of significant sports topics, offering insightful analysis and spirited discussions. This detailed summary captures the essence of their conversations, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and the overall flow of the episode.
1. NBA Finals: Oklahoma City vs. Indiana
Overview: The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the NBA Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) and the Indiana Pacers. The hosts express skepticism about the series' appeal due to the perceived lack of star power and dynamic gameplay.
Key Points:
- Lack of Excitement: The series is described as "businesslike" and not particularly engaging for casual fans.
- Team Dynamics: Discussion on player performances, with a focus on OKC's consistent lead in games and the potential of SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) to dominate the series.
- Ratings Prediction: Concerns raised about the finals not being a "ratings bonanza" due to the teams' efficiency over excitement.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason McIntyre ([03:34]): "This series does not have a lot of star power. Even SGA's game is businesslike. It's not dynamic, it's not flashy..."
- Jason McIntyre ([06:51]): "You can't just throw the first punch. You got to try to throw all the punches all night. And yeah, that's what we did."
2. NFL Update: Aaron Rodgers Signs with the Steelers
Overview: The conversation shifts to the NFL, focusing on Aaron Rodgers' recent signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The hosts delve into the implications of this move, questioning its strategic fit and potential impact on Rodgers' career.
Key Points:
- Strategic Fit: Debate over whether Rodgers will thrive in a defensive-first organization like the Steelers.
- Personality and Performance: Analysis of Rodgers' "quirky" nature and how it may affect team dynamics and performance consistency.
- Career Outlook: Mixed opinions on whether this signing is a positive step for Rodgers, with some predicting his career may be winding down.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason McIntyre ([07:08]): "Aaron Rodgers was the Steelers' third choice... So he wasn't this odd, he wasn't this combative in his prime."
- Jason McIntyre ([08:12]): "Even Aaron Glenn with the Jets, a defensive coach, they don't have a quarterback..."
3. NFL Minicamps and Shedeur Sanders
Overview: The hosts discuss the implications of mandatory NFL minicamps starting the following day, with a spotlight on Shedeur Sanders and his potential role within the Cleveland Browns.
Key Points:
- Mandatory Minicamps: Transition from voluntary to mandatory participation, emphasizing the increased competition and scrutiny.
- Shedeur Sanders' Future: Debate on whether Sanders will secure a starting position, with differing opinions on his readiness and potential.
- Veteran Influence: The impact of veteran players in training camps and their role in mentoring or challenging younger quarterbacks.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason McIntyre ([19:20]): "My bet is Shedeur is going to start at some point in the NFL season."
- Unknown Speaker ([26:04]): "Aaron Rodgers has the weapons, the quirkiness... This is a good fit for a lot of reasons."
4. College Basketball and NIL Impact
Overview: The discussion transitions to college basketball, focusing on the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. The hosts explore how these changes are reshaping the landscape of college sports and affecting youth academies in Europe.
Key Points:
- Economic Shifts: NIL deals are revitalizing college basketball but are causing financial strains on European youth academies.
- Player Decisions: Increased financial incentives are influencing players to stay longer in college, potentially delaying their entry into professional leagues.
- Global Implications: European academies like Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly considering shutting down youth programs due to financial pressures from NIL.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason McIntyre ([24:23]): "I thought the NIL is going to save college basketball and Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly are considering shutting down their youth academies in Europe."
- Jason McIntyre ([25:27]): "The NIL is going to deliver where Colin was wrong."
5. Dodgers' Pitching Struggles
Overview: The Los Angeles Dodgers' recent performance issues are scrutinized, particularly their pitching staff's underperformance and the potential need for organizational changes.
Key Points:
- Performance Decline: Despite a strong roster, the Dodgers have struggled in their last 22 games, with a sub-.500 record.
- Injuries and Depth Issues: Key pitchers like Glass, Snow, and Snell have underperformed, raising concerns about the team's depth and resilience.
- Coaching Considerations: Speculation on whether changes in the coaching staff are necessary to address the pitching woes.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason McIntyre ([25:21]): "I thought the Dodgers roster was all-time stuff but in their last 22 games they're under .500."
- Jason McIntyre ([25:58]): "Their pitching staff, injuries, they're decimated for the third to fourth straight year."
6. US Men's Soccer Team Performance
Overview: The hosts evaluate the performance of the U.S. Men's Soccer Team under coach Mauricio Jardino, particularly in light of recent losses leading up to the Gold Cup.
Key Points:
- Coaching Effectiveness: Questioning whether the hiring of a "brilliant" coach like Jardino can reverse the team's recent poor performances.
- Player Evaluation: Analysis of player capabilities and whether the issues stem from coaching or player execution.
- Future Prospects: Concerns about the team's ability to compete effectively in upcoming tournaments.
Key Points:
- Three Straight Losses: The team has lost three consecutive matches, raising alarms about their readiness for the Gold Cup.
- Coaching vs. Player Issues: Debate over whether the coaching strategy or player performance is the primary problem.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason McIntyre ([26:04]): "We hired Mauricio Jardino. He is brilliant and they've lost three straight and kind of limping into the Gold Cup."
- Jason McIntyre ([27:09]): "Are we not calling right? Calling wrong on a Monday."
7. Additional Sports Topics
Overview: The conversation wraps up with various other sports topics, including the Knicks' coaching changes, Cam Ward's performance, and JJ McCarthy's role with the Vikings.
Key Points:
- Knicks Firing Coach: Critique of the decision to fire Tom Thibodeau, suggesting it was due to personnel issues rather than coaching inefficiency.
- Cam Ward's Journey: Appreciation of Cam Ward's work ethic and leadership as a quarterback, highlighting his ability to earn respect despite being younger in the locker room.
- JJ McCarthy Concerns: Discussion on the Vikings' hesitations regarding quarterback JJ McCarthy's ability to perform under pressure.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason McIntyre ([22:23]): "I thought the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau. Yeah, he's not the most creative guy offensively, but that's why you build a staff."
- Jason McIntyre ([40:52]): "What veteran players respect is excellence... He's about the business of football, but the business of being the quarterback and the leader."
Conclusion
The "Best of The Herd" episode provides a comprehensive overview of current sports narratives, blending critical analysis with engaging discussions. From the subdued excitement of the NBA Finals to the strategic moves in the NFL and the transformative effects of NIL in college basketball, the hosts offer a nuanced perspective on each topic. Their ability to dissect complex issues and present varied viewpoints makes this episode a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking depth and clarity in today's sports landscape.
Notable Highlights:
- NBA Finals Critique: Emphasizing the need for star power and dynamic gameplay to boost ratings and fan engagement.
- Aaron Rodgers' Fit with Steelers: Questioning the strategic alignment and potential career trajectory for Rodgers in Pittsburgh.
- Impact of NIL on Global Basketball: Highlighting the financial ripple effects of NIL policies beyond American colleges.
- Dodgers' Pitching Challenges: Pointing out the disconnect between a strong roster and recent performance struggles.
- US Men's Soccer Concerns: Raising doubts about the team's preparedness and coaching effectiveness ahead of major tournaments.
This summary encapsulates the essence of the "Best of The Herd" episode, providing a clear and structured overview of the key discussions and insights shared by Colin Cowherd, Jason McIntyre, and Matt Hasselbeck.