Summary of "Best of The Herd" – The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Release Date: June 27, 2025
1. Importance of Support Systems in Youth Sports
Colin Cowherd opens a poignant discussion on the critical role of support systems in the development of young athletes. Drawing from personal experiences, he emphasizes the necessity of strong parental and coaching influences during formative years.
"Most of the great athletes I've covered in my life, almost every great quarterback, almost every great one, almost not all strong dad, or if not super strong mom, strong guidance because that brain's still developing." [05:15]
2. The Ace Bailey Dilemma: Lack of Proper Representation
A significant portion of the episode delves into the concerning situation surrounding Ace Bailey, a promising young athlete facing challenges due to inadequate representation. Colin criticizes the choice of Ace's agent, Omar Cooper, highlighting the absence of experienced guidance.
"His agent apparently told one of the top five teams, 'Not interested.' That is not what you do. By the way, the other guy that the Utah Jazz drafted, Walter Clayton, he's already there." [06:30]
Colin underscores the importance of having a reputable and certified agent, contrasting Omar Cooper with notable agents like Rich Paul.
"Rich Paul. Rich Paul. I've seen him let go of clients if they won't listen to him. Rich Paul's a very, very good agent." [07:10]
3. WNBA Growth and the Pressure on Star Players
Joy Taylor introduces the conversation by highlighting Paige Beckers' critique of the pressure faced by Caitlin Clark, a standout WNBA player. Colin challenges the notion of "inhumane pressure," arguing that increased relevance naturally brings scrutiny.
"She is facing relevance and pressure. If you're Taylor Swift, if you are the Tiger Woods of women's sports, you are going to face pressure. And it is an absolute privilege because you matter." [19:00]
He points out the WNBA's significant growth, noting a 180% increase in the past year, which has elevated the league's visibility and, consequently, the pressure on its stars.
4. MLB All-Star Selections and Team Dynamics
The discussion shifts to Major League Baseball, where Colin and Joy analyze the All-Star selections of Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani as American League and National League starters, respectively.
"The Yankees are clearly the most iconic franchise. I think globally the Dodgers have become number two. The Cubs are like a smaller version of the Dodgers where a lot of their reputation is built on losing and Wrigley Field." [30:00]
Colin praises the surge in MLB interest, attributing it to the star power of Judge and Ohtani, and remarks on the increased World Series ratings.
5. NBA Finals and Betting Opportunities
Highlighting the excitement surrounding the NBA Finals, Colin promotes DraftKings Sportsbook as the go-to platform for betting.
"Don't miss your last chance to bet on the NBA this season. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app." [02:14]
This segment underscores the growing intersection between sports fandom and betting culture, especially during high-stakes events like the NBA Finals.
6. NFL Coaching Hot Seats
Transitioning to American football, Colin and Joy discuss the precarious positions of several NFL head coaches heading into the new season. They reference a CBS report listing the top five coaches on the "hottest seats," including Brian Daboll of the Buffalo Bills and Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins.
"Sean McDermott is probably safe. Shane Steichen, will he be again?" [43:05]
The conversation highlights the high expectations placed on coaches and the volatility of coaching positions in the NFL.
7. Insights on the NBA Draft and Player Development
Guest Jeff Goodman offers expert analysis on NBA draft prospects, focusing on Cooper Flag and other emerging talents. He lauds Cooper Flag's well-rounded game despite earlier skepticism.
"Nobody has fewer holes in their game than Cooper. That doesn't mean he shoots it better than Kevin Durant. But overall, nobody is more well-rounded than Cooper." [53:12]
Goodman emphasizes the importance of selecting players with diverse skill sets and the potential for growth in young athletes.
8. Longevity in the NBA: Steph Curry vs. LeBron James
A comparative analysis of Steph Curry and LeBron James' careers forms a central theme. Colin references comments from Dell Curry predicting Steph's ability to play into his 40s, contrasting it with the typically early retirements of past NBA stars.
"Remember Isaiah Thomas, like popped his Achilles and was done in the NBA like 32 years old. Larry Bird's back broke down. He retired early. Magic Johnson, HIV." [38:24]
Joy adds perspective on how different playing styles impact longevity, noting that Curry's finesse and shooting prowess may contribute to his extended career compared to more physically demanding positions.
"The more power, the more torque, the more physicality to any sport. You age faster. Steph is more of a finesse player and a shooter." [39:18]
Conclusion
The episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a multifaceted exploration of current sports narratives, from the personal development of young athletes to the strategic decisions shaping professional leagues. Through insightful discussions and expert opinions, Colin and Joy provide listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the evolving sports landscape.