Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (Released March 7, 2025)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd delivers an engaging and insightful analysis of current sports topics, blending expert opinions with in-depth discussions. In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd navigates through pivotal NBA matchups, player performances, and broader sports narratives. This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes with timestamps, and providing a coherent flow for listeners who haven't tuned in.

1. Knicks vs. Lakers Game Analysis

Timestamp: 02:09 – 06:50

Colin Cowherd opens the discussion by delving into the recent high-stakes matchup between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers. The game, described as one of the regular season's most playoff-like encounters, highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.

• Performance Breakdown:

  • New York Knicks: Despite outplaying the Lakers, the Knicks suffered a 15-point loss. Key factors included the limited contribution from Rui Hachimura, who was not at 100%, and Jalen Brunson's extraordinary performance, where Brunson played extended minutes (40+ minutes).
  • Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James and Luka Doncic showcased their synergy, with Carmelo Anthony noting, “what Luka is providing for LeBron now... has really freed LeBron James' game up” (04:30). The Lakers’ depth and offensive weapons were pivotal in securing the win.

• Colin’s Insights:

  • Team Culture vs. Performance: Colin argues that while team culture is essential, it has its limitations. Referencing John Harbaugh’s Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers' former great culture, he states, "Culture only gets you so far” (05:15).
  • Star Impact: Emphasizing the importance of star players, Colin points out that “LeBron makes everybody better” and criticizes players like Jackson Hayes for lacking standout moves, dubbing him “a skinnier version of DeAndre Jordan” (05:45).

Notable Quote:

“Jalen Brunson's great. Good luck winning against good teams and the sign of a very good team. And you can no longer deny it.” – Colin Cowherd (06:00)

2. Steve Kerr’s Insights on the Game

Timestamp: 06:50 – 07:08

Steve Kerr, presumably a guest expert or analyst, provides his perspective on the game, commending both teams’ efforts while highlighting areas for improvement.

• Key Points:
  • Acknowledges the Lakers' need to “close out better” (07:06).
  • Praises the Knicks for their relentless effort in securing baskets.

Notable Quote:

“Over the first three and a half quarters, I thought it was very, very good.” – Steve Kerr (07:06)

3. Steph Curry’s Performance and Impact

Timestamp: 07:08 – 15:45

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Steph Curry’s resurgence and his role in revitalizing the Golden State Warriors.

• Steph Curry’s Dominance:

  • Colin highlights Curry’s extraordinary shooting prowess, referencing his 73% shooting since the All-Star Game (07:45).
  • Describes Curry as “an alien” for his phenomenal long-range shots, including a 45-foot three-pointer (09:42).

• Team Dynamics:

  • The synergy between Curry and teammates like Jimmy Butler is credited for bringing excitement back to the Warriors.
  • Jason McIntyre adds that both Curry and LeBron are likely to secure first-team All-NBA honors, with LeBron entering MVP discussions (13:03).

• Colin’s Comparisons:

  • Compares Steph Curry’s universal appeal to that of Michael Jordan, stating, “Everybody loved Michael. ... Steph Curry is just like that” (11:28).
  • Discusses Jason Tatum’s standing in the NBA, positioning him below Curry and LeBron in terms of global impact and brand presence.

Notable Quotes:

“Every time Steph's on the floor, you feel like you're two to four seconds away from seeing one of the greatest plays in basketball history.” – Colin Cowherd (09:42)

“Steph Curry is absolutely what Steph Curry is. You just feel like you're a moment away from an all-time YouTube clip.” – Colin Cowherd (11:26)

4. Jason McIntyre on Player Star Power

Timestamp: 13:03 – 35:00

Jason McIntyre joins the conversation to discuss player star power, focusing on comparisons between Jason Tatum and other NBA superstars.

• Star Comparisons:

  • Colin contends that Jason Tatum is not in the same league as global icons like LeBron and Steph, comparing him instead to players like Tim Duncan or Karl Malone.
  • McIntyre disagrees, suggesting that both Tatum and Anthony Edwards are significant stars, though not necessarily global icons (14:25).

• Marketability and Brand:

  • Colin emphasizes the importance of individual brands in establishing superstar status, noting Tatum lacks his own shoe line, unlike LeBron and Curry (31:07).

• Performance Metrics:

  • Colin presents statistical data to argue Tatum’s limitations, including lower field goal percentages when facing elite teams and lacking the global appeal to match players like Messi or Ronaldo (24:56).

Notable Quotes:

“He's not a LeBron. He's not a Steph. He's not Messi, he's not Ronaldo.” – Colin Cowherd (34:00)

“There are no shots. He's closer to Duncan. Karl Malone, who we don't talk about. They retired two minutes later.” – Colin Cowherd (32:35)

5. Mark Cuban’s Take on Mavs’ Trade Decision

Timestamp: 19:11 – 25:23

Mark Cuban provides his analysis on the Dallas Mavericks’ recent trade involving Luka Doncic, offering strategic insights into NBA team management.

• Trade Valuation:

  • Cuban compares the trade to Jimmy Johnson’s Herschel Walker deal, stressing the importance of draft picks in enhancing team flexibility (19:11).
  • He argues that trading Luka without adequate return diminishes the Mavericks’ future prospects, suggesting acquisitions of multiple first-rounders are crucial (22:36).

• Team Flexibility:

  • Emphasizes the necessity for teams to maintain flexibility by offloading star players judiciously, as seen with Oklahoma City’s handling of Harden and Westbrook (23:07).

• Strategic Recommendations:

  • Advocates for the Mavericks to seek better deals in trades, ensuring they receive substantial assets in return.
  • Highlights the importance of balancing player retention with strategic acquisitions to sustain long-term competitiveness.

Notable Quote:

“You have to get some flexibility. It's how you get fired.” – Mark Cuban (24:25)

6. Steve Kerr Discusses Ohio State Football and Coaching Dynamics

Timestamp: 35:00 – 44:11

In an unexpected turn, Steve Kerr transitions the conversation to college football, focusing on Ohio State’s program under his coaching.

• Program Evolution:

  • Discusses the integration of NFL-level strategies into college football, emphasizing adaptability amid changes like the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies and transfer portals (38:30).
  • Highlights the importance of teamwork and unselfish play in balancing offensive power with traditional "smash mouth" football (43:49).

• Coaching Philosophy:

  • Emphasizes building trust, accountability, and a cohesive team environment to navigate the transient nature of modern college football (41:15).
  • Reflects on personal challenges and the emotional weight of leading a high-profile program, sharing anecdotes about his father's passing and the responsibilities of coaching (44:43).

Notable Quotes:

“The only way you can do that is if you have unselfish guys.” – Steve Kerr (43:49)

“Ohio State football is bigger than any one of us and the obligation that we have.” – Steve Kerr (46:57)

7. Colin Cowherd’s Final Thoughts on Player Valuation and Media Perception

Timestamp: 44:11 – 50:08

Colin wraps up the episode by addressing the media’s portrayal of players and the impact of public opinion on player reputation.

• Media Influence:

  • Criticizes how the media can distort perceptions by emphasizing feelings over factual performance data, particularly in the case of Jason Tatum (24:30).
  • Argues that without significant marketability or brand endorsements, players like Tatum remain second-tier stars despite their on-court abilities.

• Fan Reactions:

  • Reflects on the backlash received for his comments on Tatum, asserting that presenting data shouldn't be conflated with personal bias (29:15).
  • Maintains that “facts don’t prove it” is a cornerstone of his analysis, advocating for objective evaluation over popular sentiment (31:45).

Notable Quotes:

“Don't let facts get in the way of feelings. I'm just giving you the data points.” – Colin Cowherd (29:55)

“There are no shots. He's closer to Duncan. Karl Malone, who we don't talk about.” – Colin Cowherd (31:07)

8. Concluding Remarks and Final Advertisements

Timestamp: 50:08 – End

The episode concludes with promotional content for upcoming podcasts and sponsor advertisements. Colin briefly mentions social issues, encouraging listeners to combat hate, before transitioning into ads for various brands and upcoming shows.

Key Takeaways

• NBA Team Dynamics: The episode provides a thorough analysis of NBA team performances, emphasizing the critical roles of star players and team flexibility.

• Player Brand Impact: A recurring theme is the significance of personal branding and marketability in elevating a player's status beyond their on-court performance.

• Strategic Team Management: Insights from Mark Cuban underline the complexities of managing star players within a team framework to maintain long-term success.

• Media’s Role in Sports Perception: Colin highlights the tension between data-driven analysis and media-influenced public opinion, advocating for objective assessments of player value.

• Coaching in High-Pressure Environments: Steve Kerr’s discussion on Ohio State football sheds light on the challenges of coaching in a high-stakes, highly scrutinized sports environment.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Colin Cowherd on Team Culture:

   “Culture only gets you so far.” – Colin Cowherd (05:15)

2. Steve Kerr on Improving Lakers’ Play:

   “Obviously we have to close out better.” – Steve Kerr (07:08)

3. Colin Cowherd on Steph Curry’s Performance:

   “Steph Curry is just like that [Michael Jordan].” – Colin Cowherd (11:28)

4. Mark Cuban on Mavericks’ Trade Flexibility:

   “You have to get some flexibility. It's how you get fired.” – Mark Cuban (24:25)

5. Steve Kerr on Team Unselfishness:

   “The only way you can do that is if you have unselfish guys.” – Steve Kerr (43:49)

6. Colin Cowherd on Media Perception:

   “Don't let facts get in the way of feelings.” – Colin Cowherd (29:55)

Conclusion

"Best of The Herd" serves as a comprehensive overview of significant sports narratives, particularly focusing on the NBA’s evolving landscape. Through expert analysis and candid discussions, Colin Cowherd delivers a nuanced perspective on team strategies, player valuations, and the interplay between media and sports performance. Whether dissecting a pivotal Knicks-Lakers showdown or debating the star power of Jason Tatum versus Steph Curry, the episode provides valuable insights for sports enthusiasts seeking deeper understanding beyond surface-level commentary.