Best of The Herd

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd Release Date: April 16, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Duration: Approximately 24 minutes of content

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1. NBA Playoffs Analysis

Warriors vs. Rockets Series

Colin Cowherd and co-hosts delve into the ongoing NBA playoff series between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. The discussion highlights the Warriors' aging roster and lack of depth compared to the young, athletic Rockets.

• Colin Cowherd [04:58]: "Golden State looks old, they look tired, they don't have a ton of scoring depth. Outside of Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry, they're not terribly dynamic."

• Chris Broussard [05:47]: "If there's an upset in the offing, I think Houston is a rough matchup. They're a great rebounding team, and Zach Edey was a problem for the Warriors."

Predictions:

• Colin Cowherd: Predicts that the Rockets will upset the Warriors, citing Houston's size and rebounding prowess as key factors.

• Chris Broussard: Agrees with the potential upset, emphasizing the Warriors' vulnerabilities on the boards and Houston's athleticism.

Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Series

The hosts discuss the Lakers' advantages over the Timberwolves, focusing on clutch performance and star power.

• Chris Broussard [32:43]: "The Lakers are a very good clutch team with LeBron and Luka. Anthony Edwards has been great, but the Lakers will cruise."

• Anna [33:55]: "The Lakers are very good in the clutch, and Minnesota struggles to close out games. I think the Lakers will win the series."

Predictions:

• Both hosts favor the Lakers, highlighting their experience and ability to perform under pressure.

Oklahoma City Thunder's Playoff Prospects

A discussion on whether the Thunder can replicate their regular-season success in the playoffs.

• Anna [34:55]: "I would be shocked if they run through the playoffs the way they did the regular season. Their youth and inexperience could be a hindrance."

Conclusion: The consensus leans towards the Thunder facing challenges in the playoffs despite their impressive regular-season performance.

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2. College Football Quarterback Holdout: Arch Manning

The episode shifts focus to a significant story in college football involving Arch Manning, a highly touted quarterback.

• Colin Cowherd [07:03]: "Arch Manning's holdout is unprecedented. Tennessee said, 'See ya,' and other top programs are holding the line."

• Colin Cowherd [08:15]: "This is about the influence of quarterback dads, turning into 'pageant moms,' interfering with talented kids. It's a modern dilemma."

Discussion Points:

• Family Influence: The role of parents, particularly fathers, in navigating young athletes' careers.

• Transfer Portal: Speculation on where Arch Manning might transfer, with mentions of UCLA and UNC as potential destinations.

• NIL Impact: The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals fueling parental demands and expectations.

Expert Insight:

• Joel Klatt: Suggested that Arch might land on the West Coast, possibly at UCLA, influenced by recent financial influxes.

Conclusion: Arch Manning's holdout underscores the increasing complexity of college sports, where financial and familial pressures intersect, potentially impacting athlete decisions and program reputations.

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3. NFL Draft and Player Evaluations

Jackson Dart's Prospects

The conversation moves to NFL prospects, particularly focusing on Jackson Dart from Ole Miss.

• Chris Broussard [16:45]: "Jackson Dart has the tools to succeed if he lands with the right team, similar to how Geno Smith found success in Seattle."

• Anna [38:12]: "If Jackson Dart joins the Rams and sits behind Matt Stafford with Sean McVay's guidance, his outcome could be significantly different."

Predictions:

• Colin Cowherd: Believes Dart has potential but depends heavily on the team's environment and coaching.

• Chris Broussard: Strongly suggests that the team environment, like that of the Rams, could make or break Dart's NFL career.

Comparisons:

• Zach Wilson vs. Jackson Dart: Both quarterbacks are seen as talented but requiring the right circumstances to thrive.

Conclusion: Success for players like Jackson Dart hinges not just on individual talent but also on the organizational support and mentorship they receive within the NFL.

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4. Luka Doncic as the Face of the NBA

A compelling segment discusses whether Luka Doncic could become the new face of the NBA, potentially surpassing current stars.

• Chris Broussard [36:31]: "Luka has become the top-selling NBA jersey, surpassing LeBron and Steph. He has the personality and skill to be the face of the league."

• Anna [38:12]: "International players have dominated MVP awards recently. Luka, with his flair and leadership on the Lakers, is poised to become the league's face."

Key Points:

• Popularity Metrics: Luka’s jersey sales indicate strong market appeal.

• Personality: His competitive nature and on-court talent make him a standout figure.

• Market Dynamics: Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers enhances his visibility and marketability.

Conclusion: Luka Doncic possesses both the talent and the charismatic presence needed to ascend as the primary face of the NBA, especially if he continues to excel and leads the Lakers to championships.

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5. Additional Sports Insights and Predictions

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Series

• Colin Cowherd [39:40]: "Jokic's performance is crucial for Denver. If he's averaging a triple-double, Denver remains strong, but the Clippers' lack of depth could be a challenge."

• Anna [41:21]: "Denver has the best point differential, but their playoff inexperience may be tested against seasoned teams like the Clippers."

Predictions:

• Potentially a tightly contested series, hinging on star performances and team depth.

General Playoff Predictions:

• Emphasis on veteran experience and depth as decisive factors in multiple series.

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6. Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with a reinforcement of the show's availability and upcoming segments, ensuring listeners stay engaged with future discussions and predictions.

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Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [07:03]: "Arch Manning's holdout is unprecedented. Tennessee said, 'See ya,' and other top programs are holding the line."

• Chris Broussard [16:45]: "Jackson Dart has the tools to succeed if he lands with the right team, similar to how Geno Smith found success in Seattle."

• Chris Broussard [36:31]: "Luka has become the top-selling NBA jersey, surpassing LeBron and Steph. He has the personality and skill to be the face of the league."

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Conclusion

"Best of The Herd" offers in-depth analysis of current sports narratives, including critical playoff matchups, impactful stories in college football, prospects in the NFL draft, and the rising prominence of international stars in the NBA. Through expert insights and lively discussions, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the sports landscape as of April 2025.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Chris Broussard]

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[Jeremy Hobson]

We live in a divided country and our media couldn't be more polarizing. That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Each week we hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country. And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news. Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Chris Broussard]

Thanks for listening to the Best of the Herd podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch us live every.

[Chris Broussard]

Weekday on Fox Sports Radio at noon.

[Colin Cowherd]

To 3 Eastern, 9am a.m. to noon Pacific.

[Chris Broussard]

Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. This is the Best of the Herd with Colin Cowher on Fox Sports Radio. Here we go. It is a Wednesday. We are live and this is the Herd. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. We have a lot today. There's continuing stories going on. One of the more fascinating the first holdout in college football ever and how that's playing out. Is that kid, that great quarterback talent, young kid, is he going to land at USC or ucla? A lot of rumors this morning on that. Jordan Schultz filled in for J. Mac, who's on vacation. So the warriors one got off to a huge lead. But if you were a Warrior fan, they look tired and they look vulnerable. That was a depressing win for an old band on about to go on tour. So let's start with that. Remember the trade deadline and there was that rumor that Kevin Durant may be going back to the warriors and KD squashed it. Steve Kerr, did he plant it? They need length. They need another score now. Playoff. Jimmy and Steph Curry were Great, combined for 75 points. But when you watch them, they need another athlete, they need another wing. And this is where the Jonathan Kaminga story is so obvious. Did not play him again last night. I mean, they're telling the league we're moving off him, they're doing something. But you watched it last night like they Memphis was a Ja Morant turned ankle and an inbounds play from beating the Warriors. So they had great energy in the first half. They had a great game plan, took a 20 point lead, but boy do they have holes. They couldn't make any stops. They're just not long enough. And Jimmy Butler gave this team a vibe and an energy, but Vibe has a ceiling. He brought this intensity to the regular season. And a lot of teams in the regular season, especially the second half, are tanking or resting starters. So. But Golden State looks old, they look tired, they don't have a ton of scoring depth and outside of Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry, who thank God hit back to back threes, that was the difference probably in the game they're not terribly dynamic. And so now it's interesting because they face Houston. Houston is they're exactly what the warriors aren't. Young, long, athletic, dynamic and a great rebounding team. So they're going to blow out the warriors in a couple of these games. The question is, can there be enough close games in the Houston warriors series for Golden State to win? Because Golden State will be a much better team in close games. They'll manipulate the refs. They've got the better coach. Draymond Butler and Steph have been in so many huge playoff games. Close games. I'll take the warriors, but they're going to get blown out a couple of times in this series because, you know, an old band can go to the sphere in Vegas, can still make money and tour, but an old NBA team, you can't hide behind the drums and the lyrics. They looked old. And I'll say this, the Jimmy Butler thing, the playoff Jimmy thing is real. He had a remarkable first half, played well throughout. But Golden State is favored against Houston and I feel like they're going to be incredibly Butler and Curry reliant. They're not as deep, as long as athletic as Houston. I think we got an upset on our hands coming because Golden State is favored. So Steve Kerr seemed somewhat satisfied. Here was his take on what we all watched last night.

[Jeremy Hobson]

I tried to downplay it a little bit before the game, but we desperately.

[Chris Broussard]

Needed to win this game and get four days.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Our guys have been basically playing knockout games for about three weeks. Took 83 games. But we're right where we want to be, which is, you know, back in the playoffs and we've got a chance. But maybe most importantly, we get. We get the time to rest and prepare because these guys need that.

[Chris Broussard]

Yeah, the old band members need to head home for a few days. Sleep in, sleep late. Again. If you look at the warriors starting lineup in the playing game last night, Steph and Jimmy gave you 75 points. Everybody else looks small, look limited, and shot 6 for 19 and gave you 16 total points. So Houston is the opposite of the Warriors. The warriors are favored and I think it's mostly based on playoff experience. But if there is a first round upset coming, it's going to be Houston beating this team. Houston is excellent in size and rebounding. The warriors are not. And now that they've apparently opted to not play Kaminga, I mean, you watched last night. Zach Edie was a problem. Like they just, I mean, and he didn't play well and he's not a refined NBA player, but they didn't even want to challenge him at the rim. Zach Edie. So here comes Houston, watch out. All right, so this story is fascinating. So it's the, we talked about this. I've talked about this every day. I, it's the first holdout in college football. So there's a really talented quarterback, LA kid, Arch Manning and him, the kid were the top two quarterbacks out of high school. He goes to Tennessee and he makes two and a half million dollars red shirting. So there's a bidding war for these kids now, the great quarterbacks, Nico Iamaliava and, and then he decides, obviously got advice, bad advice from somebody in his family, probably dad, I would guess. And I am, I'm not going to practice, I'm going to hold out. I want 4 million. And Tennessee said, yeah, see ya. We're not going there. So he's a talented kid. But not only did Tennessee hold the line, a lot of people are holding the line. Tulane said no thanks. Belichick said no thanks. Oregon has the money. They've said no thanks. So the rest of college football is holding the line as well. Now for the next 10 days, the transfer portal is wide open and he may land somewhere. But the overriding feeling I get from this story because he's talented is quarterback dad is a real thing. And it's the equivalent of pageant mom. Weird helicopter getting in the way of talented kids, living through your kids. Bad advice. Quarterback dad has become pageant mom. Not a lot of self awareness here. So I mean it's a metal man, not a middleman. And now Marv Marinovich, California Todd Marinovich, his dad, rest in peace. He was the beginning of the tsunami of where and I've heard this for years from college coaches, like dads get in the way. You know, everybody's like, oh, you need a strong dad. Dads that were semi athletic but not as successful as they think they should have been lived through their kids. Now the Nico family saying this is not why he left. It wasn't bad advice. Why would Tennessee, there's a lot of grifting going on. Why would Tennessee just bail on him? Give me a break. You know what this is all about? It's about the cash. And so I think the nil has been gas on a flame of parents who are very strong willed and often turn into pageant mom. So I'm surprised he doesn't have more offers. I think he's really talented. But Tennessee made a statement, okay? And what's interesting is, and we know that money drives everything from politics to sports, but it looks like college football, a lot of college football's made a Statement too. So, and I, and I do think bailing on your team is a bad look. I don't think it would affect him. The interesting thing here, if he would have just stayed at Tennessee and had a good year, not even a great one, he's probably a first round quarterback next year and would have made money, would have never been a problem the rest of his life. So the family is saying there's a lot of misinformation, but he was a starting quarterback for Tennessee, decided not to practice and Tennessee said, no thanks. You just don't do that for a kid this talented. This kid's too talented to just bail on cuz, you know, he had a ice cream headache and missed a practice. He's too talented. So Joel Klatt came on the show yesterday and talks about what he thinks is going to happen to this really, really talented kid in a weird situation. I could see him back on the West Coast. I would, I would think that he wants to be in the Big Ten, I would think, but I think he could wind up somewhere else. I think UNC is interesting. North Carolina, that's, that's just, just to keep your eye on that. The LA schools make a lot of sense. Now, I have heard that there has been a huge quiet influx of UCLA money, that's all. So I'm not going to be shocked if he winds up at ucla. I will be a little surprised at ucla. It's a public university. Everything gets reported. You know, USC has always had an advantage on ucla. It's private, they can pay their coaches whatever they want. It doesn't have to go through a board or regents. Nobody cares. If you want to pay an assistant 2 million bucks, you can at UCLA. Historically, football, they don't pay their assistance very well because it's got to get approved. So unless somebody stepped up and said, okay, USC could be pretty good this year. They're our rival, let's go pay 3 million bucks. But it's a fascinating tale because I'll argue all day long, the kid is talented. He's young, he's not refined, yet he is talented. From la, goes to the sec and Tennessee's like, we're not going to play this day, we're not going to play this game, we're not going to do this. And it's interesting to watch. A lot of teams that need a quarterback right now in college don't appear to be interested. And he's as talented as anybody out there. So stay tuned. Coming up. Speaking of quarterbacks, I got a second and a third NFL person telling me I'm wrong on Jackson Dart of Ole Miss, who I think is a slightly better version of Zach Wilson from byu, went to the jets and flamed out. I'll talk about that next. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS1 and.

[Colin Cowherd]

The iHeartRadio app American Public University where service members like you can access high quality, affordable education built for your lifestyle. With online programs that fit around deployments, training and unpredictable schedules, APU makes it possible to earn your degree no matter where duty takes you. Their preferred military rate keeps tuition at just$250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's tuition. And with 24. 7 mental health support, plus career coaching and other services, APU is committed to success during and after your service. Learn more at APU Apus Edu Military. That's Apu Apus Edu Military Looking to transform your business through better HR and payroll? Meet Paycor, a paychecks company. The powerhouse solution that empowers leaders to drive results from recruiting and development to payroll and analytics, paycor connects you with the people, data and expertise you need to succeed. Their innovative platform helps you make smarter decisions about your most valuable asset. Your people. Are you ready to become a Better Leader? Visit paycor.com leaders to learn more. That's paycor.com leaders T Mobile's stats are.

[Steve Covino]

As impressive as your favorite athlete's highlight reel because T Mobile helps keep you connected from the heart of Portland to right where you are on America's largest 5G network switch. Now keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off up to $800 per line via prepaid card. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com keepandswitch up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card will have 15 days qualified unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Required card is no cash access and expires in six months.

[Jeremy Hobson]

We live in a divided country. I am a lifelong Republican with all kinds of different people.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother.

[Jeremy Hobson]

That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation.

[Anna]

Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Each week we bring together an all star panel. Mark Cuban so great to have you on the Middle. Thanks for having me. Jeremy Neil Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle. Thanks for having me and hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues.

[Chris Broussard]

Hi, my name is Venkat. I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.

[Jeremy Hobson]

And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.

[Anna]

We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these.

[Chris Broussard]

Jobs necessary and what are we doing here?

[Anna]

But that doesn't seem to be what we're doing in this situation.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Chris Broussard]

There's a story out today. The Rams have spent expensive time on Ole Miss quarterback Jackson Dart. Cause Stafford's getting old. I would be shocked if the Rams drafted him. I'll just tell you that. I would be surprised. Now. I think he's Zach Wilson of the Jets, a little better version. I think he's more talented, but I think he's Zach Wilson. So it was easy for me to predict Zach Wilson wouldn't work. To the jets defensive coach, battle line, wonky organization, impulsive ownership, that was an easy call. Jackson Dart, if he did go to the Rams and sat behind Matt Stafford for two years with a guidance and composure and intelligence of Sean McVeigh, it could be a different outcome. I mean, let's be honest. Sam Darnold's the greatest example of this. Awful with the Jets, Great with the Vikings. Baker Mayfield in Tampa. Oh, he's pretty good. So Geno Smith reborn in Seattle with a competent staff. Awful with the Jets. Oh, you can actually play a little in Seattle in a Pro Bowl. So where you land for young people in any industry, it can be broadcasting, it can be football, it can be law, it can be medicine. Your first mentor is a game changer. Certainly was for me. So Jackson Dart to the Saints and Jackson Dart to the rams. Sitting for two years behind Stafford with McVeigh. Those are two potentially different outcomes. And here's the thing. Football's different. So where you land in basketball may affect how many trophies you win. Right? Michael. Michael Jordan eventually got Phil Jackson and they drafted Scottie Pippen. You do need a good gm, and you need, you know, an owner that's going to pay for the right coach and get the right coach. But you can still get 28 points a night. Kevin Durant's still getting 27 points a night, shooting 53%. You can still get yours. You may not get trophies, but in football, battle line, bad coordinator, bad outcome, bad results. Maybe you get hurt so the gap in football coaching in this country is gigantic. I don't think the gap in NBA coaching is huge. I think Kerr is obviously very good. Ty Lue, Tibbs obviously a great defensive coach. But I mean Joe Missoula had no head coaching experience, was a second row guy. They give it to him, by the second year he's winning a title. I don't think the gap in NBA took player driven league football coaching is everything. I mean the Chargers went from the worst defense in the league to the best defense in the league because they got the right defensive coordinator, same players. You don't see that in the NBA. You don't go for 28 wins to 58 wins because you hired a coach in the NBA. So Jackson Dart, if he lands at the right place, I mean look at what Sean Payton did to rookie Bo Nicks. Look what Matt Eberfloos did to the more talented Kayla Williams. So if Jackson Dart goes to the Rams like this story says, it's possible. I don't believe that's true. And sits for two years with McVeigh's guidance, okay, all bets are off. That's a whole different outcome than going to the Saints. Derek Carr's hurt starting week one. That in my opinion would not end well. I, but I have three people now. One has made a steak dinner debt. Bet he really likes him. And I see Zach Wilson, same high school, same size, same struggled when they played better competition in college and the game speeds up. So there you go. That, you know, this is one of the great parts about the draft is the quarterbacks taking a swing. I'm going to put it out there. I, I, I don't think Jackson darts a first round quarterback, in my opinion goes to the Rams. I'll probably be wrong. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Hey, it's Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss and the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together. I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Kobe, Known Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course on social media, that's Covino and Rich.

[Colin Cowherd]

Balancing work, family and education isn't easy, but American Public University makes it possible with online courses, monthly start dates and flexible schedules. APU is designed for busy professionals who need education that fits their lives. And Affordability matters too. APU offers the opportunity grant, giving students 10% off undergraduate and master's level tuition, helping you reach your goals without breaking a bank. Plus, they provide career services and 247 mental health support at no extra cost. Visit Apu Apus Edu to learn more. That's Apu Apus Edu looking to transform your business through better HR and payroll? Meet Paycor, a paychecks company. The powerhouse solution that empowers leaders to drive results from recruiting and development to payroll and analytics, paycor connects you with the people, data and expertise you need to succeed. Their innovative platform helps you make smarter decisions about your most valuable asset, your people. Are you ready to become a Better Leader? Visit paycor.com leadership to learn more. That's paycor.com leaders T Mobile's stats are.

[Steve Covino]

As impressive as your favorite athlete's highlight reel because T Mobile helps keep you connected from the heart of Portland to right where you are on America's largest 5G network. Switch now. Keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off up to $800 per line via prepaid card. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com KeepAndSwitch up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days device ineligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Jeremy Hobson]

We live in a divided country. I am a lifelong Republican with all kinds of different people.

[Chris Broussard]

You know, I'm a mother.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm a grandmother.

[Jeremy Hobson]

That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation.

[Anna]

Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Each week we Bring together an all star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the Middle. Thanks for having me.

[Chris Broussard]

Jeremy.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Neil, Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle.

[Chris Broussard]

Thanks for having me.

[Jeremy Hobson]

And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues.

[Chris Broussard]

Hi, my name is Venkat. I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.

[Jeremy Hobson]

And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.

[Anna]

We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these jobs necessary and what are we doing here? But that doesn't seem to be what we're doing in this situation.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Chris Broussard]

Here we go. It is Wednesday. Playing games started last night. Fun stuff. Live in Los Angeles. It's the hurt. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. Diana Rossini in five minutes. You know, it's really, it's, I love this time of the year. I mean, we had March Madness was amazing. The Masters was my favorite masters in forever. Masters has delivered so many times. There's just some things in my life that have always been there on Sunday, NFL Sopranos for about a decade. And the Masters is very infrequently not delivered. And I thought CBS did a great job with it. And, and this time we got all this NFL draft stuff. I, I, I do not remember a draft where I had stronger disagreements with friends and people I know. I like Shador Sanders much more than people that I know in the league. You know, I don't think he's an A prospect. I think he's a B plus prospect. But I think he's a really good kid, a really good player. Better arm than he gets credit for this idea that he's a pocket quarterback. He's not immobile. He moves. He had to move. They had a terrible offensive line. He's fine. So I like him much more. I'm, I don't, I'm not into the Louisville quarterback who's like 27. I'm not into Jackson Dart. I like Kyle McCord. A lot of people don't because he, you know, he's a little Philip Rivers. Kyle McCord pocket guy can, can make some risky throws, but he's competitor. He'll throw it into traffic. He'll take risks. He'll throw it downfield. He's not a dink and dunk guy. So I think Kyle McCord with the right hands, he is really aggressive pocket passer. Not a great athlete but I like the fact that there's wide variations of opinions. That's what makes this job fun. So before I get to Diana Rossini, she's got great stuff on the draft and other things. I'm going to give you 54 bold predictions for the playoffs kind of bold. One of them is bold. Number one is I think the joker. I think Denver's going to lose to the Clippers although I think it's a very good series. He's going to average a 30 point triple double. First of all, if he's not on the floor, Denver's bad. He has to play. And after Zubots the Clippers have no center depth. Ben Simmons is their backup center so he's going to have to log 40 minutes and he's going to put up massive numbers. So I might he's going to have an all time playoff series. I think the Clippers win. I think the Rockets upset the Warriors. Amon Thompson is their best athlete Houston and he guarded step the last time they played. He's a terrific player, terrific athlete. The roster is young, athletic, they defend the three great rebounding team young. They will not lose energy over the course of this series and I think the warriors are unbelievably Steph and Jimmy Butler Reliant and the Kaminga issue hurts. They need Kaminga to play real minutes with his length against the warriors and now he's a DNP coach's decision. Rockets upset the Warriors. Number three the Detroit Pistons will have more ejections than wins against the Knicks. First of all they're going to struggle to stop Jalen Brunson. They have this year. Secondly, they're a very young emotional team is Detroit. They led the Eastern Conference with 10 player rejections and they got a chip on their shoulder. And New York is a physical team and a chatty team at times and they're going to frustrate the you know what out of the Pistons. So I think, I think New York flies through them. Pistons players have multiple ejections and for the record the Knicks do not play the Cavs or the Celtics. Well they're 34 and 10 against the rest of the east so they're going to hammer the pistons. And number four Ant Edwards will have mark multiple 40 point games against the Lakers. They're not a team that gets easy buckets. Gober and Julius Randle don't have a history of scoring consistently in the playoffs. Ant played great down the stretch, he's actually the last two playoffs been a very efficient player. He shoots better. So Ant's playing the best basketball of his career and I think the Lakers defense may be let Anthony have his. We're not going to lose because Julius Randle goes off. So I think Ant is going to be highly productive. I think it'll be a wildly entertaining series, but I just don't think the T Wolves can consistently initiate enough offense. They'll have too many, if not wasted possessions, too many difficult, clunky possessions. The Lakers between Austin Reaves playing the best basketball of his career. Luke is in better shape. LeBron's rested, ready to go. They're going to get more easy, looks easier, transition to offense and I think the Lakers are going to win that series in six one more herd the herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search heard to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. Chris Broussard, co host first things first, joining us live from New York. I said this, I understand Steve Kerr says the warriors are tired, but the Rockets are a tough matchup. Long, deep, athletic. Amon Thompson can guard Steph Curry. He's their best athlete, I think. I mean, if there's a. If there's an upset in the offing, I think Houston is a rough matchup. They're also a great rebounding team. And you saw last night the problem Zach Eady and his size gave the Warriors. I'm surprised. Golden State, I guess. Steve Kerr, veterans. I think Houston's gonna win the series. Am I nuts?

[Anna]

Warriors in six, Colin.

[Chris Broussard]

What?

[Anna]

Warriors in six. No, look, you're not. Now, Zach Edey looked like an all star yesterday against the Warrior. He really did. He was dominant. I mean, 17 rebounds, they could do nothing with him. You're hitting on the warriors weakness, which is their lack of size. That's there. I've been harping on that for the last few years. If you go back, I know 22, they weren't that huge. You know, Kavan Looney was playing more than when they won the championship. But go back to all their previous championship teams and they had an Andrew Bogut, they had a Festus Aelia, Zaza Pichua. They had size. It wasn't great size, but it was size that they could put out there. Now they don't have that. And Houston, to your point, is the best rebounding team in the league and the last. The warriors are actually a good rebounded team, too, despite their lack of size. But the last three games, for whatever reason they have been crushed on the glass, including last night. And that's the key to this series. If they get destroyed on the boards, then Houston's got a great chance. You mentioned the athleticism. I'm in Thompson, yes he can bother Steph Curry because he's long and athletic but I think ultimately Colin, when you look at this series, as great as Ime Udoka is, best coach is Golden State. Best player is Golden State. Second best player I think Jimmy Butler Golden State best defender Golden State Draymond Green and obviously the wealth of experience. So Rockets great season. I think they'll, you know this will be good for them going forward in the future but I don't see them after having never made the playoffs in the last five years or four years and then all these young guys, Shin Goon, Green, Amin Thompson this is their first taste of the postseason against a seasoned champion. I think they're going to learn from this. But go down in six I got.

[Chris Broussard]

To ask you, I I like the Lakers over the T Wolves and one of the reasons is even though ant's been very good in the playoffs, he's kind of their go to answer offensively Julius Randle's never been a good playoff guy. Good player but not a great playoff player. Rudy go Bears limited Mike Conley age whereas the Lakers have three offensive playmakers and initiators and sometimes in the playoffs in these close games I said this yesterday T Wolves Lakers are going to be104.104.4 minutes left and I'm taking Luka, Lebron and Austin reaves over one guy Ant I like the Lakers in this series and I think it will become very apparent early in the series that Minnesota doesn't have the firepower. How do you see it playing out?

[Anna]

Yeah, I'm with you on this one. If the games are close and we hope they are just for entertainment value but the Lakers are a very good clutch team. Not only do you have LeBron and Luka you can go to but Austin Reeves, you remember when they lost that game on the half court heave recently to Chicago Austin Reeves was the guy getting the buckets at the end of the game. So they're very good in the clutch and Minnesota is terrible Now Anthony Edwards gets a ton of points. I think he led the league in points in the clutch but they lose those games. They're like 19 and maybe 24 or something like that in clutch games. So they're not good at closing out games. So I agree with you there I think this is an interesting series though. I think the Lakers win. I actually have them winning in five. Whether or not Minnesota can push it to six is all based on Julius Randle. Like you said, he has been one of those guys in the league that is an all star during the regular season and just goes kaput in the playoffs. This is a chance for him to change that image. If he does, maybe Minnesota makes it competitive. If not, the Lakers should cruise. And I think Anthony Edwards will play well, but the Lakers will cruise.

[Chris Broussard]

So I let's be honest. The NBA regular season doesn't get huge numbers and guys like Stephen LeBron and the Celtics and the Knicks steal the thunder and I pivot to the Thunder. Oklahoma City put up the greatest point differential in league history. They have, they create turnovers, but they don't have turnovers. They've got a dominant MVP level score, they've got a good coach, tremendous depth, they've got size. And there's part of me that thinks we just, we just don't want them to win because we want LeBron and Stephen the Celtics. But if they flew through the Western Conference playoffs, would you be surprised or do you think their youth in big road playoff games and Chris Young players on the road in the playoffs are different than they are at home? What do you think transpires with the Thunder? Are they a buzz saw in the playoffs like they were in the regular season?

[Anna]

No. If they ran through the playoffs in the West, Colin, I would be shocked. Now I wouldn't be shocked if they win the west but if they just run through it the way they did the regular season, yeah, I'd be surprised. Now remember I don't know the exact record but they were of around.500 against the best teams in the west. And I mean like the four best teams in the west, something like that. So they didn't dominate the west elite. I also think you hit on it with the youth. This team, I've said it before on this show be it will be the youngest team ever to reach the finals and the youngest team to win it of course. But they also have only one one playoff series together. That's just. It's very unusual for a team with such little experience to go ahead and get all the way to the finals. Especially when you got to go through the all time greats that they do. Obviously the Lakers have them yich with Denver staff in, in Golden State and so I, I would be surprised if they run through these playoffs. They also only have one star and we saw it Colin, last weekend when they were playing the Lakers or a week and a half or so ago, yeah, the Lakers were. They rolled, obviously, in the first game, and then the second one, they were up by a point in the fourth quarter when Luka Doncic got ejected. So I thought they showed everybody that if the Lakers and OKC meet in the Western Conference finals, I'm taking the Lakers because you got two great stars, Luke and LeBron, against one great star in Shay. And I'll take that experience all day.

[Chris Broussard]

Okay, finally, I'm going to throw this out there. I threw this out to Nick Wright. I said, right now, Rory McElroy is the face of golf. Messi's the face of the mls. Ovechkin was arguably the face of hockey for the last decade. Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge are the face of baseball. And Conor McGregor. The UFC was never more popular than When Ireland's Conor McGregor was the biggest draw. And this idea, the NBA can't have an international star. And I told Nick Wright, I said I always was. Maybe, maybe not. But the thing about Luka, he's very domestic. He barks at refs, he barks at fans. He's got an attitude, he's fun. He's got a crazy bag of tools. Right. And there's part of me that thinks if he averages 36 in the finals and the Lakers won, Chris, I. I think he's a bigger personality than Wemby. I think his game has got a lot of tools. I think Luca come. I mean, if. If he goes through Jokic, who doesn't want to be the fa, he goes through sga, who's pretty reticent and quiet. What if Luca just blows these playoffs up? Why can't he be the face of the league?

[Anna]

Well, he can. And look, I used to feel like about. I don't know, seven years ago, I said I don't think an international star could be the face of the NBA. But I didn't foresee the. I mean, the three best players in the league being international guys, if not more than that. This will be what, when Shay or Jokic wins? I think it'll be Shay, but this will be like, I think the seventh straight international MVP or seventh straight year in international players won the mvp, and there's just more coming. Luke is going to win one at some point.

[Chris Broussard]

Yeah.

[Anna]

Wimby's going to probably win several at some point. Like, it's not stopping. And so I. Yeah, the face of the league. The only American out there, because Ja has kind of hurt Himself off the court, like the only. Anthony Edwards is like our last hope for an American player to be the face league. Jayson Tatum, if they win it. But I don't know, he doesn't captivate people like that. Luka, to your point, he has the game. His game is flashy, doesn't dunk like he used to early in his career, but he still got all the moves and the craftiness. He's fun to watch. He does have an attitude. He's with the Lakers. And Colin, I think this trade, yeah, this trade just made him even more popular, right. And it made him somewhat sympathetic because the Mavericks just ripped him anonymously, of course, but ripped him on the way out. He was, you know, he drinks too much, he eats too much, he's not in shape, he doesn't play defensive, all that. And now you see him go to the glamour franchise of the league. And if he wins it, he will have proved Dallas wrong. But also, I think people feel like, man, this dude got a raw deal. He loved Dallas and they did him wrong. And I do think if they win the championship and he's the mvp, he is the Lakers best player. With all Due respect to LeBron, it's LeBron's team, clearly, but Luke is the best player right now. And yeah, if they win the championship, he could. He. He will become the face of the league.

[Chris Broussard]

Chris Broussard, first things first. Good seeing you, buddy.

[Anna]

You too, Colin.

[Chris Broussard]

Yeah. Yesterday we had merchandise jersey sales. Luca was way up. Luca was number one, wasn't he? Wasn't Luca number one. So Luca was number one over LeBron and Steph. So, I mean, Jason Tatum was four or five. Yeah. I mean, top selling NBA jersey. This is before the playoffs. So the NBA ratings triple in the playoffs. Double and triple. So you say. Well, you know, he, you know, the Laker jersey is new. He hasn't. I don't want to hear that. I mean, Victor Wembanyama's Jersey's new. He's 6, so Steph Curry's 2. And everybody's had that jersey. Who wants it? And that's a popularity contest. Why can't Luca be the face of the league? And I. When you throw in this, he's great. His game's highly offensive. He's on the Lakers. He's polarizing because of the trade. And he's a trash talker. I mean, you know, Michael Jordan talked a little trash. Michael Jordan had a little edge. Larry Bird had a little edge. Shaq and Kobe had a little edge. You don't have to be the likable guy. Kobe Bryant was, was kind of a trash talker. Bird was a trash talker. Michael Jordan talked trash. And Michael, like Luca, was somebody that had like a rival and some controversy and the Pistons and the cell. There were a million reasons to like Michael, a lot of reasons to like Luca. You're not, you're not face of the league because you play great defense. Can you drop 38 on any given night? Do you play for a big market team? Do you have a little polarization? Do you have a trophy? If they win a trophy, to me, Luke is the face of the league. Live in la it's the Herd.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jeremy Hobson]

Divided country, and our media couldn't be more polarizing. That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices, not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Each week, we hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country. And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news. Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents. The only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday, keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft, listen to 40s and free agents on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.