The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Best of the Week Summary

Release Date: June 7, 2025
Host/Authors: Jason McIntyre, Alex Curry, Rick Bucher, Mitch Lawrence
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction and Hosts

The episode kicks off with co-hosts Jason McIntyre and Alex Curry engaging in light-hearted banter about Colin Cowherd's absence due to vacationing, highlighting the dynamic chemistry among the hosts. (02:53 - 03:19)

2. NBA: Top Five Players Without a Championship Ring

Jason McIntyre presents his curated list of the top five NBA players who have yet to secure a championship title. This segment delves into player performances, contributions to their teams, and the potential reasons behind their lack of a ring.

• Number 5: Jalen Brunson
  “He is a phenomenal talent. He has emerged as one of the best point guards in the league.”
  (04:41)
  Jason emphasizes Brunson's scoring ability despite criticisms of his defensive play, asserting his place ahead of Halliburton.

• Number 4: Jimmy Butler
  “Jimmy Butler as an alpha led the Miami Heat to the championship 20 twice.”
  (05:30)
  Butler's resilience and leadership are lauded, with Jason recounting his inspiring journey from adversity to NBA stardom.

• Number 3: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)
  “SGA does everything well. I'm the master of the mid-range right now.”
  (06:26)
  SGA's versatile play and offensive prowess are highlighted, positioning him as a strong contender for an MVP title.

• Number 2: Anthony Edwards
  “Anthony Edwards is phenomenal. All this future faith of the league stuff, it's legit.”
  (07:10)
  Edwards' young talent and offensive skills are praised, despite occasional on-court distractions.

• Number 1: Luka Doncic
  “Luka makes everyone around him better. He leads in the Jokic Giannis class.”
  (08:15)
  Luka's exceptional ability to elevate his teammates and his comprehensive skill set earn him the top spot on the list.

3. Knicks Fire Coach Tom Thibodeau

In a surprising turn of events, the New York Knicks have dismissed Coach Tom Thibodeau despite leading the team to their best season in over two decades.

• Background:
  Thibodeau secured a four playoff appearances in five seasons, outperforming expectations and setting records rarely seen in Knicks history. (12:18)

• Reasons for Firing:
  Jason discusses internal conflicts, particularly between players like Josh Hart and Thibodeau, concerning bench rotations and player minutes. Excerpts include: “They had the best starting unit in 45 years, but Tibbs does not trust his bench.”
  (05:30)

• Owner James Dolan’s Involvement:
  Rumors suggest Dolan's presence in exit interviews may have influenced the decision, though the exact reasons remain unclear. (04:13)

• Potential Impact on Team Dynamics:
  Concerns are raised about the future of key players like Karl Anthony Towns and Mikhail Bridges, and the overall direction of the team. (05:30 - 08:15)

4. Guest Insight: Mitch Lawrence on Knicks' Management

NBA writer and SiriusXM host Mitch Lawrence provides an in-depth analysis of the Knicks' front office dynamics and the precarious environment that led to Thibodeau's dismissal.

• Front Office Turmoil:
  “The Garden front office is full of vipers. These are guys who have their own agendas.”
  (29:05)
  Lawrence describes the Knicks' management as secretive and self-serving, contributing to instability.

• Coaching Pressure:
  The next head coach will not only handle coaching duties but also represent the franchise publicly, adding immense pressure. (31:11)

• Possible Successors:
  Lawrence discusses potential candidates like Michael Malone and Johnny Bryant, weighing their suitability based on past performances and familiarity with the Knicks' organization. (34:24 - 37:43)

5. Kevin Durant’s Career and Potential Trades

A significant portion of the episode addresses the uncertainty surrounding Kevin Durant's future in the NBA, analyzing his performance, age, and market value.

• Career Highlights vs. Recent Decline:
  “Kevin Durant is one of the 15 greatest players in the history of basketball.”
  (17:00)
  Jason acknowledges Durant’s illustrious career but points out his recent playoff struggles and diminishing market appeal.

• Trade Speculations:
  Various scenarios are explored, including potential trades to teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, or even the Detroit Pistons, though practicality and team needs limit these options. (18:53 - 20:17)

• Market Challenges:
  Durant's $54 million contract and his performance metrics make teams hesitant, with younger talents offering comparable scoring potential at a lower cost.
  “I think we're getting close to Kevin Durant not really getting the interest that he thought he would.”
  (19:40)

• Future Outlook:
  Discussions focus on whether Durant will adapt his role to become a leader on a younger team or face a decline similar to past NBA legends nearing retirement.

6. Upcoming Segment Tease

The hosts tease an upcoming discussion about an NFL star contemplating retirement, promising insights into another high-profile sports narrative. (22:18)

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with reflections on the Knicks' future and the broader implications of coaching changes in high-pressure environments. Mitch Lawrence’s optimism about coaches like Michael Malone is balanced against the uncertainty faced by the Knicks. (39:11 - 39:24)

Notable Quotes

• Jason McIntyre on Jalen Brunson:
  “Brunson's slightly better than Halliburton.”
  (04:20)

• Jason on Jimmy Butler's Journey:
  “Jimmy Butler coming out of like living on. He was couch surfing.”
  (05:30)

• Mitch Lawrence on Knicks' Front Office:
  “The Garden front office is full of vipers.”
  (29:05)

• Jason on Kevin Durant's Market Value:
  “We're getting close to Kevin Durant not really getting the interest that he thought he would.”
  (19:40)

Conclusion

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a comprehensive analysis of current NBA dynamics, focusing on standout players without championships, the unexpected firing of Knicks' Coach Tom Thibodeau, and the uncertain future of Kevin Durant. Expert insights from Mitch Lawrence provide depth to the discussion on the Knicks' internal struggles, while the hosts maintain an engaging and conversational tone throughout. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or seeking to catch up on the latest NBA developments, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and takeaways from the episode.