The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Best of the Week

Episode Date: April 4, 2026
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Network: iHeartPodcasts & The Volume

Episode Overview

This week’s "Best of the Herd" dives into the latest developments across college basketball, the NBA, and the NFL, offering Colin Cowherd's classic mix of insight, opinion, and lively debate. Discussions range from March Madness observations and NBA playoff matchups to a deep analysis of Jalen Hurts' tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles and the evolution of modern basketball with special guests including Nick Wright, J.J. Redick, and Dell Curry.

Key Segments & Highlights

1. Where Colin Was Right, Where Colin Was Wrong

(03:08 - 08:43 & 30:45 - 31:16)

College Basketball & March Madness

• Michigan's Success:
  Colin called Michigan as the tournament’s top team, highlighting their complete roster and standout coaching.

  “Michigan. I had Michigan getting to the final four and winning it and right now they look as good as anybody. … Dominant defensive center, NBA guys, elite passing, three point shooting, best passing team in college basketball in a long time…” — Colin Cowherd (03:37)

• Old vs. New School Coaches:
  Colin admitted to overestimating the impact of old-school coaches, as young, elite recruiters like Tommy Lloyd and Dusty May outperformed veterans.

• Big Ten’s NIL Advantage:
  Predicting the impact of NIL, Cowherd discusses Big Ten’s dominance over the SEC due to better funding and coaching infrastructure.

NBA Commentary

• Tanking in the NBA:
  Despite anti-tanking proposals, Colin emphasizes that without league system reforms, tanking remains a rational strategy.

  “NBA owners are billionaires. That is, that is glove compartment money. If you're going to get an all time great player.” — Colin Cowherd (05:13)

• AJ Brown & Eagles:
  Colin concedes difficulty interpreting AJ Brown’s role, exploring whether organizational statements are leverage tactics.

• New York Knicks & Playoff Potential:
  Colin reiterates his stance: the Knicks aren’t true title contenders and face key roster decisions.

  “I do think they have to take a big swing in the offseason. Probably moving Cat because I would never move Jalen Brunson.” — Colin Cowherd (06:48)

• Rob Manfred & MLB:
  Praising Commissioner Manfred for the new ABS (automated balls and strikes) system, which has quickened the game and enhanced strategy.

2. Jalen Hurts & the Eagles: Leadership Strains

(11:52 - 16:56 & 23:37 - 24:56 & 48:02 - 52:08)

Inside Philly: Issues with Hurts

• Sources Leak Organizational Friction:
  Colin divulges a source close to the Eagles describing Jalen Hurts as “tough to coach, not well liked, stubborn.” He draws parallels to the Russell Wilson era in Seattle: a star QB receiving credit while systemic issues are blamed on others.

• Derek Gunn’s First-hand Reporting:

  “It has been constantly discussed all season long. Yet when they transition to a field on a football game, he plays his game, not the game the coaches want him to play.” — Derek Gunn (16:22)

• Troubling Team Stats:
  Despite an elite roster, Eagles’ offense lagged at 24th in yards per game, raising concern about Hurts’ play style and adaptability.

• Nick Wright on Locker Room Tensions:

  “One of the reasons A.J. brown in consecutive seasons could light that locker room on fire and remain popular amongst his teammates is because I think guys are like, well somebody's gotta say it. I'm glad AJ will take the hit for us.” — Nick Wright (49:34)

3. NBA Playoff Previews: Lakers, Rockets, & Matchup Dynamics

(16:56 - 21:58, 32:08 - 39:44)

Lakers’ Best-Case Scenario

• The Lakers are “red hot” coming into playoff season, with a 15–2 March record. Colin analyzes matchups, pinpointing the Houston Rockets as LA’s preferred first-round opponent:

  “The best matchup for the Lakers are the Rockets because the Rockets don’t have a legitimate scoring threat at guard. … Lakers are a very unique offensive team. It’s well documented their defensive issues.” — Colin Cowherd (17:56)

JJ Redick on Health & Roles

• “It was a confluence of things, starting with health. … it’s much easier when you have a consistent stretch of health to settle into roles and minutes and rotations.” — J.J. Redick (21:58)

Coaching: Overrated or Essential?

• Colin and Nick Wright debate if NBA coaching is overrated, compared to football:

  “It’s more often that a coach’s weaknesses kneecap a team than his strengths elevate a team in the NBA…” — Nick Wright (33:43)

Luka Dončić’s Impact

• Luka’s offensive dominance drives LA, even with significant absences from LeBron and Austin Reeves.

  “He is that transcendently great of an offensive player.” — Nick Wright (36:33)

4. Wemby’s Ascendance & the MVP Debate

(39:44 - 42:52)

• Both hosts marvel at Victor Wembanyama’s defensive and offensive impact, but Nick is wary of awarding hypothetical MVPs based on projected minutes or potential.

  “Wimby is en route to being the greatest defensive player, if not ever, certainly since Bill Russell.” — Nick Wright (37:51)
  “MVP is not a hypothetical award.” — Nick Wright (41:08)

5. Knicks’ Window, Brunson’s Longevity, and Possible Moves

(43:01 - 47:17)

• Discussion of Knicks’ recent struggles and Jalen Brunson’s heavy usage leading to concerns over his longevity and the team’s trajectory.

  “The Knicks have lost three straight. … They have to go after Giannis. They’ll both be on the same timeline.” — Colin Cowherd (44:38)

• Nick Wright proposes LeBron James as a possible Knicks addition if he leaves LA.

6. The Power of Favoritism in Sports & March Madness Ratings

(30:45 - 31:16 & 65:33 - 67:45)

• Colin discusses soaring NCAA Tournament viewership, attributing it to powerhouse programs, not Cinderella stories:

  “Stop telling me you love Cinderella. You don’t. It’s cute. … Goliath versus Goliath sold more tickets.” — Colin Cowherd (30:56)

7. Interview: Dell Curry on NBA Evolution & Family Legacy

(52:28 - 67:45)

• History of the Three-Point Shot:
  Dell recounts the rarity of the three-pointer in his playing days versus modern frequency.

  “Everything was played inside the three. … You better hit a couple of [threes] or your time is going to be limited the next night.” — Dell Curry (54:32)

• Steph Curry’s Leadership & Dynasty Dynamics:
  Dell reflects on Steph’s role managing egos in a championship locker room and handling the pressure of dynasty expectations.

• Draymond’s Role:

  “Every championship team has those two types of guys… a guy who can handle things ... and then you’ve got to have a guy that’s kind of out of control, that ... is going to do things his way.” — Dell Curry (57:03)

• Wemby’s Impact:
  Dell is astounded by Wembanyama’s skill set and defensive prowess.

  “This guy’s a total package ... [He] can win you a game on the defensive end.” — Dell Curry (63:09)

• Rule Changes & Basketball Philosophy:
  Colin suggests removing the corner three to emphasize interior play—Dell firmly disagrees, favoring adaptation over regulation.

• On Family & Golf:
  Dell shares anecdotes about golfing with his sons, Steph and Seth, and enjoying life post-NBA.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Tanking's not going anywhere … NBA owners are billionaires. That is glove compartment money.”
  — Colin Cowherd (05:13)

• “When people get let go ... all the blame, they start talking. That’s the way the game works.”
  — Colin Cowherd (16:56)

• “MVP is not a hypothetical award. It is not a projection award.”
  — Nick Wright (41:08)

• “Wimby is en route to being the greatest defensive player, if not ever, certainly since Bill Russell.”
  — Nick Wright (37:51)

• “If everyone thought AJ Brown was as out of pocket as the media thought, he would not have had the support within the locker room that he did seem to have.”
  — Nick Wright (49:34)

• “Every championship team has those two type guys. … But tremendously competitive on the floor. Then you got to have a guy that's kind of out of control.”
  — Dell Curry (57:03)

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Where Colin Was Right/Wrong — (03:08, 30:45)
• Eagles Locker Room Insights — (11:52, 16:22, 16:56, 48:02)
• Lakers, Rockets, and NBA Playoff Matchups — (16:56, 21:58, 32:08)
• Wemby and MVP Race Debate — (39:44, 41:08)
• Knicks’ Roster Moves & Brunson Discussion — (43:01, 44:38)
• Dell Curry Interview — (52:28, 54:32, 57:03, 63:09)
• March Madness Ratings and Goliath vs. Cinderella — (30:45, 65:33)

Tone & Takeaways

Classic "The Herd" fare: Colin is insightful but provocative, unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom (“you don’t really like Cinderella stories”), blending humor and sharp statistical analysis. Guests like Nick Wright and Dell Curry contribute both serious commentary and locker-room banter, drawing broader connections between sports trends and player psychology.

For further detail, skip to the timestamps and listen to the in-depth breakdowns—especially Colin’s critique of the Eagles' internal politics (16:56), Nick Wright’s passionate defense of Luka and skepticism on Wemby for MVP (36:33, 41:08), and Dell Curry’s firsthand reflections on NBA life and basketball evolution (54:32 onward).