Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Butler Has Elevated Curry To MVP Level, Luka + LeBron = The Warriors Kryptonite? What’s Wrong With The Knicks
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Marcus Thompson
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth discussion with Marcus Thompson, author of Golden KD and Dynasties. The conversation centers around the evolving dynamics of the Golden State Warriors, particularly focusing on the impact of Jimmy Butler on Steph Curry's performance, the formidable combination of Luka Doncic and LeBron James as potential challenges to the Warriors, and the underlying issues plaguing the New York Knicks.

Jimmy Butler’s Influence on Steph Curry and the Warriors [02:07]

Colin Cowherd opens the discussion by introducing Marcus Thompson and delving into how Jimmy Butler's addition to the Warriors has transformed the team’s dynamics.

Marcus Thompson:
"I didn't expect this. I love Andrew Wiggins and think he's a really good NBA player, especially with the Warriors. If you put him in the right situation, he'll be great for you." [03:16]

Key Points:

• Jimmy Butler’s Role: Thompson emphasizes that Butler elevates Curry’s game to an MVP level without necessarily contributing high-scoring performances himself.

  Thompson:
  "Jimmy lives mid-range. He's just on the court, and by virtue of being Jimmy Butler, he will punish you if you let him. And if you don't, then Steph will punish you." [04:45]

• Team Chemistry: Butler's presence injects energy and aggression, compelling teammates to elevate their performance. Thompson notes a significant shift in Curry's scoring patterns post-Butler’s arrival.

  Thompson:
  "The day they traded him, Steph took 36 shots and the next day he took 32. It was the first time in his career he taken 30 shots in back-to-back games." [07:25]

• Strategic Fit: Butler's defensive intensity and intentional play style complement Curry’s offensive prowess, creating a balanced and more competitive team.

Impact of Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the Warriors [09:20]

The conversation shifts to the potential threats posed by Luka Doncic and LeBron James, particularly how their synergy could act as a "kryptonite" for the Warriors.

Colin Cowherd:
"How is Luka and LeBron viewed in the Bay Area?" [19:02]

Key Points:

• Denver’s Challenge: Luka and Jokic's chemistry in Denver makes them a formidable opponent. Thompson compares this to the Warriors' internal chemistry with Butler and Curry.

  Thompson:
  "The Lakers have two of the guys that the Warriors have a hard time guarding. That's a lot." [21:09]

• LeBron’s Longevity: LeBron’s ability to adapt and his strategic movements in the league pose ongoing challenges for teams like the Warriors.

  Cowherd:
  "LeBron is the smartest player in league history, arguably in a short list." [35:13]

• Warriors’ Strategy: The Warriors must continuously adapt to counteract the evolving strategies of superstars like Luka and LeBron to maintain their competitive edge.

Analyzing the New York Knicks’ Struggles [44:29]

Colin and Marcus turn their attention to the New York Knicks, assessing what’s going wrong with the team.

Marcus Thompson:
"Knicks are just disappointing. For a team that can't shoot threes, they sure jack a lot. But I don't like their will at the end." [44:34]

Key Points:

• Shooting Deficiencies: The Knicks struggle with three-point shooting, limiting their offensive versatility and effectiveness against high-caliber teams.

• Defensive Weaknesses: Despite high scoring, their defensive efforts are inconsistent, leading to vulnerabilities against teams with strong offensive players.

• Team Morale and Willpower: Thompson highlights a lack of determination and resilience, especially in clutch moments, which hampers their performance in critical games.

  Thompson:
  "Their will on the defensive end has its limit." [44:53]

• Potential Improvements: The absence of key players like Karl-Anthony Towns exacerbates their issues, and without strategic adjustments, the Knicks may continue to underperform.

Warriors’ Future Outlook and Playoff Prospects [43:28]

Discussing the Warriors’ upcoming schedule and playoff challenges, Marcus provides insights into their chances against top-tier teams.

Colin Cowherd:
"What's it look like for the Warriors going forward? Where are their challenges?" [43:28]

Key Points:

• Favorable Schedule: The Warriors have a relatively manageable schedule ahead, facing teams they are likely to defeat, which positions them well for a strong playoff run.

• Top Contenders: Teams like Boston and Cleveland present significant challenges due to their robust rosters and defensive capabilities.

  Thompson:
  "Cleveland and Boston are the two best teams in the league. They can defend the rim, they can defend the perimeter. They've got scoring guards, they've got scoring wings." [47:00]

• Playoff Dynamics: Thompson emphasizes the importance of experience and adaptability in the playoffs, suggesting that the Warriors’ ability to adjust their strategies will be crucial against seasoned opponents.

Conclusion

The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Golden State Warriors' current state and future prospects, highlighting Jimmy Butler's pivotal role in enhancing Steph Curry's performance. Additionally, the discussion sheds light on the emerging threats from other star players like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, while also critiquing the New York Knicks' ongoing struggles. Marcus Thompson offers a well-rounded perspective, blending statistical insights with strategic analysis, making this episode a must-listen for NBA enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of team dynamics and playoff potentials.

Notable Quotes:

• Marcus Thompson:
  "Steph's a monster." [07:27]

• Colin Cowherd:
  "Steph is. He's a very intentional player. Like, possessions matter. He doesn't waste possessions." [05:35]

• Marcus Thompson:
  "But without that they're just chucking threes. They aren't really very good." [07:35]

• Marcus Thompson:
  "Jimmy's message now is like, hey, you see what they're doing to Steph? Just go into the paint." [07:35]

• Colin Cowherd:
  "Teams like Houston can't shoot Memphis. Too young." [11:11]

• Marcus Thompson:
  "It's still a massive problem. Where are the Lakers? Let's try to avoid that until the West Finals." [19:44]

• Colin Cowherd:
  "I did not see that happening in the way it did, right?" [04:29]

• Marcus Thompson:
  "The Lakers defense is pretty good, and they lost AD and somehow managed to still get really good defensively." [27:24]

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, ensuring that listeners gain a profound understanding of the key discussions without having to listen to the entire podcast.