Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - "Hoops Tonight - NBA Player Rankings #12-11: Donovan Mitchell & Kevin Durant"

Introduction

Timestamp: 02:06 - 02:55

The episode kicks off with the host expressing excitement about returning from an Alaskan trip, hinting at sharing experiences later in the show. He emphasizes the importance of subscribing to the Hoops Tonight YouTube channel, following on Twitter, and engaging with the podcast through ratings, reviews, and social media interactions. The host also introduces the concept of "Friday Mailbags," where listeners can submit their opinions and disagreements regarding player rankings.

Player Rankings Overview

Timestamp: 02:55 - 09:25

The host delves into the NBA player rankings, specifically focusing on the challenging segment between ranks #12 and #5. He acknowledges the difficulty in ranking players like Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid due to their injury histories, ultimately placing Kawhi at #13 and Embiid at #14. He then introduces the week's primary focus: Donovan Mitchell at #12 and Kevin Durant at #11.

Rank #12: Donovan Mitchell

Timestamp: 09:25 - 28:15

Performance and Statistics

Donovan Mitchell is lauded as the best player on the Cleveland Cavaliers, the league's second-best team. Key statistics highlighted include:

• 30 points per game on 57% true shooting during the postseason.
• First Team All-NBA and fifth in MVP voting.
• Notable playoff performances with a 48-point and a 43-point game.

Efficiency and Role Adjustment

Despite a slight dip in individual statistics compared to the previous season (e.g., points, rebounds, assists), Mitchell's role evolved to benefit the team's overall offense:

• 2024 Season: Averaged 6.3 minutes per possession with 26.6 PPG.
• 2025 Season: Reduced to 4.9 minutes per possession with 24 PPG, showcasing a 22.3% decrease in possession time while maintaining scoring efficiency.

Enhanced Team Dynamics

Mitchell's adjustment allowed Darius Garland to take on a more significant role in initiating the offense, leading to a 1.07 points per possession in 2025, marking a 5-point improvement per 100 possessions compared to the previous year. This collaboration resulted in the Cavaliers' offense ranking 4 points better per 100 possessions with Garland on the floor.

Shooting Proficiency

• Pick and Roll Efficiency: Shot 50% on two-pointers and 36.4% on pull-up threes.
• Floaters: Achieved 52% success rate on over 150 floaters.
• Spot-Up Situations: Scored 1.11 points per possession with 47% on unguarded catch-and-shoot threes.

Defensive Improvements

While historically less effective on-ball, Mitchell has shown significant strides in off-ball defense:

• Improved ability to dig into the lane and recover to the perimeter with quality closeouts.
• Enhanced team defense when he is on the court, meeting the mandatory defensive minimum required for his ranking.

Challenges and Limitations

The primary reason Donovan Mitchell is ranked #12, despite his accolades, revolves around his lack of high-level playmaking compared to peers ranked above him. The host notes:

• Game Management: Mitchell lacks the refined game management and offensive engine traits necessary to ascend further in the rankings.
• Postseason Variability: While an elite playoff scorer, his overall offensive impact doesn't consistently match the reliability of those ranked higher.

Notable Quote:

"Donovan was lethally efficient in pick and roll this year. He's actually more efficient as a scorer in pick and roll this year than he was the year before, despite his shooting percentages being down across the board." (Timestamp: 14:30)

Rank #11: Kevin Durant

Timestamp: 28:15 - 55:52

Performance and Statistics

Kevin Durant remains one of the NBA's premier scorers, showcasing exceptional shooting efficiency:

• 27.6 PPG with 53% field goal and 57% on two-pointers.
• First in Jump Shooting: Over 50% from all jump shots, leading with 1.21 points per attempt out of 500+ attempts.
• Isolation Scoring: Ranked as the best ISO player with 1.16 points per possession, substantially outperforming peers.

Clutch and Playoff Performance

Durant's clutch capabilities are highlighted through memorable playoff moments, such as his decisive shot against Serbia that sent his team to the gold medal game. His reputation as a clutch performer remains unchallenged, often taking control during critical moments:

• Averaged 35.5% true shooting in high-pressure playoff scenarios.
• Efficient Decision Making: Averaged 3.3 seconds per touch with 2 dribbles per touch, contrasting sharply with peers like Luka Doncic.

Offensive Integration and Versatility

Durant's ability to seamlessly integrate into any offensive setup is emphasized:

• Spot-Up and Action Scoring: Excellent at scoring both off the ball and in dynamic offensive plays.
• Quick and Decisive: His swift decision-making and efficient scoring pattern make him a valuable asset without disrupting team rhythm.

Defensive Attributes

While Durant's defense doesn't contribute as significantly as his offense, he remains a solid defender:

• Maintains high block rates and effective isolation defense with a 0.76 points per possession against him.
• However, his defensive rebounding and rim protection have declined, partially due to injuries (e.g., Achilles), impacting his overall defensive ranking.

Challenges and Limitations

Durant's ranking at #11 is influenced by:

1. Decline in Defensive Rebounding: Fell to lowest rebounds per game since his rookie season.
2. Reduced Rim Threat: Averaged only 2.8 shot attempts per game at the rim, ranking 228th in the NBA.
3. Decreased Playmaking: Unlike his peak years in Brooklyn, Durant's role as a high-volume pick-and-roll passer has diminished, affecting his ability to generate plays for teammates.

Potential for Improvement

The host expresses optimism that Houston will leverage Durant's high-level scoring ability and possibly reclaim his playmaking prowess:

• Hope for Enhanced Playmaking: Durant's history as a pick-and-roll facilitator could rejuvenate his role, enhancing team dynamics.
• Fit with Houston: Expected to bolster Houston's championship aspirations through his efficient and consistent scoring.

Notable Quote:

"Kevin Durant is the best I've ever seen at scoring the basketball in the flow of an offense, meaning doing so without disrupting the rhythm of his teammates." (Timestamp: 40:10)

Closing Remarks: Alaskan Adventure

Timestamp: 55:52 - End

The host concludes the episode by sharing detailed anecdotes from his recent Alaskan cruise:

• Scenic Highlights: Visited iconic locations like the Hubbard Glacier, Mount St. Elias (the tallest mountain sighted), and experienced dramatic glacier calving.
• Personal Significance: Traveled with his parents, marking a rare opportunity to bond and explore together.
• Travel Tips:
  • Opt for one-way cruises to maximize time spent at ports and access remote areas like Seward.
  • Prepare for rough seas and potential seasickness.
  • Explore Kenai Fjords National Park and enjoy the breathtaking Alaskan landscapes via boat or the Alaska Railroad.

The host emphasizes the transformative nature of the trip, highlighting the beauty of Alaska's glaciers and mountains, and encourages listeners to experience it themselves.

Notable Quote:

"It was, like, literally one of the coolest things I've ever seen, just watching that." (Timestamp: 27:40)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the host expressing gratitude to listeners for their support and reminding them to look out for the upcoming Friday Mailbags segment, where fan opinions on player rankings will be featured.

Key Takeaways:

• Donovan Mitchell (#12): An elite scorer whose strategic role adjustments have significantly benefited the Cavaliers, though limited by playmaking abilities.
• Kevin Durant (#11): An unparalleled scorer with exceptional efficiency and clutch performance, facing slight drops in defensive rebounding and playmaking but poised for further impact in Houston.
• Player Rankings: The top 12 NBA players are closely matched, making rankings highly subjective and open to debate.

Engagement Opportunities:

• Mailbags: Listeners are encouraged to submit their views on player rankings for discussion in future episodes.
• Social Media: Follow the Hoops Tonight channels on YouTube and Twitter for updates and interactions.

Final Quote:

"Our top 12 is completely insane... there's such a small gap there that I think it's at least defensible." (Timestamp: 09:25)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from the "Hoops Tonight" episode, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the NBA player rankings for Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Durant.