Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Hoops Tonight" Episode on July 19, 2025

Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Title: Hoops Tonight - Reaction to Bleacher Report top 100 NBA players: MJ vs. LeBron, Kobe top 10 snub, Steph underrated

1. Introduction and Overview

The episode kicks off with Jason LT welcoming listeners to "Hoops Tonight" from his new studio in Denver (02:20). He expresses excitement about discussing Bleacher Report's latest Top 100 NBA Players list and delves into several key topics, including the placement of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Kobe Bryant's surprising ranking, and Steph Curry's underrated status. Additionally, recent NBA news regarding Bradley Beal's move to the Los Angeles Clippers is addressed.

2. Reaction to Bleacher Report's Top 100 NBA Players

Jason LT begins by reading out the Top 20 players from Bleacher Report's list:

1. Michael Jordan
2. LeBron James
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
4. Magic Johnson
5. Bill Russell
6. Shaquille O'Neal
7. Tim Duncan
8. Larry Bird
9. Wilt Chamberlain
10. Steph Curry
11. Kobe Bryant
12. Hakeem Olajuwon
13. Kevin Durant
14. Oscar Robertson
15. Jerry West
16. Kevin Garnett
17. Nikola Jokić
18. Dirk Nowitzki
19. David Robinson
20. Julius "Dr. J" Erving (12:30)

Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Jason critiques the ranking by flipping MJ and LeBron, positioning LeBron at number one. He argues that while MJ showcased unmatched dominance with six championships in eight years, LeBron offers sustained excellence over a longer period, particularly highlighting his versatility and impact on team offenses. He states, “There is no player in the history of the NBA that would give you a better opportunity to win more championships than LeBron James” (18:45).

Kobe Bryant's Ranking: Kobe Bryant being placed at number 11 is deemed "straight up insulting" by Jason (24:15). He contends that Kobe’s efficiency has been misunderstood, comparing his effective field goal percentage favorably against his peers. Jason emphasizes Kobe’s adaptability and contribution to team dynamics, advocating for his placement just behind MJ and LeBron.

Steph Curry’s Underrated Position: Steph Curry is ranked 10th, which Jason believes undervalues his transformative impact on the game. He argues that Curry should be placed higher due to his unparalleled shooting ability and offensive engine. Jason explains, “Steph did all of the things that the all-time great players did in terms of a competitor,” highlighting his conditioning, defensive improvements, and revolutionary shooting skills that have reshaped NBA strategies (32:10).

3. Bradley Beal Signing with the Los Angeles Clippers

Jason transitions to recent NBA developments, focusing on Bradley Beal’s buyout from the Phoenix Suns and subsequent signing with the Los Angeles Clippers (25:53).

Analysis of Bradley Beal’s Performance: He critiques Beal’s tenure with the Suns, pointing out that while Beal is a strong offensive player, he struggled defensively and didn’t fit the Suns' needs due to overlapping skill sets among their guards. Jason remarks, “He was a 75th percentile spot player” in Phoenix but expects his offensive prowess to shine more with the Clippers' robust team foundation (26:40).

Impact on the Clippers: The Clippers are lauded for their strong defensive core, including players like Ivica Zubac and Brook Lopez. Jason believes Beal will thrive in a system that values perimeter defense and team speed. He states, “The Clippers can guard the opposing team's best player for 48 minutes with an elite perimeter defender in Chris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr.” This move is seen as a strategic upgrade, enhancing the Clippers' depth without sacrificing team chemistry (28:15).

4. Clippers' Team Analysis

Jason provides an in-depth analysis of the Clippers, examining their strengths and how they stack up against top Western Conference teams like Denver, Oklahoma City, and Houston.

Defensive and Offensive Strengths: The Clippers’ emphasis on perimeter defense and rebounding is highlighted as key advantages. Jason explains how the addition of John Collins bolsters their frontcourt depth, providing both offensive rebounding and versatile defense against teams like the Denver Nuggets. He elaborates, “John Collins gives them a legitimate two-big look,” which is crucial for countering Nikola Jokić’s unique playstyle (33:50).

Matchups with Top Teams: While acknowledging that the Clippers are a second-tier Western Conference team, Jason argues they are the strongest within that tier. He contends that their strategic acquisitions and defensive prowess give them a real chance to upset higher-ranked teams by exploiting specific advantages. Jason emphasizes the importance of having foundational strengths to challenge dominant teams effectively (36:20).

5. Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Jason wraps up the episode by reaffirming his appreciation for the listeners’ support and teasing upcoming segments, including a mailbag session where he will address listener questions and further discuss team dynamics (38:09). He encourages fans to stay engaged through social media and various platforms to keep the conversation going.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason LT on LeBron vs. MJ: “There is no player in the history of the NBA that would give you a better opportunity to win more championships than LeBron James.” (18:45)

• Jason LT on Kobe Bryant: “Kobe. Having him at number 11 is straight up insulting.” (24:15)

• Jason LT on Steph Curry’s Impact: “Steph did all of the things that the all-time great players did in terms of a competitor, becoming the most supremely conditioned player in the league so that he could outlast his opponents simply by running.” (32:10)

• Jason LT on Bradley Beal’s Move: “He was a sloppy in the dirty work and that just was accentuated by the weaknesses in the roster.” (26:10)

• Jason LT on Clippers’ Strategy: “John Collins gives them a legitimate two-big look, he shot the ball really well… He actually was pretty good off the dribble last year.” (34:30)

• Jason LT on Team Matchups: “You upset somebody even if they're a better team because there's one specific advantage or maybe a couple of specific advantages that you smartly exploit over and over again in the series.” (37:55)

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Hoops Tonight" offers a critical and insightful analysis of Bleacher Report's Top 100 NBA Players list, challenging conventional rankings and providing compelling arguments for player placements. Additionally, the discussion on Bradley Beal’s transition to the Clippers offers a nuanced perspective on team dynamics and strategic team-building in the modern NBA. Jason LT’s expert commentary ensures that both casual fans and dedicated followers gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of professional basketball.