Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 1 - Caitlin Clark is on another level
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the spotlight shines brightly on Caitlin Clark, a rising superstar in the WNBA. Host Colin Cowherd and co-host Joy Taylor delve deep into Clark's exceptional performance, her impact on the league, and the broader implications for women's basketball.

Caitlin Clark’s Meteoric Rise and Impact

The discussion opens with an enthusiastic endorsement of Caitlin Clark’s extraordinary abilities on the court. Joy Taylor emphasizes Clark’s rapid improvement and dominance, likening her early career trajectory to that of Michael Jordan’s initial years:

Joy Taylor [00:47]: "The WNBA has arrived. Caitlin Clark's gotten really good really fast. It's like the end of year one for Michael Jordan or year three for Michael Jordan."

Clark's statistical prowess is highlighted, showcasing her leadership in offensive metrics and her prolific three-point shooting:

Joy Taylor [03:30]: "She's shooting 33 footers, and what happened last night's a byproduct of that. This is what happened to MJ. She's number one and two in every offensive stat."

Comparisons to Michael Jordan and Other Legends

A significant portion of the episode draws parallels between Caitlin Clark and Michael Jordan, underscoring the challenges and reactions that come with emerging as a dominant player:

Joy Taylor [04:50]: "If you respect women, stop pandering. She's tough, she's feisty, she likes to taunt and talk, and nobody quite knows what the hell to do."

The hosts discuss how legendary figures like Jordan and Steph Curry faced similar hurdles, including intense physicality and media scrutiny, which Clark is now encountering:

Joy Taylor [05:30]: "It's like, when Candace Parker, 10 years ago, Candace Parker led this for WNBA... Caitlin Clark's not only the best guard, the best shooter... She's changed the entire tempo of the sport."

Physicality and the League’s Response

Clark’s dynamic playing style has provoked strong physical responses from opponents, leading to on-court altercations. The conversation delves into how the WNBA is adapting to her presence, drawing historical comparisons to how other leagues handled their rising stars:

Joy Taylor [07:50]: "This is what happens. You've got competitive women who are the best in the world at what they do. Right. And when you allow them to play physical and you allow these things to happen, they're going to compete and they're going to have their teammates backs."

Stephanie White, coach of the Indiana Sun Fever, provides insights into managing the increased physicality and ensuring fair officiating:

Stephanie White [08:15]: "Control of the game is call the fouls that are actually happening on the floor."

Media and Fan Reactions

The hosts critique the media’s handling of Clark’s rise, suggesting that the media tends to overreact and sometimes misrepresent the nature of in-game conflicts:

Joy Taylor [19:06]: "The media may overreact to stuff... The Indiana fans understand what they're seeing. It's part of the process."

They also highlight the fans' positive reception versus the media's sensationalism, noting that the authentic reactions of the audience are often more supportive and engaged than portrayed:

Joy Taylor [16:00]: "The Indiana fans are smiling, they're engaged, they're happy. They're not horrified. They understand this is part of the sport."

Future of Caitlin Clark and the WNBA

Looking ahead, Colin and Joy speculate on Clark’s potential trajectory, comparing her to other sports icons who have shaped their leagues. They discuss the necessity for the league to evolve in response to her talent, ensuring sustainable growth and maintaining competitive balance:

Joy Taylor [13:46]: "This will only make Caitlin Clark a better player. It will only make the Fever more championship ready."

The conversation underscores the importance of embracing star players to drive the league’s popularity and competitiveness, drawing examples from the NBA and NHL:

Joy Taylor [17:29]: "The NFL needs Aaron Rodgers. The NHL figured out how to handle Gretzky."

Additional Sports Discussions

While Caitlin Clark remains the focal point, the podcast also touches upon other sports topics towards the end. Aaron Rodgers' situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Shador Sanders' performance for the Cleveland Browns are discussed, illustrating broader themes of leadership, team dynamics, and the pressures faced by star athletes. However, these segments are brief compared to the extensive focus on Clark.

Joy Taylor [28:00]: "I've been positive on LeBron... But he did something recently and I think my job... I've got to call LeBron out for something."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up by reinforcing the significance of Caitlin Clark’s influence on the WNBA and the necessity for the league and media to adapt to her exceptional talent. Colin Cowherd and Joy Taylor advocate for recognition and support of Clark as she continues to elevate women’s basketball to new heights.

Joy Taylor [50:05]: "Caitlin Clark is basically saying, yeah, I'm going to score, I'm going to change the tempo, I'm going to do a little trash talking... This is essential for the growth of this league."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joy Taylor [00:47]: "The WNBA has arrived. Caitlin Clark's gotten really good really fast."
• Joy Taylor [03:30]: "She's number one and two in every offensive stat."
• Joy Taylor [05:30]: "She's changed the entire tempo of the sport."
• Stephanie White [08:15]: "Control of the game is call the fouls that are actually happening on the floor."
• Joy Taylor [16:00]: "The Indiana fans understand what they're seeing."
• Joy Taylor [50:05]: "This is essential for the growth of this league."

Final Thoughts

Caitlin Clark is setting a new standard in the WNBA, and her influence extends beyond her impressive statistics. Her aggressive playstyle, coupled with her ability to draw significant attention, underscores the evolving landscape of women’s basketball. Both the league and fans are witnessing a transformative period, driven by Clark’s exceptional talent and competitive spirit.

For listeners who haven’t tuned into the episode, this detailed exploration provides a comprehensive understanding of why Caitlin Clark is considered a game-changer in the sports world today.