Hour 1 - LeBron's game winner

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1: LeBron's Game Winner
Release Date: March 27, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus centers around a pivotal NBA matchup where LeBron James delivers a crucial game-winner for the Los Angeles Lakers. Host Colin Cowherd delves into the implications of LeBron's performance, the Lakers' season trajectory, and broader NBA dynamics as the playoffs approach.

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LeBron's Decisive Moment

Game Overview: The primary highlight of this episode is LeBron James' standout performance during a critical Lakers game against Indiana. Despite a lackluster first half where LeBron struggled offensively, his resurgence in the second half culminated in a game-winning shot that secured victory for the Lakers.

Key Performance Insights:

• First Half Struggles: Colin notes, “LeBron had his worst half of NBA basketball in the first half on the road at Indiana. He didn’t do anything. It was... awful” ([02:30]).
• Second Half Resurgence: The Lakers found their rhythm in the latter stages of the game, with LeBron leading the charge.

Notable Quote:

LeBron James ([06:28]): "I really couldn't have too much emotion because I was trying to see if I got the ball off in time... It was definitely gratifying to know especially where we were, the way we've been playing, and to come in here and get a good win in a very hostile environment. That's big time for our ball club."

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Impact on the Lakers' Season

Current Standing: The Lakers are navigating what Colin describes as the "dog days" of the NBA season. With a grueling schedule and the physical toll on veteran players, the team faces a precarious position as a fourth seed in the playoffs.

Schedule Challenges:

• Tough Matchups: Upcoming games against the Thunder, Rockets, Warriors, Mavericks, and Chicago pose significant threats.
• Health Concerns: The Lakers have only recently had key players like Luka Doncic available consistently, impacting team chemistry and performance.

Playoff Implications:

• Seeding Risks: The Lakers could either improve to a second seed or drop to a play-in game, depending on their performance in remaining games.
• Comparative Analysis: Colin contrasts the Lakers’ situation with teams like the Celtics and Nuggets, which benefit from roster depth and the ability to rest players without compromising performance.

Notable Quote:

Colin Cowherd ([04:00]): "Historically, teams that make a big sweeping trade at the deadline, like getting Luka, they don't hold trophies. That's not the way it generally works."

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Broader NBA Context

Veteran Teams vs. Young Teams: The episode contrasts veteran-laden teams like Boston and Denver with younger, more dynamic squads such as the Cavaliers and Warriors. While the latter can maintain high performance levels even with sample lineups, the Lakers must manage their veterans' fatigue carefully.

Coaching and Team Dynamics: Colin emphasizes the importance of LeBron's health and engagement, comparing the Lakers' senior players to high school students experiencing "senioritis," hinting at potential drops in motivation and performance.

Notable Insights:

• LeBron’s Leadership: The need for LeBron to remain healthy and actively engaged is paramount for the Lakers’ success.
• Team Adjustments: The Lakers' ability to adapt their strategies and rotations could determine their playoff fate.

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Audience Engagement and Predictions

Colin shares his personal excitement and concerns regarding the ongoing playoff season, particularly focusing on his bracket for March Madness, which stands at risk of imploding due to unexpected outcomes.

Bracket Analysis:

• March Madness: Colin had 15 out of 16 teams correct in his bracket, but he anticipates a potential loss due to Duke's uncertainty against Arizona.
• Team Forecasts: He discusses Duke’s transition under Coach K and the influx of talent, including Cooper Flagg, drawing parallels with historical players like Grant Hill.

Notable Quote:

Colin Cowherd ([05:00]): "If you just... We're just no. It feels like right now, I mean, we don't even have the Padres listed on that. And the Padres are a really good team."

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Guest Analysis and NFL Discussions

Towards the latter part of the episode, Colin shifts focus to NFL topics, discussing potential moves involving Aaron Rodgers and the implications for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants. He provides an in-depth analysis of quarterback dynamics and team strategies, though these segments are less central to the episode's main theme.

Key Points:

• Aaron Rodgers' Future: Speculation on Rodgers potentially signing with the Steelers and the ensuing quarterback landscape.
• Team Strategies: Discussion on the Steelers' interest in Jalen Milroe and the broader implications for roster construction.

Notable Quote:

Colin Cowherd ([19:20]): "Aaron Rodgers is still considering retirement, but if he doesn't, it would probably be the Steelers."

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Conclusion

In wrapping up, Colin reiterates the significance of LeBron's game-winner for the Lakers' playoff aspirations and underscores the challenges the team faces in maintaining momentum. The episode offers a nuanced blend of game analysis, team dynamics, and broader sports discourse, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current NBA landscape.

Final Thoughts:

• Lakers' Resilience: Despite early struggles, the Lakers' ability to secure critical wins positions them as a formidable playoff contender.
• LeBron's Legacy: LeBron's performance not only influences the team's immediate prospects but also his enduring legacy in the league.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• LeBron James ([06:28]):
  "I really couldn't have too much emotion because I was trying to see if I got the ball off in time... It was definitely gratifying to know especially where we were, the way we've been playing, and to come in here and get a good win in a very hostile environment. That's big time for our ball club."

• Colin Cowherd ([02:30]):
  "LeBron had his worst half of NBA basketball in the first half on the road at Indiana. He didn’t do anything. It was... awful."

• Colin Cowherd ([04:00]):
  "Historically, teams that make a big sweeping trade at the deadline, like getting Luka, they don't hold trophies. That's not the way it generally works."

• Colin Cowherd ([19:20]):
  "Aaron Rodgers is still considering retirement, but if he doesn't, it would probably be the Steelers."

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This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to The Herd with Colin Cowherd. From LeBron's pivotal game-winner to in-depth team analyses and NFL speculations, the episode offers a rich exploration of current sports narratives.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon.

[Jason McIntyre]

To 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific.

[Colin Cowherd]

Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Now, let's get this party started. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Oh, March Madness resumes tonight. Duke in Arizona, My bracket may implode. All fired up for it. Live in Los Angeles, it's the Herd. Wherever you may be listening, however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. I watched some NBA hoops last night. You know, it's getting. They always call it in baseball, the dog days of summer. And some of these teams that are good, like Cleveland, they're like, let's give that guy the night off. Let's get. Reduce the minutes. Lakers are not in that situation because they're. They could go up in the seating or down if they don't get their act together. But it was very interesting last night. So LeBron had his worst half of NBA basketball in the first half on the road at Indiana. He. He didn't do anything. It was. I watched the first half. I'm like, this is awful, but. And a lot of people think the NBA should cut its schedule to about 65 games. Last night was Laker game number 72. And they want the playoffs to start. These are the dog days. It's like senioritis in high school. We got accepted to college. Can we just wrap her up? I don't want to go to the Spanish class anymore. Geometry. I'm done. I don't need the credits. You know what it is? We all did that, right? And so that's where the Lakers are. But they're in a precarious situation because they're the four seed. They could move up to the two. They're like, they're not getting past okc or they could fall down to a play in game. And their schedule is brutal. They play the Thunder twice. A young team that's deep and plays hard. They play the Rockets twice. A young team that's deep that could beat them twice. They play the Warriors. They go to the Grizzlies, by the way. They play the Mavericks, Chicago at home. Chicago's had some weird games. They beat the Lakers in la. So they got to be very careful. They cannot mail it in here. And here's the thing to remember about this Laker team as we move into the dog days. So you know, Luka and LeBron, these guys can score and do what they want to do. But this team, Luka has only played 19 games for the Lakers, and he's only played 12 when it's been Luka, LeBron and Austin all available. So now they're finally healthy. And it didn't take until the fourth quarter last night when they really, really played well. But teams like the Cavs, the Celtics and the Nuggets, they have, they have raw roster rhythm. They can rest guys now, you know, bot now Tatum's really hurt. But Boston can rest guys and still win by 30. Porzingis plays well on the road. They win by 30, it's a whole different ball. That's not the Lakers. Historically, teams that make a big sweeping trade at the deadline, like getting Luca, they don't hold trophies. That's not the way it generally works. And so Lakers, remember, they just lost 7, 10. Why LeBron was gone and he came back and he wasn't ready to play. So they need LeBron to be healthy, they need LeBron to be engaged. And these are the senioritis days of high school in the NBA for legendary players. Even now, Steph, now Steph's going to take some time off. Steve Kerr's like, he's tired. So you see it in baseball a lot. You're seeing it in the NBA. They came back to win. Here's the game winner by LeBron and the King after. LeBron's got it with four. With three Luca on its way. No top double. Is it going to count or not? It might count. LeBron at the buzzer. They will look at it. Talking about winning it at the buzzer. Look at this thing.

[Guest Analyst]

Oh, my goodness.

[Colin Cowherd]

LBJ with the winner.

[LeBron James]

I really couldn't really have too much emotion because I was trying to see if I got the ball off in time, to be honest. You know, it's always tricky when that, you know, you kind of touch the ball, you kind of see the red light around the backboard, and you don't quite know if you got it on time. I thought I had it on time, but you never know after they showed the replay on it. It was definitely gratifying to know especially where we were, you know, the way we've been playing and to come in to know how they've been playing, you know, and to come in here and get a good win in a very hostile environment. That's big time for our ball club.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, so the young teams like Indiana and OKC are playing their butt off. The teams that have some age, like Boston and the warriors and the Lakers and now Cleveland, now's got guys who have been around, Denver's got guys that have been around. These are dog days. You're trying to get everybody rest in reduced minutes, but the Lakers got to be careful. Thunder twice, Rockets twice, Warriors, Mavericks. Tricky game in Chicago. So tonight the tournament resumes. Arizona, Duke. I tried to get really smart. I had a great first weekend. I have 15 of the 16 teams left. I got them. It's my best bracket ever. It's probably going to go up in smoke tonight because I got real clever and I don't think Duke, they've got all these great freshmen. Freshmen don't win the tournament. So I think Arizona is going to beat him tonight. Do I really think that? Well, I did two weeks ago. I'm not sure if I do now. But here's what's interesting. Since Coach K took over Duke and John shire, they've had 90 guys in the NBA. I think Cooper Flag is going to be their best NBA player ever. So Grant Hill is the best Dukey ever. His first six years, five times all NBA seconds. Jason Tatum, excellent player. Kyrie Irving to me only played eight games at Duke, would be third, I think. I think Cooper Flag and by the way, the NBA right now, 24 Dukey, second best of Kentucky. It's a factory. And think of all the guys that have come in since Coach K started. Remember he came from like army to Duke, had some turbulent early years. They almost got rid of him. He stayed, built an empire then. John Shire has been a great, great candidate and a choice. And I think now Grant Hill is the best Dukey ever. And his injuries shortened his career, but he was an unbelievable player. But he entered the league at 22. Cooper Flag is entering the league at 18. He was 17 when the season started. So I think he's going to be much better early than Jayson Tatum. And I think he'll be better late than Grant Hill. He won't be as good as Grant was first year in the NBA. Grant was an all star. But I do think Cooper Flag, when you watch him tonight, iq, shooting, passing, he's an excellent defender. He's got to become a better ball handler in the pros, no question. But everybody's game needs work. The kid is just fantastic. He is a finisher. He's got more of a chip on his shoulder than Jayson Tatum. In fact, Jason Tatum's dad, as Rick Bucher told us earlier this week, Jason Tatum's dad acknowledges that he's got everything. The chip, the eq. He's tough, a finisher, can shoot scores at all three levels. Just got to handle the ball better. But he was 17 not long ago and he'll enter the NBA at 18. But here's the classic NBA dilemma. So years ago when Patrick Ewing went to the Knicks and you know how fans are, we weren't even in a conspiracy theory era, but it was like the frozen envelope theory because you know, gosh, what do you know? A good player went to a New York team. It should be noted that the Orlando Magic won the lottery twice. Nobody wants to bring that up. Or Cleveland's won it. But yes, at one point the Knicks with Ewing won it. So here's what's funny. If you look at the NBA lottery odds, there are, there are three landing spots. Either perfect. Perfect would be maybe Chicago or Phil, Philadelphia or hey San Antonio with Wemby. Okay. Would be Utah, great gm, great coach, a lot of draft picks. They got some players, they're going to be, they're going to be okc. If they land Cooper Flag, they're going to be okc. And Utah's a great NBA market. And then there's just God awful Washington, Charlotte, Toronto, Sacramento. And so if Cooper flag, the odds are right now it's mostly awful teams he's going to go to. And this has always been the NBA's dilemma. If he ended up going to Chicago, it's rigged. I'll say it again. The Magic won the lottery twice, the Knicks won it once. But he is an all time player and here's his coach as he enters the game tonight against Arizona.

[Cooper Flagg]

Cooper is about to move on with something incredibly special. The next step he's going to go after this. But happiness doesn't necessarily equate to, you know, just becoming a pro or just making money. And although they're making money either way now, but I, I think it's important for guys to each, each guy is their own individual. So I think depending on the situation, guys should make the decisions for themselves. But Cooper's thing is different. That's, Cooper's thing is that's sad and that's gonna happen. And as it should.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Now. So if you're 20 years old or in your early 30s and watching this show, first of all, thank you. Second of all, what's happening with Cooper flag, Leaving a big brand, going to the pros and being good immediately. That's why everybody used to love the NBA because that's the way it always was. 25 years ago, Tim Duncan would go to school, be an all American and he would come back two more years and Ewing would at Georgetown would be dominant as a freshman. He'd come back two or three more years. Chris Paul Duncan, Grant Hills, they didn't leave after A year. So you would watch them for years and years and years and you'd build up this fascination and visceral connection with all these players. Then they'd go to the NBA and they were very good. Year one, we are starving for it and we're getting Cooper Flag and it's so exciting because we don't get this anymore. Great player at a big brand can walk in and be a 19 point a game guy. MJ, people forget this. MJ hits the shot at North Carolina, right? Oh my God, they made the movie air. He came back two more seasons after it and didn't win a college title. It's as if they evaporated. Michael Jordan, Dean Smith, he was so great. He had James Worthy. Dean Smith's like, no, let the freshman shoot the game winner. He came back two more seasons. Everybody did. The Worthies, the Ewings, the MJ's, the Duncans, they all came back and back. And I've said, if you want to know about the NBA's popularity, you know, people are going to go, oh, it's the politics. It's the fact that we don't know any of these guys until they're 28 years old. We have no connection. That's why Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese was such a TB ratings home run. They formed a rivalry in college. I'm watching the HBO Simmons series on the Celtics. Magic and Bird had a rivalry in college and it just pivoted to the NBA. So the fact that what we're getting with Cooper Flag is what we used to get a surplus of. It was a conveyor belt. Great players, mature, ready to crush, maybe make second team, all NBA right out of college. So that's why this is so exciting for me. It's a little old school in the NBA and if you just. And I said this, one of my only complaints about Adam Silver. Put your arms around college basketball. Put your arms. Nobody's watching the G League. If Cooper flag dropped 38 tonight, I'd actually watch him if he went to Charlotte. You know, like that's what the NBA used to be. The whole politics thing, maybe that's 5%. It's the fact that guys come into the league. Can you name the top five guys drafted last year in the NBA? Nobody can. I'm not sure GMs in the NBA can. That's the problem is that football, and now women's basketball is doing this. They provide us with stories, identifiable stars and rivalries and then you just microwave them at the pro level and they're ready to go. I mean, Reggie Bush had a huge following. Tim Tebow had a huge following in college. I mean, if Zion could have controlled his weight, if Ja Morant was more mature, maybe you could have had that. It wasn't. They weren't. It looks like Cooper Flag could be. All right, J. Mac, we've got. I got a little tip last night. You know, we work the phones. I called you last night on something. You weren't available.

[Guest Analyst]

Oh, shoot. I'm sorry. I remember. See? Yeah, I had something going on. Wait, did you get added to a group text chain accidentally? Like, where did you get this info from? What's going on?

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't get on group. As Carissa Thompson knows. If you put me on one, I. I got on an NFL Sunday text chain and I immediately eliminated myself and apparently offended the whole building.

[Guest Analyst]

You removed yourself?

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't like being text chains.

[Guest Analyst]

Why? You just mute the chain?

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't. I don't even know how to do that. All I know is my thoughts cannot be shared with 47 people simultaneously. If you can get me one on one, you want to mean a phone call. I don't want things coming out of my head. Should not be shared universally.

[Guest Analyst]

Interesting. Okay, what does this theory have to do with NFL? NBA?

[Colin Cowherd]

NFL?

[Guest Analyst]

Aaron Rodgers.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's very. It's not just about Aaron. It's it. It could affect Aaron. Got a little tidbit last night. Don't go anywhere.

[Jason McIntyre]

Live in la.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's the Herd.

[Jason McIntyre]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd.

[Colin Cowherd]

Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the iHeartRadio app.

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[Colin Cowherd]

This is so good.

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[Colin Cowherd]

Buying should be Aaron Rodgers is still considering retirement, but if he doesn't, it would probably be the Steelers. So I talked to an NFL exec last night, very well connected, and this is a Keep your keep your head in a swivel. Aaron Rodgers. I'm told the Steelers really like Jalen Milroe, 21st pick, first round. So if Aaron signs with Pittsburgh, it's going to become Kirk Cousins. They're taking a quarterback because I've been told the Steelers, they're looking around at all these AFC quarterbacks and Milroe is the most athletically gifted guy to come out of this draft at that position since Lamar Jackson. And they feel as an organization they need special, they just don't stack up. They need special at quarterback. And I've said he's a better version of Anthony Richardson. Great kid, throws a deep ball. And now a DK Metcalf. They have a deep threat along with Pickens. So now. But this is potentially a Kirk cousin situation. I am told the Steelers really like Milro. Great kid, by the way. And this is Aaron's reality in 2025. He is a stopgap. The other thing is, I was told by an NFL exec is they thought the Steelers did some very poor general managing by paying DK Metcalf when they've already got a player that's very similar. All that money and they don't have a quarterback yet. And the problem is they don't have a lot to pay Aaron Rodgers. And Aaron's got pride. He wants to sign a contract that's at least Sam Darnold. 33, 35 million. He doesn't want to sign the Russell Wilson deal with the Giants. That Russell Wilson contract is tied to playing time and performance. It's 10 million. Aaron's not going to play for that. Aaron wants to get mid-30s at least. He's got pride. He's had a better career, he believes, than Russell Wilson. So it's been a very choppy decision making time for the Steelers. But I am told Aaron's basically down to the Steelers, who don't have a lot of money. Crossing his fingers on the Vikings who aren't currently interested. They may be later in retirement. So this is the market that Aaron has created. Tom Brady ended it on his terms. Aaron, unless he retires, is not. It's either going to be a less than ideal offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers. And if the 21st pick, if Milroe's not taken, Pittsburgh is leaning now and taking him. It is not a good draft. Most of the teams drafting in the 20s and beyond, I am told, would rather trade out of the first round. There's probably not going to be a lot of takers. So Pittsburgh may get trapped a little like they did with Kenny Pickett. Kenny Pickett was a third round talent, but they didn't have a quarterback and so they reached on him. Now, I think Milroe is the opposite of Kenny Pickett. Kenny Pickett was not this athlete and was not a good deep ball thrower. Pickett was a local kid.

[Jason McIntyre]

Milro's not.

[Colin Cowherd]

Milroe's an insane athlete who throws a beautiful deep ball. Big time athlete, wonderful kid, great family. But he's incredibly inconsistent and probably needs to sit for a year to be ready to play at the NFL if it even works. So this is what I'm being told right now. This is the market Aaron's created for himself. So you can talk about retirement and do darkness retreats, but you're not going to end the career on your terms. You're going to have a very, very small market. I mean, even Indianapolis that's desperate at quarterback, they're not interested in ar so that's where we are right now. J Mac with the news. No, no, no, turn on the news. This is the herd line news.

[Guest Analyst]

I'm getting there to start the show. I like it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Telling you what I'm told. Yeah.

[Guest Analyst]

Let's get started. Colin. Opening day for Major League Baseball today. Very exciting. The Dodgers looking to defend their World Series title. Vegas thinks they will as Los Angeles opens as the shortest favorite to win the World series since the 2002 Yankees. We have the odds on the screen. Dodgers plus 275.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'll tell you what, the Phillies at those odds, that's the best bet. Plus 1200. Phillies. Phillies are a real team.

[Guest Analyst]

I actually would consider the Mets, but I couldn't look myself in the mirror as a Yankees fan. I just can't do that. I think the Mets have a bit of a roster and some momentum.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, they're fun. The Mets are fun. Soto makes them a really good watch.

[Guest Analyst]

Interesting that there's a lot of National League teams on this list. Where's the AL talent?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, by the way, I think the yankees here at +850 are overvalued. They're not a World Series. I don't know if they're a playoff winning team without Garrett Cole.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah. Couldn't they make a move at the trade deadline, add some arms?

[Colin Cowherd]

I saw a story about two weeks ago. They got about 30 million to play with. But Giancarlo Stanton's hurt.

[Guest Analyst]

That's like the payroll of the Marlins. Like, like that's not chump change. They can do some damage. I don't think they're gonna stand pat especially it's look, based on this odds. Colin, all the Talent's in the NL here.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, no, no. The National. You know, when I was a kid growing up, I always remember in the 70s, the Phillies were great, the Pirates were great, the Dodgers were great, the Reds were great. It goes back and forth. It does feel like right now, I mean, we don't even have the Padres listed on that. And the Padres are a really good team. So I think the Padres should be one of the five favorites. The problem is they'd have to get through the Dodgers. Arizona is a good team. They got to get through the Dodgers. So it's just the National League's better right now. That's why it was interesting when Soto went to the Mets. Many people said, if you're not going to go to the Yankees, stay in the American League because it's just easier to get to the World Series. Which is good for your marketing.

[Guest Analyst]

But if you're a betting man, you want to take the Yankees because the path for them is easier.

[Colin Cowherd]

Much.

[Guest Analyst]

And if you go with your Phillies.

[Colin Cowherd]

Like, they got to get Yankees dominate the American League Central. I mean, I couldn't tell you the last time the Twins beat them in a big series. Like, so. I mean, the Yankees have owned. And this is about all they've owned in the last 12 years. They've owned the American League Central.

[Guest Analyst]

Take your shots now. Take your shots. Now let's move on to the NFL draft and Ashton Genty. He sat down with foxsports.com ahead of the draft and said his goal in the NFL is to be the, quote, best to ever do it. He's got some confidence, obviously. He's got a lot of talent. He had his pro day yesterday. Every NFL team was present. Genty had a monster year at Boise.

[Colin Cowherd]

Did you see some of his pro day stuff? Yeah.

[Guest Analyst]

I mean, listen.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I mean, dude.

[Guest Analyst]

But like, best to ever do. Like I listen. I like that shoot for the stars.

[Colin Cowherd]

But I will say, when you looked. And again, I think pro days are nonsense, but some of the stuff he does, man, does not look normal. It's not normal stuff for even for a really good player.

[Guest Analyst]

But, like, do you. Would you take him top 10, Colin a running back?

[Colin Cowherd]

I think this draft, when the Lions took Jameer Gibbs, they looked at it and thought, we have a great O line. We have our quarterback. We have Omaron St. Brown.

[Guest Analyst]

He was like the missing piece.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. And their take was, we need to be. And the other thing the lion said is our O line is so good that even if he's not as good as we think and we think he's great. He will succeed because of our own line. That's why the Eagles said go get Saquon. Our O line is so good it's going to guarantee 30% better than the Giants where Saquon was great with a terrible O line.

[Guest Analyst]

They were a playoff team the last two years.

[Colin Cowherd]

So to me, the Chicago Bears have gone out Drew Dahlman, Joe Tuney, Jonah Jackson. So the Bears and the Vikings both. But the Bears went out and upgraded a singular unit more than any unit by any team in the league. So could you argue that almost ensures that Genty will succeed at a high level with the bet? Because now they got their tight end, they got two receivers, they have the quarterback and offensive coach. I can see is the defense there. Well, it's very good argument. In a better draft I could see the Bears going let's go pass rusher because they have Jalen Johnson and sweat the defensive lineman. But in a draft that's average Ben Johnson going, let's see what did we do in Detroit that we got criticized for but actually was a great move? We went and took a first round running back because we had a very capable O line. I could see the Bears doing it.

[Guest Analyst]

So let's say the kid Graham is available at 8 or wherever the Bears are picking in the top 10. I think you could get 80% of Genty with running backs in the second and third round. I don't know that you can get 80% of Graham. Graham is a superstar way in a half.

[Colin Cowherd]

Mason Graham, he's awesome.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Guest Analyst]

Mason Graham from Michigan.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Guest Analyst]

I don't think you can find other awesome.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, you can't. No. He's the best defensive.

[Guest Analyst]

That's why a lot is who's going to be on the board when the Bears pick. Listen, I know we both like Genty a lot. I just don't.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know what this draft is really good for? It's not good for bad teams to get better.

[Guest Analyst]

Right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Last year's draft, Washington got Jaden Daniels got better. Denver got Bo Nicks better. Last year's draft was good enough that bad teams could make the playoffs if they drafted well. That is not this draft. This draft is an icing draft. There's not a lot of cake in it. Last year there was all sorts of cake. Jaden Daniels is a 15 year cake starter. This is an icing draft. So if you've got pieces but are missing like one piece Bears like we need an explosive running back. This is the draft for it.

[Guest Analyst]

And this whole Raiders potential actually Taking Ashton Genti. They're not even remotely close. And I know the Raiders fans hate when I take shots. Let's be real, so. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Say more. Are they close to a wild card spot in the afc?

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, if you're the braiders and you're looking at all these quarterbacks in your division and you have Geno, you have. You have excellent tight ends. Your old line's got young players that are good. There's an absolute argument. Pete Carroll's like, when was I great in the NFL? Marshawn Lynch. I'm just saying, when was I great in college? Reggie Bush. I could absolutely see Pete Carroll saying, guys, we need a star out of the backfield. We have the O line, our star tight end weapon, a veteran quarterback. We need a. We need a home run in our division. I can see Genti, get it. You talk yourself into a superstar running. For the record, all these first round running backs everybody craps on, they've all hit well.

[Guest Analyst]

Wait a minute. Bijon Robinson, what has he done?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, no, he's a good back.

[Guest Analyst]

Really good.

[Colin Cowherd]

He's a top 10 back in the.

[Guest Analyst]

League, stiff in the playoffs.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, is that all his fault? But, I mean, you look at Zeke and you look at Peterson and you.

[Guest Analyst]

Look, Zeke, it was like 15 years ago.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, he was great. Saquon Barkley, Jameer Gibbs, all these first round running Ladanian tomatoes. They're all excellent.

[Guest Analyst]

Boy, you're falling in love with the accessories in your war room over there, huh? We've taken a wide receiver eight.

[Colin Cowherd]

I may start. I may start wearing cufflinks to work.

[Guest Analyst]

Oh, my gosh. Give me a break. All right, Final story is a little crazy, and I refuse to believe it. So Adam Schefter went on TV yesterday and essentially said that the Browns are looking hard at Abdul Carter, number two overall. His verbiage was interesting, but he made it sound like he. He was in the know. Now we're still a month ago and a lot could happen. I just refused. I will be totally floored.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay.

[Guest Analyst]

If they pass on a quarterback.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, so we talked about this as a unit this morning as we prep for the show. I'm with you. I don't believe it. I think people put stuff out because they want stuff out and you get lied to. But here is the one, and I'm not. This is not a knock on Shefty. He does a great job. Here's the one thing where you can see Andrew Berry, the gm, talking himself into it. Okay, we're in a division with Lamar And Burrow. What if we have the two best defensive ends in the division, Miles Garrett and Carter? Okay, well, I'm just saying there's a reason Buffalo went and drafted Mario Williams. Because Tom. Or did they. Did they go buy him or they ended up with him.

[Guest Analyst]

Right.

[Colin Cowherd]

And then they went and didn't they go buy him in Buffalo?

[Guest Analyst]

Yes.

[Colin Cowherd]

The take was, well, we got Tom Brady in the division. And when you played against Peyton Manning, people in that division were drafting rush ends. So I think you can make an argument you can talk yourself into. Listen, we're not going to be great at quarterback. And the other thing, the only thing I would think about this, if this rumor is true, they signed him as a free agent. Thanks, guys. The only thing that makes me think about this is if Kevin Stefanski, who was an offensive coach, passes on Shador Sanders. Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on. So Shedeur is a pocket quarterback. That is accurate. Those are not disputable. Kevin Stefanski likes pocket quarterbacks that are accurate. That is his brand. So if he passes on Shedeur, start looking at the draft board, where would she do or fall to? Because the Giants now have a surplus of quarterbacks. It just. It always makes me wonder when offensive coaches move off quarterbacks. It's like if they don't want him. Hey, hey. McVeigh and I love golf. McVay moved off Goff to Stafford. That told you who was better, right? When Kyle Shanahan moved off Trey Lance. That told you I can't make it work because it makes me look bad that it doesn't.

[Guest Analyst]

Did it? You see, Trey Lance is now in, like, the cfl.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. So it told Shanahan. If Shanahan bales on a quarterback shocker, the Cowboys bet you don't go get the quarterback.

[Guest Analyst]

So I'll indulge you here. Raiders at six could look at Shador.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, let's talk about.

[Guest Analyst]

He wants to go to the Raiders.

[Colin Cowherd]

So the Giants now have Jameis and Russell. Now maybe they're like, okay, well, let's get the kid. But that feels weird to me. Like, they have so many needs. I'd have three.

[Guest Analyst]

Well, they can dump Jameis. He's only like a $4 million captain.

[Colin Cowherd]

Then why did you sign him?

[Guest Analyst]

Well, in case that Shador's gone. I'll give you a truth bomb here in a sec. But jets at 7 would certainly look at Shadour now.

[Colin Cowherd]

But be careful, though. Saints at nine would look at Shadow the Geno contract. They're only working on guarantees. That's going to be a three Year deal. So you're going to have Shadour sit for three years.

[Guest Analyst]

He could move off. I mean, they moved off Kirk Cousins deal to get Pennik's in there. So this is my theory on why this is happening. Everybody and their mom knows Brian Dabel needs a quarterback. The Giants need a quarterback. It doesn't matter that they sign Russia. If you're the Browns, we're not taking Shedeur. But if you want him, you've got to trade up to two to get him before the Giants get him in three. So to me, this was a, hey, last call for Shador Sanders. Anybody out there? You got to come and trade with us to get him because he's going to the Giants at three. That's what I think the Browns are pushing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Here's what's interesting about the Giants. If they sign Shadour Sanders, Russell Wilson's contract is overwhelmingly tied to playing time. So you could just get rid of him. Yeah, Jameis, you'd eat about 10 million. You can get rid of him. So the Giants signed two veteran guys, but both contracts you could move off of by August and it wouldn't matter. You wouldn't move off both, but you may move off one. Somebody's gonna get hurt. You'll have, you know, you'll have a surplus of quarterback. Somebody will take Jameis or Russell. So the Giants are still very much in that. The more I think about it is that Russell contract is that compensation is overwhelmingly tied to playing time.

[Guest Analyst]

And I know, listen, the desean Watson stuff, we're past him, but he's still on the roster, right? He's not going anywhere. But you end that era, it's done. The disgustingness, the guarantee, all the embarrassment that's done the second you draft Shador Sanders and you move on. New quarterback, new era. Forget Watson. I think they need that. That cleansing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, no, I think you're right on that. I do think you're right. Jay Mack with the news. Be sure to catch live editions of.

[Jason McIntyre]

The Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Steve Covino]

Hey, it's Steve Covino. And I'm Rich Davis, and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture, stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Koveen, ownrich wherever you get your podcast. And of course on social media, that's Covino and Rich.

[American Express Narrator]

It's the last game of the season and with amex, you can save time with card member entrances at select venues and go straight to the action so you can catch every moment. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Learn more@american express.com withamex this podcast is.

[Jason McIntyre]

Brought to you by Pfizer.

[Colin Cowherd]

If you're 50 or older, getting sick.

[Jason McIntyre]

Can keep you away from where you need to be. You don't want surprises like pneumococcal pneumonia.

[Colin Cowherd]

Or invasive pneumococcal disease. You're 6.4 times more likely to get.

[Jason McIntyre]

Pneumococcal pneumonia compared with adults 18 to 49. It's recommended that people 50 or older get vaccinated. Being sick could get between you and the people who rely on you, so schedule your [e-mail] hi everybody. This message is brought to you by the official Whiskey of the Herd with Colin Coward podcast, Green River Whiskey. As you know, we've been having some fun getting to know Green River Whiskey. Let me tell you, there's a ton of incredible stories to be told and it's 140 year history. How's this? For example, Green River Whiskey was once the most advertised whiskey in the world, but just now they've launched their first advertising campaign in more than 100 years. You see, it seems the team from Green river in reviving the Whiskey Whiskey have accidentally also revived its resident ghost. And he's quite a character, spending his days reminding us to keep it simple, focus on the quality, and have a little fun along the way. So if you want to see the ghost of Green river come to life, check out at GreenRiver Whiskey on their YouTube channel or head on over to greenriverwhiskey.com here's to Green River Whiskey. Raise your spirits. Product of Green River Distilling Co. Owensboro, KY Alcohol by volume varies by product. Greenriverwhiskey.com Please drink responsibly. Tires matter. They're the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, and they're responsible for everything acceleration, braking, steering and handling. Tread confidently with new tires from Tire Rack Whether you know exactly what you want or you're looking for expert recommendations, Tire Rack makes it easy. You're going to get fast free shipping, free road hazard protection and convenient installation options, including mobile installation, where they bring installation to you, your home, your office or anywhere in between. And, of course, the best selection, including the full line of Yokohama tires. And they don't just sell tires, they test them on the road on their test track. Learn how the tires you want tackle evasive maneuvers, drive and stop in the rain, or just handle your everyday commute. Go to tirerack.comcolin to see their Yokohama test results. Tire Ratings Consumer Reviews Be sure to check out all the current special offers. That's tirerack.com Colin tirerack.com the way tire.

[Colin Cowherd]

Buying should be Ring football is back.

[Guest Analyst]

With the UFL kickoff weekend starting tomorrow as St. Louis takes on Houston at 8pm Eastern, then Saturday at San Antonio versus Arlington at 4 Eastern.

[Colin Cowherd]

All on box so J. Mac's dark horse in the tournament was Texas Tech. They played John Calipari in Arkansas tonight. Should be a good game. I think Tech's better, but whatever. So I coach Calipari. I've had him on the show before. I have two strong opinions in his career so far. At first I defended him. A lot of people banged on him for the one and done stuff at Kentucky. I defended him. I said, you don't want to be rigid. Coach K initially was rigid. Bobby Knight, the late Bobby Knight was rigid. He's like, hey, I'm at Kentucky. It's a great program. I'm a good salesman. His teams played hard. The kids were good kids. They went to class. I totally defended him and so I had him on the show. Then I turned on him and I was right. He started losing in the tournament, and he was losing to bad teams early or teams that he shouldn't lose to. And then he started selling us, and I'll give you the quote he said on his goals at Kentucky. You may think he said, it's a it's a national title. That is not true. My job is bigger than that. I want to get players drafted like John Wall couldn't get drafted without Calipari, he said, for me, the mission is to be the vehicle that helps others reach their dreams. Oh, give me a break. Give me a break. Why didn't you say that when you got the job? You said, it's all about winning Natties. That was for you because you were losing in the tournament. To shift the narrative to, hey, I'm beyond winning, Natty. Can you imagine taking the Ohio State football job, the Georgia football job, saying, you know, my job isn't to win bowl games or Natties. It's just to get these kids to the NFL. Even bad Georgia football coaches get guys to the NFL. Even bad coaches at Kentucky get guys to the NBA in the first round. So that was a bunch of nonsense. And by the way, to add to that, the mission he was selling at the end, he was selling it. I didn't buy it. I started calling him John Calipanzi because it's all a scheme now. Okay? So that's what I said. And now he didn't like me. That's fine. But the mission at the end at Kentucky, which got him fired because he wasn't winning enough in March, Duke started beating him on one and done players using his mission, which is, it's more than basketball. It's about life. Calipari took a not so thinly veiled shot at Duke for selling that. It's like, wait a minute, John, that's your whole thing when you couldn't win that easy. You couldn't even beat Oakland in the first round. Your whole thing was, well, it's beyond March A. It's not at Kentucky basketball or Ohio State football. It's not beyond that bad. Coaches get guys to the league in the first round of those schools. Okay, so that's the. So I just like, okay, it's just a Ponzi scheme here. Give me a break. But that said, he's great for college basketball, great at the podium, great recruiter, excellent job building up programs, deserves all sorts of credit. Now, most of college basketball media is toothless, so they're not going to call him out on stuff like that. That pivot to I'm not here to win titles, which, yes, at Arkansas, you need to win titles, right? Like, Arkansas basketball hasn't been relevant since. Like Sidney Moncrief. So it matters. Especially in the sec, which is stacked. It matters. Well, they had Todd Day at one point. Yeah, there you go. Big deal. I mean, when's the last time you and your buddies at a bar talked about that? I mean, come on. Sidney Moncrief was great. He was on the COVID of Sports Illustrated when people used to read that magazine. So my point being is I turned on him. But I do think this team has had to overcome a bunch of injuries. He's great for the tournament, and I'm going to be rooting for him tonight. I'd rather have Calipari in the tournament in the Elite Eight, than I would Texas Tech. And he was on Dan Patrick show yesterday talking about the Razorbacks. What's happened for us? This season has been the most rewarding season I've had. Seasons where we won more games and won national titles and Final Fours and Elite Eights, I've had all those. But what this team has been through to survive it, it's been as rewarding as any season. These kids, all of them have pianos on their backs because of nil. Well, they're paid. They should do this. And they're trying to live up to expectations. So this again, to all coaches in Division 1, I think it sounds wonderful that your mission is greater than winning in March. But if you coach UCLA or Kentucky, Kansas, you know, UConn, your job is to win in March. Okay? The bottom line, those kids are going to be fine without you. They were great in high school, they were great in AAU. They're going to be great in college for about 45 minutes, they're going to be fine in the NBA. The mission is to win for college coaches. Nobody's paying these guys $11 million a year because they're good with the Pelicans. That's not why anybody's paying these guys. You gotta win big games that I'm not paying you. I'll pay a 2 million at Kentucky to coach if you don't win in March. But they're good kids. I'm not paying you 9 million. And that's what the big jobs are. Same with Michigan football and Ohio State football. Now, I will say this. There are institutions like Duke, which is so rigorous academically, or Notre Dame football or Duke basketball, where I do think. I do think it is beyond just playing there. The Duke family and the Notre Dame family, academically is greater than just your playing time. Kentucky basketball, that's not an academic powerhouse. Kentucky's about basketball playing March. Get money, be a good pro, help your family. That's a great mission, too. But. But if anybody can sell. I'm about more than, you know, winning in March. I get that. For some academic powers like Notre Dame football is bigger than Notre Dame football. Look how many Notre Dame football players have been CEOs of companies all throughout the country. I know, like four Notre Dame guys who are now like running companies that. That's not typical for football programs to be have that many great successful guys. So blah, blah, blah. I will tell you this. The I watched last night. So I had said this about Steph Curry before they got Jimmy Butler. I said, he's kind of on a treadmill to nowhere. And then Jimmy Butler arrived and Steph's numbers all went through the roof because he was engaged. And if you've been great and you've got multiple titles and $500 million, it's hard to be playing for a playing game. I mean, LeBron, the minute Luka arrived, was totally energized. And Steph, the minute Jimmy Butler arrived, totally energized. We saw Michael Jordan at the end in Washington. Treadmill to nowhere. Some nights good, some nights didn't care. So it's very interesting what's happening to KD. So he scores 30 last night and the Suns lose by 30. He's on a treadmill, you would think to nowhere, but it's not so. I watched this game last night. KD was amazing. Last three games. KD is auditioning for the league. The guy's been the best player in the league the last three games. 37 a night, 60% shooting, 63%. He was great last night against the Celtics and he wanted to show the New York Knicks or maybe the Celtics, you know, if you want to get rid of Porzingis, I'm still pretty good. He was auditioning to the Celtics last night. He was auditioning for the New York Knicks last night. So the Knicks are a bad fourth quarter team and the Knicks are a terrible come from behind team. They don't have enough shot makers. That's why Giannis isn't a great fit. He's not a shot maker and he can't hit free throws. KD is both. So as I watched this game last night, my takeaway is KD came totally zoned in. He was showing the Celtics that poor Zingus guy. And Porzingis was good last night. If you want to make a move, I don't need the ball in my hands. I don't need the ball in my hand. You can have Tatum and whoever have the ball, just get the ball to me late. But I. You could not watch that game and not see how engaged and attacking Kevin Durant was. Nick Wright talked about some Celtics, KD rumors, two totally unrelated people, both of whom have reputations for knowing things that other people don't know, have said to me, watch out for Durant in Boston. It doesn't make, I don't know, even the pieces that would work. And it feels a lot like what Durant got killed for with Golden State before, so it doesn't make sense. But it's different. KD to the warriors were different. Why? Because Steph was the soul of the city, right? Like it was Steph's team. Steph was beloved. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are excellent players, but I'd argue, you know, they've had Bill Russell and they've had Havalchek and they've had Larry Bird and. No, I mean, Steph is the all time warrior, so. And Draymond is a pretty combative personality, so. And Klay Thompson was excellent. And when he went to that organization, there was always this kind of weird thing where it's Steph's team, but Katie's winning mvp, and I'm not sure if Draymond loves him. And it was a weird fit. It's different in Boston, okay? So to get kd, the Suns would probably get like a platter of poor Zingus and Derrick White and picks. And in Boston, where they've had, you know, multiple great players, multiple dynasties, and Tatum isn't Stephen Golden State. He's not. He's not like the godfather of basketball. He's just a very good player. So I. And KD's got the kind of personality he has no problem just coming and hitting shots in Boston. Hey, man, I'll be your third guy hitting shots. Remember, KD's leaving Phoenix. Why is he playing like that last night? Why has he been so good in the last week when a lot of stars are resting? That dude is auditioning for jobs. There is no question watching him. Last night he was on a heater, he was making a point. And I've said this, keep your eye on the Knicks as well. The Knicks are a bad fourth quarter team. They do not play well from behind. They don't have shot makers, and we're not sure if Brunson's a 1 or a 1 a or a 2. The Giannis is a great player at this point, does maybe more things well than kd, but he can't shoot, and so he doesn't help you when you're behind because Giannis can't hit free throws and he's got no jumpers. KD is the kind of guy you can bring in. Give him the ball late in the shot clock and he ends up with 34 points. I mean, last night, Celtics play real defense. Dude was great. It was great. So J. Mac's kind of rolling his eyes at this stuff. Just keep your eyes on kd. He was great last night.

[Guest Analyst]

I like it. I don't know how he gets to the Knicks or Celtics because you're not giving up a lot for a 37 year old who can only get buckets. I'm not giving up a lot for Kevin Durant. I give up a lot for Giannis. He's 37.

[Colin Cowherd]

Colin dude, he's a shooter. So he shoots. I watched him last night.

[Guest Analyst]

Houston Rockets seem to be the perfect landing. I have draft picks. No, I don't have to give up that much.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, Houston is a very interesting landing spot. I. I can see Houston.

[Guest Analyst]

They get bounced in the first round by somebody you know, hey, we need, we need a star. Let's add Kevin Durant veteran to the. That makes sense.

[Colin Cowherd]

Where would you like him to go? Nick Houston.

[Guest Analyst]

So I look good. Give me some time on that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Knicks could use that shot.

[Guest Analyst]

Let's see how they do in the playoffs. All right.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'll be patient.

[Nikki Glaser]

This is Nikki Glazer from the Nikki Glazer podcast. Have you guys seen this new commercial from Stand up to All Hate? It's basically Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady going back and forth with reasons that they hate each other. But then when you really listen to them, the reasons for the hate are just so stupid. I don't know. This. This commercial really got me. It's a strong reminder that hate in our country continues to be out of control. So join us at iHeart in standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up. Call it out. Your voice is a powerful tool in this fight. You can learn more by following. Hat's upwithhate.

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[Colin Cowherd]

In Mississippi. Yazoo clay keeps secrets. 7,000 bodies out there or more. A forgotten asylum cemetery. It was my family's mystery. Shame, guilt, propriety. Something keeps it all buried deep until it's not I'm Larison Campbell and this is under Yazoo Clay. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jeremy Hobson]

We live in a divided country, and our media couldn't be more polarizing. That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Each week we hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country. And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one one item from the avalanche of news. Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.