Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hour 1: The Thunder Win the Title Release Date: June 23, 2025
Hosts: Colin Cowherd and John Middlekauff
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: A comprehensive exploration of the top sports stories, featuring in-depth analysis and expert opinions.
1. Opening Remarks and Introduction
Timestamp: [02:53]
Colin Cowherd kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners and introducing John Middlekauff as his temporary co-host. He sets the stage by expressing his preference for football over basketball but acknowledges his deep-rooted connection to the sport, having grown up as a fan in the Pacific Northwest during the 1970s.
Colin Cowherd:
"I like football more than basketball, but I did grow up in the 70s in the Pacific Northwest with Bill Walton and the Blazers and the Sonics."
[02:57]
2. The Thunder's Championship Victory
Timestamp: [03:00 - 05:00]
The primary focus of the episode is the Oklahoma City Thunder’s unexpected triumph in the NBA Finals. Colin expresses mixed feelings about the victory, highlighting the Thunder's reliance on roster depth and key injuries that sidelined pivotal players like Tyrese Halliburton.
Colin Cowherd:
"They won due to roster construction and depth, which is not exactly a great movie poster. The new NBA is the era of accounting where you have to draft really well and develop really well..."
[04:30]
John Middlekauff adds that the Thunder's victory represents a big win for small-market teams, though Colin remains skeptical about the long-term impact.
John Middlekauff:
"It was a big win for the small markets, I guess."
[03:44]
3. Analysis of the Current NBA Landscape
Timestamp: [05:01 - 14:00]
Colin delves into the state of the NBA over the past seven years, noting an increase in championship diversity with seven different champions, attributing this to changes in league policies under Adam Silver. He argues that the inability to stack stars due to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has led to more teams having a legitimate shot at the title.
Colin Cowherd:
"We've entered a new NBA. This is the seventh different champion in seven years and a lot of it's because it's Adam Silver's NBA."
[06:00]
He critiques the Thunder’s championship as not being as thrilling due to injuries and lack of star power, contrasting it with previous dynasties.
Colin Cowherd:
"I don't want every NBA champion to feel like the 2004 Chauncey Billups Pistons. I don't."
[04:50]
4. Kevin Durant’s Trade to the Houston Rockets
Timestamp: [14:00 - 26:00]
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Kevin Durant’s recent trade to the Houston Rockets. Colin assesses the trade's potential impact on both Durant’s legacy and the Rockets' championship prospects. He praises the Rockets' organizational structure, coaching, and depth, suggesting that Durant could either elevate the team to new heights or face challenges if injuries persist.
Colin Cowherd:
"I think this is exactly what Houston needs. And strangely, it's exactly what Kevin Durant needs."
[15:30]
John Middlekauff provides a critical perspective on Durant’s career trajectory, comparing his situation to that of other veteran players and emphasizing the physical toll of his extensive NBA tenure.
John Middlekauff:
"He's got like... two first-round picks. He's young but is around the league now that he said."
[14:41]
5. Injuries and Their Impact on the NBA
Timestamp: [26:00 - 35:00]
The hosts discuss the alarming number of injuries in the NBA, particularly focusing on Tyrese Halliburton’s Achilles tear, which Colin labels as a "gut punch" for the league. They debate the implications of frequent injuries for both players' careers and the overall competitiveness of the league.
Colin Cowherd:
"Last night was a real gut punch. It was hard to stomach."
[12:00]
John echoes the concern, suggesting that the NBA may need to consider shortening the playoff series to mitigate player fatigue and injury risks.
John Middlekauff:
"We have to shorten the playoffs. They started two weeks before the draft."
[24:59]
6. Future Outlook for the Thunder and the NBA
Timestamp: [35:00 - 45:00]
Looking forward, Colin expresses optimism about the Thunder’s potential in the coming years, given their young roster and executive prowess under Sam Presti. However, he remains cautious, emphasizing the importance of player health and continued development.
Colin Cowherd:
"They have probably the best young executive in the league in Sam Presti."
[14:10]
John adds that while the Thunder’s current championship feels "small," the foundation is strong for future success.
John Middlekauff:
"It's just the hard part about this job. You know, Dallas, we understand why it's a tough job..."
[28:08]
7. Comparison of Recent NBA Champions
Timestamp: [45:00 - 50:00]
In a retrospective analysis, Colin ranks the last seven NBA champions, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. He places the Boston Celtics at the top for their dominant roster and performance, followed by the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks. The Oklahoma City Thunder, despite their recent success, are ranked lower due to perceived lack of star power and over-reliance on depth.
Colin Cowherd:
"I would put the best overall roster of the last seven is Boston."
[45:18]
John concurs with the ranking but highlights the unique circumstances surrounding some of the championships, such as injuries and team dynamics.
John Middlekauff:
"The Warriors team, remember Jordan Poole played a pretty big role."
[45:18]
8. Closing Thoughts
Timestamp: [50:00 - End]
Colin concludes the episode by reflecting on the evolving nature of the NBA under Adam Silver’s leadership. He emphasizes the league’s shift towards a more collaborative and competitive structure, albeit at the cost of traditional star-driven dynasties.
Colin Cowherd:
"Adam Silver inherited a league where the ratings were down post Jordan, but the league was making a lot of money. It was culturally relevant..."
[45:50]
John echoes Colin’s sentiments, appreciating the changes while acknowledging the challenges they bring.
Notable Quotes:
-
Colin Cowherd:
"The new NBA is the era of accounting where you have to draft really well and develop really well and then cross your fingers where players stay healthy."
[04:30] -
John Middlekauff:
"Caleb was up there with Peyton and Eli. He discussed how that his relationship with his new head coach has grown this offseason."
[25:21]
Conclusion:
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts provide a nuanced analysis of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s unexpected NBA championship, the implications of Kevin Durant’s trade to the Houston Rockets, and the broader shifts within the NBA landscape. Through insightful discussions and expert opinions, Colin and John dissect the current state and future prospects of the league, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics in professional basketball.