Jason McIntyre (3:19)

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

Colin Cowherd (3:24)

Oh, it is a Wednesday. We are in Chicago. It's live. It's the Herd. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, thanks for joining us, making us part of your day. Greg Olson stops by today. Gotta tell you, J. Mac, I know you love those Knicks, but Halliburton's doing what he did to Milwaukee and Cleveland. He's doing the same thing.

Jason McIntyre (3:53)

He is.

Colin Cowherd (3:54)

He is. He is really something.

Greg Olson (3:55)

I gotta lie, I'm gonna be a little ornery today. Colin Little upset.

Colin Cowherd (4:00)

Season's over.

Greg Olson (4:01)

It's done. Pacers Thunder Feel the excitement in the Finals.

Colin Cowherd (4:04)

Well, listen, this series, this series has come down to two players, the two point guards and the most overrated player in the league has bested the clutch player in the league, Tyrese Halliburton. A performance for the ages. It doesn't even sound right. 32 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds, 0 turnovers. Never been done. In the playoffs against the Knicks team known for defense with a legendary defensive coach. I said it yesterday. Brunson may be the better pure closer, but Halliburton's a starter, the best middle reliever and a closer. It's the entire package. And I don't really see this as a New York failure. It's another close game. I see it as the ascension of a rock star in this league. This was Tyrese Halliburton's Magnus opus. The pacers are now 11 3. In playoffs, they're 11 3. They're only three losses. Otherwise, they're 11 and 0. Their only three losses are game three losses when they lead 2 0. So they take their foot like any pro athlete would. A little off the gas. That's it. Otherwise, they're 11. And oh, and the Pacers, the front office has done a great job to surround Halliburton with players that can run with him. And it's empowering. I mean, how good does Pascal say Akam look now? I mean, what's amazing about Halliburton, he doesn't even lead the Pacers in usage rate. That's insane for 32 points and 15 assists. And again, no turnovers. With Brunson the great closer. A lot of times Nick players are standing around watching him work his guy and get that great shot and you can feel uninvolved. I mean, Halliburton had 32 last night. I don't remember that much scoring. I remember the pace, I remember the assists. Indy did what they do. They turned it into a track meet. And every game in which they've controlled pace, they've won. Not just against the Knicks, against Milwaukee and against Cleveland and now against the Knicks. I still like New York a lot. I think they need to tweak it. I'd go Katie over Katie, but I love Indy. This is about Indy. Very rarely if Halliburton is on the floor do they even get bad half court possessions. That's hard in the NBA and that's. And that second half got a little bit sloppy. But they're a high tempo up and down ball movement. Who would not want to play with Halliburton? It feels Indy feels like one of those young tech companies that are like collaborative and empowering and you can bring your dog to work and people want to work there forever. That's what they feel like. I mean, the fact that even one NBA player suggested, forget voted, suggested that Halliburton is overrated. I mean, again, look at Pascal Siakam, who's always been a good player. He looks like he should be first team, all NBA. Look at Rick Carlisle, a forgotten coach. Now he looks like he's an innovator and one of the more creative offensive geniuses. And I've known Rick for years. He's always been an excellent coach and a great guy. But this is what magic or Michael or Halliburton can do to a coach. He accentuates all your skills as a coach. The reality too, with Indy here. New York may be better, but you could argue they've peaked. Indy's only getting better. They have a very friendly cap sheet. They have to figure out what to do with a good player. Not great Miles Turner. They're not quite sure what to do. But this is a young and improving and ascending roster that quickly and easily disposed of Milwaukee, favored Milwaukee, of favored Cleveland and now of the Knicks. And here's Halliburton. After just trying to be aggressive, trying to respond, I felt like I let the team down in game three. So it Was important for me to come out here and just make plays and, you know, guys put me in a position to make plays and trying to play my game and, man, it's a big win for us.

Greg Olson (8:25)

Did dad in the building have anything to do with that?

Colin Cowherd (8:27)

Hell yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I'm glad Pops in the building, man, makes it that much more sweet and just something to remind you of how special last night was. I'm just, I. I'm totally taken by the fact he has no turnovers to play at this pace. Never turn it over. 30 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds in a single game in playoff history. The other players who have done it are MVPs and champions. Oscar Robertson twice and the Joker in Denver. That's what we're talking about. And he was voted by players a handful. Is the most overrated player in the league. Again, the NBA fans and media too often celebrate dynamic what they don't celebrate. Remember LeBron used to get crushed for this because he wouldn't always take the final shot. And LeBron, who I defended, would say, other people are open. That's what Phil Jackson finally, finally convinced Michael Jordan to do. Get it to Paxson, get it to Kerr. If guys are open, get the better open shot. It was when Michael finally embraced that that he became a legend. LeBron did it out of high school. That's Halliburton. He'll drop 30 head, have 15 assists and you don't remember the points as much as the assists and the pace. Everybody on this team is playing a notch above who they are. I love Carlisle, but that's about Halliburton. Okay, so Terry Bradshaw, Fox Sports, long time, former Steeler great, four rings. Was asked on a radio station. We got the audio here about his former team, the Steelers, potentially signing Aaron Rodgers.

Greg Olson (10:16)

That's a joke.

Colin Cowherd (10:17)

He shouldn't they. That is just to me is a joke. What are you going to bring him in for one year? Are you kidding me?

Greg Olson (10:23)

I mean, that's not the Steelers way, right?

Colin Cowherd (10:25)

No, man.

Greg Olson (10:25)

That guy needs to stay in California. Don't thank you and thank you. Chew on bark and not risk it. To the gods out there.

Colin Cowherd (10:36)

By the way, I've had an epiphany. I'll get to that in a second. So it should be noted as Aaron doesn't have a team yet. Josh Allen on a team with much less turnover. The Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen in his prime, better at this point. Arguably better. Ever more committed. Is at his team's ota. Aaron doesn't have a team. I was Thinking about this morning. Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers have something in common. Neither take the duty of quarterback with great urgency. Both the Steelers and Aaron have a. Yeah, we'll get to it eventually. Yeah, yeah, I'll sign with the team eventually. We'll figure out the quarterback eventually. I mean think about San Francisco and Kyle Shanahan. They just signed Brock Purdy to a massive deal and yet this year in the draft, Kyle says, I want another quarterback and they draft a kid out of Indiana. A little bit of a semi. You know, Brock Purdy clone ish lot of snaps in college. They're already looking for another quarterback. The Green Bay packers, you all know this. They draft quarterbacks three years before they let them on the field. The Pittsburgh Steelers lost their left tackle, their two quarterbacks, their top receiver and a really good running back in Najee Harris. And their answer is, I think Aaron's our quarterback. We're not really sure. I mean, I mean the Steelers have become the 66 year old guy who's never put a penny in his 401k and is trying to convince us. Listen, I've got a plan. Believe you me, I'm all good here. So at this point I have an epiphany. I have been saying Aaron and the Steelers is a bad fit. I'm wrong. It's a great fit. I mean, in life what's the rule, you got to find somebody that matches your energy. The Steelers at quarterback. We'll get to it. Aaron on committing, maybe later. I am here for it. The Steelers and Aaron Rodgers are a little Rodman, Carmen Electra, they're a little Tom Arnold, Roseanne Barr, Angelina Jolie, Billy Bob. I am here for the dysfunction. I mean the whole time I've been like, this is a weird fit. Not really. For the record, there's a reason the Steelers now are near the top in the NFL in longest playoff wind droughts. They're at eight years now. They're not the Dolphins or the Raiders or the jets, but they're creeping up the most important position. And it always was quarterback, it was always a head coach, quarterback league. But more than ever, it's much easier to predict who's going to win divisions, especially in the Steelers afc who's got the best quarterback and does he have a good offensive coach and do they treat the position with importance and urgency? Steelers don't. Aaron doesn't. I'm wrong. It's a match made in heaven. All right, J. Mac, we have a lot of stuff today. Greg Olson stopping by. Really interesting story here. In Chicago. So they're having the OTAs. And you know, Caleb has said I want to be coached hard. Apparently Ben Johnson is coaching him hard. So we'll get to that. I know you, you're a little bummed out about the Knicks, but does it make it feel better that you are witnessing an all time series by an ascending star?

Greg Olson (13:54)

No, not at all. What are you talking how all of a sudden there's major like issues with the Knicks. This Brunson towns combo through four games together on the court is minus 24. All of a sudden the spotlight's on the Knicks and it's like, whoa, do these two even work together again next year year. Or have the Pacers unlocked something that the Celtics did not see, that the Pistons didn't see? And now it's like, well, do we keep towns or do we move them? I like, I'm a little nervous for the Knicks this off season. I think the Giannis chatter is going to be back in play pretty quickly if they lose game five.

Colin Cowherd (14:29)

Well, Giannis would obviously make them better. I don't know if they have the pieces but I, I think KD is a much easier list. And I've said this for the last three days is that this series is, it's actually can be great because I don't think that I said this the last two days. The Knicks are not a championship team. They've got holes and a better team is showing you what the holes are. It's not a gaping hole. It's that they need a catch and shoot score. KD not a guy that needs the ball to score and moves Brunson out of the way. Cat, the reason they don't work together A, they're poor defenders. So simultaneously Halliburton is abusing them and if they're ever both on the court and secondly, Cat needs the ball. He's one of the few bigs that gets the ball out top and then drives in. Doesn't really need a pass or an assist. He can kind of break it down and do it himself. The problem is then Brunson is inactive in the offensive half court set. So it's, I think what happens when you lose. Why did we lose? That's, that's what a good NFL team does or a good NBA team. What is it? It's not the coach. It's not Brunson. Brunson, Brunson's your lead. You've got to find some Mitchell Robinson's actually great for what he is. Hartenstein would have been great. But Cat doesn't work for two reasons. And it's on display.

Greg Olson (15:42)

You say it's the coach. I mean, they're going to have options. The Knicks can say, hey, let's bring in kd. Let's go after Giannis. Or they could say, we love our team. Let's run it back with Michael Malone as head coach instead of Thibodeau.

Colin Cowherd (15:54)

I don't think that's the solution. All these games have come down to the last four minutes and they're losing them.

Greg Olson (16:00)

They blew game one like you. I don't know, man. Maybe I'm just a despondent.

Colin Cowherd (16:04)

You don't blow out Lamar Jackson or John Harbaugh because you lose close to the Bills of the Chiefs. You try to find other areas to improve. You don't get rid of your foundational bedrock, A plus pieces. Tibs isn't the issue. The issue is the roster construction. Remember, Bridges has been really good. Towns solved an issue. They needed a second score and they didn't trust Julius Randall, who, by the way, can disappear in spots. Cat is a more natural offensive player, so he was an upgrade over Randle. But it's always been steps in this league, so it's always about find the coach for your star. And then it's can you find complimentary pieces. Cat was an upgrade over Randle. KD is an upgrade over. Based on styles, catch and shoot. He's an upgrade over Cat.

Greg Olson (16:54)

And so you're saying. Jason, calm down. Jason Tatum's out. Next year, it's basically Pacers, Knicks, maybe the Pistons and the Cavs in the East. And why can't the Knicks get right back?

Colin Cowherd (17:05)

That's right.

Greg Olson (17:05)

To the Finals.

Colin Cowherd (17:06)

Yeah, no need. Yeah.

Greg Olson (17:07)

Okay.

Colin Cowherd (17:07)

Yeah. It's just been a series of smart steps. Randall to Cat and now try to get. You know you're going to have to give up if you give up Kat, to get KD and I'm the Knicks, I want a draft pick. I want something beyond that. It's just not. It's not. It's not because Cat is younger, but it's worth considering. Get help turning your home into cash with Rocket Mortgage. Call 1-800-4Rocket to learn how your home can help fund a renovation, pay off consolidated high interest debt. Call 804Rocket or visit Rocket.com RocketMortgage LLC license in all 50 states. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.

Jason McIntyre (17:59)

Recently, a new client called me and started by saying, Mr. Morgan, I really need your help, but I'm just a nobody. Those words stunned me and I immediately called him back. And we're now helping him and his family after a terrible accident. I'm John Morgan of Morgan and Morgan. Everybody who comes to our firm at their time of need is a somebody. I grew up poor, but my grandmother was like a queen to us. At Morgan and Morgan, our goal is to level the playing field for you and your family at your time of need. The insurance company has unlimited money and resources. You need a firm who can fight them toe to toe for right at 30 years, we have fought them in courtrooms throughout America. Our results speak for themselves. And always remember this, everybody is a somebody and nobody is a nobody. Visit forthepeople.com to learn about our firm, Morgan and Morgan. For the people injured, visit forthepeople.com for an office near you.

Colin Cowherd (18:59)

Summer is here, and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. Now, what do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get chicken parm delivered. A day at the lake? That's a no. A Philly cheesesteak? That's a yes. A nice tan? Sorry. A box fan? Happily, yes. What about a day of sunshine? Not happening. How about a box of fine wines? Yeah, that's happening. Delivery's on its way. Okay, how about some clear skies? Nope. Well, how about some french fries? Yeah. So how about a freshly cut lawn? Can't help you there. But a barbecued prawn? Order it and it's on its way. Even throw in some paper towels. Clean up after the feast. So while you can't get fun in the sun delivered, don't worry because you can get pork buns delivered. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost, almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. Product availability may vary by region. See app for details. At the end of the season, there's only one team that can call themselves NBA champs. Only one player that can call themselves the number one pick in the NFL draft. Well, there's only one electric SUV worthy of the title. The ultimate. The all electric BMW ix. What I love about the IX is that it delivers legendary BMW performance. While its sleek design exudes innovative style from the inside out. Not to mention how much space and utility it provides. Over 75 cubic feet of cargo space, the IX is completely changing the game with an all electric suv. The greatest legends of sports never compromise any part of the game. So why would you settle for anything less from your suv? After all, there's only one ultimate the BMW. Ix. Everything you love about the ultimate driving machine Electrified Interested in investing in Bitcoin but not sure how to get started? Well, with the Gemini Credit Card you can dip your toes into Bitcoin without even trying. Just spend like you normally do groceries, gas or a night out and instantly earn up to 4% back in Bitcoin or one of over 50 other cryptos straight to your account with no annual fee. The Gemini Credit Card is pretty much a no brainer and right now you can grab a $200 bitcoin intro bonus. So go to gemini.com card to learn more and start earning today. Terms apply. Again, go to gemini.com card start building your Bitcoin stash now. Terms apply. The Gemini Credit Card is issued by Web bank In order to qualify for the intro $200 crypto bonus, your application must be approved by June 30, 2025 and spend $3,000 in your first 90 days. Terms apply. Some exclusions apply to instant rewards, in which rewards are deposited when the transaction posts this content is not investment advice and Trading Crypto involves risk. For more details on rates, fees and other Gemini credit card terms, see Rates and Fees. Caleb Williams, their USC quarterback, struggled as a rookie. They want for him to improve on two things, number one body language and number two pre snap procedure. So I've always been I think body language is a really big deal. I don't care if you're a mayor, I don't care if you're a CEO. I don't care if you're a quarterback. I'm glad this is mentioned and I'm glad Ben Johnson cares about this. So this is according to Albert Breer. They want to improve on body language and they want to improve on pre snap improvement. So I think those are totally legitimate. In fact, one of the rare criticisms I had of Caleb in college he could be moody. I saw it when he played Oregon State up in Corvallis. He eventually won the game with a great dot down the sideline to Jordan Addison. But on the sideline he had to be counseled and consoled by Lincoln Riley. He got a little bit moody and kind of checked out and that's okay. He's an emotional kid. I think ideally you'd want your quarterback to be Jalen hurts, stoic. You could be fiery, but you can't be pouty. You can be aggressive, but you can't have an attitude. And I thought that Oregon State game, it was a little bit of hey man, we need you to check back in body language matters. So I think it needs to be worked on. He came back in that game. By the way, there's the winning touchdown to Jordan Addison of the pre snap concerns. I think had he had a better head coach his rookie year in the NFL. If he had heroded Kyle Shanahan, we wouldn't talk about that. I think some of that comes with experience. I mean Mahomes had Andy Reid, it still took him two and three years. So I think he'll get better at that. I think a lot of that was just he didn't have a very good coaching staff. And at usc, Caleb Williams, I don't think his last year at USC trusted the O line. He shouldn't have. And so it was a lot of hero ball and him ad libbing and I don't think Lincoln Riley necessarily trusted the O line. So he let Caleb Williams ad lib and call his own shots. I think he'll be fine there. What I do find with a lot of the great quarterbacks of all time, Peyton Manning's like this. They think like accountants, precision, details, almost mathy. Caleb's a creative. He's a creative. Mahomes is a creative and that's fine. It takes a special coach to coach a creative. It takes Andy Reid. Okay, is Ben Johnson, Andy Reid? I don't know. Is Ben Johnson a great quarterback coach as a head coach like Sean Payton or Kyle Shanahan or Andy Reid? I don't know. I think so. But I know that Caleb Williams said I want to be coached hard. And this is interesting, this comes from Adam Hoge. Adam Hoge, I think so. At the OTAs, the story is that Ben Johnson has been ripping Cole Comet for some mental mistakes. He also, it's interesting, according to Adam that what appeared to be the best throw of the day when Caleb hit DJ Moore deep down the left sideline, it was probably more like a deep out. And Caleb came back toward Ben Johnson, the rookie coach. And Ben Johnson said, yeah, you can't do that. That's coaching. So Caleb Williams, I was expecting, I was hoping that Ben Johnson's impact would be immediate. The impact has not quite been immediate. So again, I think when you're coaching creatives and Lamar is a creative, Mahomes is creative. Steve Young was one of the first I ever saw that. I'm like, oh, Brett Favre was a bit of a creative. They're harder to coach. Go ask Mike Holmgren what coaching Brett Favre is like, you gotta embrace it. It's a fine line between Jon Gruden, that's Jon Gruden when he was an assistant about coaching Favre. It's really, really hard. It takes a great coach, not a good coach. And Caleb didn't have that last year. You hope he has it, but Matt Hasselbeck says don't expect miracles in September.

Greg Olson (25:52)

I don't think, you know right away. I mean, Troy Aikman started out really.

Colin Cowherd (25:56)

Poorly his rookie year. Like they, they didn't do well. Peyton Manning, you know, he, I think.

Greg Olson (26:02)

He might have led the league in interceptions.

Colin Cowherd (26:04)

Eli Manning got bench for Kurt Warner.

Greg Olson (26:06)

Like there's all these stories of young quarterbacks.

Colin Cowherd (26:08)

It doesn't start out well. At the end of the year, I think a decision will be made on him one way or the other. And I.

Greg Olson (26:15)

And it's just say if you watch the film, he's off to a very, very slow start.

Colin Cowherd (26:20)

Last year, J. Mack said the Bears will be the most interesting team in the league and they were for about four games. I actually do think, because we now have a young quarterback with a really sharp offensive coach. And I think everybody needs a kingmaker in life. You could be a mayor, you could be a lawyer. Everybody needs a kingmaker. Bo, Nick's got his. Jaden Daniels have Cliff Kingsbury got his. Caleb had his at Oklahoma and usc. He had Lincoln Riley. He had his kingmaker. And so to pull all that talent out now, can Ben do it? Can Ben do it with the Bears? We'll see. J. Mac with the news.

Jason McIntyre (26:59)

No, no, no.

Colin Cowherd (27:01)

Turn on the news. This is the Herd line news.

Greg Olson (27:05)

All right, Colin, let's bust right in. The Atlanta Falcons had OT TAS yesterday and Kirk Cousins was a no show. Very interesting given that they have announced Michael Penix will be the full time starter. Cousins made it clear he wants to be the starter. Colin, I'm not, I'm not going to mince any words here. I think Atlanta screwed Kirk Cousins. They signed him to a big splashy deal last year. He said he wants to end his career in Atlanta and what, like a month later they go out and draft Michael Penix and then of course, the Falcons sag. Last year, Penix is the starter and now Atlanta has Kirk Cousins that he don't want to be there. They have to pay Atlanta his 27 and a half million guaranteed dollars this season even if he's released. So they're not dumping it.

Colin Cowherd (27:50)

Now.

Greg Olson (27:50)

Atlanta could trade Kirk Cousins to Pittsburgh, I don't know wherever, but obviously they would. The team that gets Cousins, they don't want to pay the full freight. So Atlanta's in a tough spot and I think they brought this on themselves. I'm sorry, I'm siding with Kirk Cousins here.

Colin Cowherd (28:07)

Well, if. I mean, it looked really good until about late October. Remember, Aaron and Kirk Cousins were the opposite. Aaron off the surgery, old guy after surgery was really struggling early. Then his last seven, eight starts, you were like, oh, Aaron, Aaron's got a little spring. Kirk was the opposite. He looked really good for six or seven weeks. Remember, I think he had a Monday night Football game or something that was amazing. Or a Thursday night game, whatever it was against Tampa. And then down the stretch he fell apart. He looked tired. Remember that one game against like the Chargers were like, he can't make the outs. He can't throw outs. So he and Aaron, old guys, off injuries. Aaron, it took a while for him to get his. To get his step and he was pretty good at the end of the year. I defended there and he was pretty good at theater. I thought Kirk Cousins was excellent for like six, seven weeks. Then he just, he wore out. He didn't have energy, he didn't have his legs. So I still think Aaron can play. And now I still think Kirk Cousins can play. I think both needed another off season. Now, you know, I don't know how hard either is working right now. Aaron's got personal stuff. Kirk's not showing up though. DS But I do think Aaron and Kirk would like an extra year off the injury. Can both be quarterbacks that start in this league.

Greg Olson (29:21)

Okay, yeah, okay, we think that. But what should the Falcons do because they. Kirk Cousins is under no obligation to show up. He doesn't trade him.

Colin Cowherd (29:28)

I probably trade him. I'd wait at some point before the trading deadline. Last year over 50 quarterbacks played just wait. In the NFL, the answer at quarterback is wait. Somebody will need a quarterback.

Greg Olson (29:39)

So if you're advising Kirk Cousins, hey, Kirk, you should be showing up at OTAs.

Colin Cowherd (29:46)

No, I mean I OT. I think. I think OTAs for veteran players are a tad overrated now. Now if you're at a new team and a new system, you know, it's not. You probably first couple years should go, but I don't think it's. I think Kirk knows he's going to be dealt.

Greg Olson (30:03)

Well, the problem here is that they've announced Penix is a starter. So no matter what happens at camp.

Jason McIntyre (30:08)

Right.

Greg Olson (30:08)

Penix is awful. Cousins crushes. It don't matter. We're going with the young Guy. So what if. I mean, again, Pittsburgh has the Aaron Rodgers thing after that. Colin, you look around the other 2018?

Colin Cowherd (30:21)

No, it's the worst quarterback room in the league, no question.

Greg Olson (30:23)

But there's. There's really no other spots unless there's an injury, you know, and I feel.

Colin Cowherd (30:29)

Here's my question. Here's my question.

Greg Olson (30:31)

Made a lot of money.

Colin Cowherd (30:32)

What's the Indianapolis Colts situation right now?

Greg Olson (30:35)

So Anthony Richardson versus Daniel Jones. It's funny, they asked me, do you want to do that in her headlines this week? Who do you think's going to be the starter? Well, I think Kirk beat out those guys.

Colin Cowherd (30:45)

Sure.

Greg Olson (30:46)

But if that's the case, why go get Daniel Jones? Why not just go after Kirk Cousins?

Colin Cowherd (30:52)

Yeah, no, it's. I mean, I think Daniel Jones is going to beat him out.

Greg Olson (30:57)

Okay, we'll have to talk about that tomorrow. Next up, Colin, is the Jags. They promised Travis Hunter, their first round pick, who they traded up for the ability to play both ways. But he won't be able to practice receiver and cornerback on the Same day in OTAs. Here's new head coach Liam Cohen explaining.

Colin Cowherd (31:17)

Why we won't put him in that situation to have him do that, although I'm sure he'd probably want to.

Greg Olson (31:24)

He still meets defensively every day that he's on offense, so he's getting the.

Colin Cowherd (31:29)

Mental part of it and being able to catch up on some of the.

Greg Olson (31:33)

Communication, some of the corrections off the.

Colin Cowherd (31:36)

Film from the defensive side of the ball. So he's getting a lot of the mental and it would probably be unfair to put them out on the grass and do both and ask them to go do that and see success. I actually agree with this. Get the reps on offense, go to the meetings on defense, but playing wide receiver with a young quarterback, it's a timing game. Corner is not a timing game. It's a raw talent game and he's got loads of that. I think this is actually the smart approach.

Greg Olson (32:05)

You also don't want to wear him down this early. I mean, both ways in practice, right out of the shoot. I, I don't think that's a good idea. They're handling a good. I, I just. I don't know what to make of this team.

Colin Cowherd (32:17)

Neither do I.

Greg Olson (32:18)

It's like, it's just bizarre. Final story. Let's go to the NBA. Timberwolves down bad, 31 in OKC tonight. They're big underdogs. Chris Finch is still not happy with the way Anthony Edwards is being defended off the ball. And he's really right. Take a listen.

Jason McIntyre (32:36)

We've seen this level of physicality before, not only from okc, but throughout the playoffs. Yeah, I think off ball, they were super handsy. You know, their off ball defense was largely focused on and, you know, trying to, trying to jam him up and keep him from being able to get the ball in clean space throughout the entire series there. I can't remember an off ball foul that's been called after four games, which is kind of unique. So that's just a speaks volume to the credit to their off ball defense.

Colin Cowherd (33:07)

So by the way, he's right. Last night it got really sloppy for about four to five minutes. Like really, it looked like rugby. And I'm sitting there watching it. And also, let me defend Karl Anthony Towns. Now, he initiates a lot of the contact. He may be the most fouled player in the league because he's so long. Okay. There's a lot of Carl Anthony Towns to foul and he's kind of awkward and he does initiate contact. And there was a moment last night under the basket. I think Cat was fouled four times. None were called. He. It's so. I do think, like, I love the intensity and the physicality, but when coaches complain about it, they're not wrong. They're not wrong. There are, there are. You know, like when Knick fans are saying, where's the whistle? Knick fans aren't wrong. Historically, you'd get the whistle even by playoff standards. So the refs are letting a ton go. I think it's fun to watch. But last night there was a four or five minute stretch. It, it, it looked like flag football, that there was a lot of contact.

Greg Olson (34:09)

I will say The Knicks shot 39 free throws last night. So like they were going to the line. But this whole inconsistency. Finch is on it. Colin, here's a homework assignment tonight. When you're watching the game, forget what's happening on the ball. Watch what they're doing to ant off the ball. Lou Dort is literally hugging him. Colin, both arms around him and then you can see, oh, let me pull the arms away. He's grabbing the jury. That's not basketball. I don't like restricting the movement. And this is the stuff they were trying to do to Steph Curry back before he got injured. It's just, it's not basketball. It's dumb, reductive. I think it makes it like the Rockets were doing this to Curry and obviously Kerr complained. But the inconsistency is just so frustrating.

Colin Cowherd (34:49)

Jay McLenews. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the herd. Lie news. Greg Olson around the corner. I saw this story. Shams Sharanya thinks the NBA off season could be the craziest ever. I do not, because I think free agency's dead or mostly dead. And the reason being is the new cba, the supermax. Everybody now moves with trades. So sign your supermax and then eventually trade the player if he's disgruntled or unhappy. I think free agency sort of dead, which, whatever NFL free agency isn't. Baseball free agency, because there's only four teams that can afford the best players is dead. NBA free agency feels dead. The NBA now is more of a trade league and that's fine. I love, I love the trade deadline. But I saw here, a guy like Bobby Marks at ESPN does a great job. He had the top 25 NBA free agents this summer. His tier one is shaky. LeBron James, Harden, Julius Randle, Kyrie Irving. I actually think Josh Giddey in tier three is interesting. A six, seven and a half point guard. But in my opinion, in my opinion, there are two free agents or two guys I trade for that would change outcomes. Number one, Giannis. If you put Giannis with Wemby and as Steven Castle, Stefan Castle in San Antonio, okay, you got a championship team. There'd be no dynasty in okc. You put Wemby on San Antonio, that's a game changer. If he joined Houston or Cleveland, depending on what they had to sacrifice and give up, those are potentially championship teams. And number two is kd. KD is Sea Salt. Put him on everything. It works. Plug and play, catch and shoot. I think KD to the Knicks makes a ton of sense. And that's the one thing that Knick fans should take out of this potential loss to the Pacers. You see what you need because of Brunson's ball centric and ball usage ways, you need a guy that can lighten the clock, get the ball and score. That is kd. If you put him on the Knicks, I think you're back to the conference finals. If you put them on Orlando, Detroit, Houston, absolutely. Instantly a better team. So I hear about kyrie off an AC tear pass. LeBron can be 41 pass. James Harden off another dismal postseason hard pass. I mean, the only thing signing James Harden guarantees you is you're going to get Memorial Day off that year. I mean, so I love Bobby Marks, but the tier one stuff here, LeBron Harden, Kyrie feel really played out now. Nas Reed, I think he works on every team. Great energy, size, athleticism. I love Nasrid, but he's back tier five. Josh Giddy, to me is a very interesting player. A six, seven and a half, six eight point guard, very athletic, moves really well. But I think free agency because of the supermax, the new cba, I think it's kind of dead. And that's okay. That's fine. I love trades. Everybody loves trades. For hot water that never runs out, 15 year limited warranty, try a Navient tankless water heater. Go to tanklessmadesimple.com High efficiency, local rebates, 15 year warranty. Tanklessmadesimple.comm Navi and Greg Olson next. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. 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 Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich.

Jason McIntyre (39:19)

Recently a new client called me and started by saying, Mr. Morgan, I really need your help, but I'm just a nobody. Those words stunned me and I immediately called him back and we're now helping him and his family after a terrible accident. I'm John Morgan of Morgan and Morgan. Everybody who comes to our firm at their time of need is a somebody. I grew up poor, but my grandmother was like a queen to us. At Morgan and Morgan, our guests goal is to level the playing field for you and your family at your time of need. The insurance company has unlimited money and resources you need a firm who can fight them toe to toe for right at 30 years, we have fought them in courtrooms throughout America. Our results speak for themselves. And always remember this. Everybody is a somebody and nobody is a nobody. Visit forthepeople.com to learn about our firm, Morgan and Morgan. For the people injured, visit forthepeople.com for an office near you.

Colin Cowherd (40:19)

Summer is here and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. Now, what do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get chicken parm delivered. A day at the lake? That's a no. A Philly cheesesteak? That's a yes. A nice tan? Sorry. A box fan? Happily, yes. What about a day of sunshine? Not happening. How about a box of fine wines? Yeah, that's happening. Delivery's on its way. Okay, how about some clear skies? Nope. Well, how about some french fries? Yeah. So how about a freshly cut lawn? Can't help you there. But a barbecued prawn? Order it and it's on its way. Even throw in some paper towels. Clean up after the feast. So while you can't get fun in the sun, deliver. Don't worry because you can get pork buns delivered. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost, almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. Product availability may vary by region. See app for details. At the end of the season, there's only one team that can call themselves NBA champs. Only one player that can call themselves the number one pick in the NFL draft. Well, there's only one electric SUV worthy of the title. The ultimate. The all electric BMW ix. What I love about the IX is that it delivers legendary BMW performance. While its sleek design exudes innovative style from the inside out. Not to mention how much space and utility it provides. Over 75 cubic feet of cargo space. The IX is completely changing the game with an all electric suv. The greatest legends of sports never compromise any part of the game. So why would you settle for anything less from your suv? After all, there's only one ultimate the BMW ix. Everything you love about the ultimate driving machine. Electrified. Interested in investing in Bitcoin but not sure how to get started. Well, with the Gemini credit card you can dip your toes into Bitcoin without even trying. Just spend like you normally do, groceries, gas or a night out and instantly earn up to 4% back in Bitcoin or one of over 50 other crypto straight to your account with no annual fee. The Gemini credit card is pretty much a no brainer and right now you can grab a $200 bitcoin intro bonus. So go to gemini.com card to learn more and start earning today. Terms apply. Again go to gemini.com card start building your Bitcoin stash now. Terms apply. The Gemini credit card is issued by Web Bank. In order to Qualify for the intro $200 crypto bonus, your application must be approved by June 30, 2025 and spend $3,000 in your first 90 days. Terms apply. Some exclusions apply to instant rewards in which rewards are deposited when the transaction posts this content is not investment advice and trading Crypto involves risk for more details on rates, fees and other Gemini credit card terms, see Rates and Fees. We don't get him often. He's a busy guy. 14 years in the NFL, great broadcaster for Fox Sports. He's got tight end university back for a fifth year. Of course it was going to work. It's in Nashville where my daughter just got a job and she loves that town. Greg Olson is joining us. It is a. Oh, he's not quite ready yet. My bad. Yeah, she just. Nashville is. It's always been a good time. You guys been to Nashville? It's, it's. Oh, it's a great time. Green, lot of walking. They do like to party there. So if you're going there and you're just going to stay to yourself, that that's probably not the place to be. By the way, I saw a fight that I love and Steve Sarkeesian, known Steve for years. Steve's a great guy and he had some personal demons. He's overcome them. He's at Texas and he does an incredible job. Steve Sarkeesian had a bite. I, I just want you to hear this because I love what he said about the new college football due to the playoff.

Jason McIntyre (44:12)

The idea I think we've all got.

Colin Cowherd (44:14)

To wrap our brain around. I don't know if we'll ever see an undefeated national champion again.

Jason McIntyre (44:19)

If we do, that's a really good.

Colin Cowherd (44:21)

Team because it's just so difficult.

Greg Olson (44:24)

And it's not so.

Jason McIntyre (44:25)

It's difficult, yes, because of the quality.

Colin Cowherd (44:28)

Of the opponents you play. But it's so difficult to stay healthy that long. Exactly. And that goes back to what I've said to some degree about USC and Notre Dame. Notre Dame plays physical football. They've never had the flashiest teams, the best Notre Dame teams it could be. It doesn't matter who the coach was. Ara Parsegan, Lou Holtz. It doesn't matter who the coach was, they've always been a physical program. So USC's like, okay, now we have to play Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan. You want us to keep playing Notre Dame before we go into a playoff against potentially Georgia, Alabama, LSU and Texas? That's part of it. These are 19 year old kids. And so when everybody's banging on USC about well, why won't you play? Why won't you play Notre Dame? It's actually selfish. You're trying to keep, this is College. These are 19 year olds. Their bodies aren't their brains and their bodies will change. I mean, you go look at college players, occasionally you will get a college player at 19 and you're like, oh, that, that looks like a pro. It's usually a wide receiver. It's never an offensive lineman or a defensive lineman. I mean, Jalen Carter was an outlier. You're like, oh, as a sophomore in College, that's an NFL player. The reality is, is that these are 19 years old. 19 year old players. Their brains are still developing for three or four more years, their bodies are still developing. How many games do you want them to play? How many games do you want non professionals? How many big games? That's why coaches like Lincoln Riley, it's not a lack of cowardice. It's like, listen, we need some spots to be home, to have rest. Like we know we gotta play Oregon and Eugene and Washington and Seattle and Michigan and this year Illinois is good and Nebraska and an Ohio State. And that's before we could get to a conference championship game potentially or the playoff. How many games do you want to beat the kids up? So I mean to me, Starks, I mean, never forget the last year before the expanded playoff. How ridiculous college football was. It was so punitive if you lost a game. The last year before we expanded the playoff, Georgia went undefeated in the SEC regular season, could not get in because they lost by a field goal to Alabama. You're out. Ridiculous. It's just too punitive. So people, this is what I get asked more than anything thing right now. I get asked this question more than any other question, which is, what do you make of all the change in college football? And I always say, well, it's like any change, it's a little uncomfortable. There's some things I don't like, but there's a lot more I like, is that we're going to get more big games because coaches aren't terrified. I mean, Nick Saban in his last decade, his last dynasty decade in Alabama would not Play a road out of conference game. It was either home or neutral field. You think that's good for the sport? That's not good for the sport. That's why I love Ryan Day. Last year lost early to Oregon and late to Michigan. One of them is an embarrassing loss and they still get into the playoffs. So that's kind of my take on this. Nobody's going undefeated, but you're going to have to really measure your schedule. And you got to talk about these out of conference games. How many big physical teams do you want 19 year olds to play? I don't think the answer is eight. I think you need, you know, Ohio State's, you know, I was never a big fan of Ohio State playing Youngstown State. I know, keep it in Ohio. Like I get it. I'm like, schedule better games. But now with the playoff, I mean, who did Ohio State play in the playoff? I got Tennessee after Michigan and then I have Oregon after Michigan. Like I have four more. And let's be honest about the playoffs. Okay, so go look at the playoff last year for all of you that demand like a USC has to have Notre Dame beyond the Big Ten. Look at Ohio State schedule. They go to Eugene early, they play Penn State on the road, then they play Michigan, then they open with Tennessee onto Oregon, onto Texas, onto Notre Dame. These are college athletes.

Greg Olson (48:56)

How many games?

Colin Cowherd (48:56)

It's like an NFL schedule relative to the players. So that's why I'm always saying is the whole. When people, I said, somebody asked me on the train yesterday, they said, what do you make of college football? I'm like, it's like all change. I think nil is great for college basketball. I think it's saving it. I think the NIL is saving college basketball. Why go to the G League? You can get the same money or more at Duke, Arizona, UConn, North Carolina and all the marketing because your games are on tv. If you're a dad and your son gets offered Carolina, Arizona, UConn or the G League, go to college for a year, you're going to get $40 million of March Madness and ACC free advertising. Go to college for a year. And the European players, who are unbelievable like the Spanish leagues, they're now considering shuttering because colleges in this country due to nil are buying their best players. So the nil is saving college. College basketball went through a 20 year stretch and this is nothing against Doug McDermott or Tyler Hansborough, but the player of the year would go into the NBA and he'd be a rotational guy. At best. Now Zach Eady comes into the NBA and you're like, oh, yeah, yeah, he was great in college. And that's because he's playing against more NBA guys and he's really good in the NBA, all rookie team. And J. Mac, you're a gigantic college basketball fan. You cared about college basketball way more than I did. But over the last two years of you and I working together, you kept saying to me, man, you're really into March Madison. My take was, yeah, I watched the UConn team that had six NBA guys. It was a better product, was it not?

Greg Olson (50:33)

Yeah, I thought that was the. My influence on you, but maybe it was just the actual game. The interesting point on the college football is about the undefeated team. So I didn't realize how many teams in recent history had been undefeated to win the Natty. 20, 20, 22, 23. To me, like, being undefeated is not like a big deal and it's going to be impossible, obviously, with the playoff. Right.

Colin Cowherd (50:57)

Undefeated is what a high school football power does. Modern day goes 12, 0 or Hoover High in Alabama, that's high school. Now sometimes at the FCS level you get that, but there's usually a loss in there for like a, like what is it, a North Dakota State or something. But you should not go undefeated in the NFL.

Greg Olson (51:17)

It actually says if you go undefeated in college, it just says you didn't play anybody.

Colin Cowherd (51:21)

That's right.

Greg Olson (51:21)

Nobody was good, you know.

Colin Cowherd (51:23)

Right. Even as great and dominant as Bama was, the truth was they always had a buy before, like LSU or Auburn and they played, you know, three Youngstown State, Citadels or Troys, and they never went on the road at a conference. And that's the difference. So it's some of the change for college football. I know it's a lot like, like people worry about. What about the rivalries? Well, is Auburn still playing Bama? Is USD still playing ucla? Is Michigan still playing Ohio State? Those are the biggest rivalries. I mean, and so by the way, UFC still playing the city championship against UFC and ucla. They still play. That to me is always. I mean, Notre Dame may be more prestigious, but the UFC UCLA game is crazy. Where you've had really average UCLA teams. I can remember a really average UCLA team, I think, beating Pete Carroll. So like that. That game has always had a different feel to it. So I take a deep breath. It's gonna be okay. And the truth is, FOX and ESPN got tired of college football underperforming. It was like, I've said this before, college football before the last couple years in the playoff, it was like a great movie with a lousy ending. Like, there were so many plot twists that you love and the characters were great, but you'd have, like, sports writers voting on it or computers voting on it. I mean, you had a team that was great all season. Georgia can't get in. If I recall, that Georgia team that Bama beat by three that couldn't get into the playoff, played a bowl game and beat somebody, like, had 45 to nothing. It was insane.

Greg Olson (53:03)

College football's gotten smarter. And by the way, the players win big when there are more big games, bigger spotlight, more hype around the games that translates to more nil money. Like, everybody wins. This whole consternation over. Oh, it's changing. I don't know. Maybe I'm a weirdo, but I just don't get bothered by change. I kind of like change and embrace it. Then again, I move my family across the country to work at this network.

Colin Cowherd (53:29)

Well, I mean, I grew up with a PAC 12. It no longer exists. It's kind of a bummer. But I'm gonna be able to make it without Cal. Washington State. I'm gonna be able to sleep and eat. We're all gonna be okay. If that means Oregon' playing Michigan every other year or USC's playing Ohio State. Yeah, I'm gonna take it.

Greg Olson (53:47)

Remember the Big east in the 80s? That was my first taste of basketball.

Colin Cowherd (53:51)

Yes.

Greg Olson (53:51)

Amazing. I miss it. But you move on, you find new stuff.

Colin Cowherd (53:55)

Greg Olson's gonna join us next. Al. It's the her. Looking to transform your business through better HR and payroll? Meet Paycor, a paychecks company. The powerhouse solution that empowers leaders to drive results. From recruiting and development to payroll and analytics, paycor connects you with the people, data and expertise you need to succeed. Their innovative platform helps you make smarter decisions about your most valuable asset, your people. Are you ready to become a Better Leader? Visit paycor.comleadership to learn more. That's paycor.comleaders Summer is here, and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. Now, what do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get chicken parm delivered. A nice tan. Sorry. A box fan. Happily, yes. A day of sunshine? No. A box of fine wines. Yes. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost. Almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. Product availability may vary by region. See app for details. Okay. Have you heard about this? Last year ° changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant, and their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back. And Degree listened to that. Doesn't happen often, they admitted they effed up and they're bringing back the original Cool Rush scent. They're bringing it back and it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one men's any purse grip. And it's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under four bucks. So try and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG Degree Cool Rush for yourself. Hi, it's Colin. I've been around long enough to know quality when I see it. Or in this case, when I taste it. Tito's handmade vodka. Good stuff. No flash, no gimmicks. Smooth, clean tasting. Made the right way. Tito's. Made in Austin, Texas. Real attention to detail. I like to keep it simple. Tito's soda, one lime, lot of ice. Refreshing, easy. Summer, winter, spring. Totally versatile. Always works. Listen, baseball season's here. The perfect time to kick back with some Tito's. It's what I pour. You should, too. Distilled and bottled by 50s Generation Inc. Austin, Texas. 40% alcohol by volume. Savor responsibly. This is an I Heart podcast.