Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Right / Wrong Release Date: May 12, 2025
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a deep dive into the top sports stories of the day through engaging discussions, expert insights, and candid opinions.
1. NBA Draft Lottery and Team Strategies
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future with Milwaukee
Jason McIntyre opens the discussion by addressing rumors surrounding Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. He references Shams Charania's insights, suggesting that Giannis may explore better fits outside Milwaukee due to limited control over first-round picks and the lack of proximity to other strong franchises. McIntyre states, “[Colin] and I have been saying this for the last year to year and a half” ([03:36]).
Knicks vs. Celtics Series Analysis
The hosts delve into the Knicks' surprising performance against the Celtics. McIntyre expresses skepticism about Colin's previous predictions, noting the Knicks' unexpected victories despite Boston leading by significant margins during the games. He remarks, “If the Knicks win tonight, they're going to win the series” ([03:24]).
Julius Randle’s Evolving Role
A critical analysis of Julius Randle’s performance with the New York Knicks highlights his increasing assist numbers and his transformation into a more effective player under the current coaching staff. McIntyre observes, "I don't think he's a better player. I think he is used more efficiently in Minnesota and good for Julius Randle" ([07:37]).
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Playoff Predictions
McIntyre critiques the odds makers' forecasts for the Nuggets-Thunder series, advocating for a longer series outcome based on his belief in Nikola Jokić’s prowess and OKC's roster depth. He asserts, “I did not buy the odds makers who had OKC at minus 800 to bury the Nuggets” ([07:37]).
Notable Quote:
Jason McIntyre [07:37]: “I did not buy the odds makers who had OKC at minus 800 to bury the Nuggets. … it was disrespectful.”
2. NFL Team Strategies and Quarterback Positions
Derek Carr’s Retirement and its Impact
The conversation shifts to NFL dynamics with McIntyre discussing Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement. He contrasts Carr’s career trajectory with that of Philip Rivers, emphasizing the importance of the right organizational support for quarterbacks. McIntyre notes, “Derek Carr is a Raider way longer than you're going to be a Raider” ([20:27]).
Cowboys’ Roster Management and Financial Strategies
McIntyre criticizes the Dallas Cowboys for trading George Pickens to the Steelers for a third-round pick, labeling the organization as "cheap." He points out the Cowboys' tendency to sacrifice valuable draft picks, stating, “The Cowboys are giving away draft picks like Skittles” ([25:46]).
Steelers’ Defensive Spending and Team Chemistry
A discussion on the Pittsburgh Steelers highlights their focus on defensive spending over offensive versatility. McIntyre argues that the Steelers have one of the weaker overall rosters in the league due to their financial allocations, saying, “The Steelers have one of the weaker rosters overall in the league” ([06:11]).
Playoff Predictions for AFC and NFC
With the AFC playoffs approaching, McIntyre shares his predictions, favoring teams like Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills, Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens, and others. Matt Hasselbeck provides counterpoints, suggesting Miami Dolphins over the New England Patriots and expressing surprise at McIntyre's confidence in certain AFC teams.
Notable Quote:
Matt Hasselbeck [15:41]: “I think you're asking a lot there. … I’d be surprised to see the Patriots over the Dolphins right there.”
3. Trade Analysis: Steelers Trading George Pickens to Dallas Cowboys
Impact on Team Dynamics
The trade of George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys is scrutinized for its impact on both teams. McIntyre praises Pittsburgh for moving away from dysfunction, noting, “Some felt … the locker room could turn toxic” ([47:38]).
Cowboys’ Acquisition Strategy
McIntyre criticizes the Cowboys for undervaluing Pickens, suggesting they could have acquired him for even lower than a third-round pick. He remarks, “They probably could have got him for a fourth or a fifth” ([25:46]).
Guest Insights from Matt Hasselbeck
NFL analyst Matt Hasselbeck joins the conversation to discuss the implications of the trade, defending the acquisition by emphasizing Pickens' talent and potential upside. Hasselbeck advises, “You give him a chance. … you could win or lose two or three games just on that alone” ([05:18]).
Notable Quote:
Matt Hasselbeck [05:18]: “You give him a chance. … you could win or lose two or three games just on that alone.”
4. Team Performance and Financial Disparities
Rams vs. Steelers Financial Strategies
A comparative analysis between the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers highlights stark differences in financial spending and team construction. McIntyre points out that while the Rams invest heavily in offense and infrastructure, the Steelers focus predominantly on defense with limited offensive upgrades. He states, “The Rams have a young offensive coach … The Steelers have mediocre young quarterbacks” ([45:56]).
Impact on Team Success
McIntyre argues that the Rams' substantial investment has translated into consistent playoff success, contrasting it with the Steelers' lack of recent playoff victories. He notes, “The Rams have eight Playoff wins in eight years. The Steelers have none” ([45:56]).
Market and Financial Gaps in the NFL
The discussion broadens to address the financial gaps between NFL franchises, emphasizing how wealthier teams like the Rams can attract top talent and invest in better facilities, creating a competitive edge over traditionally strong teams like the Steelers. McIntyre comments, “There is a gap financially in this league” ([45:58]).
5. Additional Sports Highlights
Russell Westbrook’s Performance with the Denver Nuggets
The hosts analyze Russell Westbrook’s underwhelming performance against the Denver Nuggets, attributing his struggles to playing within the already star-studded lineup and limited bench support. McIntyre expresses doubt about Westbrook’s future impact, saying, “He was a disaster because he was trying to do too much” ([34:10]).
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Leadership and Team Dynamics
Returning to Giannis, the discussion underscores the challenges he faces within the Milwaukee Bucks, including defensive strategies aimed at limiting his effectiveness. Jokić’s perspective is shared, highlighting his difficulties against the Thunder’s defense: “They’re shrinking the floor for me … so it's a little bit of everything” ([33:01]).
Upcoming NBA Draft Lottery Anticipation
As the NBA Draft Lottery approaches, McIntyre and Cowherd express excitement about potential outcomes and their implications for the league’s future. McIntyre anticipates transformative moves, stating, “If San Antonio wins that tonight, what a gut punch to the Thunder” ([32:39]).
Notable Quote:
J. Mak [32:34]: “Tonight's the NBA draft lottery. I love it.”
6. Conclusion
The episode concludes with a look ahead to upcoming sports events, including NFL schedule leaks and final thoughts on team performances. Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre reiterate their differing perspectives on various team strategies and player performances, setting the stage for continued debates in future episodes.
Final Remarks:
Colin Cowherd [36:44]: “You cannot trade Austin Reeves for like Clint Capella or one of these ribbon running bigs. Don't do that. That would be foolish.”
Listeners are encouraged to follow live editions of "The Herd" on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app for ongoing sports analysis and discussions.
Note: This summary excludes all advertisement segments, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions between the hosts and guest.