Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Hour 2 - The Knicks, In the Year 2000"
Release Date: May 22, 2025
1. The Knicks' Return to Prominence
Timestamp: [01:12] – [03:49]
The episode kicks off with a heartfelt discussion about the New York Knicks' recent success, marking their first advancement to the Eastern Conference Finals since the year 2000. Host Steve Covino expresses admiration for the camaraderie among former Knicks legends who have come together to support the current team. He remarks, “I love when teams do that. It’s cool to see that fraternity of players...” [02:54].
Key Points:
- The Knicks' resurgence after a 25-year hiatus from the Conference Finals.
- Support from old-school Knicks players like Latrell Sprewell, Charles Oakley, and Reggie Miller.
- The positive impact of having a united front of past and present players.
2. Nostalgia Dive: Highlights from the Year 2000
Timestamp: [03:49] – [12:10]
The hosts embark on a nostalgic journey, reminiscing about the year 2000—the last time the Knicks reached such heights. Rich Davis leads a trivia segment, recalling significant cultural and technological milestones from that year.
Notable Trivia Discussed:
- Top Movie: Gladiator was the highest-grossing film when the Knicks last made the Conference Finals. Danny G humorously notes, “He was famous for having a fit where he threw a telephone.” [04:46]
- Technology: The release of the PlayStation 2 marked a significant advancement in gaming. “Crash Bandicoot,” a popular game from that era, was highlighted. [05:07]
- Political Landscape: The controversial 2000 U.S. presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, including the infamous Florida recount, was discussed. [05:15]
- Music: The resurgence of Carlos Santana with hits like "Maria" was a focal point. The boy band era was represented by groups like NSYNC, with Steve correctly identifying "Bye Bye Bye" as a top song. [06:12]
Notable Quote: Rich Davis provides a memorable clue for the number one song, saying, “He was born in New Zealand... Gladiator.” [04:10]
3. Celebrity Engagement and the Knicks' Cultural Impact
Timestamp: [03:06] – [07:44]
The conversation shifts to the cultural landscape surrounding Knicks games, particularly the involvement of celebrities. Unlike Lakers games, which Danny G perceives as "look at me" events, Knicks games attract genuine fans and notable figures like Ben Stiller, Timothée Chalamet, and Spike Lee. This authenticity enhances the viewing experience, making Madison Square Garden a vibrant hub for true sports enthusiasts.
Key Points:
- Genuine support from celebrities at Knicks games.
- Enhanced game atmosphere due to the authentic fan base.
- The collective investment of former players and celebrities in the team’s success.
4. Interactive Segment: Words of Wisdom and Prize Giveaways
Timestamp: [13:05] – [18:20]
Engagement with listeners through an interactive segment where participants can win prizes by repeating "Mike's words of wisdom." The hosts encourage audience participation by directing them to dial in and attempt to recite the phrase verbatim.
Notable Moment: Ryan from Pennsylvania successfully repeats the phrase, winning a Swiggy prize. Steve Covino quips, “An apple a day will keep anyone away if you throw it hard enough.” [14:00]
Key Points:
- Encouraging listener interaction and participation.
- Fun and light-hearted competition to maintain audience engagement.
- Promotion of listener loyalty and connection with the show.
5. Year 2000 Pop Culture and Technology Reflections
Timestamp: [05:02] – [12:10]
Continuing the nostalgia theme, the hosts delve deeper into the pop culture and technological advancements of the year 2000. They discuss the rise of boy bands, the popularity of songs like "Mambo Number Five," and the early days of internet adoption.
Notable Discussions:
- Music Trends: From boy bands to hip-hop hits, detailing how music shaped the era. Danny G mentions, “He actually sings his own name in this song.” referring to Santana’s "Maria." [06:35]
- Technology: The infancy of home internet usage, with only 18% of Americans having internet access in 2000, highlighting the drastic changes in connectivity. [09:14]
- Entertainment: The impact of gaming and popular songs on everyday life, such as the prevalence of "Mambo Number Five" at social events. [07:14]
Notable Quote: Danny G humorously states, “You probably had a lot of these on Napster in the year 2000.” [05:52]
6. Midweek Major: Current Sports Headlines and Opinions
Timestamp: [26:35] – [37:43]
The "Midweek Major" segment features the hosts discussing the latest sports news and sharing their opinions on ongoing events. Topics include:
-
Buffalo Bills in "Hard Knocks": The Bills being selected for HBO Max's "Hard Knocks" training camp edition, with speculation on off-screen drama and team dynamics. Danny G remarks, “They have some year 2000 trivia,” connecting back to the nostalgia theme. [28:00]
-
Jalen Hurts and White House Invitation: Analysis of NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts declining an invitation to the White House, with Steve Covino questioning the validity of his excuse. Danny G underscores the significance by stating, “I honor the seat that the man holds.” [30:05]
-
Bill Belichick’s Personal Life: Speculation about NFL coach Bill Belichick’s rumored engagement to a 24-year-old girlfriend, interpreting the symbolism behind his new boat's name, “1 plus 8 rings.” The hosts dissect the implications and potential public reactions. [32:15]
Notable Quotes:
- Steve Covino on Hurts: “It’s a major story because you’re not going to tell me that she’s not going to have involvement on his decisions because all wives do.” [31:53]
- Danny G on Belichick: “I think the ring is somewhere in his pantheon. I think not for my hands.” [32:03]
7. Player Performance Betting Picks
Timestamp: [48:15] – [51:02]
In a playful segment, the hosts make betting predictions on player performances for upcoming games. They set point thresholds and predict whether players will score over or under these marks.
Predictions Include:
- Jalen Brunson: Under 20.5 points.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Over 22.5 points.
- Lauri Markkanen (Halliburton): Over 18.5 points.
- Miles Turner: Under 15.5 points.
Notable Interaction: Rich Davis stakes that if his pick (“Brunson under 20.5”) hits, Danny G owes him Taco Bell, adding a competitive edge to the discussion. [49:35]
8. Closing Remarks and Teasers for Next Episode
Timestamp: [50:12] – [52:31]
As the episode nears its end, the hosts tease upcoming topics, including Patrick Mahomes' rumored new strategies for the off-season and discussions on personal grooming trends among athletes. They also promote future segments like "Old School When 50 Hits" and voice excitement for the Knicks' upcoming game night.
Notable Quote: Steve Covino highlights excitement for the game night: “Electricity man. The garden is going to be hopping and it’s going to be fun to watch.” [47:58]
Key Points:
- Teasers for future discussions and interactive segments.
- Encouragement for listeners to stay tuned for more sports analysis and entertainment.
- Final promotional mentions for upcoming shows and giveaways.
Conclusion
This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a blend of sports analysis, nostalgic reflections on the year 2000, interactive listener engagement, and lively discussions on current sports events. The hosts successfully intertwine past and present, creating an engaging narrative that appeals to long-time Knicks fans and new listeners alike. Through memorable quotes and dynamic conversations, the episode captures the essence of the Knicks' revival and its significance within the broader sports and cultural landscape.