Summary of "Hour 2 - The Top 10 Players in the NBA Finals"
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Hosts: Jason McIntyre (filling in for Colin Cowherd) and Alex Curry
Guest: Eddie House (Boston Celtics legend)
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Introduction
At [02:37], Jason McIntyre welcomes listeners back to "The Herd" on Fox Sports Radio, joined by Alex Curry. The hosts briefly touch upon upcoming sports events, including game one of the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup, and the French Open finals. They also discuss personal interests, such as pickleball and ping pong, setting an engaging tone for the episode.
Top 10 Players in the NBA Finals
Jason McIntyre presents his countdown of the top 10 players in the NBA Finals, providing detailed reasoning for each selection.
Number 10: Ben Matherick ([05:24])
Ben Matherick is highlighted as a valuable bench player known for scoring in bunches, exemplified by his 20-point game against the Knicks. Despite not being a prolific three-point shooter, his athleticism and ability to get to the rim make him indispensable.
"Ben Matherick is great at getting to the Tim." — Jason McIntyre [05:24]
Number 9: Alex Caruso ([05:30])
Alex Caruso is praised for his defensive capabilities, holding the second-best defensive rating in the playoffs. His performance guarding Nikola Jokic in Game 7 is specifically noted as a pivotal factor.
"He guarded Jokic against Edvin... Caruso was excellent." — Jason McIntyre [05:30]
Number 8: Aaron Neesmith ([05:48])
Aaron Neesmith's impact is underscored by his exceptional shooting in Game 1 against the Knicks, where he hit eight of nine three-pointers. Jason speculates that the Celtics might regret cutting him.
"He single-handedly brought back the Pacers in Game One against the Knicks." — Jason McIntyre [05:48]
Number 7: Cainston Wallace ([06:11])
Cainston Wallace is recognized for his defensive prowess, boasting the best defensive rating in the playoffs. His potential to become the third-best player on a championship team within two years is emphasized.
"Cainston Wallace is a name to watch." — Jason McIntyre [06:11]
Number 6: Miles Turner ([07:12])
Miles Turner is selected for his dual role as a rim protector and three-point shooter. Despite a challenging series against the Knicks, Jason remains confident in Turner's ability to contribute significantly in upcoming games.
"Miles Turner, great rim protector and three-point shooter." — Jason McIntyre [07:12]
Number 5: Chet Holmgren ([07:42])
Chet Holmgren is acknowledged for his remarkable playoff performances, including multiple games with over 20 points and being second in blocks during the playoffs. His youth and growth potential are highlighted.
"Chet Holmgren is still super young... he's starting to come into his own." — Jason McIntyre [07:42]
Number 4: Jalen Williams ([08:58])
Jalen Williams is commended for his consistent scoring in the playoffs, particularly when he scores 17 or more points, contributing to the Thunder's impressive 11-1 record in those scenarios.
"Somebody's got to slow J Dub because if he goes off, usually OKC wins." — Jason McIntyre [08:58]
Number 3: Pascal Siakam ([09:09])
Pascal Siakam, the Eastern Conference MVP, is celebrated for his scoring ability and defensive efforts, especially against Karl-Anthony Towns. His leadership and past championship experience with the Raptors add to his value.
"Siakam just torched him [Towns] and he was just up and down the court." — Jason McIntyre [09:09]
Number 2: Tyrese Halliburton ([09:11])
Tyrese Halliburton is lauded for his clutch performances, including a buzzer-beater in Game 1 against the Knicks. Jason expresses high confidence in Halliburton's all-around game and leadership qualities.
"Tyrese Halliburton is an excellent basketball player, does everything well." — Jason McIntyre [09:11]
Number 1: SGA ([09:43])
SGA is crowned as the top player, deemed the Finals MVP candidate. His comprehensive skill set and pivotal contributions are seen as crucial for leading his team to the championship.
"SGA, number one. All right, without further ado." — Jason McIntyre [09:43]
Guest Segment: Eddie House's Perspectives
Eddie House joins the discussion, offering alternative viewpoints and critiques of Jason's top 10 list.
Disagreements and Alternative Rankings ([10:40])
Eddie challenges the placement of certain players, suggesting that Miles Turner deserves a higher rank and that Cainston Wallace should be placed lower. He proposes including Indiana's teammates Nemhard and T.J. McConnell as essential contributors.
"I got to put him down to 10. I probably would take Benedict Matheran off." — Eddie House [10:40]
Super Teams Debate ([15:21])
The conversation shifts to the concept of "Super Teams." Jason expresses a preference for super teams, while Eddie differentiates between homegrown success (like OKC and Indiana) and teams built through high-earning signings, stating that both approaches are acceptable as long as the gameplay remains strong.
"If it's homegrown or if it's because the GM is just super smart... I don't mind either way." — Eddie House [16:55]
Player Comparisons and Future Projections ([20:50])
Eddie praises SGA's ability to draw fouls and his mid-range game, while downplaying comparisons to legends like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. They also discuss Jokic as the top player and debate the future focus around Giannis and SGA.
"He just knows how to use his defender, which tells me that he watches film." — Eddie House [20:51]
Jalen Brunson and Knicks Organization ([49:37])
Later in the episode, the discussion turns to the New York Knicks' internal issues, specifically regarding Jalen Brunson's father, Rick Brunson's influence. Jason speculates about internal leaks, potential coaching changes, and the future direction of the team, highlighting organizational challenges.
"We went from partying in the streets to be in the Celtics to what is happening in the organization." — Jason McIntyre [49:07]
Key Insights and Conclusions
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Diverse Perspectives: The collaboration between Jason McIntyre and Eddie House showcases a dynamic discussion, blending statistical analysis with personal insights and alternative viewpoints.
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Player Value Beyond Stats: Both hosts emphasize the importance of defensive capabilities and clutch performances, suggesting that a player's impact extends beyond traditional scoring metrics.
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Team Dynamics and Leadership: Leadership qualities and the ability to perform under pressure are recurrent themes, particularly in the discussions about SGA and Tyrese Halliburton.
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Organizational Challenges: The segment on the Knicks underscores how internal dynamics and leadership decisions can significantly impact a team's performance and public perception.
Notable Quotes
- "Ben Matherick is great at getting to the Tim." — Jason McIntyre [05:24]
- "Caruso was excellent." — Jason McIntyre [05:30]
- "He single-handedly brought back the Pacers in Game One against the Knicks." — Jason McIntyre [05:48]
- "SGA just knows how to use his defender, which tells me that he watches film." — Eddie House [20:51]
- "We went from partying in the streets to be in the Celtics to what is happening in the organization." — Jason McIntyre [49:07]
This episode of "The Herd" provided an in-depth analysis of the top players in the NBA Finals, enriched by Eddie House's alternative perspectives and discussions on team dynamics. Listeners gained valuable insights into player performances, team strategies, and the intricate workings of basketball organizations.