Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 2: The WNBA is Being Petty Release Date: July 1, 2025 | Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Overview

In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the host delves into a myriad of sports topics, with a particular focus on the Western Conference's dominance in the NBA and a critical examination of perceived pettiness within the WNBA. Colin Cowherd, alongside co-hosts Jim and J. Mac, provides insightful analysis, backed by notable quotes and timestamps to enhance the listener's understanding.

NBA Western Conference Dominance

Colin begins the discussion by highlighting the strength of Western Conference teams in the NBA, emphasizing recent improvements across several franchises.

Colin Cowherd [02:55]: "Denver Nuggets are better right now than they were yesterday. Got a couple of shooters... If I had to guess, I'd say Denver's the best team in the league with Cam Johnson and Bruce Brown narrowly over Houston."

He points out the enhancements in teams like the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Oklahoma City Thunder, suggesting that the Western teams have collectively risen in performance, making the conference more competitive.

The WNBA Pettiness and Caitlin Clark's Voting

A significant portion of the episode centers around the WNBA, where Colin addresses recent controversies and player sentiments within the league.

Colin Cowherd [04:31]: "Caitlin Clark finished ninth in player voting. In fact, she finished behind one of her own teammates in player voting for the All-Star Game. The pettiness has no bounds."

Colin critiques the WNBA players for their discontent despite the league's successes, such as increased popularity and sold-out arenas. He draws parallels to other sports scenarios where rising stars faced resistance or skepticism before achieving greatness.

Colin Cowherd [05:15]: "The WNBA players, they just don't like what the wave looks like. They wanted to fly private. They wanted to be more popular. They wanted a better deal in the CBA, which they'll get."

He emphasizes the importance of embracing change and growth, likening the WNBA's current situation to historical shifts in other sports leagues where initial resistance gave way to undeniable success.

NFL Team Analysis and Trades

Transitioning to the NFL, Colin and Jim discuss recent team moves, coaching performances, and potential future strategies.

Jim [08:19]: "They feel like Ramsey's a better player than McFitzpatrick. They feel like Metcalf's a better player than Pickens and maybe those guys have less shelf life."

The conversation delves into the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent trades, the Miami Dolphins' coaching challenges under Mike McDaniel, and the broader implications of these moves on team performance and future prospects.

Colin Cowherd [10:08]: "I think if you can make March Madness as a college basketball coach, that's why all these coaches want 80 teams in March Madness. You retain your job in the NFL if you can make the playoffs."

This analogy underscores the high-stakes environment of professional sports coaching, where consistent performance often dictates job security.

Green Bay Packers and Team Dynamics

The Packers emerge as a topic of intrigue, with Colin questioning their elusive star power despite a well-structured organization.

Colin Cowherd [13:12]: "Green Bay is one of the mystery teams in the league because we know they're well run. We like their coach. No crazy owner... But do they have stars?"

Jim responds by analyzing the Packers' draft strategies and the potential impact of their roster decisions on future performance.

Jim [16:12]: "I think what the roster needs now is sort of like what I was just talking about with Miami is can Jordan Love come in and elevate the people around him?"

The discussion highlights the perennial question of whether a team with a solid foundation can develop or acquire the necessary star talent to contend for championships.

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers

One of the most heated topics is the speculative trade talks surrounding LeBron James and the Lakers' future direction.

J. Mac [28:22]: "According to Rich Paul, four teams have been poking around about trading for LeBron James."

Colin contemplates the viability and implications of trading LeBron, drawing comparisons to historical NFL trades where star players were moved to rejuvenate team rosters.

Colin Cowherd [30:04]: "If you go back and look what they did with the Dodgers before they got into huge spending... They're looking at that thinking this may be the moment."

The conversation underscores the delicate balance teams must maintain between leveraging star power and planning for long-term sustainability.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its end, Colin wraps up by reinforcing the central theme of embracing change and recognizing the unpredictable nature of sports success.

Colin Cowherd [39:30]: "Why is the Western Conference always better than the East? We can't keep blaming ownership of the Mavs because they're just limitations on what you can do."

The hosts encourage listeners to stay informed and adaptable, highlighting that in the ever-evolving landscape of sports, flexibility and strategic thinking are paramount.

Key Takeaways

• Western Conference Strength: Recent trades and team improvements have bolstered the Western Conference's competitiveness in the NBA.

• WNBA Challenges: Despite growth, the WNBA faces internal conflicts and player dissatisfaction, exemplified by Caitlin Clark's All-Star voting results.

• NFL Trades and Strategy: Team trades, especially involving high-profile players like Jalen Ramsey, reflect deeper strategic shifts aimed at breaking performance ceilings.

• Player Movement Speculation: LeBron James' potential trade from the Lakers symbolizes broader themes of asset management and team rejuvenation in professional sports.

• Green Bay Packers' Roster Dynamics: The Packers' balanced yet star-light roster raises questions about their championship viability compared to other teams with clear elite players.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd [04:31]: "The pettiness has no bounds."

• Colin Cowherd [05:15]: "The WNBA players, they just don't like what the wave looks like."

• Jim [08:19]: "They feel like Ramsey's a better player than McFitzpatrick."

• J. Mac [28:22]: "According to Rich Paul, four teams have been poking around about trading for LeBron James."

• Colin Cowherd [39:30]: "Why is the Western Conference always better than the East?"

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive look into current sports dynamics, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strategic decision-making. From the Western Conference's rise in the NBA to the WNBA's internal struggles, and the NFL's intricate trade maneuvers, Colin and his co-hosts provide listeners with thought-provoking analysis and informed perspectives on the evolving world of sports.

For those who haven’t listened, this summary encapsulates the rich discussions and critical insights shared during the episode, ensuring you stay informed on the top sports stories of the day.