Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Thunder vs Pacers Tonight
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
- Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
- Episode: Hour 2 - Thunder vs Pacers tonight
- Release Date: June 13, 2025
1. Introduction to the Episode
The episode kicks off with Colin Cowherd setting the stage for a Friday night filled with sports analysis, focusing primarily on the impending Thunder vs. Pacers matchup. The conversation is dynamic, featuring insights from guest analysts Chris Peterson and Rick Bucher.
2. Analyzing Rookie Quarterbacks (00:33 - 09:48)
Colin begins by discussing his strong opinions on rookie quarterbacks, highlighting those he doubts will succeed. He mentions past instances where his predictions, such as those for Tim Tebow and Zach Wilson, did not pan out as expected.
Notable Quote:
"I've come out when I, when I've really come out and said it's not going to work, I think I've been right."
— Colin Cowherd (02:15)
The discussion then shifts to Shador Sanders, a rookie quarterback Colin believes has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone despite some initial skepticism from analysts like Brian Dabel.
Insight:
"He's athletic, but he needs to minimize what we're seeing on tape and learn to get really good in that pocket."
— Chris Peterson (09:48)
3. College Football: Transfer Portal vs. NIL (09:48 - 15:28)
The conversation transitions to the evolving landscape of college football, focusing on the challenges posed by the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations. Colin expresses concerns about the instability the transfer portal introduces, arguing it undermines team chemistry and player development.
Notable Quote:
"The transfer portal is one of those things... it's not better for the kids in the long run."
— Chris Peterson (14:56)
Peterson agrees, emphasizing that while NIL is widely accepted, the transfer portal lacks structure and could lead to decreased fan loyalty and team cohesion.
Insight:
"College basketball problems are always a couple years in front of football... unless we put some guardrails on this thing."
— Chris Peterson (14:56)
4. NBA Trade Strategies and Player Management (15:28 - 33:44)
Colin and Rick delve into NBA trade dynamics, particularly focusing on star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant. Colin argues that draft picks are becoming more valuable due to changes in college basketball impacting the quality of incoming players.
Notable Quote:
"Draft picks will mean more going forward. So I don't want to give them up."
— Colin Cowherd (46:50)
Rick counters by analyzing the complexities of trading established stars, noting that acquiring someone like Kevin Durant would require significant assets that might disrupt team balance.
Insight:
"They have to rely on their stars, Jalen Williams and SGA to drive the bus on everything."
— Rick Bucher (33:44)
5. Thunder vs. Pacers Playoff Preview (33:44 - 51:26)
The core of the episode centers on the Thunder vs. Pacers playoff game. Colin praises Indiana's depth and strategic coaching under Rick Carlisle, contrasting it with Oklahoma City's reliance on their star players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA).
Notable Quote:
"Indiana has found the formula. If they take care of the ball, they're going to be good."
— Rick Bucher (49:13)
Rick elaborates on Carlisle's effective use of a nine-man rotation, which has proven advantageous against OKC's traditional seven-man setup. He highlights the versatility and endurance of the Pacers' bench players, particularly Benedict Mathurin and TJ McConnell.
Insight:
"Andrew Nemhardt handles the ball and initiates the offense as much as Halliburton does."
— Rick Bucher (45:01)
6. Giannis and Milwaukee Bucks Strategy (51:26 - 54:38)
The discussion briefly touches on Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential trade scenarios and Milwaukee's strategy to maintain competitiveness. Colin expresses skepticism about Milwaukee's current trajectory, suggesting that despite Giannis's stellar performance, the team is not as viable as other franchises.
Notable Quote:
"Milwaukee is not a viable team right now."
— Colin Cowherd (33:44)
Rick agrees, analyzing the Bucks' challenges in retaining star talent and maintaining team chemistry in a rapidly evolving NBA landscape.
7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (54:38 - End)
As the episode wraps up, Colin reiterates his support for Indiana's Pacers in the playoff series against OKC, citing their strategic depth and coaching prowess. The hosts encourage listeners to tune into the next hour for continued sports analysis.
Final Quote:
"Enjoy tonight."
— Colin Cowherd (51:21)
Key Takeaways:
- Rookie Quarterbacks: Evaluating potential and shortcomings, with a focus on Shador Sanders' development.
- College Football Dynamics: The impact of the transfer portal and NIL on team stability and player retention.
- NBA Trade Insights: The increasing value of draft picks and the complexities of trading star players.
- Thunder vs. Pacers Preview: Indiana's strategic depth and effective coaching position them favorably against Oklahoma City.
- Giannis and Milwaukee Analysis: Skepticism about the Bucks' long-term viability despite Giannis's excellence.
This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of current sports topics, blending expert opinions with strategic insights, making it invaluable for listeners seeking in-depth understanding of contemporary sports dynamics.