The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 2: Top 5 Players

Release Date: June 2, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Jason McIntyre, Rick Bucher, Alex Curry

1. Introduction

The episode dives deep into the NBA landscape, focusing on ranking the top five players who have yet to secure a championship ring. Hosted by Colin Cowherd and featuring insights from Jason McIntyre and Rick Bucher, the discussion promises a blend of analysis, debate, and expert opinions.

2. Top 5 NBA Players Without a Championship Ring

5. Jalen Brunson
Timestamp: [04:58]
Jason McIntyre highlights Jalen Brunson's emergence as one of the premier point guards in the league. Despite being a sub-six-foot-three, Brunson's ability to consistently deliver points makes him a formidable player. McIntyre states, "Brunson, all he does is deliver buckets."

4. Jimmy Butler
Timestamp: [05:03]
Butler secures the fourth spot, praised for his leadership and tenacity. Colin remarks, "Jimmy Butler as an alpha, led the Miami Heat to the championship twice. Okay, that's a superstar now." Butler's journey from struggling with housing to NBA stardom exemplifies his resilience and determination.

3. Shaquille "Shaq" Gilgis Alexander (SGA)
Timestamp: [05:03]
SGA takes the third position, recognized for his versatile gameplay and mastery of the mid-range shot. Colin confidently predicts, "Probably gonna get his title this year," emphasizing SGA's potential to dominate and secure a championship.

2. Anthony Edwards
Timestamp: [10:18]
Edwards is ranked second, lauded for his offensive prowess and leadership. Despite concerns about his off-court demeanor, McIntyre asserts, "Anthony Edwards is phenomenal... he's that good." Edwards' ability to lead the league in three-pointers and his youthful energy make him a top contender.

1. Luka Doncic
Timestamp: [05:03]
Taking the top spot is Luka Doncic, celebrated for his all-around game and ability to elevate his team's performance. McIntyre emphasizes, "Luka Doncic, the best player in the NBA without a ring." Doncic's knack for making his teammates better and his prolific scoring ability set him apart as the premier player without a championship.

3. Debate Between Colin and Rick on Player Rankings

Timestamp: [09:07 - 16:09]
Rick Bucher challenges Colin's rankings, particularly questioning the placement of Anthony Edwards over SGA. Colin defends his choices by emphasizing SGA's mid-range game, stating, "SGA is a three-level scorer." The debate intensifies as Rick advocates for Edwards' continued growth and potential, leading to a spirited exchange about each player's impact and future prospects.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: "Without question. I can say SGA is a three-level score."
• Rick Bucher: "If you want to go head to head... I would go Anthony Edwards over SGA."

4. Analysis of the NBA Finals: OKC Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers

Timestamp: [22:42 - 24:30]
The discussion shifts to the impending NBA Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Both teams showcase strong performances, but Colin and Rick delve into the nuances that might influence the series outcome.

Key Points:

• Indiana Pacers' Strengths:

  • Exceptional three-point shooting, averaging 40% in the playoffs.
  • Leadership from experienced coach Rick Carlisle and star player Pascal Siakam.
  • Collective team effort, making the Pacers a formidable opponent.

• Oklahoma City Thunder's Strengths:

  • Dynamic playstyle with strong bench players.
  • Key contributions from Tyrese Halliburton, who led the league in assist-to-turnover ratio.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: "Shot the ball from three-point range, lights out, and they've done it collectively."
• Rick Bucher: "They have shot the ball from three-point range, lights out. That's insane."

5. Discussion on Team Dynamics and Super Teams

Timestamp: [26:12 - 28:36]
The conversation explores the evolving nature of NBA team compositions, particularly the decline of the "super team" era and the rise of globally diversified rosters. Colin observes that the NBA is focusing more on international stars to broaden its global appeal, rather than relying solely on superstars within domestic markets.

Key Points:

• Global Strategy:
  The NBA is expanding its reach by incorporating international talent, potentially even considering a European division to tap into global markets.

• Domestic Market Saturation:
  With the domestic fan base reaching saturation, the league seeks to attract new fans worldwide through international stars like SGA and Anthony Edwards.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: "They're taking a global view. We have international stars, and that's our sweet spot."
• Rick Bucher: "I need to remind people, Rick, like LeBron..."

6. Commentary on Current NBA Stars and Future Prospects

Timestamp: [28:36 - 30:55]
The hosts touch upon emerging talents and the expectations placed on them. They discuss prospects like Chet Holmgren and Cooper Flagg, debating their potential impact and superstar status.

Key Points:

• Chet Holmgren & Cooper Flagg:
  Viewed as promising players, they represent the future of the NBA's American-born talent pool.

• Comparison to Legends:
  Colin draws parallels between current prospects and past stars like LeBron James and Zion Williamson, emphasizing the importance of superstar status from early careers.

Notable Quotes:

• Rick Bucher: "Well, wait to find a superstar. Was LeBron a superstar right out of the gate averaging like 23 as a rookie?"
• Colin Cowherd: "Zion's a classic example of somebody that we anointed way too early."

7. Conclusion and Future Topics

Timestamp: [32:12 - End]
The episode wraps up with a light-hearted exchange between the hosts and guests, acknowledging the engaging and sometimes heated debates. They tease upcoming segments, hinting at discussions around NFL topics and player performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: "It was a good session. I enjoyed this. Thank you so much."
• Jason McIntyre: "Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd..."

Key Takeaways

• Luka Doncic stands out as the top NBA player without a championship, followed closely by rising stars like Anthony Edwards and Shea Gilgis Alexander.
• Team dynamics and leadership are crucial factors influencing players' abilities to secure championships.
• The NBA Finals between OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers promises to be a closely contested series, with strategic gameplay and strong team chemistry on both sides.
• The league's shift towards a global strategy reflects its efforts to expand its fan base and diversify its talent pool, moving away from the traditional super team model.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jason McIntyre: "[05:03] Brunson, all he does is deliver buckets."
• Colin Cowherd: "[10:18] He's a three-level scorer."
• Rick Bucher: "[10:55] Blame analytics. Don't blame Anthony Edwards."
• Colin Cowherd: "[15:04] The Minnesota Timberwolves had the most expensive roster in the league this year."
• Jason McIntyre: "[25:29] Turn 37 in September. Rick."
• Rick Bucher: "[26:42] This wasn't that egregious. Now, let me ask you about the Finals."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of "Hour 2 - Top 5 Players," providing listeners with valuable insights into the current NBA standings, player evaluations, and future prospects. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the discussion offers a nuanced perspective on the factors shaping the league's landscape.