Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" – Episode: Hour 2 - Where Colin Was Right and Wrong (May 19, 2025)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd, produced by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, delves into the most pressing sports stories with Colin Cowherd at the helm. In this particular episode, titled "Where Colin Was Right and Wrong," Colin, alongside his co-host J. Mac and guest Sam Amick from The Athletic, dissects various predictions and observations from recent sports events. The conversation spans multiple leagues and topics, offering a comprehensive analysis of where Colin's insights hit the mark and where they missed.

1. Where Colin Was Right

a. Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears

• Discussion: Colin revisits his prediction regarding Caleb Williams' decision to join the Chicago Bears. He highlighted concerns that both Williams and his father felt uneasy about the move, fearing it might be detrimental to Williams' nascent NFL career.

• Outcome: Colin’s foresight was validated as Williams’ tenure with the Bears unfolded chaotically, aligning with his initial apprehensions.

• Notable Quote:

  “I broke the story a year ago that Caleb Williams and most notably his dad were a little uneasy... Caleb didn’t want to start his NFL career in controversy.”
  (Timestamp: 03:55)

b. Caitlin Clark and WNBA Broadcasting

• Discussion: Colin lauds Caitlin Clark, drawing parallels to iconic figures like Taylor Swift and Tiger Woods, emphasizing her transformative impact on the WNBA.

• Outcome: His prediction came to fruition as the WNBA began broadcasting all but two of Clark's games, significantly boosting the league's visibility and revenue.

• Notable Quote:

  “She is Taylor Swift meets Tiger Woods. We said this last year the league just didn't quite know what it had...”
  (Timestamp: 05:00)

c. New England Patriots’ Performance

• Discussion: Colin forecasted an upswing for the New England Patriots, citing their coaching upgrades and new draft acquisitions as catalysts for improved performance.

• Outcome: The Patriots exceeded expectations, being favored in 11 of their 17 games, underscoring Colin’s accurate assessment.

• Notable Quote:

  “They are the number one bet on my board to double their wins... the Patriots were favored in 11 of their 17 games.”
  (Timestamp: 08:10)

2. Where Colin Was Wrong

a. Brock Purdy’s Contract with the San Francisco 49ers

• Discussion: Colin expressed skepticism over the 49ers’ decision to allocate $50 million for Brock Purdy, deeming it an overpayment.

• Outcome: Contrary to his prediction, the 49ers proceeded with the hefty contract, indicating that Colin underestimated Purdy’s value to the team.

• Notable Quote:

  “I would not have paid Brock Purdy in the 50 millions, but the Niners did.”
  (Timestamp: 05:30)

b. New York Knicks’ Playoff Expectations

• Discussion: Colin was confident that after an initial playoff victory, the Knicks wouldn’t secure another win in the series.

• Outcome: The Knicks defied expectations by performing better than anticipated, leading Colin to reconsider his initial pessimistic stance.

• Notable Quote:

  “I said they're not going to win another game in this series and I really believed it.”
  (Timestamp: 08:30)

c. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Series

• Discussion: Colin predicted a decisive victory for the Denver Nuggets against the Minnesota Timberwolves, anticipating a landslide.

• Outcome: The Timberwolves showcased remarkable resilience and depth, challenging and ultimately countering Colin’s forecast.

• Notable Quote:

  “I thought they would push back... but they got closer to 55 million than 45 million.”
  (Timestamp: 07:50)

3. In-Depth Analysis with Sam Amick

a. NBA’s Strategic Shifts Under Adam Silver

• Discussion: Guest Sam Amick elaborates on Commissioner Adam Silver’s initiatives to pivot the NBA towards a more physical style of play, reducing the emphasis on three-point shooting to enhance competitiveness and entertainment value.

• Notable Quote:

  “I think this is finally Adam Silver's footprint on the league... more physical.”
  (Timestamp: 10:00)

b. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Potential Trade

• Discussion: The conversation delves into the implications of Giannis Antetokounmpo possibly seeking a trade, analyzing how this could reshape the Eastern Conference's landscape.

• Notable Quote:

  “It's all going to be about how he sees the chessboard... does he want to leave Milwaukee?”
  (Timestamp: 16:00)

c. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Series

• Discussion: Analyzing the ongoing series, Sam praises the Timberwolves' depth and leadership, suggesting they pose a significant threat to the Thunder’s dominance.

• Notable Quote:

  “I think Minnesota is going to give them a fight.”
  (Timestamp: 17:30)

d. NBA Offseason Moves and Team Building

• Discussion: The hosts debate potential offseason trades, notably Kevin Durant’s rumored interest in the Philadelphia 76ers, and the strategic maneuvers of teams like the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz.

• Notable Quote:

  “If Joel Embiid's the centerpiece of your operation, it's not a championship team. Indiana is younger, deeper and better.”
  (Timestamp: 39:37)

4. WNBA Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese

• Discussion: The episode examines the heated rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, touching upon possible racial undertones given the predominantly African-American composition of the WNBA. Specific incidents, such as the controversial foul upgrade in a Clark-Reese matchup, are scrutinized.

• Notable Quote:

  “There is some animosity because Caitlin Clark is a big star and Angel Reese is not getting the same accolades...”
  (Timestamp: 32:28)

5. NFL Rookie Contract System Debate

• Discussion: Colin and J. Mac engage in a debate over the NFL’s rookie contract system, particularly focusing on Caleb Williams’ criticisms regarding the lengthy and restrictive nature of these contracts. They analyze whether such contracts unfairly limit young players drafted by underperforming franchises.

• Notable Quote:

  “The rookie pay scale and the rookie contract is one of those things.”
  (Timestamp: 50:14)

6. Other Notable Topics

a. Julius Randle's Outstanding Playoff Performance

• Discussion: Julius Randle's exceptional performance with the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Golden State Warriors is highlighted, emphasizing his evolution into a pivotal player.

• Notable Quote:

  “He deserves a ton of credit for changing his game... his assist totals are up.”
  (Timestamp: 35:07)

b. Austin Reaves and Lakers’ Trade Prospects

• Discussion: Colin critiques the Lakers' reluctance to trade Austin Reaves, despite his growing popularity and on-court contributions, suggesting the team may be holding back unnecessarily.

• Notable Quote:

  “Nobody wants to trade Austin Reese again.”
  (Timestamp: 37:30)

c. Kevin Durant’s Trade Prospects and Impact

• Discussion: The potential trade of Kevin Durant to the Philadelphia 76ers is explored, considering the strategic benefits and implications for teams involved.

• Notable Quote:

  “But I think Utah. Danny Ainge marketing's a good trade piece... Keep your eye on Utah.”
  (Timestamp: 40:54)

Conclusion

In "Where Colin Was Right and Wrong," Colin Cowherd offers a candid reflection on his sports predictions, celebrating his accurate insights while acknowledging missteps. The episode serves as both a retrospective and a forward-looking analysis, enriched by Sam Amick’s expert commentary. Listeners gain a multifaceted understanding of current sports dynamics across the NFL, NBA, and WNBA, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts seeking in-depth discussions and expert opinions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Caleb Williams Concern:

  “I don't want to start my NFL career in controversy.”
  (03:55)

• Caitlin Clark Comparison:

  “She is Taylor Swift meets Tiger Woods.”
  (05:00)

• Patriots’ Favorites:

  “The Patriots were favored in 11 of their 17 games.”
  (08:10)

• Brock Purdy’s Contract:

  “I would not have paid Brock Purdy in the 50 millions, but the Niners did.”
  (05:30)

• Knicks’ Playoff Doubt:

  “I said they're not going to win another game in this series and I really believed it.”
  (08:30)

• Adam Silver’s Impact:

  “More physical.”
  (10:00)

• Giannis Trade Strategy:

  “Does he want to leave Milwaukee?”
  (16:00)

• Timberwolves vs. Thunder:

  “I think Minnesota is going to give them a fight.”
  (17:30)

• Joel Embiid’s Centrality:

  “If Joel Embiid's the centerpiece of your operation, it's not a championship team.”
  (39:37)

• WNBA Rivalry Racial Undertones:

  “There is some animosity because Caitlin Clark is a big star and Angel Reese is not getting the same accolades...”
  (32:28)

• NFL Rookie Contracts:

  “The rookie pay scale and the rookie contract is one of those things.”
  (50:14)

• Julius Randle’s Transformation:

  “He deserves a ton of credit for changing his game... his assist totals are up.”
  (35:07)

• Austin Reaves Trade Reluctance:

  “Nobody wants to trade Austin Reese again.”
  (37:30)

• Kevin Durant’s Trade Potential:

  “Keep your eye on Utah.”
  (40:54)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Colin Cowherd’s podcast episode, providing readers with a clear understanding of the topics covered and the nuanced perspectives shared by the hosts and guest.