Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Jayson Tatum

Episode Information:

• Title: Hour 3 - Jayson Tatum
• Release Date: May 8, 2025
• Host/Authors: Colin Cowherd and Rick Bucher
• Description: A deep dive into the top NBA stories of the day, with a particular focus on Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics' playoff performance.

1. NBA Playoffs Overview

Timestamp: 02:00 – 03:00

The episode opens with Colin Cowherd and Rick Bucher discussing the ongoing NBA playoffs, focusing on the intense matchup between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks. They highlight the Celtics’ appearance as world champions with a certain confidence, drawing parallels to other championship teams like Oklahoma City.

Colin Cowherd (03:00): "Usually the world champions at home play with a certain confidence, if you will."

2. Jayson Tatum's Performance: Analysis and Criticism

Timestamp: 03:04 – 19:26

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Jayson Tatum's performance in the playoffs. Rick Bucher critiques Tatum's shooting patterns, noting a decline in his mid-range and rim attempts in favor of three-point shots. This shift has positioned Tatum as the primary scorer, but it raises concerns about his aggressiveness and adaptability when his three-point shots are off.

Rick Bucher (03:04): "When two of the last three shots by Tatum were fallaways. It's almost like he has to be convinced to be aggressive, right?"

Colin defends the Celtics' strategy, emphasizing the franchise's offensive-minded approach under GMs Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens. He points out that Tatum's collaborative nature is integral to the team’s dynamic, contrasting him with legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Colin Cowherd (04:50): "Michael and Kobe would have fought this. They would have said, and I love the Zen master. Phil Jackson knew there were moments we're not running the triangle."

3. Team Strategies and Management Decisions

Timestamp: 19:26 – 27:14

The conversation shifts to the Celtics' management decisions, specifically the acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis and Drew Halti. Rick questions the effectiveness of these moves, especially Porzingis' limited playtime due to illness, and whether they sufficiently address the team's deficiencies in supporting Tatum.

Rick Bucher (15:29): "Kristof Sporzingis only being partially available is a big factor in this because he's the one guy who has a mid-range game."

Colin argues that the front office is aware of Tatum's struggles and is taking steps to bolster the roster accordingly. However, Rick remains skeptical about the long-term efficacy of these adjustments, especially without a consistent mid-range threat.

4. Impact of NBA Officiating on Playoffs

Timestamp: 05:16 – 12:05

The hosts delve into the influence of NBA officiating on the current playoff series. Colin theorizes that Adam Silver has allowed more physical play, benefiting tougher, less offensively gifted teams like the Knicks. This shift leads to lower-scoring games, which disadvantage teams that rely heavily on offensive firepower.

Colin Cowherd (05:16): "Are they considering Adam Silver telling the officiating crews, let it be muddied up?"

Rick concurs, noting that the increased physicality has transformed the playoff landscape, making it harder for high-scoring teams like the Celtics to maintain their advantage.

Rick Bucher (06:03): "If you take a certain number threes, you have a better chance of winning versus teams that are following that formula."

5. Comparison with Other Teams and Players

Timestamp: 27:14 – 44:59

The discussion broadens to compare the Celtics' strategies and performance with other NBA teams, notably the Golden State Warriors without Steph Curry, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Colin highlights the Warriors' defensive prowess despite Curry’s absence, while Rick emphasizes the necessity for the Celtics to adapt their offensive approach without relying solely on Tatum.

Colin Cowherd (09:32): "I think people would, I suspect most people would submit to you that MJ's tougher to guard than Steph."

They also touch upon player dynamics, mentioning other Celtics players like Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and the overall team chemistry. The conversation critically examines whether the Celtics can sustain their championship aspirations amid these challenges.

6. Other Sports Discussions

Timestamp: 31:25 – 45:05

While the primary focus remains on the NBA, the hosts briefly divert to discuss the NFL, specifically criticizing Bleacher Report's quarterback rankings. They express dissatisfaction with the exclusion of top quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes from the list.

J. Mac (31:45): "Matt Stafford is not a top 12 quarterback."

This segment underscores their broader engagement with sports analytics and rankings, reinforcing their critical stance on conventional assessments.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 43:07 – 45:05

As the episode wraps up, Colin and Rick revisit their critiques of Jayson Tatum and the Celtics' strategic decisions. They acknowledge Tatum's undeniable talent but stress the importance of addressing the observed patterns in his gameplay to ensure the team's success in the playoffs.

Colin Cowherd (43:07): "What we are saying is there is a pattern and people in the building know it."

Rick Bucher reiterates the need for the Celtics to find a balance between offensive flair and defensive resilience, emphasizing that team chemistry and strategic adjustments are crucial for overcoming playoff hurdles.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Colin Cowherd (03:00): "Usually the world champions at home play with a certain confidence, if you will."

• Rick Bucher (03:04): "When two of the last three shots by Tatum were fallaways. It's almost like he has to be convinced to be aggressive, right?"

• Colin Cowherd (04:50): "Michael and Kobe would have fought this. They would have said, and I love the Zen master. Phil Jackson knew there were moments we're not running the triangle."

• Rick Bucher (15:29): "Kristof Sporzingis only being partially available is a big factor in this because he's the one guy who has a mid-range game."

• Colin Cowherd (05:16): "Are they considering Adam Silver telling the officiating crews, let it be muddied up?"

• Rick Bucher (06:03): "If you take a certain number threes, you have a better chance of winning versus teams that are following that formula."

• Colin Cowherd (09:32): "I think people would, I suspect most people would submit to you that MJ's tougher to guard than Steph."

• J. Mac (31:45): "Matt Stafford is not a top 12 quarterback."

• Colin Cowherd (43:07): "What we are saying is there is a pattern and people in the building know it."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts provide a critical examination of Jayson Tatum's evolving role within the Boston Celtics amidst the NBA playoffs. They explore the implications of team strategies, management decisions, and league officiating on the Celtics' performance and playoff prospects. Through insightful analysis and spirited debate, Colin and Rick offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current NBA landscape, emphasizing the delicate balance between individual talent and cohesive team dynamics.