Hour 3 - Listing the Greats

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Listing the Greats

Release Date: March 6, 2025

Overview

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in in-depth discussions on various top sports topics, including quarterback decisions in the NFL, team-building strategies of the New England Patriots, and the ongoing debate surrounding NBA greats. Co-host Chris Broussard and guest Jason McIntyre join the conversation, providing expert insights and lively debates. The episode offers listeners a comprehensive analysis of current sports dynamics, enriched with notable quotes and perspectives.

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1. NFL Quarterback Decisions: Steelers' Dilemma Between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson

Timestamp: 02:35 – 05:27

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the Pittsburgh Steelers' upcoming quarterback decision. Chris Broussard introduces the topic by highlighting the choice between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, noting Ben Roethlisberger’s (Big Ben) support for Fields.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Broussard [02:40]: “The Steelers have a big quarterback decision to make. Sounds like it's going to be Justin Fields over Russell Wilson.”
• Colin Cowherd [04:18]: “I don't trust the Steelers with offense. If you gave him, Fields, seriously, Chicago's a defensive organization. Pittsburgh's a defensive organization. I don't think this is the best fit for him.”

Discussion Points:

• Colin Cowherd's Perspective: Cowherd expresses skepticism about the Steelers' ability to elevate Justin Fields, emphasizing the team’s defensive orientation and inconsistent offensive strategies. He suggests that while Fields has potential, the Steelers' current system may not be conducive to showcasing his full abilities.

• Chris Broussard's Analysis: Broussard counters by pointing out that the Steelers' offensive performance under Mike Tomlin relied heavily on defense, limiting Fields' opportunities. He questions whether Fields can adapt to a more dynamic offensive role required in today’s NFL.

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2. New England Patriots: Team Building and Playoff Potential Under Mike Vrabel

Timestamp: 05:27 – 09:43

The conversation shifts to the New England Patriots, with a focus on head coach Mike Vrabel’s impact on the team’s organization and future prospects.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [05:46]: “Behind the rest of the league in so many different ways. They have two or three clear needs. Left tackle, running back, wide receiver, edge.”
• Chris Broussard [07:37]: “They are a playoff team.”

Discussion Points:

• Organizational Challenges: Cowherd critiques the Patriots' current organizational structure, suggesting that they lag behind other top teams like the 49ers, Rams, Ravens, and Eagles in terms of staff and personnel development. He emphasizes the need for the Patriots to build out their departments to compete effectively.

• Draft Strategy: Vrabel is praised for identifying clear team needs and targeting second and third-round draft picks to address positions such as left tackle and running back. Cowherd believes this focused approach could benefit the Patriots’ long-term success.

• Playoff Outlook: Despite organizational shortcomings, both Cowherd and Broussard agree that the Patriots are poised to be a playoff contender, citing their defined needs and strategic draft choices as positive indicators.

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3. NBA Greats Debate: Steph Curry's Legacy and the GOAT Conversation

Timestamp: 13:12 – 18:40

A significant portion of the episode delves into the legacy of NBA superstar Steph Curry, comparing his achievements and impact to those of other basketball legends.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason McIntyre [15:01]: “I do think all this talk about Steph being in the goat conversation is nonsense. Without question. Steph is not in the goat conversation.”
• Colin Cowherd [16:56]: “Think Magic revolutionized the league, but it doesn't make him the best player ever. I agree with that.”

Discussion Points:

• Steph Curry’s Impact: Colin Cowherd acknowledges Steph Curry’s revolutionary influence on the game, particularly his shooting prowess, but stops short of placing him in the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) conversation. He argues that while Curry has transformed basketball, the GOAT debate should remain among players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson.

• Jason McIntyre's View: McIntyre concurs, emphasizing that Curry, while the best shooter and a top-10 player, does not surpass legends like Jordan or LeBron in overall greatness. He highlights Curry's defensive shortcomings as a factor excluding him from the GOAT list.

• Comparative Analysis: The hosts discuss the evolution of the game, roster construction, and how modern stars fit into historical contexts. They debate whether the increasing emphasis on three-point shooting and versatility affects players’ legacies.

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4. NBA Playoff Teams: Evaluating Contenders in the West and East

Timestamp: 18:40 – 25:00

The discussion transitions to evaluating current NBA teams and their prospects for the playoffs, focusing on key contenders in both the Western and Eastern Conferences.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [21:31]: “The Lakers are winning the west and I feel good about that.”
• Jason McIntyre [22:30]: “I think OKC is the youngest team ever to reach or win the NBA final.”

Discussion Points:

• Western Conference Contenders:

  • Golden State Warriors: Despite missing key player Klay Thompson, Cowherd remains optimistic about their efficiency and playoff performance, citing their defensive experience and strategic improvements.
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC): McIntyre points out their youth as a potential advantage, though he notes that young teams often face challenges in winning championships without experience.
  • Denver Nuggets and LA Lakers: Both teams are recognized for their strong performances, with the Lakers particularly highlighted as likely winners of the Western Conference.

• Eastern Conference Contenders:

  • Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers: Identified as the top teams in the East, both are expected to perform strongly in the playoffs.

• New York Knicks: Cowherd expresses doubts about their championship prospects, suggesting that significant changes or additions are necessary for them to reach the finals.

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5. NFL Draft and Free Agency: Chargers' Strategy and Sam Darnold's Market Value

Timestamp: 33:00 – 35:55

The conversation returns to NFL topics, focusing on the Los Angeles Chargers' draft strategy and the outlook for quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency.

Notable Quotes:

• Diana Rossini [33:00]: “Sam Darnold's market is going to be in the low 30s, possibly, maybe even high 20s.”
• Colin Cowherd [34:41]: “I don't see the Chargers paying DK Metcalf. They draft, develop, and get the O line and D line right.”

Discussion Points:

• Chargers' Draft Approach: Cowherd emphasizes the Chargers' preference for frugality and strategic drafting, avoiding overspending on wide receivers like DK Metcalf. Instead, he predicts they will focus on bolstering their tight end and running back positions while maintaining strong pass-rushing capabilities.

• Sam Darnold's Free Agency: Rossini discusses the diminished market for quarterback Sam Darnold, attributing it to his recent underperformance. Cowherd adds that teams like the Chargers, under head coach Mike Tomlin, are unlikely to invest heavily in wide receivers, aligning with his earlier points about their draft strategies.

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6. Additional Discussions: Entertainment and Politics

Timestamp: 31:25 – 35:57

Beyond sports, the episode touches on entertainment and political commentary, adding a broader cultural context to the discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [31:40]: “Our politics are a spectacle, regardless of what side you're on. It is just a circus.”
• Diana Rossini [35:33]: “There is too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop.”

Discussion Points:

• Political Spectacle: Cowherd and Broussard briefly discuss the chaotic nature of current political discourse, likening it to a circus and expressing frustration over the lack of nuance in public conversations.

• Anti-Hate Message: The hosts emphasize the importance of combating hate and promoting positive interactions, urging listeners to speak up against negativity.

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Conclusion

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Listing the Greats provides a multifaceted exploration of current sports narratives, focusing on strategic decisions in the NFL, team-building challenges in the NBA, and the enduring debate over basketball greatness. With expert co-hosts and insightful guest commentary, the episode offers listeners a robust analysis of the sports landscape as of March 2025.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Chris Broussard [02:40]: “The Steelers have a big quarterback decision to make. Sounds like it's going to be Justin Fields over Russell Wilson.”
• Jason McIntyre [15:01]: “I do think all this talk about Steph being in the goat conversation is nonsense.”
• Diana Rossini [33:00]: “Sam Darnold's market is going to be in the low 30s, possibly, maybe even high 20s.”

Listeners who missed the episode can access the full discussion on the iHeartRadio app by searching for The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Heard podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

[Jason McIntyre]

Now let's get this party started.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio J Mac with the news.

[Jason McIntyre]

No, no, no. Turn on the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is the Herdline news.

[Chris Broussard]

Let's bust right into it. The Steelers have a big quarterback decision to make. Sounds like it's going to be Justin Fields over Russell Wilson. And guess what, Big Ben. I guess he's got A podcast, because everybody does. Big Ben has said. I agree that Field should be the starter next season.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'd like to see what Fields can do in another year of that offense. Like, you know, like whether you want to bring someone else in. But. But let's see what he can do in a second year of an offense because there's some familiarity. Right. He's had a new system every year. Like, he may be more comfortable. Obviously, we're not taking into account contracts and all that kind of stuff, but I'm with you. I'd like to see what Fields could do another year. Some of the mobility stuff would be interesting. No, he's got a good arm. And again, not take anything away from Russ, but it feels like Fields could be the pick of the future. You know, listen, it's easy to say we've seen Fields, but Baker had a reboot. He's a different quarterback. Sam had a great year. Geno Smith did. So I always kind of felt, you got one chance to be a quarterback. If it didn't work, I'm out. But, I mean, Geno Smith was buried, and he got to a Pro bowl and won 10 games. And I'm not a huge Geno fan, but if that's. If Justin Fields could give you that, okay, it's a playoff team. So people buried Baker and Darnold. Nobody thought Darnold was going to do that. So my question isn't Justin Fields? As much as it is, I don't trust the Steelers with offense. If you gave him, man, seriously, Chicago's a defensive organization. Pittsburgh's a defensive organization. I don't think this is the best fit for him.

[Chris Broussard]

So last year, it seemed like just looking at the box scores, Mike Tomlin's strategy was, we're going to win with defense and no mistakes by Fields, no turnovers. Keep it simple. He threw for a buck 56 in the opener, 117 in the next game, and two other games, throwing for under 150 yards. You can't do that over the course of a season in the modern NFL column. You need to be able to air it out. I don't. Can Fields do that? Can he throw for 250 yards three weeks in a row and win?

[Colin Cowherd]

Not with the Steelers lack of offensive proficiency. No, he can't. Again, Geno had the right coordinator and it worked. And, I mean, we've seen three different guys here in the last couple years that we thought were dead and buried. Baker, Sam and Geno all turn it around, but Baker got Sean McVay to buy in right then he got that. Was it Liam Cohen, a good coordinator? Sam darnold at Kevin O'Connell so and I forget who Geno, I don't know Shane Waldron. I forget who it was.

[Chris Broussard]

Might have been.

[Colin Cowherd]

But I don't think the Steelers are capable of elevating a quarterback who needs the right fit to work.

[Chris Broussard]

Speaking of fits, let's go to the next story. The New England Patriots have Mike Vrabel as their head coach. And you're very stoked about this. You're all aboard the Patriots train. I hate to rain on your parade, but Albert Breer believes the Patriots have a lot of work to do. List here's why they are so far.

[Colin Cowherd]

Behind the rest of the league in so many different ways. And I think everybody who comes here and sees it for themselves is like where's all the people? Where's this department? Where's that department? And Bill did so much for so long that they were able to get away with being very, very small. Hear people say oh you had these free agents and then it'll just be fixed. No, they've got a long way to go as far as building that organization out and building the football operation out to catch up with where the Niners are, the Rams are, the Ravens are the Eagles are the most forward thinking organizations in the league are so far beyond them from a staff standpoint. This is really interesting. This is a really interesting topic. I had this discussion the other day with somebody that knows the NBA. For instance, the Golden State warriors have a huge staff. Huge staff. Joe Lacob the Lakers don't. It's more of a family business. And there's some people that believe the Lakers after making that move to get Mark Williams the center got some pushback. People called him around the league and said and then they were they then they did more homework on it and said yeah, he doesn't pass the medical which you can legally do. But the Lakers have a very small staff. Cincinnati has a very small scouting staff compared to Philadelphia. Arizona staff is not close to San Francisco. So you know a lot of this stuff you just think everybody's even Belichick had so much power that basically he usurped anybody else in the personnel department. So they are a mile behind. Philadelphia's just got go look at the Bengals website and the Philadelphia Eagles website. It is shock. One looks like a Triple A baseball team. One looks like the Yankees in terms of scouting and personnel department.

[Chris Broussard]

So I know you've been claiming the Patriots are going to be a playoff team.

[Colin Cowherd]

They Are.

[Chris Broussard]

Does this make you pump the brakes a little bit?

[Colin Cowherd]

No, because I think Vrabel's better than average at personnel and I think their needs are so obvious that it doesn't take, you know, it doesn't take Bill Gates mind to figure it out. They have two or three clear needs. Left tackle, running back, wide receiver, edge. Like they have very defined needs. And I think this is a draft of largely second and third round talent. I don't think it's a draft where it's like you got 12, 15 great players and then it drops off. I think there's a lot. I think the 27th pick in this draft could be as good as the 30. I think the first three rounds it's the same level of guys with about seven exceptions.

[Chris Broussard]

Final story. Collins to the NBA and the Mavericks. Oh my gosh, what a debacle Dallas has been since trading Luka Doncic. AD Got hurt in Game 1 and has not played since. And now that Kyrie tore his acl, there's a report from Shams Sharania claiming AD could be shut down for the rest of the season. Not to risk further injury. Now there is the idea. Hey, if we shut down AD along with Kyrie being out, we're in the mix to get the number one pick. They won't have a great chance at it, but they'll have a chance at Cooper Flag. Colin, this is not the worst idea in the world. Hey, A.D. just shut it down.

[Colin Cowherd]

Don't. Let me tell you something. If let's say they got lucky, this is a really interesting topic too. Let's say the Mavericks got lucky. They get bad. They shut down Kyrie, AD they shut him down. That is really smart because what would make you forget about Luka getting a top five? I watched Orlando win back to back lotteries.

[Chris Broussard]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

If they won the lottery and got Cooper Flag, Kyrie, Cooper Flagg, AD in the best center rotation in the league, you are a dominant team in the NBA. You are a, you are a championship level team for half a decade. So. Because I still think AD no the best game plan for them, I think this is really smart. I would shut down AD well, do.

[Chris Broussard]

You remember when Kyrie came over and it wasn't really working with him and Luka and they just decided to tank to get their pick. They end up with Derek Lively, which worked out amazingly. He's excellent. I don't think they can get good enough odds for Cooper Flag. But there's the kid Bailey at Rutgers. There's a lot of good players but.

[Colin Cowherd]

A Cooper flag's gonna he's going to average 18 as a rookie. He'll play.

[Chris Broussard]

He'll be like an 18 and nine.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, Cooper Flack is going to come in. Have you watched a little bit of Cooper Flack?

[Chris Broussard]

He can shoot threes.

[Colin Cowherd]

He's the total package. I mean, he can score inside transition jumper. That kid is a great college player.

[Chris Broussard]

Don't forget he went to the USA Basketball camp ahead of the Olympics and his team pushed the AD team. He was guarding ad. You can watch the highlights like he's that good. He can hang with these guys. This guy's a game changer.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the Herd Line news. Be sure to catch live editions of the herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app with Amex Gold.

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[Colin Cowherd]

So party of two, right this way.

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Steph Curry]

Make some noise for the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry. We went live from All Star Weekend for a new podcast called Go Greatest of Their Era and we ranked our top five shooters from the 2000s.

[Peja Stojaković]

Asia 5.

[Steph Curry]

Dirk Ford Asia is a okay, okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm mad him. I left them off my list, but I still like my list.

[Steph Curry]

You won't believe who Steph left off his list.

[Peja Stojaković]

That's so tough. That's why we have these conversations.

[Steph Curry]

Yes, absolutely.

[Peja Stojaković]

Love it.

[Steph Curry]

Steph talked about what separates the truly elite NBA shooters.

[Peja Stojaković]

When you have a scouting report and you're on the list as not just a shooter, but we have specific rules for how we guard you. There's a fear factor that's associated with it. Anytime you're wide open like, you might as well just count that and get on back on defense.

[Steph Curry]

Listen to Go G O T e Greatest of their era on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now I want to bring in Chris Broussard live in New York. Joining us, my guy, Chris Broussard, co host, First Things first. So our graphic department was pretty funny. Today we're going to bring this back and show you. I always said, I always said that there's three names that are etched in stone on Mount Rushmore. Kareem, MJ, LeBron and Magic. But we brought a scaffold in a crane is Steph Curry. Now with how he's aging, are we should he be in the conversation? Because I don't think Magic, a non shooter in a shooter's era, would be as good today. He'd be. He'd be really, really good. I don't know if he'd be magic, but I always thought Jordan, Kareem lebron, we're not arguing. You can argue Duncan Bird. I never thought magic was an argument, but I'm watching every time he's had a legit one or a two. Klay in his prime, kd, Jimmy Butler. Yeah, the guy's absolutely unstoppable where are you on Steph's legacy at this point?

[Jason McIntyre]

Well, I've said for years now that he's a top 10 player of all time.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Jason McIntyre]

I think I first said it after he won his fourth ring without Durant, second without Durant. And if the Mount Rushmore is greatest player, like my top four is, Jordan, LeBron, Kareem, Magic, in that order.

[Colin Cowherd]

Same.

[Jason McIntyre]

But I do think. I don't. I think all this talk about Steph being in the goat conversation is nonsense. And that's no slight on Steph. I believe he's the best small player ever. Yeah, it was Isaiah Thomas in my mind, you know, from the Pistons now. It's been Steph now for years. I think there is an argument for him as the best point guard ever. I probably take Magic. Magic just, you know, made everybody better. They're completely different players. But if I. I think Magic. Every year you had Magic, you had a chance to win the championship. I mean, he got to the finals without Kareem and those guys, you know, once Kareem retired. But if you want to start a top five, like a five man starting lineup to win a game or win a championship, you could argue. You could pick lineups where you'd pick Steph over Magic because you could have LeBron bring the ball up or something like that. But I think Magic is the best point guard in the league. But I'll stand for. I understand Steph's in the goat point guard conversation. Without question. Steph is not in the goat conversation. The conversation is about who's the best ever. And I don't. I just don't think you can realistically say Steph is the best player ever. It's Michael, LeBron or Kareem. Quickly, Colin. All three of those guys defended. They all made multiple. All defensive teams. Jordan, of course, defensive player of the year. Steph was being hunted by the Cavs in the finals. So he was not a great defender. And that, to me, keeps him. Is one thing that keeps him out of the goal conversation.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I mean, I think Magic saved the league to some degree, but Stephen revolutionized it. But it doesn't make him the best player ever. I agree with that. You know, I said this about. And it's not a knock at all on this, but in the 1970s, my favorite teams were the Sonics, and their best player was Gus Williams, average 19 a game when he won it. And the Bullets with Gravy Dandridge. Elvin Hayes West.

[Jason McIntyre]

Elvin Hayes, average 19 a game.

[Colin Cowherd]

He averaged 19. So those the 70s was about roster construction. Then Magic Bird, MJ, Shaq, Kobe, Duncan, LeBron, Steph. Then Dynasties took over. There was a 2004 Pistons team that like the 70s, was about roster construction over superstars. So I've made this argument. The Boston Celtics are the best roster construction champion ever. Better than any team in the 70s, better than the Pistons. And last night's an example. Why no Drew, no Tatum, no porzingis. And two dudes dropped 40 plus. There has never been a roster construction team. Lonnie Shelton was not giving you 40 if downtown Freddy Browning, Gus Williams didn't play. So this is not a knock. But Tatum's not a superstar. They're 10 and two when he doesn't play. They average eight more points a game when he doesn't play. But. But like it. Like, like Rip Hamilton, he's better than Rip. Or Chauncey Billups. He's better than those guys. He is the best player on the best constructed roster that doesn't have a superstar. There you go.

[Jason McIntyre]

Wow. You. You said a lot there. I'll just look. I think there's an argument for that 2004 Detroit Pistons team as being to take your point, the best roster construction because they had no superstars and they just fit together so perfectly. And their mentalities were perfect as well. And obviously they beat not only Shaq and Kobe. I guess it was mainly Shaq and Kobe, but you still had Gary Payton and Karl Malone. And I know they were older. It didn't quite work out. Some of them. Malone was banged up. But still, still, that's a notch in their belt. But I also, I think Tatum is clearly a superstar. He leads the Celtics in points, rebounds and assists. The argument against Tatum, you know what a lot of people will say when they really get into basketball is that a lot of his moves are, you know, manufactured moves. They're the moves you learn when you work out with a trainer every day from the time you're a teenager. They're not instinctive like the older guys moves used to be. Just make a move up because you need to do it. That's an argument against him. But look, it's a great Celtics team. Pritchard and Derrick White had great games last night. They're not going to do that consistently. With all due respect to Pritchard, who's having a great year, might be six man of the year. He's not going to do that consistently. This is just the league now and they are the ultimate poster child for this. That shoots a bunch of threes yeah. And there are nights when you're going to hit your threes and you can score 30 or 40 points. And that's what happened last night with both of those guys. But I. They are well put together roster, particularly Colin, for this day and age and the style of play and the rules today.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I did my NBA bubble. I don't buy Houston. I don't think they have a chance to win the title. They can't shoot. I don't buy Memphis either. A bit too young. But I did my NBA bubble. The Knicks are the closest team that if they got a little bit of a health break and everybody was healthy, I have them out. But what's interesting for our radio audience, Nuggets, okc, Warriors, Lakers. I think the two best teams in the league are Boston and Cleveland. Those are the two best. But I gotta tell you, I'm almost shocked. I have the warriors in there. They're on fire without Kaminga and, and it's. I don't think we're realizing here, they're more efficient. They, they do things that matter in the playoffs. Efficient, get to the free throw line, defend experience. Without Kaminga, do I have the warriors overvalued or do you similarly see them as a team that could absolutely win the Western Conference?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, look, I said yesterday I think the Lakers are winning the west and I feel good about that. But certainly OKC and Denver right there. And I do think the warriors are the fourth team in the west and I'll give them a shot because everything you said was right. They obviously have the shooting. Jimmy Butler gives them some things they did not have. They did not have the great mid range player. That's right. Now they do. They did not have the guy that gets to the foul line a lot. Now they do. Now in addition to Draymond, they got another tough, hard nosed guys that can bother opponents and put a little bit of fear. I mean they're NBA players, they're not scared. But you know, he can, he's a tough guy, Jimmy Butler, like Draymond. And that gives you a good identity as well. And defensively they already were a good team. Now they're going to be even better with Butler. And you're absolutely right. People are forgetting, Even though they're 9 and 1 now with Butler, Kaminga will be back.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Jason McIntyre]

And he's athletic, he's long, he can score. They, they don't quite have the shooting that they've had in some of the years where they won championships, but they still have good shooting. I Give them a shot. Now, again, I would pick the Lakers and probably Denver over them. OKC is certainly better. My question about OKC is their youth, Colin. They would be the youngest team ever to reach or win the NBA final.

[Colin Cowherd]

Wow.

[Jason McIntyre]

And I think that's a factor. We just don't see young teams win championships. Last year, sure, they took some lumps when they lost to Dallas in the second round, but that's one year like they may need to. Jordan took longer. Isaiah took Longer. You know, LeBron took longer. You got to take some lumps usually before you win in this league. And I think OKC just hadn't taken enough. So I'm fine with putting Golden State in there. I would be a tad bit surprised if they do come out of the west, but I do think they've really improved themselves and they're going to be a tough out in the playoffs.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, finally. I said this yesterday. Here's the upside to losing. The Knicks can't beat Cleveland, OKC or Boston, and they may not after tonight be able to beat the Lakers. And I think this is great because where organizations get in trouble is when people inside the executive suite, the owner, disagree. They clearly, they need another star. And I love OG and McHale and Brunson and Robinson, but they need another star. And nobody can argue it in that building. There is nobody saying we're good enough to win. You're not good enough to beat Cleveland. I've watched you play Boston. The game's over eight minutes in. I think y. I think moving Cat, OG and four draft picks to get Giannis is the move. I think you have to make a big swing. I wouldn't give up Brunson. I'd move anybody. But they've been very, very patient the last two years. Now. I'm just saying they have no chance to get to the Finals. You live in New York. Do you think it's understood? Because I think it's very clear is they gotta get another guy. They're well run, they got good chemistry. They're a big stud shy, right?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, when they lost those two big blowouts to Boston and Cleveland recently, that's when the Knicks fans accepted, okay, we're not on that level. They're right in between. They're better than. Like you said, you had them right outside the bubble.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yep.

[Jason McIntyre]

They're better than just about everybody else outside of the bubble, but they can't beat the team in the bubble.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Jason McIntyre]

And as you said tonight, I think they'd be owing eight if they lose tonight to the top two seeds in both conferences. Yes. I love getting Giannis. I mean, who's going to argue against that if they can do that? But look, and I hate to say this, Colin, cause I have nothing but respect for him. I've known Thibodeau since he was an assistant with Jeff Van Gundy when I was covering the team for the New York Times. But it might be. They might need a coaching change. And I know that's a risk because Thibodeau gets the most, typically gets the most out of teams. But they. And getting rid of Tibbs would not be because he can't coach. Obviously he's a very good coach. I would look at it more as when Golden State moved on from Mark Jackson. We've just hit the ceiling with this guy and is there someone else who can bring us to another level? We've seen it this year. Look at Kenny Atkinson in Cleveland. Nobody thought Cleveland could do this and he's taken them to another level. You somewhat seeing it in Detroit with J.B. bickerstaff. He's doing a good job there as well. And so I. That might be something. If they can't make the big trade for Giannis or somebody like that, then I think that might be what they need to look at. Because Colin, to have two legitimate stars now, which they do in Brunson and Towns, and some really good role players around. I mean that's what teams are made up of today. Nobody really has the three stars for the most part is two stars and then players that fit around them. Anunoby, Bridges, I mean Hart. These are some really good role players.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Jason McIntyre]

So if they can't get a Giannis or somebody like that, they, as much as I hate to say it, they might have to look at. Do we need to make a coaching change?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Chris, Bruce, Art. First things first, after our show. He doesn't have to do this for us. He's a busy guy, got great family. We appreciate you stopping by and chopping it up on the NBA. Great second half. Thanks, man. One more herd. The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. Hey, it's Steve Covino. And I'm Rich Davis. And together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich we talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich Live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Kobe Know Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course on social media, that's Covino and Rich.

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[Colin Cowherd]

Count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile, keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit server port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Cart has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Steph Curry]

Make some noise for the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry. We went live from All Star Weekend for a new podcast called Goat Greatest of Their Era and we ranked our top five shooters from the 2000s.

[Peja Stojaković]

Peja 5 Dirk Ford Peja is a leader.

[Steph Curry]

Okay, okay, I'm mad at him.

[Colin Cowherd]

I left him off my list, but I still like my list.

[Steph Curry]

You won't believe who Steph left off his list.

[Peja Stojaković]

That's so tough. That's why we have these conversations.

[Steph Curry]

Yes, absolutely.

[Peja Stojaković]

Love it.

[Steph Curry]

Steph talked about what separates the truly elite NBA shooters.

[Peja Stojaković]

When you have a scouting report and you're on the list as not just a shooter, but we have specific rules for how we guard you. There's a fear factor that's associated with anytime you're wide open. Like, you might as well just count that and get on back on defense.

[Steph Curry]

Listen to Goat G O T E greatest of their era on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

It's Julie Stewart Banks. I'm doing a new podcast from iHeart podcast and the National Hockey League, and I'm paired up with one of my favorite players, the always quotable Nate Thompson.

[Colin Cowherd]

I wore nine NHL sweaters, and I have story after story to share. And believe it or not, I have plenty to say, and not just about hockey.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

Believe me, he does. Energy Line with Nate. And JSB is the name of the podcast, and it's gonna be. Well, it's gonna be quite the ride. We're officially linemates, Nate. We're the Energy Line.

[Colin Cowherd]

We'll have plenty of folks join us. Current players, some of my former teammates, hall of Famers, and wait till you see some of the connections that Julie has. She has quite the Rolodex.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

Okay. We'll lean into Nate's playing experience and tap into our interests away from hockey and try to do what energy lines are supposed to do. Provide an emotional boost. How do you feel about all that, Nate?

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm vibing, Julie. I'm ready to roll.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Depressing or hysterical, depending on your perspective.

[Chris Broussard]

What State of the Union? What's that?

[Colin Cowherd]

That was the old Trumpster just cracking people up, driving people crazy.

[Chris Broussard]

I was watching Creighton Providence in college basketball.

[Colin Cowherd]

I guarantee you, you were. Sadly, I know you were watching that. I watched some of the State of the Union.

[Chris Broussard]

Why?

[Colin Cowherd]

You know what? I like a good circus. I like Cirque du Soleil. I like our State of the Union. I like. I like a little chaos. And it just was a lot. It was a lot of motion and a lot of opinions and a lot of.

[Chris Broussard]

Let me write that down. I like a circus in chaos. So I'll try to bring that here in the coming weeks.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't know. I find. I mean, people are freaking out night. You know, who knows? I. It's a spectacle right now. Our politics are a spectacle, regardless of what side you're on. And I. Most of my life, I thought I was pretty squarely in the middle. It is just. It's a circus.

[Chris Broussard]

No shades of gray these days. Got to be black or white.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's right.

[Chris Broussard]

Not allowed nuance out the window.

[Colin Cowherd]

How about Diana Rossini came on earlier and I said, you can't tell me there's no market for Aaron Rodgers. Here's Diana.

[Diana Rossini]

Every team that needs a quarterback right now has a line out to every single available veteran quarterback at this moment. Because right now no one can read the landscape well because we don't know who's going where. You know, the idea of Daniel Jones going to Indy is on the table. Could he possibly go to Vegas? Right. Chip Kelly, you know, he's going to want a mobile quarterback. Could. Could Justin Fields leave Pittsburgh? Perhaps he can wind up in Vegas. Maybe the Russell Wilson thing could perhaps turn into him going to Las Vegas. All of this is on the table and. And the teams are being really open about it. No one's being coy, like, ah, we got our eye on just one guy. Everyone is saying the same thing as which, we've got to reach out to everyone because we have no idea how this is going to shake.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. And she also talked about the Sam Darnold thing is crazy, is people want to pay wide receivers 30 and $40 million. And I'm told because he had two bad games at the end against superior teams, that there's no market for Sam Darnold. She talked about that.

[Diana Rossini]

There's something about the way he lost those two games that is really leaving a bad taste in the mouths of these decision makers. Part of it is there's an attitude of, see, we told you Darnold isn't that good. That was just lightning in a bottle. Things just lined up. Right. He, you know, they were winning in certain games because of certain situations. This isn't the real Sam Darnold. I was really expecting Sam's market to be in the 40s. I do not predict it to be that. I think it's going to be less than that. I think it's going to be in the low 30s, possibly, maybe even high 20s, if Minnesota can get the kind of deal that they want to get.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, so she's saying that basically somebody may be willing to pay Sam Darnold slightly more than DK Metcalf. I do not believe the Chargers are going to pay for DK Metcalf. I think if you look inside that building between Harbaugh and their general manager, there is a history of not overspending on the perimeter. They'll spend money in the trenches. They'll spend money on A running back, quarterback, safety, edge, rusher. I don't think the. Everybody has the Chargers and DK Metcalf. I don't see it. I just do not see it. That's me now. You know, I put it out there. You take swings. I may be totally wrong, but that one, it may look like it fits. Harbaugh's history. John and Jim, if you look at their history, it's. It's not paying wide receivers a fortune. It's drafting, developing, and getting the O line and D line and toughness right.

[Chris Broussard]

So what you're saying is you don't think the Charger, you think they get a little frugal?

[Colin Cowherd]

I think they get a tight end in the first round, solving their tight end problem. I think they get a running back in the third or fourth round and in this draft, that's a starter, and then I think they go and they've got a number two receiver and a number three.

[Chris Broussard]

Well, they're going to need a pass rusher. They just lost Mr. Bosa.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, they've got Khalil Mack and the kid from usc. So they got two very good pass rushers. They could use another end. Khalil Mack's been unbelievable in the last three years. He's been way better than I thought he would be. I thought he was kind of wide.

[Chris Broussard]

Getting a little long in the tooth, as they say.

[Colin Cowherd]

So a lot of people are. The other day, Jerry Seinfeld, 70, still funny.

[Chris Broussard]

Is he?

[Colin Cowherd]

70? Yeah. Looks great.

[Chris Broussard]

I didn't even know that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, he still looks great. Bill Mars up there, still funny. Age is just a number. Except at wide receiver.

[Diana Rossini]

This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser Podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

On a more serious note, I'm still.

[Diana Rossini]

Thinking about that commercial with Tom Brady.

[Colin Cowherd]

And Snoop Dogg hating on each other.

[Diana Rossini]

Because when you listen to the reasons for hating someone or something, you realize just how stupid they really are. There is too much hate in this.

[Colin Cowherd]

Country and it's gotta stop. So join us at iheart and standing up to it.

[Diana Rossini]

If you see hate, speak up, Call it out and you can learn more.

[Colin Cowherd]

By following OTs upwithhate.

[Steph Curry]

Make some noise for the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry. We went live from All Star Weekend for a new podcast called Go Greatest of Their Era. And we ranked our top five shooters.

[Peja Stojaković]

From the 2000 pager five. Dirk Ford.

[Colin Cowherd]

Paja is okay.

[Steph Curry]

You won't believe who Steph left off his list.

[Peja Stojaković]

That's so tough. That's why we have these conversations.

[Steph Curry]

Yes, absolutely.

[Peja Stojaković]

Love it.

[Steph Curry]

Listen to go t e greatest of their era on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as.

[Chris Broussard]

We head to the NFL Draft.

[Steph Curry]

Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

What's up everyone? Julie Swearbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Colin Cowherd]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Colin Cowherd]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Jason McIntyre]

Julie is pretty well connected.

[Colin Cowherd]

She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.