Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: More on Caitlin Clark

Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts delve deep into the rising prominence of Caitlin Clark in the WNBA, discussing her impact on the league, the physicality of the women's game, and broader NBA topics. The conversation is enriched with insights from co-host Rick Bucher, providing a comprehensive look at current sports narratives.

2. Caitlin Clark's Dominance and Style

The primary focus of this episode is on Caitlin Clark, a standout player in the WNBA whose performances have captivated fans and analysts alike.

• Caitlin Clark’s Offensive Prowess:

  • Rick Bucher remarks on Clark’s ability to consistently surprise opponents with her skill set, drawing parallels to basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Steph Curry.

    "[04:10] Rick Bucher: …you’re rarely shocked, you’re occasionally surprised, but you’ve seen everything three times. … I can remember the Michael Jordan, Steph Curry early years when these flashy, transformative players came in."

• Physicality in the WNBA:

  • Both Bucher and Cowherd discuss the inherent physicality of the women’s game, emphasizing that Clark’s aggressive style is part of a broader trend within the WNBA.

    "[06:30] Rick Bucher: …this league has been dirty and chippy. … they put a shoulder down." "[06:57] Colin Cowherd: … any player who can elevate others. SGA can do that. Brunson, Halliburton."

3. Physicality and Responses in the WNBA

The conversation highlights how the WNBA has evolved to incorporate a more physical style of play, with Caitlin Clark at the forefront.

• Clark’s Aggressive Play:

  • Cowherd criticizes Clark’s tendency to engage in trash-talking and physical confrontations, suggesting that her actions contribute to how she is treated by opponents.

    "[04:24] Colin Cowherd: … the biggest issue I have is she’s being portrayed by way too many people as this sweet, sweet Caitlin Clark from Iowa … she’s being beaten up by these big bad WNBA players who resent her."

• League’s Adaptation:

  • Bucher notes that the physicality isn't unique to Clark but is a characteristic of the WNBA in general, which may surprise those accustomed to less contact in women's sports.

    "[07:36] Rick Bucher: … anybody who thinks this is a Caitlin Clark phenomenon. No, it is a WNBA phenomenon."

4. LeBron James’s Comments on Rings

Shifting focus to the NBA, the hosts analyze LeBron James’s remarks regarding championship rings and the broader conversation about what defines a player’s greatness.

• Critique of Ring Culture:

  • Cowherd argues that LeBron has manipulated the narrative around championship rings to bolster his GOAT (Greatest of All Time) candidacy, despite his multiple team changes to secure titles.

    "[08:16] Colin Cowherd: … LeBron knows that he’s essentially done. … he’s trying to marginalize rings."

• GOAT Debate:

  • The discussion touches on how ring counts have become a significant, though sometimes overemphasized, metric in evaluating players’ legacies.

    "[09:29] Rick Bucher: … the difference between MJ and Barkley is the rings."

5. Tyrese Haliburton's Assessment

The conversation then pivots to Tyrese Haliburton, assessing his performance and potential within the NBA.

• Performance Review:

  • Cowherd critiques Haliburton’s recent playoff performances, suggesting inconsistency that differentiates him from established superstars.

    "[10:13] Colin Cowherd: … he didn’t have that same aggression. … crucial to the Indiana Pacers being all that they can be."

• Potential for Growth:

  • While acknowledging Haliburton's game-winning capabilities, Cowherd remains cautious about labeling him a true superstar.

    "[10:13] Colin Cowherd: … he’s a superstar in the making. … he never question whether they are going to try to get it done."

6. Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors and NBA Landscape

Addressing trade rumors, particularly surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo, the hosts debate the future of Milwaukee’s roster and the potential impacts on the NBA.

• Trade Viability:

  • Cowherd and Bucher discuss the challenges Milwaukee faces in potentially trading Giannis, considering his immense value and the team's current roster composition.

    "[23:12] Rick Bucher: … if Jokic won. … If Jokic, if …"

• Comparisons to Other Players:

  • Bucher compares Jokic and Giannis, debating their respective skills and trade values, suggesting Jokic may offer more favorable terms.

    "[23:16] Jason McIntyre: … Jokic is better than Giannis, better passer, better shooter."

7. New York Knicks and Kevin Durant’s Market

Discussion extends to Kevin Durant’s marketability and potential team fits, highlighting limited interest due to past team dynamics and ownership issues.

• Ownership Influence:

  • Cowherd attributes the Knicks’ reluctance to pursue Durant to owner Jim Dolan’s strained relationship with the player.

    "[17:14] Colin Cowherd: … Jim Dolan is one of the most vindictive owners that there are in sports. … Kevin Durant not only spurned the Knicks, but he spurned them for The Brooklyn Nets."

• Team Considerations:

  • The hosts explore why potential suitors hesitate to extend significant contracts to Durant, citing factors like team rebuilds and financial implications.

    "[17:36] Colin Cowherd: … teams are looking at it and saying, I don’t know what we might have to give up for him …"

8. Yankees' Slump and Roster Issues

Shifting to baseball, the hosts critique the New York Yankees’ recent performance downturn, focusing on offensive inconsistencies and roster depth.

• Offensive Struggles:

  • Bucher laments the Yankees’ inability to score, particularly highlighting slumps from key players like Aaron Judge.

    "[25:15] Rick Bucher: … Aaron Judge … is two for twenty."

• Roster Construction:

  • The conversation points to over-reliance on top-heavy contracts, leading to vulnerabilities when star players underperform or are injured.

    "[25:26] Rick Bucher: … they're paying Aaron Judge and John Carlos Stanton and Garren Garrett Cole so much money."

9. Lamar Jackson’s Comments on Revenge

In football, the hosts touch upon quarterback Lamar Jackson’s sentiments regarding past losses and his drive for vengeance in future games.

• Persistent Motivation:

  • Jackson expresses a relentless desire to overcome setbacks, both personal and team-related, emphasizing that losses continue to motivate him.

    "[20:11] Lamar Jackson: … I never get over a loss. … when we come back, I feel like we’re going to have vengeance on our mind."

• Future Prospects:

  • Bucher anticipates Jackson’s continued growth and eventual championship success.

    "[20:57] Rick Bucher: … he’s gonna get one."

10. Caitlin Clark’s Impact on Sports Conversations

Concluding the episode, Cowherd and Bucher reflect on how Caitlin Clark has become the central narrative in sports, overshadowing other major leagues and events.

• Dominant Storyline:

  • Cowherd asserts that Clark’s performances have made her the most compelling story in sports, even overshadowing traditional powerhouses like the NBA Finals.

    "[33:55] Rick Bucher: … if Rory McIlroy … she is the biggest story right now in sports."

• Transformative Influence:

  • The hosts recognize Clark's role in shifting media focus and altering perceptions of the WNBA’s visibility and competitiveness.

    "[36:54] Colin Cowherd: … she brings on. The reality is she gives as good as she gets."

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd on Caitlin Clark’s Aggression:

  "[04:24] … she talks trash and she walks like I’m going to embarrass you. … she brings it on."

• Rick Bucher on the Evolution of the WNBA:

  "[07:36] … anybody who thinks this is a Caitlin Clark phenomenon. No, it is a WNBA phenomenon."

• LeBron James and Ring Culture:

  "[08:16] … LeBron knows that he's essentially done. … he’s trying to change the narrative."

• Tyrese Haliburton's Potential:

  "[10:13] … he's a superstar in the making. … crucial to the Indiana Pacers being all that they can be."

Conclusion

In this episode, The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth analysis of Caitlin Clark’s burgeoning influence in the WNBA, while also addressing significant topics in the NBA, MLB, and NFL. The hosts provide thoughtful critiques and highlight the evolving dynamics in professional sports, positioning Clark as a transformative figure reshaping media narratives and league perceptions.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the provided transcript for reference.