Loading summary
Colin Cowherd
You can 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 four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption card. Has no cash access and expires in six months. Virgin Voyages isn't your average cruise. It's a masterclass in luxury all in. Voyage pricing includes over $1,000 in value, Wi fi, tips, entertainment, even specialty dining. No hidden fees, no surprises. The cabins are next level private terraces, virgin red hammocks, unbeatable sea views. Add in the adult only factor. No kids. That's right, just relaxation. It's no surprise they're award winning. And the destinations Caribbean this winter, Iceland, North America and the Mediterranean in 2025 and 2026. Virgin Voyages is where luxury meets travel. Book it and see what you've been missing. Learn more@virginvoyages.com or contact your travel advisor.
Unknown (possibly a co-host or announcer)
Welcome to a day in the life of an AMEX gold card member. 7:00am Iced coffee with up to $84 back annually at Dunkin locations. Mmm, 12:00 pesto zoodles with four times membership rewards points on purchases at US restaurants up to $50,000.
Colin Cowherd
This is so good.
Unknown (possibly a co-host or announcer)
And to finish strong, the freshest sushi spot with up to $100 back annually on eligible purchases at US resi restaurants. What a day. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Cap applies. Learn more@americanexpress.com withamx what's up everyone?
Greg Rosenthal
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 will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Colin Cowherd
Thanks for listening to the Herd 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 herd@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.
Daniel Jeremiah
Now, let's get this party started.
Colin Cowherd
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio Paris. Around the corner. Without further ado, J. Mac with the news. No, no, no, no.
Daniel Jeremiah
Heard on the news.
Colin Cowherd
This is the Herd line news.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
All right, let's get to that breaking news. The Cooper Flag, the best player in college basketball. Here he is turning an ankle, collecting a board in the first half. Went down instantly, lost the ball, went to the bench, went to the locker room, was put in a wheelchair, then he returned to the bench. Cooper flag. He's going to be fine. But the early guess is he will not appear in the rest of the ACC tour. Duke's going to be a 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Their odds shifted a little bit. They had the second best odds at plus 330 to win the Natty. They're now down to plus 700.
Colin Cowherd
What if he can't make the first? He can't make the ACC tournament, and he can't make the first game of the tournament.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Well, they're going to beat a 16 seed without Cooper Flag. They're fine.
Colin Cowherd
No, I mean, they got two other NBA players. Duke's going to win a bunch of games without him.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
That 8, 9 game. If they're facing, like an SEC team, like a Georgia or something, I mean, they're gonna. They're gonna be in some trouble. Without Cooper Flag, as you alluded to, he leads Duke in every category that matters. The guy's a superstar.
Colin Cowherd
I mean, here's my question, though. I guess it's only a sprained ankle, but it looks like a severe sprained ankle. They've got two other NBA players. Everybody knew he was a one and done. He's not playing in the ACC tournament. If they look at him and go, he's not 100%. Would you play if I was Cooper Fleck? Why go back now? I would.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Because it's due at all or just for the acc?
Colin Cowherd
Well, I mean, this looks pretty severe when you leave in a wheelchair.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Yeah. Now. Nch.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, is this him walking? Let me see. Let me see here.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
A little bit of a limp. A little ginger. You know how it is after you get an injury. You know, you play a lot of sports. You could just go on adrenaline for a little while, and then the next day.
Colin Cowherd
Let me. Let me tell you something. When he wakes up tomorrow, he's gonna have a cantaloupe on that ankle.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Yeah. Not great.
Colin Cowherd
Let me see here.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
I mean, he knows there's cameras everywhere. They tell him this stuff. I'm rooting for Cooper Flagg. He's awesome. I don't know that Duke's gonna win it without him.
Colin Cowherd
All right.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
I don't think they will be able to pull.
Colin Cowherd
When you're young, sprained ankles heal.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Yeah. All right, let's go to the NFL. Colin, and the team that everybody loves, the Dallas Cowboys, they went 7 and 10 last year. Obviously Dak Prescott was injured. Offseason's been a disaster. They move off their coach, they lose Zach Martin. Now they've lost DeMarcus Lawrence to your seah. And they're leading Russia. Rico Dowdle, he's going to the Panthers. Colin, it has been a busy off season. Find me the positives here. Micah Parsons can't find any positives. I think he thinks he's gonna be the leader now, but I.
Colin Cowherd
To me.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Look at this. Oh, Brian Schottenheimer. Exciting.
Colin Cowherd
I'm not joking when I. I'm about to say something and I'm not joking. Could they get the number one pick.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Next year for Archman is Jerry?
Colin Cowherd
No, I mean, I look at it. Could they. I think that's what they're trying to do. I mean, I honestly, I said last year and I was wrong. I'm like, is this a soft tank? You tell me what is their best unit? And that now that Washington's legit, I.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Guess their corners are okay.
Colin Cowherd
If Aaron Rodgers goes to the Giants, they'll be, you know, eight winish. Washington and Philly are in the double digit win. You start looking at this where tell me the unit, you're like, whoa, they're a sprained ankle. To CD Lamb from being the Carolina Panthers two years ago. I don't see it. I just don't see it. Thank God I don't live on the Cowboys.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Yeah, that's good. We won't be talking about them a lot, that's for sure. Final story con is to the NBA. Lakers have a big one tonight in Milwaukee. Then Friday they are in Denver. That's a brutal back to back, but let's focus on LeBron for a second. He missed the Nets game with a groin tweak. He returned to Los Angeles per the medical recommendation. Leaving the team during this road trip. Obviously his son's playing in the state tournament out here in high school basketball, Lakers are 02 on the road trip. This is not great, though. Jackson Hayes out, rui Hachimura out, LeBron out. And you've got Bucs Nuggets back to back. Probably Going to be two more losses. Dorian Finney, Smith may return. I just don't want to tax Lucas.
Colin Cowherd
Who returns sooner, LeBron or Cooper flag.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
That's a great crush.
Colin Cowherd
I think probably LeBron the 40 year old. Well, I mean Duke doesn't need the ACC tournament. Just sit him. Get it 100%. Just sit him.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Yeah. It's interesting that the 40 year old LeBron versus the 18 year old Cooper flag. Obviously groin and ankle are different things.
Colin Cowherd
But I mean the difference is for a young guy, an ankle heals pretty fast. Groin young or if you play with a groin, you'll, you'll mess it up. Yeah, it's, it's, it's like, it's like a calf injury. You think you're healed. You never are. Are you done?
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
That was fast. J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news.
Unknown (possibly a co-host or announcer)
And thanks for stopping by the Herd line.
Colin Cowherd
That is crazy. I'm not being hyper here. You start looking even bad teams in the NFL, like Carolina, you can look at Carolina and you can go, I really like that. Coach Bryce Young, if I said to you, because the NFL, unlike baseball or the NBA, you only have about two or three awful teams now last year, I mean both New York teams at the end were bad. Last year was an outlier where I felt like you had eight bad teams. It was like the NBA. Who do we know next year is going to be bad? I don't think the Saints are going to be very good. I think everybody could say that the Saints are not going to be very good. I mean, Arizona plays close games with Kyler. I, I think they can win games. Who's not going to be good? I'm, I'm not joking when I say this. I do not think the jets will be very good. I do not think New Orleans will be very good. I think Dallas is going to be a bad football team. That I think that is all sorts of. They need those young offensive linemen to get better fast. Like really people, you know, people forget this with these big brands. You know, Georgia football was swimming in mediocrity forever. You forget this. I mean, there you, you forget, you know, Mike Price hired by Alabama, these big brands. Michigan with Brady Hoke was a mess. The Lakers, the last few years with Kobe Bryant were a mess. You think these big brands, because when they do hit, Michigan gets hardball. They rise very quickly. LeBron, ad Luca to the Lakers, they rise. You know, Red Sox have been really quiet for years. They're going to be better this year. They spent some money but it's Dallas could go on if they don't get a quarterback. You could. There were some lean years after Troy Aikman, weren't there? A few. Few lean years there. 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.
Unknown (possibly a co-host or announcer)
It's the last game of the season and with amex, you can save time with card member entrances at select venues and go straight to the so you can catch every moment. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Learn more@americanexpress.com With Amex, we live in a divided country.
Colin Cowherd
I am a lifelong Republican with all.
Jeremy Hobson
Kinds of different people.
Daniel Jeremiah
You know, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother.
Jeremy Hobson
That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas.
Jeremy Hobson
Each week we bring together an all star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the Middle.
Colin Cowherd
Thanks for having me.
Jeremy Hobson
Jeremy, Neil Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle.
Daniel Jeremiah
Thanks for having me.
Jeremy Hobson
And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues.
Daniel Jeremiah
Hi, my name is Venkat.
Colin Cowherd
I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.
Jeremy Hobson
And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.
Daniel Jeremiah
We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these.
Colin Cowherd
Jobs necessary and what are we doing here?
Daniel Jeremiah
But that doesn't seem to be what we're doing in this situation.
Jeremy Hobson
Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Colin Cowherd
Let's bring on Paul Pierce, basketball Hall of Fame co host on the show. What's up? What's up? What's up, my man? Great seeing you as always.
Daniel Jeremiah
Oh, what up? What up? I'm checking in the game, coach. Check it out. Let's go.
Colin Cowherd
So I'm watching a little Celtics sga.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
And SGA is just going to score on everybody.
Daniel Jeremiah
You can't stop him at all.
Colin Cowherd
So he's not as vertical as Michael or that dynamic. Did you have a guy in in the NBA? Maybe. Maybe it was you. A guy that just got his. You know who. I'll throw a guy. Do you remember Bernard King?
Daniel Jeremiah
Yes, I do.
Colin Cowherd
Okay. I remember Dominique Wilkins telling me, I love Garden. Mj. It was fun. He goes, I Didn't sleep with Bernard King. Wow. Were there guys in the NBA and you were a great defensive player. Were there guys that you did not like to play? Because I think Boston looks up and goes he's getting 36. There's nothing we can do about it.
Daniel Jeremiah
I mean, was that guy I didn't.
Colin Cowherd
Like, you didn't love the guard that just stylistically he just got 28. Every time you play every time.
Daniel Jeremiah
I mean I think my era had better athletes at the perimeter. When I started looking back at like Vince Carter, Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, you know, even had Glenn Robinson. Oh man. Maybe Jamal Mashburn. But Mashburn played out the post a lot. A lot of guys who scored 30 in our league like that was very athletic. And not to say he's not athletic. He just knows how to get to the spot. And like the league that we hearing today, how they talking about three and layups? No, he like I'm playing an old school style. I'm still mid range. He might be the best mid range shooter in the league.
Colin Cowherd
If you gave Kawhi Leonard his touch. It feels a little bit that Kawhi's a stronger player defensively, but SGA is good defender. It just, it's. He's one of those guys. If I said to you Kiki Vandaway on steroids.
Daniel Jeremiah
Okay, okay. Footwork. I learned a lot of my footwork from Kiki Vandaway coming up.
Colin Cowherd
Kiki was 26 a night.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yes, that's a good one.
Colin Cowherd
Kiki band away. But on steroids, I mean I would.
Daniel Jeremiah
Give him more like Kobe without the athleticism. Yeah, I mean he just gets to the line, pivots one way, people other way, then shoots over you, gets to the middle.
Colin Cowherd
Now, now I, I have said this before. I'm going to take Boston to win again. I think the biggest obstacle is Cleveland, but they don't really have a weakness.
Daniel Jeremiah
Here's how do have a weakness though, huh? They have a weak.
Colin Cowherd
What's their weakness?
Daniel Jeremiah
I mean we saw it last night and this is the one thing that concerns me. So when the shots aren't falling, they gotta find other ways to score. Because like when you look at the best scorers in the league that don't have a great shoot night, but you look up, they still got 30 is because they got to the line. They got to the line like 15 times. We saw that.
Colin Cowherd
We're doing that.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah. You look up like James Harden have. He would be 5 for 20. But 30 points because he made 18 free throws. So you got to do something that just like negates you having a bad shooting tonight. And that's what I see from Boston. So when you look up and they only have nine free throws because they're not being aggressive now, the threes they take are, are good threes, and that's who they are. That's their identity.
Colin Cowherd
But they don't manufacture enough free throws and scoring beyond the three.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah. Because it's gonna be nice like that where the shots ain't falling. We saw that a night ago. So I just hope they keep in mind just to find a better, a better balance. Because I knew at nights when I didn't have my shot going, if I missed my first two threes, I might not take another three the rest of the game. Like, that just was my mentality because I'm like, they're driving.
Colin Cowherd
They know LeBron's like that.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah. Like, yeah. Unless I'm just like wide open. I'm not like forcing no more threes, you know what I mean? Because I got to my mid range, I got to my mid post and I'm attacked the paint and I knew where I could be effective. So, you know, this is a fine line and you got to stay true to who you are because Boston's a three point shooting team.
Colin Cowherd
That's right. That's right.
Daniel Jeremiah
You got to stay true to who you are, but you got to sell some nights that. Listen, we got to change the game plan. Let's start attacking. We got advantages everywhere. We can attack. Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
I, I, I would give SGA the MVP over Jokic. Why? Because I think SGA is arguably the second best player in the year in the league. Jokic, the but A, SGA's team is much better. B, his number two player, Chet Holmgren gets hurt a lot. C, it's the third youngest team in the league. He's babysitting these guys. I do.
Daniel Jeremiah
They were the number one team last year in the West. They were. Yeah. So coming in, they were the favorite to be number one. But you give it to him not because of he's averaging, leading the league. And yeah, I mean, he, he playing with two all stars. Joker is not, doesn't have another all star. So you can't just eliminate them. But the reason you give SGA the MVP is because he has the signature moments. Like last night was a signature moment the other night versus Denver. Signature moment. 40, 40 prime time. 40 points on prime time. You look at those deals.
Colin Cowherd
Right? Right.
Daniel Jeremiah
You know what I'm saying?
Colin Cowherd
Sunday I was at Home. I went to the game.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
I'm like, okay, this. I'm going to make my MVP decision on the game.
Daniel Jeremiah
National televised game. Oh, he got 40. Oh, he sealed it.
Colin Cowherd
That's what I said.
Daniel Jeremiah
You know what I'm saying? But then Joker comes back and the next one, he has a big game. So like, oh, not so fast. But then you come back versus the Celtics on the road without your second leading score plan, and you deliver. So right now, he got the advantage.
Colin Cowherd
So the Knicks team is not as good as your Celtics team, but they have one thing in common. Is that one? I wish. So basically, Mikhail Bridges went to Tibbs and said, you gotta play us less. I had heard, because kgu, Ray Allen and Rondo. I had heard Doc Rivers. And you tell me if I'm wrong. Say in a road trip, if we win the opener, no practice, you can just play the next game. Yeah, that doc would basically, guys, give me everything you got in the opener. And if we keep winning, I won't give you practice. Is that true?
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah, I mean, we would do more walkthroughs once we got on the road, once the season started, you know, you win the game because we are. We gonna stay true to who we were, a defensive unit. We gonna play the same way versus everybody. The league is a lot different now. You know, we gonna play the same defensive principles where the defensive principles are different. And so win the game on the road. All right, we'll get the next night off, but then on game day, the next day, we're gonna have shoot around and walk through, so we'll still get to get. Get to the game plan, but there's no need to practice and run up and down and bang with each other. When your season is toward the end of the season and you need healthy bodies.
Colin Cowherd
I mean, I watch the Knicks and the Blazers. I do. Here's the advantage for The Knicks being Owen 10 against the best teams. The advantage is everybody in the building knows we need another dude. Like in the NBA, you get in trouble when the GM thinks one thing, the owner thinks another, the coach thinks another. Everybody knows we probably got to upgrade off Cat or some piece. Do you think there is a piece in the league right now? Who would you part with to get another piece in New York? Oh, so they move Randall to get Cat. Cat's the easier, more effortless offensive player. Randall's better defense. Is there a guy you like? Like, I'll give you one.
Daniel Jeremiah
I got one.
Colin Cowherd
Kd.
Daniel Jeremiah
I mean, KD can help anybody. Who's right on the fly.
Colin Cowherd
But I mean, don't they kind of need a catch and shoot?
Daniel Jeremiah
They can use kd, but I was thinking more like Zion Williamson.
Colin Cowherd
That's interesting.
Daniel Jeremiah
That would be because, you know, Cat can still stretch the floor. The way he shoots the ball. Like you have those two imposing big guys and he brings some star power to New York and I think he needs some fresh air anyway out of New Orleans.
Colin Cowherd
The other thing is, because of his injuries, you wouldn't have to give up the farm, right?
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah. He might be, you know, somebody you can kind of still from.
Colin Cowherd
What's the average? 45, 55 games a year. So you think Zion.
Daniel Jeremiah
I'll take a chance. A high risk, high reward for New York. And then it brings some excitement.
Colin Cowherd
That's really good. So tonight the warriors get Kaminga back. I think it's a TNT game. So coming. You know, because Paul, the NBA is so young now. You know, in the NFL, you're drafting guys that have played three to four years. They're married, they're 23.
Daniel Jeremiah
Right.
Colin Cowherd
College basketball. You're getting Cooper flag for a year. Dude, he's 18, 19 coming to the league. So it's a developmental league.
Daniel Jeremiah
Right.
Colin Cowherd
And so we've all kind of been waiting on Kaminga. Now for the record, he's 20 a game this year, but I feel like I've been waiting forever to get to 24 SGA.
Daniel Jeremiah
Okay.
Colin Cowherd
Was a guy the Clippers bailed on and he. And he literally became a star. Did you get a sense even with young guys, could you sense by the second year of a young guy, this guy's ceiling is 16. Like is coming.
Daniel Jeremiah
Should be able to.
Colin Cowherd
Does Kaminga have another level?
Daniel Jeremiah
What year is he?
Colin Cowherd
Is he four?
Daniel Jeremiah
Wow, that's a good question. Because usually you know who somebody is by like if they're going to be a star. Star. By the second, third year.
Colin Cowherd
Kevin Garnett.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
By the All Star game second year, I'm like, oh, this is gonna work.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah, yeah. You see it early with the guys who are up there now. Can Kaminga be like an All Star one day in a good situation? Maybe he has that type of potential. He has athleticism and it seems like his game is starting to come around. You know, he's shooting, shooting the ball better. We already know his athleticism is high level, long athletic. So he has the tools to be really, really good.
Colin Cowherd
Are you surprised Jimmy Butler has been this important?
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah, I didn't know he was going to have this type of impact. It's like it gave steph A jolt in the arm. It's like he took a shot and was like, oh, I'm re. Energized. But you know what Jimmy brings? He brings a level of toughness to the physicality that I noticed to the offense.
Colin Cowherd
Paul piercing him.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah, for sure. I would say, like, Jimmy is one of my comparables, actually, because of his attitude, the way he plays. He's under control and his demeanor, you know, so he brings a physicality to the team on the offensive end, and then you got Draymond on the other. On the other end giving you that defensive physicality. And that's what the warriors needed, because I looked at them before Jimmy got there as, like, a finesse team, you.
Colin Cowherd
Know, they didn't get to the line.
Daniel Jeremiah
No, they were a finesse team. They hit or miss, you know, and then it's gonna be night. Steph will be on, and most nights he'll be on, but then those nights are off. There's no physicality brought to the game, and he's bringing that, and that's gonna be dangerous. And then you're gonna have Steph close you out. He. Keep it close. Keep it. Like, Jimmy is like the guy in the box. Arena just give you body blows. You know what I'm saying? Like, it just. It's like it just starts wearing on you. You know what I'm saying? By the. By the 10th round, you just can't take it no more.
Colin Cowherd
So I said, this OKC will be a good home team in the playoffs. I don't trust young guys on the road. Go to your Celtics teams. Tell me the. Okay. Remember the Bulls with Derrick Rose? Everybody kept telling me, oh, and I was like, they play so hard in the regular season because they got no trophy.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
Was there a team when you played that you knew you'd beat him in a playoff series? But, man, they brought an intensity on a Tuesday night. And they were. You know, they were a really good team in the regular season, but it never quite translated, man. Remember that Cleveland team Jordan used to face all the time? Remember that?
Daniel Jeremiah
Mark Price and those guys?
Colin Cowherd
Oh, dude, they chew people up. They could never get past Chicago. Oh.
Daniel Jeremiah
I mean, the young Cleveland team with LeBron was like that.
Colin Cowherd
Were they.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah, they were really good. Like, even the. In the last year we went to the finals, they were still young and fast, and they were the number one team in the East. And we were like. We actually lost some games. We. We. We could have been, like, saw them in the conference finals or second round. We chose to lose a Couple of games to see them in the second round because we knew we could get them in a playoff set.
Colin Cowherd
Right?
Daniel Jeremiah
So you know that. That's. They remind me of that team right there, because Cleveland was. This was 2010, right. And this is when Cleveland was number one seed in the East. They won, like, six.
Colin Cowherd
Okay? So I'm. I'm gonna throw a crazy theory at you, Okay. I want you to have an open mind to my theory.
Daniel Jeremiah
Okay?
Colin Cowherd
So LeBron at 40 years old, was carrying the Lakers. They make the move to get Luca. He's not in shape. He's playing in shape. Then Jackson Hayes and Rui get banged up, and Austin Reeves, and LeBron goes to play. The Celtics has a great first half. Boston pulls away. He feels a little tweak in his groin. And LeBron says, Daddy's going to take some time off. You young guys get healthy. I'm looking at the schedule. It's outrageous.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
And that LeBron could play. And I am defending LeBron on this. It's like a baseball team in August. The starter's like, yeah, my elbow's a little sore. I'll wait till the playoffs. That. That look. And I'm not saying LeBron's dogging it, but I'm saying he's like, you know, it's a little tweak. I've been carrying you guys for three and a half months.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah. I look at it like. I mean, it's pretty brilliant, actually, because he said, all right, you know, they were in the fourth or fifth seed. Luca comes, they make a push. They push all the way to the second seed. They're like, all right, we got some cushion. All right, we have a month, three weeks left. You know what? Second seed is great, but the most important thing is we need to be healthy. So we don't even care. We. We made our push. We're going to be in the playoffs as long as we're not in the play in. So now if we slide all the way to five, we don't. We don't mind, because if we go into the playoffs as a healthy team, the Lakers are still going to be dangerous.
Colin Cowherd
Yes.
Daniel Jeremiah
You know, because look who's ahead of them. Who do you trust ahead of them? Even at 5, who do you trust? Houston.
Colin Cowherd
No, I trust Golden State.
Daniel Jeremiah
Okay, but they won't play Golden State.
Colin Cowherd
Right.
Daniel Jeremiah
You know, Golden State will probably come in at that six. But Memphis, you trust them versus the Lakers?
Colin Cowherd
Houston.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah. The only team that you're like, I mean, okc. They're young. Like, come on. You gotta understand, listen, as a young team, when. When the production start and what I call the production. It's the playoffs, it's the production. Now you go, okay, see, y'all gonna go from like two or three reporters in your locker room to see all these reporters now. They going, when y'all play the Lakers, there's gonna be a hundred of them now. And I just remember this when I was in the playoffs, just like, whoa, so many cameras, so many lights. And that can overwhelm a young team. Just the bright lights.
Colin Cowherd
Also, when you play poorly, you get ripped all night on TV and radio.
Daniel Jeremiah
Oh, my God. And that. That type of pressure, you know, as a young team can get to them, you know, and the aura that the Lakers bring. So I'm looking at okc, Lakers. Only team that can cause the Lakers, I think trouble is the Denver Nuggets.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
Daniel Jeremiah
Size because of what they've done in the past.
Colin Cowherd
Can't stop.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah. So it's going to get interesting. LeBron rest up. You know, I would even rest up. Luca, on the rest of this trip. Let's just. Let's get healthy. Let's get healthy.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
Daniel Jeremiah
And come back home and get these gimme gangs that we post to get.
Colin Cowherd
After this road trip, get back to a three seed.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yeah. I mean, it'll matter. They could drop the five. Go ahead. They just want to be LeBron and.
Colin Cowherd
Luka can win on the road.
Daniel Jeremiah
Yes.
Colin Cowherd
OkC. I got my questions with Houston. I got my questions with.
Daniel Jeremiah
Right.
Colin Cowherd
Paul Pierce is always great. Speak after us live in la, it's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd. Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. 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. Listen. 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 Community 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 Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich.
Unknown (possibly a co-host or announcer)
Count your way into a perfect night with AMEX Gold. One restaurant, two friends, three amazing dishes and four times membership rewards points on purchases at restaurants and US Supermarkets. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Cap applies. Learn more@americanexpress.com with Amax we live in a divided country.
Colin Cowherd
I am a lifelong Republican with all.
Jeremy Hobson
Kinds of different people.
Daniel Jeremiah
You know, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother.
Jeremy Hobson
That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas.
Jeremy Hobson
Each week we bring together an all Star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the Middle.
Colin Cowherd
Thanks for having me.
Daniel Jeremiah
Jeremy.
Jeremy Hobson
Neil DeGrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle.
Daniel Jeremiah
Thanks for having me.
Jeremy Hobson
And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues.
Colin Cowherd
Hi, my name is Venkat. I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.
Jeremy Hobson
And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.
Daniel Jeremiah
We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these.
Colin Cowherd
Jobs necessary and what are we doing here?
Daniel Jeremiah
But that doesn't seem to be what we're doing in this situation.
Jeremy Hobson
Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Colin Cowherd
FC Today, the NFC will give you one more glimpse. Hold me accountable for now, this is my all the coaching hires done, 99% of free agency done. Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins may find a new team. I think. I think Russell's maybe a win for the Steelers more than their quarterback situation last year. Maybe a win. He's a year older. There's a picture of Aaron strolling on the beach. He's trying to figure out where to go. I'd go to New York. He'll probably go to Pittsburgh. That's what we hear. Here are my predictions in the nfc. I think it's the harder conference to predict because there's fewer star quarterbacks. I'll take Eagles Commanders, Cowboys Giants. I if the Giants sign Aaron Rodgers, I'll probably flip that. He's probably worth a couple wins. I would probably flip that and put the Cowboys last. So I think Aaron, Aaron's worth a winner to Pittsburgh or New York right now. Eagles commanders, Cowboys, Giants in the NFC North. Lions, the stacked roster. Vikings, the weakest roster. I think Bears and Packers battle it out. You know, I like Green Bay and Jordan Love Matt Lafleur, but Jordan Love last year struggled against better defenses like 60% completion percentage, 81 passer rating, 2 and 6. So do I think organizationally Green Bay is better? Yeah. But I right now think the Bears with their acquisitions have a better old line and a more dynamic quarterback. We'll see in the running back, Josh Jacobs. We'll see what the Bears do in the draft. So I'd go Lions, Bears, Packers, Vikings. This division is always. I like Penix so I think Pennocks, Baker, your best quarterbacks. Tampa brings their entire offense back. Tampa schedule, by the way, for an NFC south team is brutal. Tampa's got a first place schedule. Rough schedule for Tampa. That's the difference. Remember Atlanta beat him twice last year and now I get panics. So Falcons, Bucks, Panthers, Saints. A lot of people are high on the Panthers. J. Mac was last year. That didn't transpire. And finally the NFC West. I think the Rams are clearly the best team. The Cardinals are a 4. This 49ers have 12 draft picks and they got rid of, I mean a lot. Their top corner, Greenlaw, who Funga, they got, they got rid of some dudes and their D line needs outside of Bosa needs help. I don't think they're the same defense. I do not. And I don't think it's a great draft. I think they want to go get a tight end in the draft and by the second, third round, all these picks, how many great defensive players can you get? So I tend to like the Seahawks. They got to shore up their offensive line. But outside of that, I like Seattle's roster and so my NFC predictions and I won't make another one till after the draft. Eagles, Lions, Falcons, Rams win the division commanders, Bear, Seahawks, wild cards. You have to have at least four new playoff teams annually. That's the average last 20, 30 years. So I have Falcons, Bears, Seahawks, has the new teams now I will not have as many new teams in the afc. Why? Because you have Josh, Allen, Lamar. I'll give you a heads up. I do think Cam Ward could potentially get Tennessee in that division, could make them interesting. That's the only guy in the draft that I think can win. Change outcomes is Cam Ward. That's it.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
So let's be real. This is extremely difficult, Right? This time last year, nobody had Bo Nix and the Broncos going to the playoffs. Now, you did like Jaden Daniels and Washington, but did you have them as a playoff team?
Colin Cowherd
Yes.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
And like the only guy in the country.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. No, I had Washington as a playoff team and I had Bo Nicks and Denver as the most improved team because of the 61 college starts and they were outside of Washington, they were the most improved.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
We know every year something wacky happens. Niners lose the super bowl, miss the playoffs.
Colin Cowherd
Okay, so my, my favorite thing, they call them future bets. My favorite thing in betting is not the weekly picks. It's picking a team every year that doubles their wins. So last year I had Denver. I was right. The year before I had the Rams. I was right. The year before that I had Minnesota. So what team is going to double their wins? I think it's the Bears and New England. Now, New England's got a more manageable schedule than Chicago does, so I think Chicago. How many? Chicago. What did Chicago do last year? Now, New England's the easiest bet on the board. So New England will be by double the win total. Chicago. But I have Chicago getting to the playoffs, so basically double it. Basically, New England is my Denver of last year. Chicago's my Washington. So Washington was my surprise playoff team. That's my Chicago. New England is my Denver won't make the playoffs, but they'll double their win total, minimum.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
What about the super bowl hangover theory where a lot of the super bowl losers.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, no, no, I, I don't. I, I do.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
You have the Chiefs missing the playoffs? Anything crazy like that, you will be.
Colin Cowherd
Surprised where I put Kansas.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Do you think the Lions losing. Both coordinators lose like six wins and they go from 15 to nine.
Colin Cowherd
I think the. I think the NFC North. It's a good question. Is going to be very competitive.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Yeah. Like, what's a bigger.
Colin Cowherd
Chicago is better. J.J. mcCarthy could be great.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
But wait, what's a bigger loss? Sam Darnold leaves the Vikings or both coordinators leave the lines.
Colin Cowherd
Both coordinators leave the Lions. Because I think JJ McCarthy is probably as good as Sam Darnold. And you are not getting Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn in Detroit.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
I think. Well, the other thing where the Lions missed the playoffs next year, I don't think that's crazy from 15 wins.
Colin Cowherd
No, I don't either. And I'll. And I'LL usually if you have a dominant O line, it's hard not to make the playoffs. I mean, I mean Atlanta had a good O line.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Can you get the Jared Goff playoff performance out of your head? I mean what do you have 17 turnovers against Washington?
Colin Cowherd
It was bad.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
At home, no less. Well, I think they were.
Colin Cowherd
They hired Ben Johnson left as the OC of the Lions to Chicago. Didn't they hire in house? They. They hired an in house candidate. Did they also hire an in house candidate to replace Aaron Glenn? Because I'm not a huge fan of that. I have.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
They don't, they don't have a lot of guys on defense. Hutchinson will be back obviously, but the DJ Reed pickup was good. I don't know, man. I feel like the Lions are probably going to tell me.
Colin Cowherd
I am. And this Seahawks stuff, did they go so they what? Both the Lions coordinators were replaced by in house candidates. I so ask yourself, was the best candidate in the NFL to replace Ben Johnson? What are the chances they'd be on the team he's already on? I don't think that. I mean it's like this company. I mean if you lost a hotshot vice president at this company or ESPN, what are the chances in the world your next VP's here. It could happen. Now you may like somebody that fits the culture, but generally a coordinate, an offensive coordinator is outside of the head coach and quarterback. Can you argue the offensive coordinator is the third most important person in an organization outside of coach quarterback. Well, if the coach is defensive, it is.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
There you go. I would agree with that, Colin. The only thing is there's no real like super duper random team you have surging up New England.
Daniel Jeremiah
No, no.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
In the nfc.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, the nfc. What no Chicago, they won five games.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Everybody loves them now. No, they don't. Yeah, they do. That offensive line, they're the biggest winners.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, by the way, The Lions knew O.C. was the. Was from Denver. My bad. I thought they moved him up. My bad. So he was previously with Detroit. He went to Denver, came back. So that's different. He went somewhere. He left. That's okay.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
I wanted to see like a Carolina Panthers make this list that would have. And there is. Listen, I know it's speculation. We don't want our traffic and so.
Colin Cowherd
You'Re not impressed that I took the cruddy Seahawks to make the play.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
They're not making the play. I think that's just. You could just put a big X through it right now.
Colin Cowherd
So I, you, you, you all of a Sudden. So you don't. You're not impressed by the Bears? Seahawks.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Bears is expected. Seahawks. That's not happening. But anyways, the Panthers are the team to watch. There's a lot of online speculation. I don't know where it originated.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, you did that. You sold me that crap last.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Well, wait a minute. That. That. They are making an attempt to trade for T. Higgins, and some people are connecting the number 8 pick in the draft, who is.
Colin Cowherd
Carolina.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Carolina Panthers. Oh, I would make that for T. Higgins. Now, you like tmac a lot. The wide receiver from Arizona who a lot of people have Carolina taking eight. Would you rather have young TMac or established T. Higgins who you would then have to pay?
Colin Cowherd
It's a good question. I probably take. I would take TMac. I don't have to pay him for four years. Higgins is.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Higgins is a known quantity, but he's.
Colin Cowherd
More of a two than a one. Tmac to me is a one.
Unknown (possibly a sports analyst or reporter)
Disagree. That's fine.
Colin Cowherd
And a receiver is a position you can come in and play pretty quickly. Yeah, like corner running back, you know, it's not. It's not quarterback or left tackle. All right, good show. A lot of fun. We'll see you tomorrow. Speak or. No, no, no, no. First things first is next. My bad. This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser podcast. On a more serious note, I'm still thinking about that commercial with Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg hating on each other. 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 country, and it's gotta stop. So join us at iHeart in standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up, call it out, and you can learn more by following at. What's up with Hate?
Greg Rosenthal
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 will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday, keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
Jeremy Hobson
We live in a divided country, and our media couldn't be more polarizing. That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Each week we hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country. And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news. Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Colin Cowherd
What's up everyone?
Unknown (possibly a co-host or announcer)
Julie Swerbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.
Colin Cowherd
We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go. The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb. Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right? Exactly.
Unknown (possibly a co-host or announcer)
And you'll never know who will drop.
Colin Cowherd
By to join us. Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.
Unknown (possibly a co-host or announcer)
Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" Episode: Hour 3 - Paul Pierce
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, viewers are treated to a lively and in-depth discussion on the latest developments in the sports world, featuring special guest Paul Pierce, a basketball Hall of Famer. The conversation navigates through significant topics in college basketball, the NFL offseason, NBA player performances, and strategic team analyses, providing listeners with expert insights and engaging commentary.
Key Topics and Discussions
College Basketball Update: Cooper Flag’s Injury and Duke's Prospects
The episode kicks off with a discussion about Cooper Flag, the standout player in college basketball, who suffered an ankle injury during a recent game. Hosts delve into the implications of his absence for Duke's performance in the upcoming ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
The conversation highlights Duke's reliance on Flag and other NBA-bound players, questioning whether the team can maintain its momentum without their star player.
NFL Offseason Analysis: Dallas Cowboys’ Struggles and Future Prospects
Transitioning to the NFL, the hosts examine the tumultuous offseason of the Dallas Cowboys. With a disappointing 7-10 record last season, injuries to key players like Dak Prescott, and significant roster changes—including the loss of DeMarcus Lawrence and Rico Dowdle—the team faces a challenging rebuilding phase.
The analysis covers potential coaching hires and speculates on whether the Cowboys might be positioning themselves for a high draft pick, indicating a possible strategic reset.
NBA Focus: Lakers’ Injury Woes and LeBron James’ Impact
Shifting to the NBA, the discussion centers on the Los Angeles Lakers' current injury troubles, including concerns over LeBron James' groin tweak. The hosts debate the impact of his potential absence on the team's performance during a grueling back-to-back road trip.
The segment underscores the critical role LeBron plays for the Lakers and how his health could determine the team's success in the latter part of the season.
Guest Segment: Paul Pierce on Current NBA Trends and Player Performances
Paul Pierce joins the conversation to provide his perspective on current NBA trends, player performances, and team strategies. His insights add depth to the discussion, particularly concerning young talents like Stephen A. G. (SGA) and established stars like LeBron James.
Paul Pierce and Colin engage in a spirited debate over MVP considerations, comparing the contributions of SGA and Nikola Jokic, and discussing the broader implications for their respective teams.
Strategic Team Analysis: Knicks, Celtics, and Warriors
The hosts analyze the strategic moves and potential of teams like the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Golden State Warriors. Discussions include player trades, team dynamics, and the potential for future success based on current rosters and injury statuses.
This segment provides listeners with an in-depth look at how teams can leverage their strengths and navigate their weaknesses to climb the rankings.
Future Predictions: NFL and NBA Playoff Scenarios
In the latter parts of the episode, Colin and Daniel Jeremiah offer predictions for upcoming NFL and NBA playoff scenarios. They speculate on team performances, potential upsets, and the impact of key player injuries on championship outcomes.
The predictions are backed by years of experience and provide listeners with a forecast of what to expect in the high-stakes environments of professional sports.
Insights and Conclusions
Throughout the episode, The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of current sports events, enriched by Paul Pierce's expertise. Key takeaways include:
Injury Impact: The significance of player health cannot be overstated, as injuries to pivotal players like Cooper Flag and LeBron James have profound effects on their teams' trajectories.
Team Strategy: Strategic decisions in the NFL offseason, such as coaching hires and player trades, are critical for long-term success, as evidenced by the Dallas Cowboys' recent challenges.
Player Performance: Debates over MVP candidates and player comparisons highlight the evolving nature of player contributions and their recognition within the league.
Future Outlook: Predictive insights into playoff scenarios and team performances provide listeners with a roadmap of potential outcomes in both the NFL and NBA.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
[02:59] Sports Analyst: "Cooper Flag. He's going to be fine. But the early guess is he will not appear in the rest of the ACC tour."
[04:01] Colin Cowherd: "If they look at him and go, he's not 100%, would you play if I was Cooper Flag? Why go back now? I would."
[05:30] Sports Analyst: "Find me the positives here. Micah Parsons can't find any positives."
[07:11] Colin Cowherd: "Who returns sooner, LeBron or Cooper Flag."
[11:25] Colin Cowherd: "So he's not as vertical as Michael or that dynamic. Did you have a guy in the NBA? Maybe. Maybe it was you. A guy that just got his. You know who."
[15:04] Colin Cowherd: "I would give SGA the MVP over Jokic. Why? Because I think SGA is arguably the second best player in the year in the league."
[21:22] Daniel Jeremiah: "Jimmy is one of my comparables, actually, because of his attitude, the way he plays. He's under control and his demeanor."
Conclusion
This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd delivers a robust discussion on pivotal sports topics, enriched by the presence of Paul Pierce. From college basketball injuries to strategic NFL moves and NBA player performances, the conversation offers listeners a well-rounded perspective on the current state and future outlook of professional sports. The inclusion of expert opinions and notable quotes enhances the depth and engagement of the discussion, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking comprehensive analysis.