Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Paul Pierce Stops by The Herd

Release Date: May 9, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Paul Pierce
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the third hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," former NBA star Paul Pierce joins host Colin Cowherd for an in-depth discussion on current NBA dynamics, player performances, and playoff strategies. The conversation delves into the mindset required for championship success, the role of "one" players in teams, and specific analyses of ongoing playoff series.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The Concept of "One" Players in the NBA

• Definition and Criteria:

  • Colin Cowherd (04:17): Defines a "one" as a player who can be the best on a championship team, emphasizing attributes like productivity, durability, emotional and physical availability, and a competitive "dog" mentality.
  • Paul Pierce (04:58): Agrees with the importance of mentality, highlighting that while talent is crucial, the right mindset can propel players further in their careers.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Cowherd (07:16): "One is about durability and toughness and resilience and dog."
  • Pierce (04:23): "That's fair. Times. Because I feel like that about him, you know, because I see it, I know it's in him because I've seen it a bunch of times."

2. Analysis of Jalen Brunson as a "One"

• Cowherd's Perspective:

  • Cowherd (07:16): Positions Jalen Brunson as a potential "one" based on his consistency, durability, and ability to be a productive leader.

• Pierce's Counterpoint:

  • Pierce (08:20): While praising Brunson’s skills, he expresses skepticism about Brunson being the primary leader on a championship team, likening essential roles to those of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Cowherd (07:35): "You got to be a dog at least some of the time. You got to want to close. You can't run from the shot."
  • Pierce (08:32): "Point guards, as good as they are, as good as he is, I don't think a point guard can be your best player."

3. Playoff Strategies and Team Dynamics

• Physicality in Playoffs:

  • Cowherd (05:21): Commends the NBA’s allowance of a more physical playoff brand, suggesting it benefits less talented teams by leveling the playing field.
  • Pierce (06:02): Reflects on his playing days, advocating for a "junked-up" game involving fouling and physical play to counteract superior teams.

• Mentality Over Game Planning:

  • Pierce (03:41): Emphasizes that losing a lead is often a mental lapse rather than a failure in game planning, stressing the importance of mental toughness.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Pierce (06:34): "We gotta junk the game up. And by saying that, we gotta foul, we gotta grab, we gotta push, we gotta do things that they're not used to doing."
  • Cowherd (05:24): "The NBA is allowing a very physical playoff brand. Yeah, so do I. And for the record, that's why you flourished in the playoffs."

4. Draymond Green and the Role of the "Villain"

• Cowherd’s Defense:

  • Cowherd (09:02): Defends Draymond Green, positioning him alongside historical "villains" like Dennis Rodman and Ron Artest, praising his ability to disrupt opponents both offensively and mentally.

• Pierce’s Insights:

  • Pierce (10:13): Suggests that while Green embraces his antagonistic role, he could learn from Rodman’s subtler approach to getting under opponents' skin without excessive antics.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Cowherd (09:02): "Draymond's a little more Bill Lambert, a little more tackling and obvious."
  • Pierce (10:13): "Draymond should study Dennis Rodman. Because Dennis Rodman was so good at getting under your skin without all the extras."

5. Current Playoff Series: Celtics vs. Knicks

• Series Analysis:

  • Cowherd (19:26): Discusses how the Celtics are viewed as the smarter, more analytical team ("math guys") compared to the Knicks' more physical, playground-style play.

• Pierce’s Concerns:

  • Pierce (34:31): Expresses worry over Celtics' leadership and coaching adjustments, especially if they continue to falter against the Knicks.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Pierce (09:32): "They may get out of this series with the Celtics, I just think they're missing one piece and it could be like a Giannis in New York."
  • Cowherd (34:31): "What say you?"

6. The Role of Leadership and Team Cohesion

• Importance of Team Belief:

  • Pierce (24:51): Highlights Bo Nix’s role in the Denver Broncos, emphasizing his ability to be a cornerstone and attract players to the franchise, similar to the impact of Peyton Manning.

• Cowherd’s Take:

  • Cowherd (25:16): Agrees on the significance of internal belief within the team structure.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Pierce (24:51): "He hangs with the guys, you know, he's the guy that, you know, players want to be around."
  • Cowherd (25:16): "Bonix. A lot of people were doubting the old boaster."

Insights and Conclusions

Colin Cowherd and Paul Pierce engage in a candid discussion about the intricate balance between talent, mentality, and physicality in the NBA.

• "One" Players: Both agree that having a player who can lead a team is critical for championship success, though Pierce remains cautious about point guards being primary leaders.
• Physical Play: They acknowledge the strategic advantage that a more physical playoff approach can offer, leveling the playing field against more analytically driven teams.
• Leadership Dynamics: Emphasizing the importance of team cohesion and strong leadership, they discuss how cornerstone players like Bo Nix can influence team culture and performance.
• Playoff Strategies: The conversation underscores the need for teams to adapt their strategies and maintain mental toughness to navigate the pressures of the playoffs effectively.

Overall, the episode provides listeners with a deep dive into the factors that contribute to NBA playoff success, the evolving roles of players, and the significance of mindset and leadership within teams. The combination of Cowherd’s analytical perspective and Pierce’s firsthand experience offers a well-rounded examination of current NBA narratives.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Cowherd (07:35): "You got to be a dog at least some of the time. You got to want to close. You can't run from the shot."
• Pierce (04:23): "That's fair. Times. Because I feel like that about him, you know, because I see it, I know it's in him because I've seen it a bunch of times."
• Pierce (06:02): "We gotta junk the game up. And by saying that, we gotta foul, we gotta grab, we gotta push, we gotta do things that they're not used to doing."
• Cowherd (09:02): "Draymond's a little more Bill Lambert, a little more tackling and obvious."
• Pierce (10:13): "Draymond should study Dennis Rodman. Because Dennis Rodman was so good at getting under your skin without all the extras."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" featuring Paul Pierce offers valuable insights into the strategic elements of basketball playoff success, the essential qualities of impactful players, and the importance of leadership and mental resilience. Through engaging dialogue and expert analysis, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the current NBA landscape and the nuanced factors that drive team performance in high-stakes scenarios.