The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 3 - Rachel Nichols
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd, Jason McIntyre
Guest: Analyst (unnamed)
1. LeBron James' Role and the Lakers' Strategy
Discussion on LeBron's Off-Ball Play and Kyrie's Role
The episode kicks off with a deep dive into LeBron James' evolving role within the Los Angeles Lakers. Host Jason McIntyre references J.J. Redick's long-held belief that "eventually LeBron needs to play off ball" but highlights how LeBron's decision to position Kyrie Irving as a two-guard in Cleveland led to friction.
Jason McIntyre [04:00]: "For years we've sort of known like eventually LeBron needs to play off ball. But in Cleveland, he relegated Kyrie to a two guard and Kyrie didn't like it."
Impact of Luka Doncic's Integration
The conversation shifts to Luka Doncic's fit with the Lakers, emphasizing his dexterity and versatility. The analyst suggests that LeBron views Luka as a strategic asset to extend his own career by alleviating some of the physical burdens during games.
Unnamed Analyst [04:14]: "LeBron has been looking for this… Luka's just going to take some of that physical load off him in so many ways."
2. Dallas Mavericks and Team Dynamics
Anthony Davis' Health and Team Potential
McIntyre expresses optimism about the Mavericks, even with Anthony Davis' ongoing injuries. He praises Davis as potentially the best defensive player in the league, pairing him with Luka to form a formidable duo.
Jason McIntyre [06:00]: "I really believe if you think Kyrie is as gifted an offensive player as the sport has and if you think AD is the best defensive player in the league, you can't tell me Dallas is not a team capable of getting to the conference final."
Concerns Over Injury Projections
However, the analyst cautions that with both Davis and Luka projected to miss significant time, the Mavericks might struggle to coalesce and make a deep playoff run this season.
Unnamed Analyst [07:05]: "They're going to run out of time this year with the amount of time that AD is projected to miss."
3. Jimmy Butler and Golden State Warriors
Butler's Impact and Reputation
The discussion moves to Jimmy Butler's influence across various teams. McIntyre highlights Butler’s ability to elevate team performance wherever he plays, noting his reputation for clutch play reminiscent of Kobe Bryant.
Jason McIntyre [07:37]: "He is a winning player, like inside the league… you can't stop him with either hand."
Golden State's Strategic Move with Steph Curry
The analyst points out that Golden State is banking on Steph Curry's continued excellence, especially with the Warriors' new contracts ensuring Curry remains a central figure until the near future.
Unnamed Analyst [09:34]: "Steph has been such a great states person for the league… they have a real sense of honor about what he has brought to their organization."
4. New York Knicks and Carl Anthony Towns
Defensive Struggles and Team Composition
McIntyre critiques the Knicks' defensive strategies, particularly regarding Carl Anthony Towns' role. The analyst concurs, highlighting the Knicks' poor defensive rankings and inability to effectively guard top offensive centers.
Unnamed Analyst [10:43]: "They have played so badly defensively for Tom Thibodeau’s team. They are second to last in the league defensively."
5. NBA All-Star Weekend and League Ratings
All-Star Weekend Tweaks and Player Feedback
The hosts discuss the NBA's attempts to innovate All-Star Weekend, suggesting that the league is "overthinking" the event. They propose a one-on-one tournament as a potential solution, drawing inspiration from the Unrivaled Women's League.
Unnamed Analyst [17:56]: "What about a one-on-one tournament? Maybe next year, that's what we need."
Concerns Over Traditional Ratings Metrics
McIntyre and the analyst debate the NBA's declining traditional TV ratings, considering the shift to digital consumption. They acknowledge the league's efforts to promote streaming and social media engagement as new metrics of success.
Unnamed Analyst [20:22]: "We're being watched by so many millions and in fact billions of people worldwide."
6. Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers' Downfall
Injury Impacts and Team Performance
A severe focus is placed on Joel Embiid's spiraling injuries and their detrimental effect on the 76ers. The hosts lament Embiid's inability to perform at his peak and the resultant seven-game losing streak.
Jason McIntyre [36:56]: "Joel Embiid may need a radical procedure like microfracture surgery… It just feels like the Sixers are toast."
Comparisons to Legendary Centers
The conversation includes comparisons between Embiid and past great centers like Patrick Ewing and Dwight Howard, questioning Embiid's legacy and current standing.
Jason McIntyre [37:24]: "Patrick Ewing is better than Joel Embiid. I can't hear some people saying Embiid is top 10."
7. NFL Draft and Quarterback Prospects
Shadoud Sanders at the NFL Combine
The hosts briefly touch upon Shadoud Sanders' attendance at the NFL Combine, discussing his fit as a pocket quarterback and his potential placements within the league.
Jason McIntyre [32:11]: "Shadour Sanders is a classic pocket quarterback who is a very accurate thrower… People have seen so much of him. They know what he is."
Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings
The topic shifts to Sam Darnold and speculations around his potential trade, with discussions on the Vikings' interest and the implications for the Raiders.
Unnamed Guest [30:19]: "I think it is. That's what I think it is. Because J.J. McCarthy, you're not going to draft them and sit him."
8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
Final Takeaways on Team Strategies and Player Health
As the episode wraps up, McIntyre and the analyst reiterate their concerns over player health impacting team success, especially in high-stakes environments like the playoffs.
Jason McIntyre [24:22]: "I think he has gotten a mental wake-up call… We are going to see him in different kind of condition."
Overall Sentiment on the NBA's Direction
The overall sentiment reflects skepticism towards the NBA's current strategies, particularly regarding player health management and event innovations, while acknowledging the league's adaptability to changing viewership patterns.
Notable Quotes
- Jason McIntyre [04:00]: "For years we've sort of known like eventually LeBron needs to play off ball. But in Cleveland, he relegated Kyrie to a two guard and Kyrie didn't like it."
- Unnamed Analyst [04:14]: "LeBron has been looking for this… Luka's just going to take some of that physical load off him in so many ways."
- Jason McIntyre [07:37]: "He is a winning player, like inside the league… you can't stop him with either hand."
- Unnamed Analyst [10:43]: "They have played so badly defensively for Tom Thibodeau’s team. They are second to last in the league defensively."
- Unnamed Analyst [17:56]: "What about a one-on-one tournament? Maybe next year, that's what we need."
- Jason McIntyre [36:56]: "Joel Embiid may need a radical procedure like microfracture surgery… It just feels like the Sixers are toast."
- Jason McIntyre [37:24]: "Patrick Ewing is better than Joel Embiid. I can't hear some people saying Embiid is top 10."
Conclusion
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre engage in an extensive discussion covering pivotal NBA narratives, focusing on player roles, team strategies, the impact of injuries, and the league's efforts to adapt to evolving viewer habits. Through insightful analysis and candid opinions, the hosts dissect the current state of the NBA, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the major sports stories shaping the basketball landscape.