Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: Hour 3 - The NBA Playoff Games Tonight
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Chandler Parsons
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
1. Introduction of Guest: Chandler Parsons
Timestamp: [02:30]
Colin Cowherd welcomes former NBA player Chandler Parsons to discuss the night's NBA playoff games. Chandler brings his extensive experience from nearly a decade in the league, including his time with the Florida Gators and his current undisclosed location near a beach setting.
2. Evolution of NBA Playoff Physicality
Timestamp: [02:30 - 05:21]
Colin Cowherd initiates the conversation by highlighting the NBA's shift towards increased physicality in the playoffs. He shares his preference for "manhlytics," emphasizing traditional basketball elements like physical plays, mid-range shots, and fewer three-pointers.
"I like the playoffs to be about physicality. Get a bucket, get a stop. I like the mid-range game. I don't want a parade of threes."
— Colin Cowherd [02:35]
Chandler Parsons agrees, noting the contrast between regular-season and playoff gameplay. He points out that playoff games resemble the scoring pace of the 1990s NBA, with lower scores and more defensively driven outcomes.
"During the regular season, if you watch the regular season, those 82 games, it's a completely different product that you see now with the physicality... NBA basketball scores 94 to 86. The unders are hitting that crazy clip like it is a different level of basketball."
— Chandler Parsons [04:00]
Chandler elaborates on how physical teams like the New York Knicks are thriving by slowing down the game and valuing each possession, contrasting them with teams overly reliant on three-point shooting, such as the Boston Celtics.
"Playoffs, everything shortens, possessions are more valuable and it does favor a tough physical team like the New York Knicks, who are proven that they've outplayed the Celtics this series."
— Chandler Parsons [04:50]
3. Evaluation of Tyrese Haliburton
Timestamp: [05:21 - 07:19]
Colin Cowherd shifts focus to individual player performances, specifically Tyrese Haliburton, who has been labeled by some as "the most overrated player."
"When Tyrese Halliburton gets called the most overrated player, I'm like, it's so petty. I don't get it."
— Colin Cowherd [05:30]
Chandler Parsons defends Haliburton, attributing the criticism to a slow start for his team and possible jealousy from bench players. He emphasizes Haliburton's traditional point guard role and his value in orchestrating the offense.
"He is, he is one of the last true remaining point guards... he just the absolute pure point guard and if anything, I think he's underrated."
— Chandler Parsons [06:30]
Parsons praises Haliburton's assist numbers, comparing him to other elite point guards like Chris Paul and Trey Young, underscoring his importance in team dynamics over mere scoring.
4. Julius Randle's Transformation and Impact
Timestamp: [07:19 - 09:33]
Colin Cowherd introduces Julius Randle as another revelation outside of New York, highlighting his improved performance and adaptability under new coaching.
"Another revelation is Julius Randle. And this shows he takes to coaching."
— Colin Cowherd [07:30]
Chandler Parsons expresses his newfound admiration for Randle, acknowledging his past shortcomings but recognizing his current growth and crucial role in leading the New York Knicks towards the Western Conference Finals.
"I've never been the biggest Julius Randle fan of his game, but he's proving me and a lot of people wrong that he is a stud and he has value."
— Chandler Parsons [09:00]
Parsons credits the Knicks' strategic roster adjustments and player acquisitions, such as Nas Reed and Jaden McDaniels, for complementing Randle's matured game, fostering a balanced and versatile team.
5. Golden State Warriors: Strategy and Challenges
Timestamp: [09:33 - 11:53]
Colin Cowherd critiques the Golden State Warriors' current strategy, expressing skepticism about their ability to win another title without significant changes.
"I think they need a big swing. I don't know if the warriors think they have a big swing."
— Colin Cowherd [10:00]
Chandler Parsons discusses the Warriors' management challenges, particularly the potential departure of key figures like Bob Myers and the impact of Steph Curry's injury on their playoff aspirations.
"Steph Curry's injury in this series... I do think that is a huge factor. And this is exactly why you go and get a Jimmy Butler for that exact reason."
— Chandler Parsons [10:45]
Parsons emphasizes the Warriors' need to maximize their championship window by possibly restructuring their roster and making strategic trades to compensate for Curry's absence.
6. NFL Update: Derrick Henry's Extension
Timestamp: [16:19 - 19:16]
Transitioning from basketball, Colin Cowherd and a Sports Analyst discuss Derrick Henry's two-year, $30 million extension with the Baltimore Ravens, making him the highest-paid running back over 30 years old and the third highest-paid in NFL history.
"Derrick Henry is staying in Baltimore. A two-year $30 million extension, 25 million of it guaranteed."
— Sports Analyst [16:30]
Cowherd admires Henry's durability and effectiveness, comparing him to Adrian Peterson and highlighting his ability to maintain peak performance despite age.
"He looks like the same back he was from five years ago and he's, he is banging into people on every carry."
— Colin Cowherd [18:00]
The conversation touches on managing Henry's usage to preserve his longevity, especially with upcoming playoff runs, and the strategic importance of balancing his workload.
7. NBA Insights: JJ Redick and the Lakers
Timestamp: [19:16 - 25:38]
Colin Cowherd brings up JJ Redick's comments regarding the Lakers' need to get into championship shape, which many interpret as a critique of Luka Doncic's conditioning.
"JJ Redick talked about the team needing to get into championship shape which many took as a jab at Luka Doncic."
— Colin Cowherd [19:30]
A Sports Analyst responds by downplaying the significance of the Lakers' job posting for a head of strength and conditioning, suggesting it reflects common staffing needs rather than specific criticisms.
"They posted for the same job last season as well. So let's not freak out."
— Sports Analyst [19:45]
Cowherd argues that the Lakers' actions indicate a broader sentiment about player conditioning, emphasizing the necessity for stars like Doncic to maintain peak physical form to lead their teams effectively.
"I am always frustrated with a professional athlete who is not... in elite shape."
— Colin Cowherd [20:30]
The discussion delves into the challenges of coaching and managing star players' fitness, comparing it to past scenarios with other NBA luminaries.
8. College Football Forecasts
Timestamp: [25:12 - 26:13]
Shifting focus to college football, Colin and the Sports Analyst review Big Ten win totals for the upcoming season. Teams like Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State are projected to perform strongly, while the Trojans are seen as potential dark horses despite a modest win total.
"I think Penn State could find themselves in the national championship."
— Colin Cowherd [23:42]
Chandler Parsons expresses optimism about Penn State's chances, comparing their potential dominance to traditional SEC powerhouses like Alabama and LSU.
"Three teams here in Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State who are in line to play for the national championship."
— Colin Cowherd [24:00]
The conversation also touches on USC's quarterback situation, highlighting uncertainties and the impact of new recruits and transfers on their performance prospects.
"They have a quarterback in camp and they can't name the freshman the starter or he transfer. So they're in a bit of a bind."
— Colin Cowherd [24:45]
9. Personal Reflections on Coaching Legends
Timestamp: [28:18 - 35:54]
In a more analytical segment, Colin Cowherd reflects on coaching legends like Bill Belichick and Nick Saban, discussing how seasoned coaches adapt (or fail to adapt) to the evolving dynamics of their respective sports.
"Nick Saban understood this. Football changed. No huddle. The rules changed."
— Colin Cowherd [34:00]
He critiques Belichick's recent personal life choices, suggesting they may be a response to the NFL's evolving demands for collaboration and contemporary leadership styles.
"He goes on ESPN, tells stories, and laughs a lot. It's a clear rebranding effort."
— Colin Cowherd [33:30]
Parsons listens and occasionally interjects, but the focus remains on Cowherd's in-depth analysis of how coaching methodologies must evolve to stay relevant and effective.
10. Closing Remarks
Timestamp: [39:34 - 42:19]
As the episode concludes, Colin recaps key insights from the discussions, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in sports, whether it's in coaching strategies, player conditioning, or team dynamics. He encourages listeners to stay engaged with ongoing developments across various sports leagues.
Notable Quotes
-
Colin Cowherd:
"The Herd podcast is my favorite podcast too."
"To maximize this Steph Curry window right now, and it's unfortunate he's not in this series."
"Legends of sports never compromise any part of the game, so why would you settle for anything less from your SUV?" -
Chandler Parsons:
"Everyone can outwork you, but not everyone can outplay you."
"He is just the absolute pure point guard and if anything, I think he's underrated."
Conclusion
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, listeners are treated to an in-depth analysis of the NBA playoffs with expert insights from Chandler Parsons. The discussion covers the league's shift towards physicality in playoff games, evaluates standout player performances, and critiques team strategies. Additionally, the podcast delves into broader sports topics, including NFL player contracts and college football forecasts, providing a comprehensive overview for sports enthusiasts. The blend of expert opinions, strategic analysis, and engaging dialogue makes this episode a valuable resource for understanding the current landscape of professional sports.