Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: The Draymond Green Show w/ Baron Davis: Draymond Green on Back-to-Back Warriors Losses, Interview w/ Brooklyn Nets Cam Thomas & Baron Davis’ Top 5 Guards
Release Date: November 27, 2024
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Draymond Green joins Baron Davis and Cam Thomas to delve into the recent back-to-back losses of the Golden State Warriors, discuss the rising star Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas, and explore Baron Davis' top five guards in the NBA. The conversation is candid, insightful, and rich with personal anecdotes and professional insights, making it a must-listen for basketball enthusiasts.

Warriors' Back-to-Back Losses

Draymond Green opens the discussion by addressing the Warriors' recent defeats. He attributes the losses primarily to the team "running out of gas"—a combination of fatigue and execution lapses.

• Draymond Green [19:00]:
  “Both games, we just ran out of gas in the end. Running out of gas means you get a little tired... it's sometimes when the fatigue hits, you lose your brain and start making mistakes.”

Baron Davis concurs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining energy levels and defensive intensity:

• Baron Davis [20:48]:
  “Sometimes it takes some losses to get better... you have an opportunity to address some things.”

The hosts discuss Coach Steve Kerr's decision-making regarding player minutes, highlighting the balance between winning now and preserving players for the long-term success of the team.

• Draymond Green [25:02]:
  “Steph's minutes are already slotted. When you see teams blitz, you gotta pass to the pocket and attack.”

Baron Davis reinforces the strategic patience required, reflecting on past coaching decisions and the importance of not overreacting during regular-season games.

• Baron Davis [26:58]:
  “It's a soft Monday in November versus the Nets. He ain't risking injury to Steph Curry.”

Interview with Brooklyn Nets' Cam Thomas

Cam Thomas, a burgeoning talent for the Brooklyn Nets, joins the conversation to discuss his performance, challenges, and growth within the league. The dialogue shifts focus to his scoring prowess and the lack of recognition he feels despite averaging impressive numbers.

• Cam Thomas [53:41]:
  “I've been wanting to know why I don't get enough love or respect as the other buckets in the league. Especially at my age, I'm averaging about 25 a game.”

Baron Davis offers constructive criticism, suggesting that Cam Thomas enhance his on-court persona to garner more attention and respect:

• Baron Davis [54:49]:
  “If ain't funny, then make sure everybody know ain't funny. You have to make people hate you because ain't funny. If you're not going to, then make them love you by scoring and smiling more.”

Cam Thomas takes the feedback positively, discussing his approach to overcoming being overlooked and striving to become a more recognized player through both performance and personality.

• Cam Thomas [65:15]:
  “You are that. Like, ain't nobody laughing when they got a matchup with you. They got work to do.”

Baron Davis’ Top 5 Guards

Baron Davis shares his list of top five guards in the NBA, highlighting their skills, impact, and potential. His selection process is based on a combination of scoring ability, defensive prowess, and overall influence on the game.

1. LaMelo Ball:

   • Cam Thomas [97:21]:
     “First and foremost, LaMelo Ball 50. A 44 piece. I think he lost both games.”

2. De'Aaron Fox:

   • Cam Thomas [97:37]:
     “Gotta rock with De'Aaron Fox. I love how he plays and finishes games.”

3. Jalen Williams:

   • Cam Thomas [97:37]:
     “From OKC. He's the glue of their team and a great playmaker.”

4. Drew Holiday:

   • Cam Thomas [98:15]:
     “Drew Holiday is my get down. He's a point guard fixer.”

5. Chris Paul:

   • Cam Thomas [98:34]:
     “Chris Paul going into his 12,000th assist all-time. He deserves to be in the top five.”

Baron Davis elaborates on each player's strengths, emphasizing the importance of playmaking, defense, and the ability to lead a team effectively.

• Baron Davis [99:05]:
  “Chris Paul made a lot of people better and deserves recognition for his leadership and playmaking skills.”

Concluding Insights and Future Outlook

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the Warriors' season trajectory, the potential impact of Cam Thomas on the Nets, and the evolving dynamics of the NBA's guard players. Draymond Green shares his motivations and goals, aiming for All-Star recognition and contributing significantly to his team's success.

• Draymond Green [66:39]:
  “I'm definitely looking to have my name in that convo [All-Star], especially for how our team was projected to be the worst and we've turned it around.”

Cam Thomas discusses his aspirations to become a hallmark player for the Nets, emphasizing the need to not only score but also to develop a strong on-court persona that resonates with fans and the wider NBA community.

• Cam Thomas [78:38]:
  “I'm averaging 25 and want to add more to my game and persona to climb the ranks and become a top guard in the league.”

The episode concludes with a mutual appreciation between Draymond Green, Baron Davis, and Cam Thomas, underscoring the importance of mentorship, hard work, and personal growth in professional sports.

Notable Quotes

• Draymond Green [19:00]:
  “Running out of gas means you get a little tired... it's sometimes when the fatigue hits, you lose your brain and start making mistakes.”

• Baron Davis [54:49]:
  “If ain't funny, then make sure everybody know ain't funny... give people more personality.”

• Cam Thomas [65:15]:
  “Ain't nobody laughing when they got a matchup with you. They got work to do.”

• Baron Davis [99:05]:
  “Chris Paul made a lot of people better and deserves recognition for his leadership and playmaking skills.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth exploration of the challenges faced by the Golden State Warriors, the emerging talent of Cam Thomas, and a thoughtful analysis of top NBA guards by Baron Davis. With engaging conversations, actionable insights, and memorable quotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the current NBA landscape and the personal journeys of its key players.