The Herd with Colin Cowherd: The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis - BEST OF: Special Guests | Kevin Durant, Darius Garland, John Wall & More!

Release Date: May 3, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin Cowherd delves deep into the NBA's current landscape with an impressive lineup of special guests. Featuring basketball legends and current stars like Baron Davis, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Norman Powell, John Wall, Donovan Mitchell, and Draymond Green, the episode offers an unfiltered exploration of team dynamics, player development, and the ever-evolving nature of the game.

1. Team Trades and Player Decisions

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving open the discussion by addressing rampant trade rumors swirling around the Warriors team. Durant shares his perspective on the potential impact of midseason trades, emphasizing the emotional and professional repercussions:

Kevin Durant ([02:50]): "I was like, oh, man, Katie came over here. He showed me love."

Kyrie Irving echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of ending his career on his own terms rather than being traded involuntarily:

Kyrie Irving ([03:11]): "Man, I want my career to end on my terms. That's the only thing I'm worried about."

The conversation underscores the delicate balance between team success and individual player aspirations, illustrating the complexities involved in maintaining team cohesion amidst external pressures.

2. Impact of the Warriors on the NBA

Baron Davis provides a retrospective analysis of the Warriors' dominance from 2015 to 2019, asserting it as the pinnacle era of NBA basketball. He credits the strategic acquisition of top-tier talent like Durant and Irving for elevating not just the team but the entire league:

Baron Davis ([07:23]): "The reality is 2015 to 2019 is, in my opinion, the best era of NBA basketball."

Durant adds to this by reflecting on the dynasty built during this period:

Kevin Durant ([07:23]): "We happy it did because it created a dynasty, man."

Their insights highlight how a combination of star power and strategic team building can set new standards within professional sports.

3. Player Development: Norman Powell's Rise

Norman Powell takes center stage as he discusses his evolution from a supporting bench player to a pivotal offensive force within his team. Durant acknowledges Powell's significant growth:

Kevin Durant ([13:38]): "I've been calling baller vision for a couple, I think two seasons, just to watch your evolution."

Powell attributes his success to relentless work ethic and leadership, aiming to be a consistent contributor regardless of his role:

Norman Powell ([17:20]): "I'm all about winning, and that's what it is."

His journey exemplifies the impact of dedication and adaptability in climbing the professional ranks.

4. Injury Impacts: John Wall on De'Aaron Fox and D. Rose

John Wall provides a candid discussion on how injuries have reshaped team dynamics and individual careers, particularly focusing on De'Aaron Fox and D. Rose. He reflects on the challenges posed by Rose's injuries and their broader implications:

John Wall ([52:53]): "If he ain't never had no injuries, bro, we wouldn't even be talking about a lot of these other guards the way we do."

Wall emphasizes the fragility of athletic careers and how unforeseen setbacks can alter the trajectory of both players and teams.

5. Player Evolution and Leadership

Donovan Mitchell shares his insights on evolving as a point guard within a dynamic team environment. Highlighting a pivotal summer conversation with Durant, Mitchell outlines the maturity and strategic adjustments required to thrive:

Donovan Mitchell ([28:31]): "It was like a grown man conversation. Just really sat down and just unfolded everything."

Mitchell discusses the transition from taking individual accolades to fostering a synergistic backcourt partnership, underscoring the importance of mutual support and strategic playmaking.

6. Draymond Green's Basketball Journey

Draymond Green offers a personal narrative of his basketball journey, tracing his development from high school amidst challenging environments to becoming a key player in the NBA. He recounts formative experiences and mentorship that shaped his game:

Draymond Green ([36:27]): "I used to go downstairs and work on my game—dribbles, spin moves, in-and-out moves, crossover playing."

Green's story highlights the role of perseverance and continuous skill enhancement in achieving professional success.

7. Guard Matchups and the Evolution of the Position

The episode delves into the intricacies of guard matchups and how players like De'Aaron Fox and D. Rose have influenced the evolution of the guarding position. Baron Davis and John Wall discuss the impact of these players on defensive strategies and the overall pace of the game:

John Wall ([50:02]): "The hardest person I had problems with was D. Rose."

Their analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how individual brilliance can redefine team defenses and game strategies.

8. Overcoming Adversity and Mental Fortitude

A recurring theme in the episode is the emphasis on mental resilience. Kevin Durant and John Wall share personal anecdotes about overcoming injuries and maintaining peak performance under pressure:

John Wall ([55:05]): "You gotta fight your ass off to get back to even feel like you're 100% healthy."

These discussions shed light on the psychological aspects of professional sports, emphasizing that physical recovery is only part of an athlete's journey.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kevin Durant ([07:23]): "We happy it did because it created a dynasty, man."

• Kyrie Irving ([03:11]): "Man, I want my career to end on my terms. That's the only thing I'm worried about."

• Baron Davis ([07:23]): "The reality is 2015 to 2019 is, in my opinion, the best era of NBA basketball."

• Norman Powell ([17:20]): "I'm all about winning, and that's what it is."

• John Wall ([52:53]): "If he ain't never had no injuries, bro, we wouldn't even be talking about a lot of these other guards the way we do."

• Donovan Mitchell ([28:31]): "It was like a grown man conversation. Just really sat down and just unfolded everything."

• Draymond Green ([36:27]): "I used to go downstairs and work on my game—dribbles, spin moves, in-and-out moves, crossover playing."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd serves as a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted world of professional basketball. Through honest dialogues and personal stories, the guests provide listeners with an intimate look into the challenges and triumphs that define their careers. From strategic team decisions and player development to overcoming injuries and evolving roles, the conversation encapsulates the relentless pursuit of excellence that characterizes the NBA.