Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis
Release Date: January 9, 2025
In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Draymond Green and Baron Davis engage in a dynamic and candid conversation covering a range of hot topics in the NBA. From dissecting a contentious Christmas Day play to analyzing league-wide issues like declining ratings and storytelling, the duo offers deep insights and spirited discussions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the episode's key segments.
1. Christmas Day Lakers Suplex Play Explained
The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of a pivotal play involving Draymond Green during the Christmas Day game against the Lakers.
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Draymond Green's Breakdown:
Draymond provides a play-by-play of the incident, highlighting his respect for referee Scott Foster. He explains, “[00:44] ...what happened was I was a Scott Foster” and continues to describe his attempts to alert the referee about a foul. Green emphasizes his admiration for Foster's consistency, stating, “[03:50] ...Scott, he like, you can't do that. So, you know me.”
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Baron Davis's Reaction:
Baron interjects with enthusiasm and astonishment, exclaiming, “[02:35] ...you are nuts,” and later, “[07:03] ...I think he missed that call.”
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Notable Quote:
Draymond Green encapsulates the moment: “[05:06] Scott, I’m moving on. You hear this? But you owe me one. Next time you referee, don’t let them.”
This breakdown not only sheds light on the on-court dynamics but also underscores the importance of referee-player interactions in high-stakes games.
2. NBA Ratings and the Decline of Storytelling
Green and Davis pivot to a broader discussion about the NBA's declining television ratings and the role of storytelling in engaging audiences.
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Baron Davis's Perspective:
Baron criticizes the current media landscape, noting, “[08:10] ...storytelling, man. Storytelling storylines,” and laments the lack of authentic narratives that resonate with fans. He emphasizes the need for more in-depth coverage of players’ backgrounds and histories to foster a deeper connection with the audience.
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Draymond Green's Agreement:
Green concurs, highlighting the shift towards superficial coverage: “[11:07] ...there's no soul. Like, you know, it's like the league has lost its soul.”
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Notable Quote:
Baron Davis sums up their concern: “12:16 ...we just think that this just gonna appeal to people.”
The conversation highlights a critical view of how the NBA’s presentation has moved away from meaningful storytelling, potentially alienating long-time fans.
3. Team Updates: Dennis Schroeder and Jonathan Kuminga
The discussion shifts to specific team dynamics, focusing on Dennis Schroeder's integration into Draymond’s team and the impact of Jonathan Kuminga’s ankle injury.
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Integration of Dennis Schroeder:
Draymond praises Schroeder’s leadership and aggression, stating, “[21:30] ...Dennis is a leader. Like, he gets to problems.”
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Impact of Jonathan Kuminga’s Injury:
Baron expresses concern over Kuminga’s role, “[25:49] ...Jonathan Kuminga has been sidelined for the next three weeks,” and discusses adjustments needed, including a heavier reliance on Andrew Wiggins.
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Notable Quote:
Draymond emphasizes team cohesion: “34:11 ...the chemistry on this team is incredible.”
Their insights reveal the challenges and adjustments teams must navigate mid-season due to player movements and injuries.
4. Stephen A. Smith's "Mid" Comment on the Warriors
A heated topic arises when Stephen A. Smith labels the Warriors as "very mid."
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Baron Davis's Reaction:
Baron views Smith’s comment as a wake-up call, “[28:50] ...to look up and be like, hold on, we mid.”
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Draymond Green's Acknowledgment:
Green reflects on the reality of the Warriors' position, “[29:10] ...we are.”
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Notable Quote:
Baron Davis underscores the significance: “31:02 ...it's almost like a wake up call for absolutely everybody.”
This segment underscores the pressure teams face from media scrutiny and the internal motivation required to overcome perceived mediocrity.
5. Kawhi Leonard's Return to the Clippers and the MVP Race
The conversation delves into Kawhi Leonard’s return to the Clippers and its implications for the NBA MVP landscape.
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Baron Davis on Kawhi's Impact:
Baron asserts Kawhi's significant role, “[36:31] ...once Kawhi comes back.”
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Draymond Green's Insight on MVP Candidates:
Green discusses how Kawhi's return affects other players like James Harden and Norman Powell, “[38:46] ...which one of those guys are going to take more of a hit?”
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Notable Quote:
Baron Davis highlights strategic shifts: “41:16 ...Kawhi is the ultimate compliment to James, his system.”
This segment offers a nuanced view of team dynamics and individual performances influencing the MVP race.
6. Player Incidents: Jayson Tatum vs. Tyler Herro
Green and Baron dissect on-court incidents, particularly focusing on Jayson Tatum’s confrontation with Tyler Herro.
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Draymond Green's Analysis:
Green critiques Tatum’s action, “[43:06] ...Why he swing Tyler Herro like that?”
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Baron Davis's Commentary:
Baron emphasizes the need for professionalism, “[45:25] ...you can't just be swinging.”
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Notable Quote:
Draymond expresses concern: “46:02 ...the guy who needs some help. Stop it.”
The discussion underscores the importance of player conduct and the repercussions of on-court altercations.
7. Anthony Edwards’ Performance and Development
The duo evaluates Anthony Edwards’ recent performances and addresses critiques from Charles Barkley about his regression.
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Draymond Green’s Defense:
Green vehemently defends Edwards, “[51:02] ...I don't think Anthony Edwards is regressing,” and highlights his improved skills.
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Baron Davis's Perspective:
Baron agrees but suggests Edwards hasn’t fully reached his potential, “[53:25] ...he's not regressed.”
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Notable Quote:
Baron challenges Edwards’ growth: “55:09 ...he's ballin' he’s a baller.”
They emphasize Edwards’ evolving game and the need for continued development to meet high expectations.
8. Additional Topics and Lighthearted Moments
Towards the end, Green and Baron touch upon lighter topics, including Jay Z wearing a Baron Davis jersey and upcoming segments like “What's That Tweet?” They engage in playful banter, reflecting their camaraderie and adding a personal touch to the discussion.
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Jay Z’s Jersey:
Baron shares an anecdote about Jay Z wearing a UCLA jersey, “[58:42] ...I gave him the UCLA black jersey.”
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Notable Quote:
Draymond humorously remarks, “60:23 ...he who really? Well, like, I'm not about to sit here and try to break this down.”
These moments provide a glimpse into the hosts' personalities and their connections beyond the basketball court.
9. Top Five Players in the League
In their final segment, Baron shares his top five players in the NBA, highlighting standout performances and potential MVP candidates.
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Baron Davis’s List:
- Stephen A. Smith (SGA)
- Joker (Isaiah Joe)
- Jayson Tatum
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- James Harden
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Draymond Green's Addition:
Green emphasizes the evolving dynamics, “[63:44] ...he’s back better than ever.”
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Notable Quote:
Baron concludes with confidence in his selections: “63:06 ...until I can beat them and dethrone them, that's the best team.”
This ranking offers listeners insight into the hosts' views on the league's top talent and emerging stars.
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Draymond Green and Baron Davis provide a blend of analytical insights, personal anecdotes, and candid opinions on current NBA happenings. Their conversations shed light on player performances, team strategies, and broader league issues, making it a valuable listen for basketball enthusiasts seeking comprehensive commentary and expert analysis.
Notable Quotes Recap:
- Draymond Green on Scott Foster: “05:06 Scott, I’m moving on. You hear this? But you owe me one. Next time you referee, don’t let them.”
- Baron Davis on Media Storytelling: “12:16 ...we just think that this just gonna appeal to people.”
- Draymond Green on Team Chemistry: “34:11 ...the chemistry on this team is incredible.”
- Baron Davis on Kawhi & James Harden: “41:16 ...Kawhi is the ultimate compliment to James, his system.”
- Draymond Green on Player Conduct: “46:02 ...the guy who needs some help. Stop it.”
This episode serves as a compelling exploration of the NBA's current landscape, driven by the passionate perspectives of Draymond Green and Baron Davis.