Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis"

Release Date: May 29, 2025

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Draymond Green teams up with basketball legend Baron Davis to delve deep into the current NBA playoff landscape, offering insightful analysis and spirited discussions on pivotal games, player performances, and strategic adjustments. The conversation also takes a nostalgic turn as they reflect on memorable moments from the 2016 Warriors' playoff run.

1. Knicks-Pacers Series Analysis

[01:47]

Draymond Green initiates the discussion by assessing the New York Knicks' performance against the Indiana Pacers. While Baron Davis remains optimistic about the Knicks' prospects, Draymond Green expresses skepticism about their ability to secure a home-court advantage at Madison Square Garden.

Baron Davis: "I still got hope... We gotta win game five. That's it."
Timestamp: [01:55]

Draymond Green: "I personally just don't think there's much of a home court at the Garden... it feels like putting on a show."
Timestamp: [02:49]

The duo debates the effectiveness of the Knicks' defensive strategies, particularly the substitution patterns involving Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart, and how these adjustments may impact the series' outcome.

2. Strategic Adjustments and Team Performance

[06:17]

The conversation shifts to the necessity for teams to adapt their strategies during the playoffs. Draymond Green critiques the Knicks for lacking significant offensive and defensive adjustments, emphasizing the importance of exploiting post-up advantages with players like Karl-Anthony Towns.

Draymond Green: "If you start switching five, like we've seen teams try to switch five... some adjustments got to be made."
Timestamp: [07:47]

Baron Davis concurs, highlighting the Knicks' susceptibility to committing unnecessary fouls and turnovers, which hinder their ability to capitalize on crucial moments in the game.

Baron Davis: "I'm not seeing many adjustments... silly fouls, off-ball fouls, boxing out fouls."
Timestamp: [07:06]

3. Reflection on the 2016 Warriors’ Playoff Run

[31:16]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reminiscing about the 2016 Warriors, particularly the electrifying performance by Klay Thompson in Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Draymond Green recounts how the Warriors overcame a 3-1 series deficit, attributing their comeback to strategic defensive plays and key player performances.

Draymond Green: "Klay Thompson put a remarkable performance together, scoring 41 points, hitting 11 three-pointers in Game 6."
Timestamp: [31:55]

The discussion highlights the importance of adaptability and cohesive team dynamics, drawing parallels between past and present playoff scenarios.

4. Agree or Disagree: Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Best Power Forward

[36:44]

In the "Agree or Disagree" segment, Baron Davis poses the question: "Giannis just got his sixth straight All-NBA selection. Are fans debating whether Giannis is the best power forward of this era?"

• Baron Davis: "I agree. Giannis is the best power forward of this era."
  Timestamp: [40:11]

• Draymond Green: "I disagree... Giannis is one of the greatest players, but labeling him solely as a power forward does him a disservice."
  Timestamp: [37:26]

The debate explores the evolving nature of basketball positions, with Draymond arguing that Giannis's versatile skill set transcends traditional positional labels, while Baron maintains that the current defensive matchups necessitate considering Giannis as a power forward.

5. Agree or Disagree: The Extinction of Lockdown Defenders

[49:44]

The conversation continues with another "Agree or Disagree" question: "The days of lockdown defenders are gone. You can't do anything against players in the league today."

• Baron Davis: "I disagree."
  Timestamp: [50:33]

• Draymond Green: "I completely disagree. Young defenders like Amen Thompson and Tumani Kamara challenge this narrative."
  Timestamp: [50:40]

Both hosts emphasize that while the role of traditional stoppers may have diminished, emerging defenders are redefining defensive excellence in the modern NBA.

6. "Bet with BD" Segment: Betting Strategies in the NBA Playoffs

[54:07]

In the "Bet with BD" segment, Baron Davis addresses listener questions about betting on NBA games, differentiating strategies for regular-season versus playoff betting. Key points include:

• Analyzing Recent Performance: Focusing on the last five games and current player minutes.
• Understanding Rotations: Recognizing tighter rotations in the playoffs compared to the regular season.
• Identifying Overperformers: Pinpointing superstars and key players who may exceed expectations during high-stakes games.

Baron Davis: "Look at the regular season numbers versus the playoff numbers. Certain players have a knack for showing up and overperforming in the playoffs."
Timestamp: [56:07]

The segment provides practical insights for bettors looking to navigate the unpredictability of playoff outcomes.

7. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

[59:51]

As the episode draws to a close, Draymond Green and Baron Davis share personal anecdotes and express their gratitude for the opportunity to discuss basketball with each other. They also highlight upcoming games and express optimism about the Pacers' chances to advance.

Draymond Green: "But it's gonna be a wrap from this episode... Peace."
Timestamp: [60:11]

Notable Quotes

• Baron Davis on Knicks' Home Court:
  "We gotta win game five. That's it."
  [01:55]

• Draymond Green on Strategy Adjustments:
  "You can't just keep doing the same thing."
  [11:15]

• Draymond Green on Klay Thompson's Performance:
  "Klay Thompson...put a remarkable performance together."
  [31:55]

• Baron Davis on Giannis as a Unique Power Forward:
  "He's a one of one at his position."
  [45:03]

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a rich and engaging exploration of the NBA playoffs, blending tactical analysis with personal insights and historical reflections. Draymond Green and Baron Davis provide a compelling narrative that is both informative for seasoned fans and accessible for those new to the sport. Their dynamic dialogue underscores the evolving strategies and player roles within modern basketball, making this episode a must-listen for anyone invested in the game.