Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd w/ Baron Davis: Steph Curry Injury Update, LeBron vs. Stephen A. Beef, & Harden-Wade Debate

Release Date: March 29, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, sportscasters Draymond Green and Baron Davis delve into some of the most pressing topics in the NBA. The discussion spans Steph Curry's injury status, the ongoing feud between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith, and a heated debate comparing James Harden to Dwyane Wade. Throughout the episode, Green and Davis provide insightful analysis, share personal anecdotes, and engage in lively debates, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for key moments.

1. Jimmy Butler's Return to Miami

Timestamp: [04:54] - [07:23]

Draymond Green opens the conversation by discussing Jimmy Butler's return to Miami. Contrary to expectations of a hostile reception, Green notes a surprisingly supportive crowd.

Draymond Green [06:12]: "It's so much love there. And so it wasn't quite the amount of boos that you thought."

Green emphasizes Butler's long-term commitment to the team and the respect he deserves for his dedication.

Draymond Green [06:54]: "At a certain point, Jimmy's in year 14, he's given them seven years of his career. At a certain point, you just gotta appreciate what somebody's given and just like they move on and it is what it is."

2. Steph Curry Injury Update

Timestamp: [09:08] - [10:24]

The conversation shifts to Steph Curry's recent activities following his injury. Green shares optimistic updates on Curry's recovery, highlighting his participation in full practices and impressive shooting during workouts.

Draymond Green [09:24]: "He practiced today. Full practice. We actually got up and down. We played a little bit. So he did that, which was great to see."

Green expresses hope for Curry's return in the upcoming game against New Orleans, noting the importance of his presence for the team's performance.

Draymond Green [09:59]: "Hopefully all signs are pointing to him playing in the New Orleans game. At least that's what we hope."

3. Importance of Practice and Upcoming Pelicans Game

Timestamp: [10:24] - [13:51]

Green and Davis discuss the critical role of practice in maintaining team cohesion, especially after a tough loss in Miami. They stress the necessity of adapting to opposing teams' strategies and the impact of no recent practice sessions on the team's performance.

Draymond Green [11:31]: "The practice is really important because the reality is we haven't had any practice time. So you start to see slippage in the game."

The upcoming game against the New Orleans Pelicans is highlighted as pivotal for the Warriors' road trip, with Green underscoring the importance of controlling their destiny amidst stiff competition.

Draymond Green [13:51]: "The New Orleans game is so important because, shit, man, we're right there. We still control our own destiny. And that's why it's important..."

4. James Harden vs. Dwyane Wade Debate

Timestamp: [54:49] - [58:31]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to debating whether James Harden should be favored over Dwyane Wade, as per Patrick Beverley's opinion. Green defends Wade, citing his championship successes and versatility.

Draymond Green [56:16]: "The reason I'm going to pick D. Wade, I'm going to pick Dwayne A. He won championships and he won championships as Finals MVP..."

Davis counters by emphasizing Harden's positional evolution and sustained performance, yet Green maintains his preference for Wade based on accolades and impact.

Draymond Green [58:03]: "He won an MVP, you know what I'm saying? So I just think it's not a good comparison."

5. LeBron James vs. Stephen A. Smith Feud

Timestamp: [42:16] - [48:40]

Green and Davis address the notorious back-and-forth between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith. Green criticizes Smith's attempts to leverage his basketball career against him, labeling his comments as petty and contradictory.

Draymond Green [42:27]: "Stephen A. would have swung on Bron after he just kind of questioned me saying, when you talk like that where I'm from, you get hands put on you."

Davis adds humor to the situation, suggesting a mock boxing match to settle the feud.

Jeff C [43:52]: "After the season, we build a boxing ring back here in Slick Studios. Whoever in the media want to catch, fade, put on some gloves."

Despite the heated exchanges, Green underscores the exhaustion with the constant media drama surrounding LeBron.

6. Team Dynamics and Player Rivalries

Timestamp: [13:51] - [28:09]

The hosts delve into the resurgence of rivalries and chippiness in the NBA, highlighting how younger players are reclaiming competitive edge through trash-talking and intense gameplay.

Draymond Green [25:47]: "I'm excited as hell, man, that the league is kind of getting back to that chippiness."

Davis emphasizes the importance of these rivalries in boosting viewership and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the league.

Jeff C [25:59]: "Real rivalry is gonna be built off of this. You know, people gonna have real vendettas versus teams."

Green concurs, noting that referees' leniency towards player interactions allows natural rivalries to flourish.

Draymond Green [26:53]: "Nobody want to see robots play. This is real life."

7. Player Interactions and Personal Anecdotes

Timestamp: [28:09] - [36:13]

Green shares a personal story about an accidental on-court altercation captured by a microphone, leading to unintended tension with teammate Caris LeVert.

Draymond Green [24:21]: "I took off on down the court... It was cracking."

Jeff C. reflects on his rookie experiences with similar tensions, highlighting the fine line between playful banter and crossing professional boundaries.

Jeff C [35:28]: "I dropped the ball and ran up on him during the game, man."

The discussion underscores the importance of maintaining professionalism and understanding team dynamics to prevent conflicts.

8. Health Updates and Retirements

Timestamp: [67:46] - [69:34]

Towards the end of the episode, Green and Davis offer well-wishes to athletes facing health challenges and celebrate the achievements of Candace Parker, whose jersey is set to be retired by the Los Angeles Sparks.

Draymond Green [66:03]: "I worked out with Juju when she was in the 10th grade... She's gonna come back stronger."

Draymond Green [68:50]: "Shout out to Candace Parker. She'll be getting her jersey retired by the Los Angeles Sparks this year."

These segments highlight the community and supportive aspects inherent within sports, emphasizing resilience and honoring legacies.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Draymond Green [06:12]: "It's so much love there. And so it wasn't quite the amount of boos that you thought."

• Draymond Green [09:24]: "He practiced today. Full practice. We actually got up and down. We played a little bit. So he did that, which was great to see."

• Draymond Green [11:31]: "The practice is really important because the reality is we haven't had any practice time. So you start to see slippage in the game."

• Draymond Green [56:16]: "The reason I'm going to pick D. Wade, I'm going to pick Dwayne A. He won championships and he won championships as Finals MVP..."

• Draymond Green [42:27]: "Stephen A. would have swung on Bron after he just kind of questioned me saying, when you talk like that where I'm from, you get hands put on you."

• Draymond Green [26:53]: "Nobody want to see robots play. This is real life."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth exploration of current NBA narratives, blending expert analysis with personal insights from Draymond Green and Baron Davis. From injury updates and personal rivalries to debates on player legacies, the hosts provide a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of professional basketball. Their candid discussions not only inform but also engage listeners, making complex sports topics accessible and entertaining.