Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis: Steph & Warriors EPIC Showdown with Kawhi & Clippers + Nuggets Fire Michael Malone"
Release Date: April 13, 2025
Hosts: Draymond Green and Baron Davis
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
1. Introduction to the Episode
The episode kicks off with Draymond Green welcoming listeners back to his show, introducing his co-host Baron Davis. They set the stage to discuss the intense NBA playoff race, focusing on the Warriors' showdown with the Clippers and recent developments with the Nuggets.
2. Playoff Race and Team Strategies
A. Current Standings and Playoff Implications
Draymond Green emphasizes the importance of winning the upcoming game to secure a playoff spot:
"We got an opportunity to control our own destiny. Win on Sunday and get into the playoffs." [02:37]
Baron Davis reflects on the team's journey throughout the season, highlighting the resilience needed to push through:
"It's been an incredible year. And they're coming down to game 82, like you said." [36:05]
B. Scheduling and Rest Advantages
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the advantages of different seed positions in the playoffs. Green points out that lower seeds (3-6) often have a strategic advantage due to additional preparation time:
"If you're the three through six seed, you've been on your opponent for six, seven days." [05:01]
Conversely, the top seeds (1-2) may find themselves at a disadvantage due to limited preparation time:
"Number one was at a disadvantage anyway. Like the biggest disadvantage." [05:01]
C. Upcoming Showdown: Warriors vs. Clippers
The hosts express excitement for the anticipated Game 82 matchup between the Warriors and Clippers, describing it as a potential "game seven atmosphere":
"This is game seven. Like, both teams trying to solidify that spot." [39:05]
Draymond underscores the significance of Kawhi Leonard's return to the Clippers:
"Kawhi Leonard is back, and he's bouncing back like never before." [41:12]
Baron adds depth by discussing Kawhi's resilience post-injury:
"He never left. The way he came back from injury is like he's bionic." [41:33]
3. Rivalries and Player Dynamics
A. Warrior-Clippers Rivalry
Baron Davis attributes part of the rivalry's intensity to his own influence:
"I was probably the reason why that whole little thing shook out." [38:24]
Draymond Green humorously teases Baron about his enthusiasm for the rivalry:
"We got to get BD on for the warriors as an ambassador so he can stop talking this Clipper stuff." [39:05]
B. Player Matchups and Respect
The conversation delves into specific player matchups, notably between Ja Ant and another guard:
"Ja small, man. How you shake? He got the heart of a lion." [09:42]
Baron discusses the evolving personas of younger players, highlighting their preference for embodying the "villain" role over being the "face" of the league:
"I think Ja, as he starts to embrace I'm the villain, he starts to fill out his personality on the court." [16:03]
4. Coaching Changes and Team Management
A. Nuggets Firing Coach Michael Malone
The hosts express their opinions on the Denver Nuggets' decision to fire Coach Michael Malone. Draymond Green reveals his support for Malone:
"Mike Malone is your guy. Like, I think y'all got y'all guy." [23:05]
Baron Davis criticizes the move, suggesting it stems from fatigue and the inability to replace key team members:
"They just got fatigue... missing the glue." [25:34]
Draymond counters by highlighting the team's internal dynamics and questioning the blame placed on players like Russell Westbrook:
"If Russell Westbrook could problem they $3 million, they pay him, they can send him home." [25:37]
B. Importance of Team Chemistry
Baron emphasizes the significance of maintaining team chemistry and retaining key players for the overall vibe and success:
"It's the energy. It's that energy 1,000%." [32:52]
Draymond agrees, noting that team spirit often transcends individual contributions on the court:
"It ain't always about basketball to make up that team, the vibes." [31:59]
5. Season Awards Predictions
A. MVP Race: Nikola Jokić vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Draymond Green and Baron Davis debate the MVP contenders, ultimately favoring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA):
Draymond: "I gotta go with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander." [43:02]
Baron: "I would side for SGA." [44:21]
B. Most Improved Player: Austin Reaves vs. Cade Cunningham
Both hosts agree that Austin Reaves deserves the Most Improved Player award over Cade Cunningham:
Draymond: "I think he should get it. I think he's earned it." [46:37]
Baron: "I would give it to Austin." [46:01]
C. Coach of the Year: Kenny Atkinson vs. Ime Udoka vs. JB Bickerstaff
A heated discussion ensues regarding the top coaching candidates, with a slight preference for Kenny Atkinson:
Draymond: "I gotta go with Kenny Atkinson." [56:07]
Baron: "I think it probably should go to Kenny Atkinson." [54:20]
D. Defensive Player of the Year: Draymond Green vs. Evan Mobley vs. Mikal Bridges
In a surprising twist, both Draymond and Baron nominate Green himself for Defensive Player of the Year:
Draymond: "DPOW should go to yours truly. I'll take that." [60:02]
Baron: "You've been my pick all year, man." [60:34]
6. Final Game and Playoff Outlook
A. Anticipation for the Final Regular Season Game
Draymond reflects on the emotional weight of the final game, acknowledging the highs and lows of the season:
"When you going through it, it don't feel like it's flying by. It's slow." [36:05]
B. Playoff Strategies and Expectations
Both hosts express optimism about their team's ability to perform in the playoffs, stressing the importance of winning the final regular-season game to gain momentum:
Draymond: "This is a big opportunity for us. This is a new team for us." [42:42]
Baron: "Let's make this right." [40:04]
C. Final Thoughts and Season Reflection
As the episode concludes, Draymond and Baron commend the efforts of all involved in the NBA season, from players to front-office staff:
"Job well done. Let's make these playoffs great." [61:16]
Draymond signs off with gratitude towards the listeners and a call to action to follow their social media channels:
"This is the last show of the regular season of 2025. ... We out." [61:16]
Notable Quotes
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Draymond Green:
"We got an opportunity to control our own destiny. Win on Sunday and get into the playoffs." [02:37]
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Baron Davis:
"It's the energy. It's that energy 1,000%." [32:52]
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Draymond Green:
"DPOW should go to yours truly. I'll take that." [60:02]
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Baron Davis:
"You've been my pick all year, man. Let's lock in. Let's go. Dub nation." [60:34]
Conclusion
This episode of "The Draymond Green Show" with Baron Davis provides an in-depth analysis of the NBA's current playoff landscape, highlighting team strategies, player dynamics, and coaching decisions. The hosts offer passionate insights into award predictions and reflect on the season's journey, culminating in a motivating call to action as the playoffs approach. Fans of the Warriors, Clippers, and Nuggets will find this episode particularly engaging, offering a blend of expert opinions and heartfelt camaraderie between two basketball veterans.