Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" Episode: Draymond Green w/ Baron Davis - REACT to Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals, Game 7 Predictions, Lakers $10B Sale!

Release Date: June 20, 2025
Host: Draymond Green
Guest: Baron Davis
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," former NBA player Draymond Green hosts former NBA star Baron Davis to dissect the intense NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) and the Indiana Pacers. The discussion delves into Game 7 predictions, strategic analyses, and the surprising $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Reacting to Game 6

Draymond Green opens the conversation by reflecting on the pivotal moments of Game 6.

[03:40] Draymond Green: "What was the coldest moment from game six for you?"

[03:54] Baron Davis: "The Pascal dunk. He dunked on Jalen Williams so cold."

[04:07] Draymond Green: "Almost broke his butt."

The duo highlights the intensity of Pascal Siakam's performance, emphasizing the physicality and high stakes of the game.

Predictions for Game 7

As the discussion shifts to Game 7, Green expresses his confidence in the Indiana Pacers' ability to seize the moment.

[07:20] Draymond Green: "Game seven on the road against the team that won 68 games was the number one team. They not supposed to win."

[07:51] Draymond Green: "OKC is up against a team where all it takes is a couple plays to change the whole thing."

Baron Davis concurs, noting the unpredictable nature of a one-game series and the immense pressure resting on the OKC Thunder.

[08:36] Ryan Seacrest: "Have to win that game."

Team Strategies and Analysis

Green provides an in-depth analysis of both teams' strategies heading into Game 7.

OKC Thunder:

[10:48] Ryan Seacrest: "And then if you OKC, then it's pack the paint, make them get three-point happy."

Green advises OKC to focus on defensive solidity, especially guarding key players like Jalen Williams ("J Dub").

[12:28] Ryan Seacrest: "You gotta fight those narratives."

Indiana Pacers:

[14:43] Baron Davis: "With Rick Carlisle coaching, they have an upper hand with game plans that can throw OKC off their rhythm."

Green emphasizes Carlisle’s experience and strategic prowess as a significant advantage for the Pacers.

[21:52] Zoe Saldana: [Ad Break]

[22:18] Ryan Seacrest: "Rick Carlisle game plan needs to be so crazy in order for the Pacers team to come out and win."

Lakers' $10 Billion Sale

A surprising development in the NBA landscape is the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for a staggering $10 billion. Green and Davis discuss the implications of this sale on the team's future and the broader NBA economy.

[79:55] Ryan Seacrest: "Big shout out to the Clippers All Star Weekend into it, though."

[80:26] Draymond Green: "When I look at this move and the Lakers selling for $10 billion to Mark Walter, that makes the Lakers dangerous."

They draw parallels to other major sports franchises, noting how such a significant financial influx can alter team dynamics and competitive balance.

Trades and Team Roster Moves

The conversation shifts to recent trades, particularly the trade of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic.

[71:15] Draymond Green: "Four unprotected first-round picks in a pick swap. That's a lot."

[75:11] Ryan Seacrest: "What do you think about the Magic move and how does Bane fit with the current Magic team?"

Green critiques the trade as a high-risk, high-reward maneuver, questioning the Magic's long-term strategy.

[74:26] Draymond Green: "He plays more than just a shooter. He can get to a bucket."

Despite recognizing Bane's versatility, Green remains skeptical about Orlando's ability to build a championship contender through such significant asset exchanges.

Legacy and "Ring Culture" Discussion

A profound segment of the episode delves into the ongoing debate about "ring culture" in the NBA, spurred by comments from LeBron James criticizing the focus on championships over individual greatness.

[52:03] Draymond Green: "Scottie Pippen's greatness is not to be debated."

[55:21] Ryan Seacrest: "Ring culture is becoming a disease because depending on who you are, you can just jump out there and use your decorations and your merit."

Green and Davis argue that while championships enhance a player's legacy, they shouldn't negate the contributions of those who haven't secured rings.

[59:42] Ryan Seacrest: "I hate when they talk about dudes as they get older, right?"

They advocate for a more nuanced appreciation of players' journeys and individual achievements beyond just championships.

Conclusion

Draymond Green and Baron Davis wrap up the episode by reiterating their predictions for Game 7 and reflecting on the evolving landscape of the NBA. They emphasize the importance of team cohesion, strategic adaptability, and the broader economic factors influencing team success.

[91:04] Draymond Green: "There will be a new champion crowned in the NBA. We shall see who it is."

The duo encourages listeners to stay engaged as the finals reach their climax, promising more insightful discussions in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Draymond Green ([07:20]): "Game seven on the road against the team that won 68 games was the number one team. They not supposed to win."
• Ryan Seacrest ([10:48]): "And then if you OKC, then it's pack the paint, make them get three-point happy."
• Draymond Green ([55:21]): "What Brian was saying is you get guys like Stephen A who talks a lot about rings, and you don't know what it takes to win a ring because you've never won a ring."
• Ryan Seacrest ([59:28]): "There are more great players who haven't won rings and the great players that have won rings."

This episode offers listeners a comprehensive analysis of the NBA Finals' crucial Game 7, the strategic maneuvers of key teams, and a thought-provoking discussion on the value of championships in evaluating player legacies. Draymond Green and Baron Davis provide expert insights, making it a must-listen for NBA enthusiasts seeking depth and perspective.