The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Hour 2: "Cupid Cowherd Plays Matchmaker for Some NFL Teams, How the NBA Can Fix Tanking"
February 13, 2026
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Ethan Strauss (House of Strauss), John Middelkoff
Episode Overview
This episode dives into several major sports topics:
- LeBron James’ record-breaking triple-double and debate on the ideal ending for legendary careers.
- How the NBA can fix its ongoing tanking issues and revitalize the All-Star Game (with guest Ethan Strauss).
- In-depth discussion of the Warriors, the challenges with young NBA talent, and player development.
- A macro perspective on dynasties in sports, the Dodgers’ spending, and baseball’s competitive balance.
- NFL quarterback matchups: "Cupid Cowherd" plays matchmaker between QB-hungry teams and available quarterbacks.
- Top NFL headlines with John Middelkoff.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Perfect Ending for Superstars
(00:55–07:15)
- LeBron’s Historic Night: Colin reflects on LeBron James becoming the oldest player to post a triple-double, likening his impact to Magic Johnson and discussing his evolved playmaking style.
- Clean Endings for Legends: Colin emphasizes the importance of icons exiting on their own terms, referencing Derek Jeter, John Elway, and Kobe Bryant. He cautions against the “Elvis ending” or Marlon Brando's decline, suggesting that LeBron, still a top player, should consider making this his final season.
- Quote:
“When you really love people, I like nice, clean endings. I don't want an Elvis ending or a Marlon Brando ending… I think this should be LeBron's last year.”
(Colin Cowherd, 04:50) - LeBron Audio Clip:
- LeBron on his longevity:
“I've never been sorry at basketball. So, yeah, I've been good ever since I started playing.”
(LeBron James, paraphrased by Colin, 05:23)
2. Fixing NBA Tanking & the All-Star Game (with Ethan Strauss)
A. Tanking Solutions
(07:15–08:52)
- Strauss’ Proposal: Ethan Strauss argues tanking is a more recent issue, stemming from changes to the draft lottery. He advocates for returning to the simpler, older system: all non-playoff teams have the same lottery odds, thereby removing the incentive to lose deliberately.
- Quote:
“The NBA used to do it this way: If you miss the playoffs, you had an equal chance as every other lottery team to win the lottery…”
(Ethan Strauss, 07:20)- Benefits: Reduces “a third of the league intentionally losing for months”; encourages striving for playoff spots.
B. All-Star Game Revamp
(08:52–11:34)
- Strauss’ Take: Strauss blames Adam Silver for “over-managing” and too many All-Star reforms, confusing fans and players. He proposes:
- Return to a pure East vs. West format.
- The commissioner should handpick players, based on performance and entertainment value.
- If a player “dogs it,” they don’t get invited back, hitting their reputation and Hall of Fame aspirations.
- Quote:
“You get the most popular players from the Eastern Conference and they play the most popular players in the Western Conference. It’s something that makes sense to my dad. It’s something I can explain to my son.”
(Ethan Strauss, 09:51)
“If you dog it, if you loaf — maybe you’re not getting invited to next season’s All-Star Game. ...That’s enough incentive not to try to the point where you might get yourself hurt, but at least not to dog it.”
(Ethan Strauss, 10:32)
3. The Warriors & Young NBA Talent
(11:35–15:01)
- Warriors’ Rebuilding Dilemma:
- Colin discusses Golden State’s struggles integrating young players like Jonathan Kuminga with their aging core (Steph Curry system).
- Skepticism about the G-League Ignite pathway’s ability to produce stars, questioning its value versus college basketball.
- Strauss applies a parenting metaphor:
- Young players like Kuminga want stardom immediately but lack foundational team skills.
- “Before you can lead, you must follow.”
- NBA Wealth & Young Players:
- Strauss: Big contracts create entitlement among those not earning them, pushing impatience and disrupting development.
- Shoutout to Steve Kerr’s track record in properly judging and managing young talent, challenging the narrative that he “can’t develop youth.”
- Quote:
“A lot of young guys are foregoing the process… That’s what that G League Ignite thing was all about — being a superstar right now as opposed to paying dues.”
(Ethan Strauss, 14:02)
4. Redefining Quarterback Impact in the NFL
(15:02–17:27)
- Sam Darnold and the 'Average QB' Lesson:
- Strauss argues that you don’t need an elite QB to win a Super Bowl; “fine” is enough if the roster’s strong.
- Overinvestment in QB star power (e.g., Bills/Josh Allen) is misleading.
- Quote:
“You can win with a quarterback who’s fine. It doesn’t have to be Mahomes. You just have to be great at the other stuff.”
(Ethan Strauss, 16:32)
5. How Should LeBron’s Lakers Era End?
(17:28–20:00)
- Colin and Strauss reflect on legendary exits and discuss whether LeBron should seek a "clean ending."
- Strauss notes indicators LeBron may already be mentally disengaged (“Trackman” golf simulator at home).
- Suggests the combination of immense money and legacy makes it likely LeBron will do one more “farewell tour” year despite the cleaner ending being preferable.
“It would be better and cleaner if he ended it now… But I think we're getting at least one more season.”
(Ethan Strauss, 19:27)
6. Dynasties, the Dodgers, and Sports Envy
(20:00–23:04)
- Baseball Parallels — Dodgers’ Spending Controversy:
- Colin contends it's not the spending, but “stacking” of championships that irks fans.
- Strauss compares to the Warriors’ “stacking” with DeMarcus Cousins—perceived dominance often causes overreaction, not the actual acquisitions.
- Quote:
“Because of that impression that [the Warriors] were unbeatable… people flipped out about it. And I think it’s the same with the Dodgers.”
(Ethan Strauss, 21:46)
- Quote:
- Both argue that having well-run, successful big-market franchises is good for sports leagues overall.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On tanking reform:
“The league made a mistake when they freaked out about Orlando getting consecutive number one picks. …Return to the old days.”
(Ethan Strauss, 08:10) -
On All-Star Game reforms:
“The NBA’s problem is doing too much. It’s like a celebrity who’s had so many plastic surgeries you don’t even recognize them.”
(Ethan Strauss, 09:30) -
On Kuminga's struggles:
“Before you can lead, you must follow… You've got to build a basis of what the coach needs you to be.”
(Ethan Strauss, 13:05) -
On LeBron’s late-career motivation:
“It’s suddenly so much money... if you’re walking away from, you know, 60, $70 million a year — that’s not nothing.”
(Ethan Strauss, 18:55) -
On Dodgers/MLB labor controversy:
“The petty resentments of owners get in the way of the best product for everybody and for the fans.”
(Ethan Strauss, 22:48)
NFL Matchmaker: "Cupid Cowherd" Segment
(46:25–52:01)
Colin plays matchmaker, pairing available quarterbacks with needy NFL teams:
- Vikings:
- Target: Aaron Rodgers
- “Minnesota’s got good players, an excellent head coach…You could be in fourth place very quickly with another J.J. McCarthy injury. I’d go get Aaron.” (46:48)
- Dolphins:
- Stay with Tua Tagovailoa for one more year, given the market.
- Steelers:
- Target: Malik Willis
- Citing need for youth, athleticism, and McCarthy’s experience with QBs.
- Cardinals:
- Move on from Kyler Murray; trade down in the draft, consider Ty Simpson.
- Colts:
- Let Riley Leonard play for a year; avoid giving up more picks.
- Jets:
- Draft Greg Nussmeier (LSU), not as a savior, but a potential bridge starter.
- Browns:
- Keep Shador Sanders another year; already committed to Watson financially.
- John Middelkoff Suggestion:
- Don’t forget Derek Carr as an option for Minnesota or Indianapolis (“dome teams”).
NFL News Roundtable with John Middelkoff
(31:37–38:51)
Key Storylines:
- A.J. Brown trade rumors: Middelkoff expects the Eagles to move him, questioning the likelihood any team pays high draft capital for a $32M receiver.
- Cowboys & George Pickens: Franchise tag and trade speculation — Colin skeptical any team gives up a second for Pickens; believes WR is a plug-and-play position from college now.
- Rams-Seahawks Rivalry: Noted as the NFL’s best current rivalry; the NFC West's top three teams are fiercely competitive and evenly matched, with razor-thin margins separating success and heartbreak.
Macro NBA and MLB Discussion
(38:51–45:14)
- NBA vs Other Leagues: Colin argues the NBA is profitable and playoffs are exciting, but regular season is too “repetitive” and dogged by tanking, unlike MLB’s recent positive changes.
- Potential NBA tweaks: Colin urges moving the 3pt arc back to remove “easy corner threes” and make open shots rarer, increasing game tension and physicality.
Timestamps for Essential Segments
- LeBron & Endings for Legends: 00:55–07:15
- Fixing NBA Tanking (Strauss): 07:15–08:52
- All-Star Game Reform (Strauss): 08:52–11:34
- Warriors/Kuminga & Youth Development: 11:35–15:01
- Sam Darnold & QB Value: 15:02–17:27
- LeBron Lakers Legacy: 17:28–20:00
- Dodgers/Dynasties/Baseball Parity: 20:00–23:04
- NFL News Roundtable: 31:37–38:51
- Cupid Cowherd (QB matchmaking): 46:25–52:01
Tone & Style
- The episode is conversational, sharp, and laden with analogy and critique.
- Colin’s tone is both reflective (“I like clean endings...”) and provocative (“Cupid Cowherd” matchmaking, calling out NBA structural issues).
- Ethan Strauss brings a sharp, analytical outsider view—willing to challenge conventional wisdom and NBA policies.
For Listeners Who Missed It
This episode provides a rich look into the state of major sports leagues at a pivotal time of year, with offbeat proposals on tanking, league structure, and All-Star presentation. It’s an engaging mix of macro-sports analysis, personality-driven commentary, and practical solutions for ongoing issues—topped off with a creative NFL matchmaking segment.
End of Summary