Podcast Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: “THE HERD – Hour 2 – Return of Tatum”
Date: March 5, 2026
Host: Colin Cowherd (A)
Guests: Jason Tempf (B, host, Hoops Tonight), Matt Hasselbeck (C), J. Mac (C), Daniel Jeremiah (B)

Overview

This episode centers on major NBA and NFL storylines, with particularly in-depth focus on Jason Tatum’s return for the Celtics after injury, the ever-shifting NBA power balance, and football insight around Aaron Rodgers, the Rams, and the latest NFL roster moves. NBA analyst Jason Tempf joins to break down the implications of Tatum’s comeback and key playoff matchups, while Colin and crew riff on the operational strategies and branding of the Lakers, movement within the NFL, and shifting league-wide narratives in both sports.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aaron Rodgers’ Future and Value

• Rodgers’ Impact in Pittsburgh:
  • Colin defends Aaron Rodgers' year, highlighting transformation of the Steelers offense with statistics:
    • Sacks improved, giveaways improved, red zone and yards after the catch improved from the previous year ([02:00]-[04:00]).
  • "If you had a quarterback draft for next year only, Aaron Rodgers would make my top 10." — Colin Cowherd ([02:00])
• Hasselbeck on Rodgers’ Outlook:
  • Rodgers only returns if he can play in his preferred offensive scheme, with familiar language/coaching.
  • “You don’t want to try to learn a new language. He doesn’t want to wear a wristband. He wants to own the offense.” — Matt Hasselbeck ([04:06])
  • If Mike McCarthy is in Pittsburgh, Rodgers has a real shot at winning the division.

2. Jason Tatum’s Return and Celtics Outlook

• Celtics Upgrade with Tatum:
  • Tatum is set to return 10 months after Achilles surgery.
  • “They need Jason Tatum. He unlocks their defensive versatility...ultimately will make them more versatile on both ends of the floor.” — Jason Tempf ([06:26])
  • Tatum’s switching ability against opposing centers was pivotal in last year’s championship run.
  • Celtics’ defensive issues exposed in a recent loss, showing Tatum’s necessity.
• Culture vs. Talent:
  • Jason emphasizes that culture can steady a team, but stars win at the highest level ([06:26]-[07:30]).

3. Knicks, Spurs, and NBA Playoff Matchups

• Knicks’ Improvements:
  • Knicks’ offense and defense significantly better this year; bench scoring and early dribble penetration are key upgrades ([08:14]-[08:56]).
  • Knicks generate the second most spot-up opportunities in the league, a huge jump from last year.
  • “If things break right, this Knicks team absolutely could win the title this year.” — Jason Tempf ([10:36])
• Matchup Dynamics:
  • Knicks match up well against most East teams and have had the Spurs’ number this season ([09:40]-[10:36]).
  • Playoff series expose weaknesses that don’t show in the regular season.

4. SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) and NBA ‘Foul Baiting’

• On Criticism of SGA:
  • Colin compares SGA to NFL route runners — must compensate with craft since not an overpowering athlete ([10:40]-[11:33]).
  • Jason acknowledges league-wide issue of “foul grifting”:
    • “I do think that's a bad television product...but I can't really get on Shea about it when Luka does the same thing...it's a league-wide problem.” ([11:33])
• Why He’s Not a TV Draw:
  • SGA’s skill appeals to basketball purists (footwork, slinky athleticism), but lacks flashy highlights to pull in casual fans ([12:00]).

5. Luka Doncic: Criticism & Lakers Fit

• Heightened Scrutiny:
  • Colin: Historic pattern—when a player is traded or leaves, it’s often because the original team saw flaws. Raises complaints about Luka’s conditioning and defensive effort ([13:00]-[14:11]).
  • Jason: Luka is held to Jokic-level standards, and his “floor” is lower than other superstars; his impact drops sharply when the step-back three isn’t falling ([14:11]).
  • “His floor is lower and it just makes him more complicated to build around.” — Jason Tempf ([16:15])
  • Decline in rim attempts year-over-year shows concerning trend.
• LeBron-Luka Struggles:
  • Two dominant, non-shooting stars are hard to mesh without elite jump shooting:
    • "You've got two guys in Luka and LeBron...that are not great catch and shoot players and that makes them really difficult to play alongside each other." — Jason Tempf ([17:26])
  • LeBron's off-ball value has declined with his shooting slump.

6. Lakers’ Brand Power vs. Operational Excellence

• Front Office Moves:
  • Dodgers’ execs coming to the Lakers highlight LA’s desire to match branding with smart operations ([23:03]-[26:45]).
  • “The Lakers have been able to succeed being operationally below average, they make a lot of mistakes. But the hail Mary—LeBron. Magic Johnson stepped in, sold him. It worked.” — Colin Cowherd ([24:00])
  • Lakers succeed more due to brand appeal than fundamental front office excellence, unlike MLB where big brands and winning are more diverse.

7. NFL Offseason: Rams and McVay’s Future

• Rams’ ‘All In’ Mentality:
  • Discussion of Stafford’s MVP-caliber contributions, the likely end of McVay’s run linked to Stafford’s career ([27:24]-[29:49]).
  • Rams’ future QB search hindered by lack of draft capital.
  • J. Mac suggests if the Rams make another Super Bowl run, McVay could step away, making room for Cliff Kingsbury ([29:53]).
  • “I think they’re going to sign Stafford to a two-year deal, and this year they’re going for it.” — Colin Cowherd ([28:03])

8. Dallas Cowboys and Salary Cap Strategy

• Cap restructuring for immediate competitiveness.
• Dak Prescott stresses no “projects;” team needs win-now veterans ([32:01]).
• Light banter about division rivalries with the Giants and Eagles ([32:26]-[34:20]).

9. Wide Receivers Market: DJ Moore & AJ Brown

• DJ Moore to Buffalo:
  • Colin says, “I am much more willing to give up a good draft pick if it is a pick that will work alongside one of my best players... DJ Moore can beat people deep. Josh Allen... is a great deep ball thrower. DJ can go underneath, drag seam or deep.” ([42:27]).
  • Debated value of a high draft pick vs. paying for established talent; Moore’s productivity likely to spike in Buffalo.
• AJ Brown Trade Speculation:
  • Howie Roseman’s high asking price might stall any A.J. Brown trade ([33:33]-[34:48]).

10. Coaching and Adaptability: Rick Pitino Insights

• Colin reflects on longevity and adaptability in coaching:
  • Shares wisdom from Rick Pitino, emphasizing the necessity of evolving with the game or getting left behind ([49:27]-[50:37]).
  • “Coaches that don’t want to change get out.” — Rick Pitino ([50:37])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Aaron Rodgers’ Return:
  • “You don’t want to try to learn a new language. He doesn’t want to wear a wristband. He wants to own the offense.” — Matt Hasselbeck ([04:06])
• On Tatum’s Defensive Impact:
  • “Jason Tatum’s ability to guard centers gave the Celtics the ability to switch most ball screens. And it was one of the primary driving forces behind them winning the title.” — Jason Tempf ([06:47])
• On SGA’s TV Appeal:
  • “For the masses, for the casual fans... He doesn’t get the crazy dunks like LeBron... so I think honestly with Shea, he just struggles to resonate with the masses because most of his appeal is to more of the refined basketball side.” — Jason Tempf ([12:00])
• On Luka and LeBron Fit:
  • “You've got two guys... that are not great catch and shoot players and that makes them really difficult to play alongside each other.” — Jason Tempf ([17:26])
• On Lakers’ Brand:
  • “The Lakers have been able to succeed being operationally below average... It was a Hail Mary, but it worked.” — Colin Cowherd ([24:00])
• On NFL Coaching Longevity:
  • “Coaches that don’t want to change get out.” — Rick Pitino ([50:37])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:00] — Colin’s case for Rodgers as a top 10 QB in 2026
• [04:06] — Matt Hasselbeck: Rodgers will only return for right offensive system
• [06:26] — Jason Tempf analyzes Tatum’s return to Celtics
• [08:56] — Knicks’ improved offense and playoff readiness
• [10:40] — Colin and Jason on SGA's style and “foul grifting” across NBA
• [14:11] — First major Luka criticism; Jason explains declining rim attempts
• [16:20] — Why LeBron and Luka haven’t gelled; role of shooting
• [23:03] — Dodgers executives influence on Lakers’ front office
• [27:24] — Daniel Jeremiah on Rams, McVay and QB future
• [32:01] — Dak Prescott: Cowboys need “no projects”, only impact vets
• [33:33] — Discussion on AJ Brown’s trade value
• [42:27] — DJ Moore to Buffalo: draft pick valuation debate
• [49:27] — Colin on coaching adaptability, Rick Pitino soundbite

Summary: Episode Tone and Takeaways

• Tone: Opinionated and conversational; Colin’s signature blend of strong takes and analytical debates with frequent expert guests.
• Language: Direct, insightful, a mix of accessible analogies and sports jargon (e.g., “foul grifting”).
• Utility: Helps listeners understand NBA player fit, front office strategy, and shifting narratives in football and basketball alike—in a way that’s equal parts entertainment and analysis.