THE HERD - Hour 3 - More on Kevin Durant's debut, the Lakers lack chemistry, what the Warriors probably need this season, Rachel Nichols

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3 (October 22, 2025)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode, featuring veteran NBA reporter Rachel Nichols, explores the NBA’s opening week with sharp takes on player transformations, team chemistry issues, trade rumors, and the changing face of the league. Colin and his guests provide insight into recent game performances, roster needs, league trends, and generational shifts, mixing analysis with characteristic humor and candid commentary.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rachel Nichols on NBA Longevity and Luka’s Transformation

• Rachel’s Career Start: She reminisces about covering the late Jordan-era Bulls as a 19-year-old college student, highlighting her multi-decade NBA reporting experience.

  • Quote: “I was a college student… covering the end of the Jordan Bulls, 90s Bulls era. I was very nervous. I was 19 years old. But man, it was a great start.” (03:11-03:26)

• Luka Doncic's Slim Down and Impact:

  • Luka has visibly lost 30+ pounds, becoming a more dynamic, attacking player—especially valuable for the Mavericks as they aim to lean on Luka more when LeBron isn’t on the floor.
  • Quote: “He definitely found it easier to move around. He got back on defense more easily... He had more paint points last night than he did in any game last season.” – Rachel (03:53-04:16)
  • Despite improvement, the Mavericks lack offensive rhythm and leadership when LeBron sits, underscoring LeBron’s unique value as connector and communicator.

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2. Lakers: Chemistry Issues and Roster Limitations

• The absence of LeBron exposes problems: The team lacks athleticism on the wing and is vulnerable against more dynamic teams like Minnesota and OKC.
  • Quote: “There’s limitations to what they are. They're not very athletic on the wing. They're going to struggle against the Minnesota's. They're going to struggle against the OKCs.” – Colin (04:54)
• LeBron’s court intelligence and leadership transcend any athletic decline.

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3. Warriors, Jimmy Butler, and the Trade Market

• Are the Warriors "All-In"?

  • Colin speculates about major trades (e.g., Jimmy Butler) to address aging problems, but Rachel says the organization projects confidence in the current roster, especially since acquiring Butler.
  • Quote – Nichols on internal hierarchy: “For the first time since he was in Chicago, everybody on the team knows who the number one option is. There’s just no doubt... It is always Steph Curry.” (06:08-06:24)

• Jonathan Kuminga's Development:
  Kuminga appears to be answering Steve Kerr’s asks and growing as a rotation piece.

• Giannis Watch:
  Giannis Antetokounmpo’s uncertain future looms large throughout the league; Spurs and others could emerge as landing spots if a trade becomes necessary.

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4. Emphasis on League’s Youth Movement

• Colin argues that the NBA should better spotlight rising stars (e.g., Cooper Flagg, Victor Wembanyama) rather than always lead with legendary but aging figures.

  • Quote: “I think you got to sell another generation. I don’t think 62-year-old MJ is the... I think baseball has pivoted to all of its young stars. It’s worked.” (07:36-07:53)

• Wemby’s Development:

  • Wembanyama is focusing heavily on mental and physical training, including spending time in a monastery and putting on significant weight, with San Antonio’s timeline accelerating to meet his competitive drive.
  • Spurs seen as potential Giannis bidders thanks to stockpiled assets.

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5. Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets Debut

• KD as “Sniper” – But Point Guard Void Looms:

  • Durant played well early but the Rockets lost their offensive structure late, missing Fred VanVleet’s stabilizing presence.
  • Rachel Nichols: “The problem is they don’t have any depth there now that Fred VanVleet is gone... they really didn’t have anyone to put in that position behind him.” (14:06-14:21)

• Amin Thompson’s Promise and Depth Issue:

  • Thompson shows flashes of elite athleticism, but fatigue and inexperience matter; Rockets may need a backup point guard by trade deadline.

• KD’s “Un-KD” Mistakes:

  • Durant missed a game-sealing free throw and made a rare mental mistake (calling a timeout the team didn’t have), possibly reflecting nerves and discomfort integrating with a new team.
  • Quote – Nichols: “Great players in the last quarter of their career... get a little more jumpy toward the end because they know... it’s almost over.” (15:32-15:45)

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6. NFL News Briefs

• Lamar Jackson Injury Watch:
  • Uncertainty swirls about his return, with gamesmanship suspected regarding public updates.
• Jalen Hurts’ Outstanding Season:
  • Top passer rating in Eagles history, with quietly elite statistics, but Colin distinguishes between “winner” and “quarterback talent.”
  • Quote – Colin: “No, he’s a top five winner in the league.” (19:46-19:49)
• Dodgers Advance and Shohei Ohtani’s Feat:
  • Ohtani sets a postseason milestone, sparking conversations about two-way players and athlete evolution.

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7. NBA Landscape & International Shift

• Colin’s Tier List:

  • Top: Denver, OKC, Dallas, Minnesota (“excellent coaches, smart teams, protect the rim”).
  • Middle Tier: Orlando, Knicks, Cavs (good but not elite).
  • Flawed Contenders: Houston (point guard issue), Golden State (too old), Lakers (not athletic enough).
  • Orlando positioned as the best in the East after acquiring Desmond Bane.

• International Dominance:

  • The last seven NBA MVPs have been international players; Sengun, Jokic, Giannis, SGA, Wemby dominate projections.
  • Quote – Colin: “The last American MVP... was James Harden seven years ago.” (31:41)

• International Players’ Edge:

  • Superior early-career skill, maturity, and single-minded basketball focus compared to some US-born stars.
  • Colin: “Our domestic players are great. They’re not as great early... I think it’s the academy system over in Europe.” (30:31-30:47)

• Cooper Flagg Hype:

  • Highly skilled, compared favorably to contemporaries at same age as Tatum, called “hyper aggressive, unbelievable defender at his age” by Colin (34:01-35:22).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Greats Aging:
  • Rachel Nichols (15:32): “Great players in the last quarter of their career... get a little more jumpy toward the end because they know... it’s almost over.”
• On Cooper Flagg’s upside:
  • Colin (35:14): “Even LeBron his rookie year wasn’t a great defender. Cooper Flag is... hyper aggressive, unbelievable defender at his age... better than [Tatum] now.”
• On the NBA’s generational divide:
  • Colin (07:36): “I think you got to sell another generation... I think baseball has pivoted to all its young stars. It’s worked.”
• On the rise of international MVPs:
  • Colin (31:41): “The last American MVP... was James Harden seven years ago.”
• On LeBron’s irreplaceable value:
  • Rachel Nichols (04:16): “LeBron’s such a floor leader. He’s such a communicator. He’s such a connector with these guys.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:11-03:26 – Rachel Nichols reflects on her NBA reporting career start.
• 03:35-04:16 – Discussion on Luka Doncic's transformation and what it means for Dallas.
• 04:16-04:54 – The Lakers’ chemistry and leadership struggles.
• 05:35-06:42 – Warriors, Jimmy Butler, and the fantasy of a deadline trade for Giannis.
• 07:36-08:12 – Colin’s critique of the NBA's approach to marketing youth vs. legends.
• 08:12-09:22 – Wembanyama’s summer training and the Spurs’ playoff timeline.
• 13:51-16:26 – KD’s debut with Houston; Rachel Nichols on the need for a point guard and KD’s late-game jitters.
• 19:46-19:49 – Colin’s distinction: “top five winner” vs. “top five QB” for Jalen Hurts.
• 30:31-31:41 – Colin on international players’ early dominance and the system differences.
• 34:01-35:22 – Cooper Flagg compared to Jason Tatum; on being “old school aggressive.”
• 37:32-37:51 – The “all business” vibe of international players and NFL quarterbacks.

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Episode Tone & Style

• Language & Approach: Opinionated, direct, conversational, sometimes playful (occasional banter about “the good old days”).
• Style: Analytical but accessible; mix of insider stories, trivia, and candid hot takes.

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Quick-Glance Takeaways

• Luka’s transformation is propelling the Mavs, but Dallas and the Lakers both need chemistry and roster fixes.
• Warriors believe in their core post-Butler, but “Giannis Watch” is on all year.
• Rockets need a point guard, KD showed nerves but will likely find his footing.
• Rising international legends are setting the NBA’s tone, with Cooper Flagg called the best domestic rookie in a decade.
• Sports in general: Globalization and professionalism are raising the bar for both skills and maturity across leagues.

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Ideal for NBA fans wanting a pulse on opening week narratives, with behind-the-scenes insight and future-looking speculation.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

31, but sure, yeah. I was a college student and I got a job stringing for the Washington Post covering the end of the Jordan Bulls, 90s Bulls era. I was very nervous. I was 19 years old. But, man, it was a great start.

[A]

Yeah, I'd say that's pretty good start. Covering the Bulls, your first gig, that's pretty good start. Y so you talked to Luca last night? I. I joked. I could see his shoulders. He. What, did he lose 30 pounds?

[B]

Like 31 pounds?

[A]

He said he did. So, first of all, it's very obvious, like the first two to three years of Luca. Now he gets to the rim, he can attack. He's much more of an attacking player. Last year he wasn't. He got hurt, he put on weight. It was a lot of fallaway stuff. You talked to him last night. What did he say?

[B]

Well, he said with the weight loss, he said that he definitely found it easier to move around. He got back on defense more easily. You saw that last night. And he talked about attacking the paint more as well. You know, he had more paint points last night than he did in any game last season, and you could see that. So that's great for the Lakers because skinny Luka is someone they're going to need to depend on, especially when LeBron is out.

[A]

But.

[B]

But you saw, you know, there's not as much rhythm between these guys as JJ Redick would have hoped. In the opening night, LeBron being out, definitely a problem. He's not going to solve all of their problems roster wise. But J.J. made the point after the game, he goes, man, there were a couple times I was like, I wish LeBron was in there. He would just take control of this play. And they don't have that without LeBron. LeBron's such a floor leader. He's such a communicator. He's such a connector with these guys. And, you know, as LeBron has aged, we've seen the basketball skills or the athleticism diminish somewhat.

[A]

But.

[B]

But the fact that he is so smart on the court. That is such a value for this team and that's just not there right now.

[A]

Yeah, there, there's, there's limitations to what they are. They're not very athletic on the wing. They're going to struggle against the Minnesota's. They're going to struggle against the. Okay, sees. I thought it was interesting you talked to Steph last night as well. Listen, Horford's not going to solve the age issues, obviously. I do believe I talked about it earlier. I think four first round picks, Kaminga, Butler, at the deadline. I don't know if it's enough, but Jimmy would go back home. Kaminga is a very good player when he's not on the floor with Steph, he can shoot threes, he's long. But my takeaway on this team is I think everybody in the building knows in the west, there's got to be. I said earlier, Jimmy Butler's more fling than phase.

[B]

I don't know. I mean, maybe that's what they think privately. It's certainly not what they're saying. They seem to be very confident in the group that they have. You know, it's interesting, Steph told me that they're big. Biggest struggle last year, even after they got Jimmy, was they were trying to play so much catch up. He said, we can't do that again this year. We have to be able to be in that top four in the west when the regular season ends. So it's a much easier ride starting out the playoffs. And even last year they did make it to the second round. I know you think that Jimmy Butler is a fling. They don't think so. Since Jimmy Butler joined this team, in games he's played, they are 24 and 7. They absolutely believe he was the missing piece that they needed. And when I spoke to Jimmy about this, he said for him, it's such a good fit. Because he said for the first time since he was in Chicago, everybody on the team knows who the number one option is. There's just no doubt about it. And that includes him. He said the number one option is Steph Curry. It is always Steph Curry. It will always be Steph Curry as long as Steph is playing. So that comfort level, that has been a big part of why these guys have all gelled so well together. They all know exactly what they're supposed to do.

[A]

They.

[B]

They all trust each other. And Jonathan Kaminga, to your point, he played really well last night. He did all the things that Steve Kerr has been asking him to do. So at least outwardly, they believe this is a team that they can win with in the West. And the Giannis factor, of course, is always out there. And I don't think any team is going to say no to Giannis and Stokounmpo, but Giannis has to want to go there. Giannis only has one more season after this that he's tied to that contract. And if he gets to the point next summer where he has not signed an extension in Milwaukee, the Bucs are going to have to make a deal for him because they don't want to just lose Giannis for nothing on an expiring contract the next season. So that's when things we might, we might see things sort of come to a head. It's possible that if the Bucs lose a ton in the first few months of the season, Giannis could go before the trade deadline. But if they play decently well, Giannis is, at least in the short term, interested in making this work and he might not be available until the summer.

[A]

So I would have opened with the OKC Thunder because they're the champs. My second game last night would have been Wemby against Cooper Flag. I think you got to sell another generation. I don't think 62 year old MJ is the. Is that. I mean, again, legend. I get it. I think baseball has pivoted to all of its young stars. It's worked. I think basketball still holding on to their legends. I would have gone Cooper Flag. Wemby. Last night is the second game, so Cooper's going to be great. I can't wait to watch him. Yeah, Wemby apparently. And you're on. I. Apparently he's put on like £30 or something. I mean, he's just been in the weight room. Tell me what we're going to see.

[B]

Yeah, no, he is super eager and you can look at all the things we saw him do through social media and reporting this summer. He spent time in a monastery learning, you know, meditation techniques. You know, he was out there playing chess. He was trying to, you know, all these different things that he thinks are going to help him with his game. And obviously in the weight room too. He has such a high motor. I think a real key for the spurs this year, even though they are still developing, they have a bunch of young players. They kind of need to get to that playoff point because so far it has been in Wembley's first couple of seasons. We'll get there. We've got plenty of time. We want to bring everyone along. Slowly. We want to develop the core. They wanted to get maybe a few more high draft picks. We saw them get Dylan Harper this past June. Now it is time on WEMBY's timeline to make the playoffs. He is just not a guy who's going to be satisfied with sitting around there. So I'm interested to see how the spurs do that. The spurs, by the way, another contender for Giannis. Can you imagine that duo on the court together? I can't. I don't even know the screen will be able to hold how tall they are, but you know, we'll have to see if they make any more moves. They are so stocked with draft picks and future assets that they are going to be a player if they need to be come the trade deadline and certainly next summer.

[A]

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[B]

I mean, seriously, I think you're 100% right. I'm laughing because it's an absurd circumstance, but you're absolutely right.

[A]

I mean, what kind of move can they make because they're just in the west without their guy getting them into the offense? What did you make of last night?

[B]

Well, look, the Rockets this whole way through with Raphael Stone have been very much. Let's see what we have before we go out and make a bunch of moves. So they believe Amen Thompson can develop into the kind of playmaker they need him to be, and he did some of that last night. They expect it not to happen on game one of the season, so that will develop over the course of this year. We'll have to see how well he does there. He's obviously just hugely talented and I would say the most athletic guy in the NBA right now. The problem is they don't have any depth there now that Fred Van Vliet is gone. So you. You saw Amin Thompson go out with leg cramps last night, and that's why late. They didn't look good because they really didn't have anyone to put in that position behind him. And that's something they're going to really need to find, even if it's just a smaller trade for a backup point guard. That's where I might see them going at some point before the deadline because the depth issue is as much of a problem as just not having Fred out there at all. And kd, look, he took the blame for the loss after last night, and he certainly had a couple things that were just not in character for him. Right? No, he was never going to go be the team's point guard, but he usually makes his free throws and he missed a crucial one at the end of the game. We saw him, you know, foul Shea. I would argue that wasn't his fault. Shea just danced around so much on that play. I think any defender might have drawn a foul there. We did see him call for that timeout that they didn't have a little Chris Webber action. Fortunately, none of the refs saw it, or certainly fortunately for the Rockets. I haven't spoken to Katie this morning. I don't know if it was nerves or not, but here's something I've seen Colin, and I'm sure you've noticed it too, that great, great players in the last quarter of their career. You'd think that they'd have no nerves in the world. They've been doing this forever. They're so elite. They're one of the best ever. They get a little more jumpy toward the end of their career because they know better than anyone that it's almost over. And Derek Jeter and I used to have long conversations about this. He said, I was more nervous in the final year with the Yankees than I was in my rookie year. I don't know if that's what KD was feeling. I don't know if it was just, you know, he's got to get more in league with his teammates. Short preseason and we'll see him be more comfortable as he goes on. But some of those little uncady things, again, I haven't spoken to him. I'm not inside his head, but it seemed a little bit to me like a little first night, not quite in the team yet. Maybe a little bit of, I would say jitters, but just discomfort.

[A]

We'll see. And the crowd's getting after him and, you know, I mean, I just, that's, I mean, listen, Draymond Green admitted a couple years ago in Boston, it's like it got into my head. Like, I get it. If you're in an arena, it's not like the NFL where fans are a mile away in the NBA, they're eight feet from you, you know, and they're in your face. So I get, I get players. I mean, I think officials get intimidated. I think officials in college and pro get intimidated because of the proximity of fans. So if Katie struggled late, I get it. I get it.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Rachel Nichols, Fox Sports. We're gonna have her on a lot. And tonight it is Cooper Flagg and Wemby. Can't wait. Good seeing you, Rach.

[B]

See you there.

[A]

All right, J. Mac with the news. No, no, no, turn on the news. This is the.

[C]

Great news out of Baltimore. Lamar Jackson just jogged on to the practice field for the first time since September 28th.

[A]

Okay, now this is a game. Now, Bears at Ravens is a game.

[C]

So it's, it's interesting. We don't know that he's playing yet, and I just wonder how much this was calculated. So practice starts and then 20 minutes later, after things are underway, Lamar just jogs out. Now he's only doing minor warm up, throws a little bit of running. Colin, he hasn't practiced in almost a month. I don't. Maybe this is gamesmanship from Harbaugh. You know, you yank the ping pong tables and then you plant the seed. Hey, maybe Lamar's back. Maybe not. Maybe it's Cooper Rush again. I don't know. My gut would tell me he's not going to start. I don't think you rush him out there.

[A]

My gut tells me he's going to play. Dude, they can't lose any more games now that Joe Flacco's beaten Pittsburgh. They got a plan. I think they have to play. I don't think they have. I mean, listen, he's not going to be. How many quarterbacks Justin Herbert's gotten hit 50 times? Nobody's 100%. Yeah, if you're 90%, I would. I. I mean, first of all, Lamar is going to want to play. That's the kind of person he is. He's going to want to play. You're going to have to talk him off the field. So I think you play him.

[C]

But you're waiting to bet this, right? You're not. You're not laying anything yet.

[A]

Well, first of all, I mean, it's not a very good NFL weekend, so if Lamar plays against Caleb, that's a great game.

[C]

The league, the league could use Lamar.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

In that early window. All right, let's move on to the Philadelphia Eagles. Colin Jalen hurts. Quietly. I said quietly. Having one of the great seasons. Are you ready for this? In Philadelphia Eagles history, he has 11 touchdowns in one pick. Best in the NFL. He's got a franchise high 108.9 passer rating. We know the Vikings defense with Flores fresh off a buy. He cooked him. Perfect passer rating. 326 yards, three touchdowns. Colin, I'm. I'm waiting. Where is the respect for Jalen hurts. Come on, he needs it. He's been phenomenal. Quietly.

[A]

They've been out gained in every single game. The staff looked it up during the break.

[C]

Okay, well, maybe Saquon Barkley's not doing his job. I mean, he doesn't have 90 yards in a game. I don't think this season. But all I heard last year. Colin, hey, it's all Saquon Barkley. So now. No, Saquon 5 and 2 Hz has great numbers. Like what are we doing? Are we gonna give him. I see you.

[A]

It's just.

[C]

It's paining you to say yes. Jason hurts. He's a top five quarterback in the league.

[A]

No, he's a top five winner in the league.

[C]

Oh, goodness gracious. I don't know what he's Got to do. I mean, highest passer rating. Colin. I. I don't know. Big names on that list. Your guy, Jared Goff and Jalen Hurts checking in fourth.

[A]

So by the way, passer, highest pass rate. Where's Mahomes on that list?

[C]

He hasn't been. He was terrible last year.

[A]

Come on, where's Josh Allen on that list? I don't.

[C]

I don't. That's a good question.

[A]

Passer rating is. Is a part of comp. There's a compilation of stats.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Composition. It's okay. Find the end of the world.

[C]

Final story is your Dodgers. They are headed into the World Series. Obviously starts Friday on Fox. Everybody's very excited, especially to see Shohei Ohtani. He had that incredible six shutout innings with 10 strikeouts and then pop three homers. Probably the greatest game in Major League Baseball playoffs. I don't know. Like, I don't know what's better. Anyways, Deion Sanders was so impressed that he has chimed in on what Ohtani did.

[A]

He did what six innings, struck out 10, and then went 3 for 3 at the plate and hit three home runs in a closeout game. Hand in the MVP during the game. Like, everybody's launching. They hit bombs now. It's unbelievable, man, what. What this game has gotten to. But I like it because it's faster, it's quicker, and you're allowing as many more. I hope he opens the door for others because there's many more pictures, many, not more, that don't sound right. Many pitchers that can do both, but they're never allowed to do. So. I'll tell you this. The one of the things that's very noticeable when you watch Major League Baseball now. How many dudes throw at 100? I mean, I can. This is. It just shows you how much stronger people are. First of all, there's so many pitchers now that are like 6, 6 and above. It's just guys throwing straight downhill. But I can remember in the 70s and 80s that Nolan Ryan in the 80s, you're like, oh, my God, that guy throws 100. And not every pitch. Nolan was at 98 a lot. There was a guy that pitched for the Astros, J.R. r. Richard. And I, I can remember the name because J.R. richard was a guy that could reach. I think he reached 100.

[C]

Is it. Is this a 70s reference again?

[A]

Yeah, yeah. That's when sports was really special.

[C]

Oh, gosh.

[A]

Back in the good old days. I'm just telling you, Nolan Ryan, J.R. richard, I can't think of a third guy Seaver threw, but I think he was like high 90s. Everybody throws 100. It's insane. There's one guy that throw threw 103, 104.

[C]

Yeah. So I mean athletes keep getting better. Imagine how that works. It's funny.

[A]

Hey, Nolan Ryan, funny thing about Nolan Ryan, he threw seven no hitters. But go look at his win loss record. You would think of a guy had seven no hitters. He only won 78% of his stars. I think he was a little above.500, I think.

[C]

Wait, they need a Jeopardy category with 70s sports trivia. You would clean up, man.

[A]

I would. J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. Okay. The staff is looking it up as we speak. Look at this. He won 52% of his games and had seven no hitters. Yeah. But it just everybody's throwing 99, 100 miles an hour out of the pen closers. It's incredible. And Toronto still, I'm telling you, Toronto is going to be viable in this series. I'll take Toronto to win game one, Dodgers win next two, and then we'll see what happens. But the Blue Jays will be the first team in the playoffs to put consistent pressure on the Dodgers because they just get runners on and they got a lot of guys that can drive them in. And there's no way Blake Snell can be that good against Toronto as he was against Milwaukee. You there's no way that was, that was Kofax like. I don't think we see that again. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. This podcast is sponsored by PayPal. Okay, let's talk holiday shopping. When you want to make the most of your Money, head to PayPal's app before you check out. They give you the flexibility to pay in four no fees, no interest. And this is big. Bigger than the 12 foot snowman on your lawn right now. You can get 5% cash back when you pay later with PayPal. So whether it's the must have merch or for that signed jersey you've been eyeing, PayPal helps you make the most of your money this holiday. Save this offer in the PayPal app expires 1231. See paypal.com promoterms Subject to approval. Learn more at paypal.com payin4paypal inc.nmls910457 the Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Sales event is here. It is packed with great surprises. Choose from a wide selection of low mileage vehicles all backed by Toyota with warranties that begin on the date of purchase. Because when it comes to quality, the best new cars make the best used cars. Every certified Toyota undergoes a thorough quality assurance inspection before it even reaches the lot so you can drive away with confidence. With over 7 million sold, there's a certified Toyota for every lifestyle from efficient commuters to family friendly SUVs. Each vehicle comes with added benefits like roadside assistance and features you expect, including Bluetooth connectivity. But hurry these great offers and November 3rd Toyota certified used Vehicle Sales event where every surprise is a great one. So don't miss your chance. Find your certified Toyota today. Inventory may vary by dealer, participating dealers only. Comprehensive and powertrain are limited. Warranties CTCUV Warranty supplement Toyota certified.com or your Toyota dealer For details from date of Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Purchase Program available in continental US and Canada. See TCUV Warranty Supplement for details. A compatible Bluetooth enabled phone must be paired. Phone performances depend on software coverage and carrier. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG Inc. Use of such marks by Toyota is Under license. See toyota.com for details. Thursday Night Football is on and it's only on Prime Video. This week, the Minnesota Vikings head west to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Coverage begins at 7pm Eastern with Football's Best Party TNF tonight presented by Verizon. Not a Prime member? Not a problem. Simply sign up for a 30 day free trial. It's the Vikings in chargers Thursday at 7pm Eastern only on Prime Video. Restrictions apply. See Amazon.com Amazon prime for details. Hey there. I'm Kyle McLaughlin. You might know me as that guy from Twin Peaks, Sex and the City, or just the Internet's dad. I have a new podcast called what Are We Even Doing? Where I embark on a noble quest to understand the brilliant chaos of youth culture. Daddy's looking good. Each week I invite someone fascinating to join me. Actors, musicians, creatives, highly evolved digital life forms. And we talk about what they love. Sometimes I'll drizzle a little honey in there too if I'm feeling sexy in the morning. What keeps them going? And you're maybe my biggest competition on social media. Like when a kid says bra to me and how they're navigating this high speed roller coaster we call reality. In Australia, you're looking out for snakes, spiders and boys, right? Hey, he's no train McDougal. Chill. This is like the comment section of my Instagram. Join me and my delightful guests every Thursday and let's get weird together in a good way. Listen to what are we even doing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. So we were talking about this. There are certain teams that I buy more than the betting look or the experts. I think the Dallas Mavericks are going to be really good. And I don't buy the Cavs. I think they're deep. But Donovan Mitchell can go a little Westbrook. I don't think he necessarily elevates others. I think Houston with a point guard, if Fred Van Vliet was healthy, could win it because I think Shen Goon by the end of the year has a chance to be a top six player in the league. Top five or six, I think he's that good. He's a kid. But I was just sitting here thinking of the top 10 teams in the league and again at the top. It depends on what flavor. I think Denver has a chance to be the best team in the league. And then I think okc, Dallas and Minnesota round out the top four. All the best four teams are all excellent coaches, smart teams, you know, can protect the rim. Denver, okc, Dallas, Minnesota. I like Dallas more than the betting public. And then I think you get into a Orlando, Knicks, Cavs situation. They're good. They're not elite. And then I would say Houston, Golden State, Lakers are all flawed. Houston doesn't have a point guard, Golden State's too old, and the Lakers are not athletic enough to defend the rim or the perimeter. But I don't, I mean, I. Orlando, Knicks and the Cavs I do not think are title teams. I think Orlando is the best team in the east now adding Desmond Bain. Now, if Jason Tatum was healthy, it's different if Halliburton's healthy. So in one year, Indiana and Boston could very well battle for the championship. This is a lopsided year and again, I am not into last year. I remember J. Mac coming on the air and predicting that Indiana was going to dominate Cleveland and I thought you were nuts and you. They, I mean they dominated them. And so I'm just, I think the Cavs have depth, but I, I, I just, I think they're, I just don't see it. Yeah, there's a lot of championship team.

[C]

I think Garland's out. Max Stru is out to start the season. The Knicks. By the way, Carl Anthony Town's not playing tonight. I don't know if teams are starting load management or just trying to prevent the injuries because Colin, we saw last year What? Damian Lillard, Tatum Halliburton. These are like top 20 players in the league. All go down with injuries.

[A]

The great players in the league, Donovan Mitchell's a good player. He averaged less than four assists a game in the playoffs. Yeah, okay, so he's, you know, it's like the Kawhi Leonard thing. Kawhi is great. Who's he elevating? Westbrook was great. Who in his prime, who's he elevating? James Harden, to his credit, pivoted and became a much better distributor, I think in the mid to second half of his career. But I. So if you look at these international players, what makes Sengun or Jokic so great is their ability to score 30 and have 12 assists.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

And hit multiple threes. These international players are their, their skill level at 22, 23, 24 years old is unbelievable. Our domestic players are great. They're not as great early and I think it's the academy system over in Europe, whatever it is, but. And I think Cooper Flag who debuts tonight has a European feel. He handles the ball, scores at the rim. Elite plus defender can shoot the threes. A Cooper Flag in terms of a domestic rookie is about the best player we've had in a decade possibly.

[C]

It's interesting because like even in Tech, and I know you follow Tech a lot, you go look at who Elon Musk recruits as the engineers. He goes and gets international guys to come over here to America and work for Tesla. Like this is well documented. Similarly, you got these basketball players very well rounded. They do everything great, everything. Work ethic is amazing. They come in and like you said, Shen Goon is not even 25 years.

[A]

He's, he's. I think he's, I think he's 23.

[C]

I mean these guys are honestly, I think what was the number seven straight MVPs have been international.

[A]

Yeah. The last American MVP domestic guy, Arizona State, Oklahoma City, Houston was James Harden seven years ago. And the odds on favorite this year in terms of like numbers, Wemby's going to give it a run because Wemby's going to have, you know, six blocks a game, 25, 28 points a game.

[C]

Wemby, Cooper Flag tonight. How good is that?

[A]

See, I would have, I would have had that last night. I would have opened with the Thunder, the champs. Then I would have gone to Cooper Flag. See, the NBA made a choice. 62 year old MJ, 40 year old LeBron, hopefully and Steph, they made that choice. They do it on Christmas, Colin.

[C]

They would. They get crucified. On Christmas for not putting Indiana and okc. Remember last year that was the big story. Well, you got to give us our respect. Obviously you're going to put Curry and.

[A]

LeBron on opening night, but.

[C]

Well, because they're Curry and LeBron, they've carried the league for 15 years. They have the most social media followings. They're huge on every platform.

[A]

You need them on opening is Major league Baseball. Who was the last. I mean Major league baseball is not going to open up and put a star in his 60s in the opening night, opening day.

[C]

Ohtani playing in Japan a couple years ago. And, and like Sunday night baseball is always Yankees, right? Yankees, Red Sox, like I mean I, I, I can't bash the NBA for that. I will say WEMBY vs Cooper flag needs like major promo on whatever.

[A]

Here's the top five MVP odds for the NBA. Sga Jokic, Luca, Giannis Wemby, all international guys. I mean that's what the league end up. I'm for it.

[C]

Well, it doesn't help that Zion Williamson like ate his way out of the league briefly and John Morant can't get his act together. Those guys were supposed to be next few years ago.

[A]

One of the value propositions of international players is they're more mature.

[C]

It's fair.

[A]

I mean, Zion and Jaw struggle with maturity. Ant has struggled to some degree with a little maturity. Yeah, the international guys, they just come in and it is all basketball. No nonsense. They live, breathe, eat, sleep, hoops and they're really, really loyal.

[C]

Cooper Flag appears to be cut from that cloth. He's not out there at the nightclubs. You know, he's not flexing on social media. He appears to be one of those. I mean he's from, Is he from Maine, I believe or grew up there.

[A]

Maine? Does, does Maine have a nightclub? I mean, I mean you walk in, it's $12 cover and Caribou sitting in the corner. I don't even know what. No, I think Cooper Flag. Here's the thing that I see. Cooper Flag, his skill level for his age feels European. I mean if you've not. I watched last night Houston Shen Goon Skill level at 23 is insane. Cooper Flag can do everything. Runs the floor, handles the ball, shoots really physical defends most. Even LeBron is rookie year wasn't a great defender. Cooper Flag is a. People have said Jason Tatum is his comp. Two things. He's better than Jason Tatum. Much better defender at this age and much more aggressive player. I mean Tatum still has that kind of Passive thing in big spots where like, take the game over. Cooper Flag is hyper aggressive, unbelievable defender at his age. So he is better than Tatum now. Now a lot of young players shoot the three better than guys that broke in eight years ago because the whole damn sport is shooting threes now. So I'm not going to hold it against guys. But in terms of Cooper Flag is. He's old school aggressive. Like he, he not going to hang out in the summer, dude. He's going to be all Mavericks, all basketball, all about winning.

[C]

Well, Tatum is in that mold. And by the way, I think he was all NBA for like four years in a row. First team. Let's, let's not say Cooper Flag's better than him yet. Maybe down the road.

[A]

I'm saying at his age.

[C]

Yes, yes. At his age, Cooper Flag, phenomenal. Listen, you want to make me cry? You know, ask me why Cooper Flag didn't get the ball against Texas Tech in the final Four and how Duke blew that game. I. Unbelievable.

[A]

But, so, anyway, so last night it was fun. It was. It was a midweek. I've always argued the NBA, every league should cut down games. Of course, they're all going in different directions because billionaires want more money. I've always argued the NBA should open on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving because we get football saturation. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, we talk about it Monday and then Tuesday, Wednesday is wide open. That's when the NBA should start. I'd cut it down to 68 games. I'd cut baseball to 120. I want the playoffs starting in August 20, not late September, October, but, you know, nobody.

[C]

Try telling these players that. Yeah, you have to take less money. Try to tell the owners, hey, less revenue because you're down 15 games or whatever, that none of that's happening.

[A]

You know, I, I gotta tell you something. We, this is, we are in the golden age of globalization. Sports, the NBA. I'm watching last night. These guys are so good. The quality of bigs, European bigs, is just wow. Just wow. They're not gonna do 30 for 30 on them because they're not that fascinating. But in terms of skills. And the other thing is international players, when they come over here, like, they really. I mean, it's. It's a little bit like you and I traveling overseas with our family. You tend to be a little more gracious when you go overseas. You tip a little better. You feel like, hey, I'm a visitor. It's almost the way when they come to the States to play basketball, they're very gracious. I mean, they're nice to fans. They're just. All they care about is basketball. Yeah. You know, they're not. They don't. I mean, I think they're really great stewards of the game, but man, they, they, they want to go back home when the season ends, and they're totally loyal. Luca was devastated that he was traded.

[C]

Yeah, if you look at some of these franchise quarterbacks in the NFL, they're in that mold. Jalen Hurts is all business. Shows up with a briefcase. Justin Herbert's not out partying. Patrick Mahomes, total class. Like, they have their act together and it's almost like a European basketball vibe where, like, honestly, I don't. I mean, Joe Burrow goes to a couple fashion shows, but otherwise these guys.

[A]

Are locked in, you know. You know why the Eagles don't have a ping pong table in the facility? Jalen's like, none of that nonsense here. The adult Jalen Hurts Today's episode brought to you by a scent that's made a legendary comeback. Degree Original Cool Rush. The OG is back and better than ever. Cool Rush isn't just a scent. It's a movement kind of fragrance guys remember, ask for by name and rave about online. It's bold. It's fresh all day. Sweat protection, cool, crisp vibe that made it legendary. So whether you're heading to the gym, the office, or just trying to stay fresh all day long, Cool Rush has your back. So if you haven't tried it yet, head to your local Walmart. Grab degree Cool Rush, the fan favorite scent from the world's number one antiperspirant brand. Get ready to power up your play with Nintendo Switch 2. Power up the visuals with 4K support and a bigger, more vivid sound screen. Power of the fun with exclusive new games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza, Nintendo Switch 2 all together, anytime, anywhere. Games rated E to E10 plus games and systems sold separately. Compatible TV required for 4K display. The Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Sales Event is here. It is packed with great surprises. Choose from a wide selection of low mileage vehicles all backed by Toyota with war warranties that begin on the date of purchase. Because when it comes to quality, the best new cars make the best used cars. So don't miss your chance. Find your certified Toyota today, but hurry. These Great offers end November 3rd. Toyota Certified used Vehicle Sales Event where every surprise is a great one. Inventory may vary by dealer. Participating dealers only. Comprehensive and powertrain are limited warranties. See tcuv warranty supplementtoyotacertified.com or your Toyota dealer for details. This is Colin Coward from the Herd with Colin Coward. A wingman flies close with unwavering dedication. At Folds of Honor, a wingman stands with families of Americans, fallen or disabled heroes. The burial flag given to their grieving family is folded 13 times. As a wingman, your $13 monthly donation provides scholarships to their spouses and children. 13 folds $13 Become a wingman join today at foldsofonor.org this is an I Heart podcast.