Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: What's Wright - Best Of - Knicks TARGETING Kevin Durant or Giannis after Thibs Firing? SGA's 2025 Better than Steph's 2016? Release Date: June 7, 2025

Overview

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Nick Wright delves deep into recent developments surrounding the New York Knicks, particularly focusing on the unexpected firing of coach Tom Thibodeau during a promising playoff run. The discussion navigates through potential reasons behind the decision, speculations about the Knicks’ pursuit of superstar players like Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the implications for the team's future. Additionally, listener questions touch on various sports topics, showcasing Nick's analytical prowess and engaging conversation style.

Main Discussion Points

1. Firing of Tom Thibodeau

Timestamp: [02:15] – [18:25]

Nick Wright opens the discussion by addressing the surprising termination of Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks' head coach, just two games away from the NBA Finals. Damien expresses mutual surprise, stating, “You seem to think that his job was pretty secure. Myself as well. I couldn't see them firing Tibbs, but here we are.”

2. Possible Reasons for the Firing

Nick outlines three primary rationales:

• Option A: The front office had decided to part ways with Thibodeau at the end of the regular season, regardless of playoff performance.

• Option B: The playoff performance, including key victories perceived as flukes, diminished confidence in Thibodeau’s coaching.

• Option C: The firing is a strategic move to facilitate the acquisition of high-profile players like Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Nick Wright [02:31]: “Logically speaking, that would mean one of two things is true...”

He elaborates on these options, suggesting that the sudden firing might be more aligned with Option C, positioning the Knicks to make significant trades or acquisitions.

3. Speculations on Acquiring Kevin Durant or Giannis

Nick introduces the theory that the Knicks might be targeting Durant or Giannis, potentially influencing their decision to fire Thibodeau. He connects this to rumors about possible coaching candidates, including Jason Kidd.

Nick Wright [05:00]: “...maybe someone from Giannis's camp said, hey, if person X was your coach, maybe Giannis would ask for a trade to the Knicks…”

He further discusses the viability of such moves, considering the existing team dynamics and contractual obligations.

4. Potential Coaching Candidates

The conversation shifts to potential new head coaches, with names like Jason Kidd and Rick Brunson mentioned. Nick scrutinizes the feasibility of these appointments, especially considering their current positions and relationships within the league.

Nick Wright [07:30]: “Jason Kidd coached Giannis in Milwaukee...”

He expresses skepticism about certain candidates, citing recent reports and professional relationships as limiting factors.

5. Jim Dolan's Role and the Las Vegas Sphere

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Knicks owner Jim Dolan and his focus on the Las Vegas Sphere project. Nick references a remark by his idol, Colin Cowherd, attributing the Knicks' functional performance to Dolan's distracted attention towards the Sphere.

Nick Wright [12:10]: “Colin had the best Jim Dolan take ever...”

He posits that Dolan's divided attention might have inadvertently benefited the Knicks by allowing the front office and coaching staff more autonomy.

6. Defensive Concerns and Team Performance

Nick raises concerns about the Knicks' defensive performance under Thibodeau, questioning whether the team’s defensive metrics were a reflection of its roster limitations rather than coaching deficiencies.

Nick Wright [14:18]: “Is it possible that the defense the Knicks had this year... was actually the best defense you can realistically have?”

He debates whether the defensive struggles were inherent to the players' capabilities rather than strategy, highlighting the complexities of coaching in a star-driven team.

Listener Questions and Responses

1. Knicks’ Future Moves Timestamp: [26:35] – [32:27]

Listener Damien asks, “So the Knicks couldn't even up the series, so now they're headed to Cancun. What do you think New York should do? What should they make? Any moves people want to come at Katie.”

Nick responds by evaluating the possibility of retaining the current coaching staff versus making drastic moves, including trading key players for superstars like Kevin Durant.

Nick Wright [31:03]: “I do not think you have to fire Tibbs in order to give yourself a better chance to get Kevin Durant.”

2. Celtics vs. Thunder Series Prediction Timestamp: [33:05] – [34:29]

Listener Bobby poses a hypothetical matchup between the 2024 Celtics and the 2025 Thunder in a seven-game series. Nick analyzes the strengths and potential weaknesses, leaning towards the Celtics if key players like Porzingis perform well.

Nick Wright [33:16]: “If you're getting seven healthy games out of Porzingis, I would go Celtics.”

3. SGA vs. Steph's Best Season Timestamp: [35:12] – [43:15]

Owen inquires whether SGA (presumably Julius Randle or another prominent player) surpasses Steve Nash as the greatest Canadian player with a title win. Nick confidently asserts that SGA's 2025 performance eclipses Nash's.

Nick Wright [35:20]: “Yes, I think he does. I think one MVP and one title and I think this year from SGA was better than any individual Steve Nash year.”

He continues to compare SGA's season metrics to legendary performances, arguing for his superiority based on statistical achievements and team contributions.

4. Coverage of Summer Sports Timestamp: [35:33] – [36:33]

Listener Louise asks about coverage plans for summer sports like the WNBA, cycling, F1, and tennis. Nick assures that upcoming sports will be covered, mentioning personal interests like IndyCar and potential exploration of F1.

Nick Wright [35:46]: “We'll definitely cover some WNBA. We'll definitely cover tennis...”

5. World Series of Poker and Mission Impossible Timestamp: [36:35] – [51:45]

Further listener interactions include questions about the World Series of Poker and opinions on the new Mission Impossible movie. Nick admits he hasn't seen the latest installment, expressing reluctance to end a beloved franchise.

Nick Wright [36:35]: “I have a shameful confession. I haven't seen it yet...”

He humorously chastises his co-host upon learning that Damien hasn't watched any Mission Impossible films either.

Concluding Remarks

Nick Wright wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of fan engagement and encouraging listeners to subscribe and stay tuned for future discussions. He emphasizes the dynamic nature of the NBA landscape, particularly regarding the Knicks' strategic decisions post-Thibodeau era.

Nick Wright [32:27]: “I feel like it's got to at least be kicked around. That's the way. That's the way I look at it.”

His final thoughts center around the potential reshaping of the Knicks’ roster and coaching staff to position themselves as Eastern Conference favorites, contingent upon successful acquisitions and internal team development.

Notable Quotes

• Damien [02:15]: “You seem to think that his job was pretty secure. Myself as well. I couldn't see them firing Tibbs, but here we are.”

• Nick Wright [05:00]: “...maybe someone from Giannis's camp said, hey, if person X was your coach, maybe Giannis would ask for a trade to the Knicks…”

• Nick Wright [12:10]: “Colin had the best Jim Dolan take ever...”

• Nick Wright [14:18]: “Is it possible that the defense the Knicks had this year... was actually the best defense you can realistically have?”

• Nick Wright [35:20]: “Yes, I think he does. I think one MVP and one title and I think this year from SGA was better than any individual Steve Nash year.”

• Nick Wright [36:35]: “I have a shameful confession. I haven't seen it yet...”

Conclusion

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the New York Knicks' recent coaching changes, exploring the multifaceted reasons behind the firing of Tom Thibodeau and the potential strategic moves the franchise might undertake to secure its position in the NBA's competitive landscape. Nick Wright's insightful commentary, combined with engaging listener interactions, offers listeners a nuanced perspective on current sports narratives.