Best of The Herd

The Herd with Colin Cowherd43mMay 4, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The episode opens with a series of promotional segments for various podcasts, including 'Superhuman,' '2%,' 'Look Back At It,' and 'Deeply Well,' highlighting themes of human potential, mental toughness, and emotional healing. The core of the episode centers on a deep analysis of the NBA playoffs, particularly the Boston Celtics' collapse against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Lakers' surprising victory over the Rockets without key players like Anthony Davis and Luka Dončić. Colin Cowherd argues that the Celtics were paralyzed by their reliance on a three-point formula, failing to adjust when it didn't work, while LeBron James' leadership and ability to elevate underperforming teammates is celebrated as unparalleled. The episode then shifts to a detailed breakdown of the upcoming Knicks vs. 76ers series, with Cowherd ranking the top 10 players and emphasizing the importance of health, defense, and matchups—especially between Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns. He reflects on how the Sixers were overlooked all season, despite building a talented, young core around Maxey and Edgecombe, and questions whether their lack of bench depth will hurt them in a deep series. The episode closes with a discussion on the Warriors' uncertain future, potential trades involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Steve Kerr’s possible departure, underscoring the fragility of championship contention in today’s NBA landscape.

Key Takeaways
1

The Celtics' overreliance on three-point shooting led to their downfall, proving that analytics alone can't win playoff series.

2

LeBron James' ability to elevate average teammates—despite their injuries and inconsistency—defines his legacy as a transcendent leader.

3

Joel Embiid's health is the single biggest variable in the Knicks vs. 76ers series, with his dominance when healthy making Philly a serious threat.

4

The Sixers' success this year came from a quiet, overlooked core of young talent and defensive intensity, not just star power.

5

Teams must balance formulaic play with in-game adaptability—especially in high-pressure moments like the final minutes of Game 7.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Podcast Promos & Opening Themes

The episode begins with a series of promotional segments for five different podcasts: 'Superhuman,' '2%,' 'Look Back At It,' 'Deeply Well,' and 'Help From a Hypocrite,' each highlighting themes of human potential, mental resilience, historical reflection, emotional healing, and comedic absurdity.

5:00
12 min

Celtics' Collapse & Formulaic Play

When they trailed by a point with 349 left and shot seven threes and went 0 for 7, I didn't see that coming.

Highlight
16:40
17 min

LeBron’s Legacy & the Lakers’ Run

Nobody's ever been better, in my opinion, than LeBron James. He's one of, if not the greatest of all time.

Highlight
33:20
17 min

Knicks vs. 76ers: The Upcoming Series

If Embiid is healthy for seven games, I think Philly wins in six or seven games.

Highlight
50:00
17 min

The Sixers’ Quiet Rise & Team Building

Cowherd reflects on how the Sixers were overlooked all season despite having a talented, young core. He praises their development under coach Doc Rivers and the strategic use of players like Maxey and Edgecombe, contrasting their quiet rise with the media’s focus on Tatum, the Knicks, and Detroit.

High-Impact Quotes
Nobody's ever been better, in my opinion, than LeBron James. He's one of, if not the greatest of all time.
Colin Cowherd33:38
Viral: 90.0
When they trailed by a point with 349 left and shot seven threes and went 0 for 7, I didn't see that coming.
Colin Cowherd7:20
Viral: 85.0
Put yourself through some hardships and you will come out on the other side a happier, more fulfilled, healthier person.
Michael Easter0:49
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Host

Colin Cowherd

Guests

J-MacChris Broussard
Topics Discussed
NBA Playoffs Analysis95%LeBron James' Legacy90%Team Formulas vs. Adaptability88%Player Health & Durability85%NBA Trade Rumors & Rebuilding80%Mental Toughness & Resilience75%Analytics in Sports70%Podcast Promotions60%
People & Brands

LeBron James

person

22xNeutral

Joel Embiid

person

18xPositive

Philadelphia 76ers

other

17xPositive

Boston Celtics

other

16xNegative

Colin Cowherd

person

15xPositive

New York Knicks

other

14xPositive

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

media

10xPositive

Karl-Anthony Towns

person

8xMixed

Anthony Davis

person

8xNegative

Luka Dončić

person

7xNegative

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