Best of The Herd
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Victor Wembanyama's 41-point, 24-rebound, 3-block masterpiece in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals didn't just win a game—it redefined the NBA's hierarchy. Colin Cowherd argues that Wembanyama, at just 22, has officially become the face of the league, echoing LeBron James' 2007 breakout moment when he scored 25 straight points to dominate a top-seeded Pistons team. The comparison isn't just about stats; it's about cultural impact. Wembanyama’s dominance forces opponents to abandon their best big men—like Chet Holmgren and Rudy Gobert—on him, while his teammates rally around him with genuine affection, a rare dynamic in modern NBA history. Cowherd and guest Nick Wright draw a powerful parallel to Akeem Olajuwon’s 1995 rebuke of David Stern handing the MVP to David Robinson, with Wembanyama delivering a similar statement 31 years later. The episode becomes a meditation on legacy, with Cowherd naming Wembanyama one of only six players in his lifetime whose game is truly unique—alongside Jordan, Magic, LeBron, Steph, and Dr. J. The ripple effects are already visible: the Spurs’ young core, led by Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle, is being hailed as an all-time tandem, while the Thunder’s depth suddenly feels insufficient against Wembanyama’s gravitational pull. Even the Lakers’ new ownership is forced to reconsider their strategy—Giannis Antetokounmpo, once seen as a short-term fix, now looks like the only viable counter to Wembanyama’s future dynasty.
Wemby’s 41-24-3 performance was the best game since Wilt Chamberlain’s 1962 masterpiece, with a stat line that redefines what a big man can do.
Wembanyama’s dominance forced OKC to guard him with Alex Caruso—a 6'3" guard—because no big man could handle him, proving he’s a new kind of force.
Cowherd compares Wembanyama’s 2026 breakout to LeBron’s 2007 moment, arguing both players became the 'face of the league' after a single transcendent game.
The Spurs’ young core—Wembanyama, Dylan Harper (20), and Stephon Castle—is being called an all-time tandem, with Harper’s 7 steals and 24 points in his first start being historic.
Wembanyama’s impact is so profound that even if OKC wins the series, the Spurs will be the team to beat next season, not the Thunder.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Podcast Promos and Intro
Multiple iHeartPodcast promos are aired, including 'Hey Jonas' by the Jonas Brothers, 'Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends', 'Saigon', 'Deeply Well with Debbie Brown', 'The Fifth Hour with Ben Maller', 'Renee Stubbs Tennis Podcast', and 'Hurdle with Emily Abadi'. These serve as ad breaks before the main content.
Wembanyama's 41-24 Masterpiece and the Birth of a Dynasty
“Wemby officially became the face of the league. He did. Before the game, SGA won the MVP, motivating him. Wemby won the night and the game. He is now the movie poster for the NBA.”
The Wembanyama Effect: How He Changes the Game
“The only question is, number one, when does the dynasty start? And number two, cross your fingers at seven feet four. Can Wemby stay healthy for 12 years and become the greatest basketball player of all time?”
The Legacy of the Face of the League: LeBron, Jordan, and Wembanyama
“I think he's one of six. I really do. Well, the thing is, so here's, I don't know if this is agreeing with you or disagreeing with you, but there was some real poetry in last night because the player he's always reminded me of... And the player that I have always felt before he tries to chase down LeBron and Jordan, the guy, the first guy who wants to check off the list is Akeem Olajuwon.”
The Future of the NBA: Spurs, Lakers, and Giannis
Cowherd speculates that the Spurs, not the Thunder, will be the team to beat next season. He argues that Giannis Antetokounmpo may become more valuable as a counter to Wembanyama, and that the Lakers’ new ownership may need to pursue him. The episode ends with a reflection on how Wembanyama’s rise is reshaping the entire league’s future.
“I think he's one of six. I really do. Well, the thing is, so here's, I don't know if this is agreeing with you or disagreeing with you, but there was some real poetry in last night because the player he's always reminded me of... And the player that I have always felt before he tries to chase down LeBron and Jordan, the guy, the first guy who wants to check off the list is Akeem Olajuwon.”
“Wemby officially became the face of the league. He did. Before the game, SGA won the MVP, motivating him. Wemby won the night and the game. He is now the movie poster for the NBA.”
“nuclear level take is this Colin. If what we saw last night, and again, I don't think it will. I think this series is going to go seven. I think OKC's going to get their blows in. But let's just say this is just Wimby runs roughshod. And Chet is a shell of himself. And they are guarding Wimby with Alex Caruso because he's the only guy on the team up for the challenge even though he's a foot shorter than him.”
Host
Guest
colin cowherd
person
victor wembanyama
person
nick wright
person
lebron james
person
dylan harper
person
stephon castle
person
alex caruso
person
giannis antetokounmpo
person
akeem olajuwon
person
kevin jonas
person
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3 & Out - NFL Annual League Meeting Reaction + NFL Offseason Mailbag
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Best of The Herd
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THE HERD - Hour 3 - Thoughts on who should be the MVP
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THE HERD - Hour 2 - Illinois head coach Brad Underwood stops by The Herd
The Herd with Colin Cowherd • 41m • 3/31/2026
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