Best of the week on The Herd

The Herd with Colin Cowherd42mMay 9, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd delivers a dynamic, opinionated deep dive into the latest NBA playoff drama, focusing on the contrasting performances of stars like Joel Embiid, LeBron James, and Austin Reeves. The episode dissects the Lakers' struggles with Reeves' recent poor play, questioning whether his $48 million cap hit is justified given his limitations in high-stakes playoff basketball. A central theme emerges around the 'flopping' debate, with Cowherd criticizing Stephen Curry's (SGA) reliance on exaggerated falls, calling it detrimental to the authenticity and artistry of the NBA. He argues the league should intervene, drawing parallels to rule changes in other sports. The discussion also explores broader league issues, including the 82-game schedule's toll on player health, the need for load management, and the potential benefits of shortening the season to boost playoff urgency and player longevity. The episode closes with a powerful retrospective on LeBron James' unparalleled work ethic, as recounted by former coach David Fisdale, who witnessed LeBron's dedication from ninth grade through his NBA career, underscoring the athlete's legendary commitment to excellence.

Key Takeaways
1

Austin Reeves' $48 million cap hit may not reflect his true playoff value; he's a solid role player but not a franchise cornerstone.

2

The NBA must address the over-reliance on flopping, especially by players like SGA, to preserve the integrity and artistry of the game.

3

The 82-game NBA season is contributing to an injury epidemic; shortening the schedule could improve player health and playoff intensity.

4

LeBron James' sustained greatness stems from an unmatched work ethic and daily dedication, not just talent.

5

Teams should prioritize continuity and health over drastic roster overhauls, especially when core players like Embiid are inconsistent.

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Podcast Promos and Intro

Multiple podcast promos are aired, including The Clifford Show, Look Back At It, Superhuman, Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends, and Learn the Hard Way with Keir Gaines, all promoting their respective shows on iHeartRadio and Apple Podcasts.

5:00
5 min

Where Colin Was Right and Wrong

LeBron took basically C-plus and B-minus level players, no Luka and little bits and pieces of Austin Reeves, and dominated the series. And KD, according to the net rating, the Rockets were better without him.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

Austin Reeves: The $48 Million Question

He's not a one and he's not a two. The question is, are you a championship team if he is a three? And I don't think you are.

Highlight
20:00
15 min

The Flopping Epidemic in the NBA

Watching him flop during an NBA game is like, to some degree, it's like inserting one of those life alert commercials. I've fallen and I can't get up into Cirque du Soleil.

Highlight
35:00
15 min

The 82-Game Season and Player Health Crisis

82 is a beast. I mean, to the point where you don't know where you are sometimes when you wake up, like you wake up in that hotel and you're like, are we in Indiana or New Orleans?

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I watched this guy. I would get to the office at 6 a.m. I'll give you a perfect day. You're going to love this. I'll pull up into the parking lot. A guy rides in on a speed, 10 speed with the black tights and the helmet and glasses.
David Fisdale49:44
Viral: 95.0
Watching him flop during an NBA game is like, to some degree, it's like inserting one of those life alert commercials. I've fallen and I can't get up into Cirque du Soleil.
Colin Cowherd22:09
Viral: 92.0
He's not a one and he's not a two. The question is, are you a championship team if he is a three? And I don't think you are.
Colin Cowherd17:41
Viral: 88.0
Speakers

Host

Colin Cowherd

Guest

David Fisdale
Topics Discussed
NBA Playoff Performance95%LeBron James' Work Ethic95%Flopping in the NBA92%Player Valuation and Contracts90%NBA Schedule and Player Health88%Sports Integrity and Rules85%Team Building and Management75%Mental Health and Athlete Wellbeing60%
People & Brands

Austin Reeves

person

25xMixed

LeBron James

person

22xNeutral

Stephen Curry

person

18xNegative

NBA

organization

15xMixed

Joel Embiid

person

15xPositive

Colin Cowherd

person

12xNeutral

Los Angeles Lakers

other

12xNeutral

David Fisdale

person

10xPositive

Philadelphia 76ers

other

8xMixed

New York Knicks

other

7xPositive

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