The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Colin Cowherd Podcast - Marcus Thompson on KD Market, Holmgren Buzz, Westbrook Final Act

Episode Date: July 13, 2022

First, (3:00) Colin explains why more teams want to win now rather than build for the future, why Lamar Jackson isn’t a top 10 QB, and why journalists claiming inside knowledge about the length of the upcoming Deshaun Watson suspension don't have a clue.  Then, The Athletic NBA Writer Marcus Thompson joins Colin to discuss what it was like watching the Warriors clinch in Boston (12:00), why the trade market for Kevin Durant has been so limited (20:00), if Chet Holmgren can handle the nightly punishment of an NBA season (28:00), where James Wiseman fits into the Warriors' future plans (30:00), if Russell Westbrook still has value in the right situation (34:00), and how Andrew Wiggins transformed himself from a trade asset to a foundational piece for Golden State (41:00). Follow Colin and The Volume on Twitter for the latest content and updates and check out FanDuel for the best wagering and daily fantasy action! #Herd See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Another podcast from some SNL, late-night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter.

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win.

I don't care which I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media. Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifers Show. This is a place for raw, unfilled conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to the Clifford show on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok's podcast network on TikTok.

On the Look Back at it podcast. From 1979, that was a big moment for me. 84's big to me. I'm Sam Jay. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. With our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors. Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s.

84 was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The Volume. The Colin Coward podcast presented by Fandul Sportsbook, no better place to make every moment more than with Fandul. Basketball, football, they have awesome new and existing user promotions. It's easy to use. It's safe and secure. You can get your winnings back in two hours.

My favorite, the same game parleyes. You can bet five or ten bucks in one 150 bucks or more. If you are new, just download the Fandul Sportsbook app. Get started now. Sign up promo code Colin so they know we and I sent you. The Colin Coward podcast presented by the Fandulul's Sportsbook. Hi, everybody. Welcome in some Summer League in the Airs.

NBA to talk about. The Golden State Warriors are champs. My buddy Marcus Thompson and I have not talked since they won the title. Some basketball topics will throw around. I want to start with this. What I'm about to say we all know is true. To some people, certain things, the same things are more valuable. Now, I love my car, but I have a nine-minute drive to work. And I don't need a lot of space because my kids outside of my son have all graduated and they have their own rides. I'm saying I don't love my car. But a nine-minute drive, I rarely have a big grocery run. I don't have kids in the back seat taking them to soccer practice. But as you got four kids, dogs, you like to hunt, your kids play soccer, baseball, and you got an hour drive each way in Los Angeles, man, that SUV

is really, really valuable to you. That SUV to me, it's transportation. Same thing. different values, right? We know this to be true. When Rudy Gobert got traded to the T-Wolves, it kind of screwed the market up. I mean, he went for what, like five draft picks and four players? But think about it from the T-Wolves angle. Vikings aren't winning Super Bowls, twins aren't winning the World Series. Minnesota Wild aren't ending up in the Stanley Cup. T-wolves, perennially, habitually average. Let's be honest about Minnesota sports. Nobody wins. Their last title was having the biggest mall in America. It's much easier to sell the future when you've been so damn good in the present. When have the T-Wolves been so damn good? I think it's easy to sell the

future years ago when baseball tickets were $7 and NBA tickets were 17. But the T-Wool-Wil's have new owners. Gobert, Carl Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, I'd pay to watch that. The reality is the future is a much tougher sell today. Baseball's added playoff teams. NFL's added playoff teams will probably get an expanded college football playoff. NBA's added play-in games. Translation, more teams make the playoffs. Also, sports fans are so optimistic, bordering on delusional. If you just make the playoffs and all leagues are adding more, if your team does lose, fans often blame the officials. They're not going to blame the GM. Just get into the playoffs and Minnesota will. And I think the Miami Dolphins will. When Miami makes all those moves

to get Tyreek Hill, five draft picks, it seems outrageous. But they've been selling the future in Miami since Dan Marino left. People in Miami have a beach, the heat, a pretty girlfriend, they've got options. They don't want to talk about the future. They want to talk about now. You know, I've noticed this throughout sports. There used to be so much value on draft picks. But I think as analytics has changed the game, we have to be honest about draft picks. Belichick's the best football coach ever, and he can't draft his way out of a brown paper bag. I get the chiefs letting go of Tyreek Hill because their presence so great. They can assume some draft capital for the future.

Miami can no longer sell the future. If Tua doesn't work and Tyree Kill is the best bubble screen receiver in the league, if Tua doesn't work, is it another decade trying to find the next Dan Marino? Screw the future. Let's roll the dice now. Rudy Gobert, Carl Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards. Screw the future. We've been selling that forever. This is our best team, potentially in 50 years. You know, it's like a 401K. Never take from the 401k, build for the future. But with gas prices at five bucks, inflation through the roof, nobody gives a rip about their 401K. They want to pay their bills. They want to go to a move. I want to take their wife out. Like the Rudy Gobert, Tyreek Hill moves seem outrageous.

But increasingly, sports is a billion-dollar business. We're asking fans to pay $70 bucks for baseball tickets, good baseball tickets. We're asking fans to pay $170 for good NBA seats or more. They want wins now. I get the T-Wolves. I get the dolphins. Draft picks? that's for the next generation to worry about.

What I'm about to say we know is true. There's always about six great quarterbacks in the NFL, 70s, 80s, 90s, turn to the century now. I thought it was funny when I put out my top 10 quarterback list, and I saw also that the NFL executives put out a top 10 quarterback list, and in both, Lamar Jackson was missing. I got a lot of pushback. What about Lamar Jackson?

Well, what about him? Justin Herbert has set NFL records for passing in the first two years. Joe Burrow got to a Super Bowl. Kyler Murray is a better throw over the football. If you had a minute 30 left and you were trailing, would you want Derek Carr or Lamar Jackson? Derek Carr leads the NFL in fourth quarter comebacks since 2014. Lamar Jackson has often struggled to play from behind.

Everybody wants their quarterback to be on the list. The truth is, I am a huge fan of Lamar Jackson. But you have eyes. I have eyes. He's a downhill player. He plays better with a league than trailing. And the quarterbacks I put on my list, play well behind, or leading. But it's funny about it. We all know it's true. There's about six great quarterbacks in the league. Does any NFL GM really believe Lamar Jackson, as insanely clever as he can be, is one of those quarterbacks. There's a narrative on Lamar. He's not as good in the postseason as he is in the regular season, and he plays better with a lead than he does from behind. And in the NFL, unlike

college, even if you're on a good team, you often play from behind. Look at Mahomes. He's played from behind a lot. And that's the Chiefs. When Lamar broke into the league, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Kyler Murray weren't the quarterbacks. They are today. Derek Carr hadn't overcome the John Gruden fiasco yet. Let's be honest, quarterback over the last three years in the NFL has gotten better. Lamar? Last two years? Really hasn't.

One of my mantras or mottos in this business, I'd rather be right than first. I don't consider myself a journalist, although I've broken stories and I have sources. But I'm an opinionist, a generalist, at least to some level, an entertainer. Sorry, that's the way it goes. If you're informative and boring, you're out of work. If you're entertaining and semi-informative, you get a raise. If I'm an entertainer, whatever. But I watched the Deshawn Watson reporting.

I've seen from various reporters that he's going to be suspended anywhere from zero games to two games to four games to six games to eight games. to 12 to the entire season. I don't need to call out the reporters. It's called Twitter. You can see it. Let's be honest here. Nobody knows.

I'm in the opinion game. I can guess. I have basic instincts. I think he's going to get somewhere from four to six. But if you're a reporter, wouldn't you rather get it right than try to get it first? Not a single person in the American media has a clue how many games Deshawn Watson is going to be suspended.

Sue Robinson is the judge. Speculation. She won't even announce it until late next week at the earliest. And even that's without insight. Come on, reporters, do a better job. Nobody has a legitimate inside track on Deshawn Watson. Now, they may, the day before it's released, if you cover the Cleveland Browns, you're friendly with Andrew Barry, you may get a 12-hour head start. But right now, all the reports are utter nonsense and guessing.

I haven't talked to Marcus Thompson since the Warriors won the championship. He's the author of KD, a great sports book. I think he's the best NBA reporter columnist in the league today. he also wrote Golden about Steph Curry. His current book is Dynasties, the 10 Goat Teams that changed the NBA forever. So when we talked, we were in the middle of the series. And there was a lot of anticipation and there was anxiety. And then the Warriors were clearly the better team the last three games.

I try not to be a fan. I try to be like a judge overseeing a case. And I can be objective. But I've got to be honest. I found myself rooting for the Warriors. I like that story. I like the Clay story. I like the Draymond story.

I like Steph winning the MVP. When you cover a team and you have relationships and you saw how bad they were two years ago, is it ever hard not to be a fan? I think the fan part, I got the mushy's and the warm and tingleys from it, honestly being in Boston. And like, it felt like when you, when I came up watching basketball, it was magic and bird, right?

And, you know, we were, we were Lakers. It was West Coast against the Celtics. And there was this kind of hatred. And then I'm from Oakland. So you hear about Bill Russell, right? And it was like, it felt like I was transported into history ahead of time with Steph Curry becoming this, like, ultra legend inside Boston Guard. Right. So it's definitely like, I don't know how you not be a fan of hoop, of watching like that level of greatness.

You know what I'm saying? Right. Of the chaos and craziness that is a drunk Celtics crowd. Like that, that's not epic, man. It wasn't like, that's fun. And it was definitely like, it was fun. It's probably the best way I can say it. Like, it was a lot of fun watching it unfold, witnessing it happen.

And the truth is, and I know them well, like, it was. that meant a lot to stuff, like watching him crying on the court, Colin, like, not like a thug tear. That was an ugly cry, right? That was snotting on daddy's shoulder, right? You could tell that meant to him. And so as someone who watched the journey the whole way, that was like, hey, yo, this is for real. Like, he really means this, right? So I don't know how you not have some kind of warming tingleys watching that unless you just, you know, hate the warriors.

This baseball season turned K's into cash. Big hits into big wins with Fandul Sportsbook. Okay, right now, new customers. Step up to the plate. No sweat first bet. Up to $1,000. Here it is. Sign up.

Place your first bet. Fandle will give you. Listen to this, up to $1,000 back in free bets. If you don't win. You get paid fast. It's safe and secure. Great promotions every day. No better place to bet America's pastime than on America's number one sportsbook.

Download the Fandul Sportsbook app. Always use the promo code Colin to get the deal. Get you started. It's called No Sweat. First bet up to $1,000. 21 plus and present in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, and Louisiana. Permitted parishes only. Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia.

First online, real money wager only. Refund issued as non-withdrawable site credit that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook. Fandul.com. Gambling problem, 1-800-200 next step or text next step to 5334-2-8-8-8-9-7-77-7-7-7. or visit ccpg.org slash chat, Connecticut, 1,800, gambler, or visit Fandul.com slash RG and Colorado, Indiana, Indiana, 770 stop in Louisiana, 1,800-2707-1-1-1-7-1-1-7-1-1-7-1-1-1-7-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.

Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashes. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast, Superhuman, documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care which I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions. my journey from basketball to college football or my career in sports media.

Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes

of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream,

this is right where you need to be. Listen to The Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. You know, it was interesting. And maybe the Rudy Gobert five-pick, four-player trade screwed the market up.

But increasingly, there's not a huge market for Kevin Durant. And, you know, I said this the other day, Marcus, where the media, myself included, make a big mistake, is that we like mobility. Fans really don't. Fans want to root and wrap their arms around players. The Cleveland Cavaliers this year had the second highest ratings in the league. with no LeBron. The lowest ratings, the Brooklyn Nets with all the stars. Yeah.

And I said this about Kevin Durant. I can like him, but he doesn't allow you to put your arms around him. It's hard. Aaron Rogers has this in Green Bay. He never lets you hug him. Yeah. And I think some of the market for Kevin Durant is that we know he's great, but we don't know what he's thinking. and we have to give up so much to get him.

Like, are you surprised the market? I mean, Phoenix now may do a sign-in trade with the Pacers, meaning they're out of the Kevin Durant market. Are you surprised the market has dried up? I'm not because, like, nothing like having to give up five picks. Reminds you, he's 34, right? Like, it's like, wait a second. This isn't a 26-year-old.

KD. And if you're going to give up that much, now you start looking for warts, right? It's like, hey, man, I really want this. I like it. But once you see the price, now at that point, you're thinking the reason is not to buy it. And Kevin Durant's got some reasons, right? Like, as great as he is, he's got some reasons. I do think you're right, though. There's a difference between, like, respect and adoration, right? People respect his game. But, like, you don't feel this massive, I will fight you in the street. for his name and his honor, right? Like you feel with some other stars.

And I do think he has a role in that, right? I do think, like, the movement has a part of it. But I also think, like, he constantly tells people, you don't know what I'm thinking. You don't know what makes me happy. Well, it's like, you, I kind of don't, actually. So it's hard to, like, know you, know you, right? His story doesn't get, like, I think his story's incredible.

And I don't think he gets told enough. Like, his role to this point is kind of like, yeah, whatever. It's really a great story about a dude who made it kind of from nothing and used basketball to keep himself sane and safe. But you're right. Like you've got to be able to hug them emotionally, spiritually. You got to be able to be with him.

And he spent the last, you know, what, five, six years telling you why you don't have that relationship with him. So I do think that's different. And, you know, I think all parties can have some responsibility, that including him. But some people, though, they will, I mean, there are some players who don't deserve such fans and have them, right? Like Russell Westbrook, friends will fight you in the streets about Russell Westbrook, right? James Harder fans will go in on you. They're finding your address because you don't get to talk about James Harden like that, right?

I do think there's a, there's a price to pay because as great as KD is, he should have that in droves, right? But something is not connected in that way. Yeah, I mean, I've moved a lot in my career. the downside of mobility is you always kind of feel like an outsider. I mean, you're from Oakland. You work in a bay, right? No question.

You're an insider. Even at Fox. I was local. I was at ESPN. I'm at Fox. Not that they haven't treated me well, but there's people that have been working at that shop for 35, 40 years. Yeah.

When I walk in, I wish it was home, but I understand like, am I a home or am I a visitor? And that makes me respect it more. When I walk into Fox, I always feel like, this is not my building, right? Like, I can be let go. My contract runs out.

So, and that's not a knock. It's just when you're mobile, like in the Bay Area, you are home covered in the right team for who Marcus Thompson is. Absolutely. This is my seventh state I lived in. you're a nomad you're a no man you're a profan you ain't a no bad i do there is like bonus points for being situated i mean look we we respect

dirk novitsky's one championship over a few people's like two or three just because he did it in one place that's right and that and that was a sacrifice like kevin durant made leaving oklahoma city he's going to have to stack up enough championships where it's like like how many do you need to to be more valuable than that one, you would have got in Oklahoma City that people thought you should have got right there. There is like bonus points, bonus adoration,

whatever it is. Yeah. If you sit down in one spot and ride it out. I don't even know if that's fair, Colin. I feel like if I want to go to New York, I can, and I should be able to, and you should love me just the same. But no, ain't no love for me like it is in the bay because the dirt is in my skin, you know what I'm saying?

Well, listen, Michael Jordan. We watched the Pistons tackle him, Isaiah wouldn't shake his hand. We watched the Celtics tackle him. We watched the death of his father. We watched the comeback. We watched the flu game. And then we watch the documentary or he's fighting with his general manager.

Right. I think a big part of the Michael Jordan love is he got his ass kicked a lot. And he lost a lot personally, professionally. No question. Makes Michael so much easier to embrace. Like, you know, I've said this. my wife always jokes she says you have balance you have a chip on both shoulders right like Brady even though he's great looking has a model wife he's won a bunch there's still something

about being drafted in the six round six round pick for michigan yeah yeah yeah i find it incredibly likable with durant it got tough in oklahoma city he left it got a little uncomfortable in the bay and he left he's got four years left in brooklyn he left Man, it's hard to deny when the going gets tough, he gets on a plane. That's kind of what a lot of fans see, Marcus. No question. And, you know, people don't remember the early years if you don't stay either, right? Like, fair or not, nobody's talking about, hey, man, Oklahoma City was trash,

and then you won 60 games a year with them and took them to the finals, right? Like people just don't, I don't know if they don't have the attention spans or just you lose that equity once you leave. But I do, I do agree that like, yo, we love Jordan because we remember like Jordan was born in rebellion, beefing with the league about wearing black socks and the wrong color shoes, right? Like he was a, he was a rebel from the beginning. He was an underdog from the beginning. Now, he became Jordan and this huge co-follow. But those of us who will fight you in the streets for him, we were the ones who remember where he was getting fired. for black socks and baggy shorts, right?

Step the same way, right? The injuries, the like, you know, wasn't supposed to be much coming out of Davidson. Like, you get to keep that credibility, that earned a crude adoration when you stay home. And I do think when you leave people forget, they do forget that Kevin Durant built Oklahoma City into something. And he endured and he probably could have left four years earlier.

Like the choice that we wanted him to make, he made it the first time. had to sign the extension. And he's like, remember, I'm staying home. I don't want to jump. I'm signing a five-year-a-due. I'm staying right here. And I can understand why in a player's mind, you're like,

that has earned me the right to leave. I gave you nine years. Like, I did everything I could. That has earned the right to leave. But that's not how fans work. Like that type of rationale don't work with fans. Fans are like, yo, you dipped on me. So all that stuff previously don't, it doesn't count, right?

That's the game, yo. And, you know, that's what Omar from the wire said. The game is the game. So the Summer League. It's much bigger now than five years ago. It's always been fun. But I think in the slowest time of the sports year, the NBA has done a really good job to market it.

The NBA game is global. There's more people watching it globally. The Chet Holmgren story is fascinating to me. Because there are moments on the floor. he looks completely overwhelmed. And then there are moments on the floor, you're like, there's a lot of Dirk. Monster.

There's a lot of Dirk Novitsky here, but better defensively. When you talk to your people that you really trust, and they're not getting quoted, it's just talking like guys talking. What do they really say about Chet Hongren? I want to see how he passes his test. He's got one of them bodies that make people think, yeah, he's good, but he's,

off. Right. And they're going to test them. Right. You saw Kenny Lofton Jr. Like, I'm going to put my shoulder in your chest to see if you have the fortitude to deal with the NBA. I think they're watching to see like he's got the skill and anybody can develop some form of muscle. Like I don't think he ever read the White Howard, but he can get stronger, right? The question will be, can he handle dudes coming for him night at night in and night out? Will he wilts? Like, we've seen players who are skilled not be. able to handle the assault of NBA players saying, nah, you, I wonder if you are tough, right?

Like, it's why we love Steph, right? In play, it's like, you know, we just picked on them because there's some light skin dudes from the suburbs. Man, let me see how tough you are. And then they're like, okay, let's go. They're going to do that with Chet. I do think most people believe if he has that in him, then he's going to be great.

Like, if he's got it in him, to answer back, to not get broken by it, to not become weak, to not blame other people. But if he's got the mentality to say, all right, I'm going to get in this gym, I'm going to work, and you're not going to punk me forever. If he's got that, then he's going to be good. If not, I don't know, but they're going to, oh, they're going to try him.

They're going to come for his chest because it looks very comfortable. Yeah. I just made up a word right there. That's okay. I'm good with it. Okay. So the second Summer League story, to me, that's interesting. So I had said this about two weeks ago.

And listen, I'm a sportscaster. new information, I changed my mind. I said, I would go get KD if you could steal him. I said, you know, James Wiseman Wiggins for KD. It's probably hard not to make it. And then I watched James Wiseman one night in Summer League. I'm like, dude, I don't know. What?

I don't know. So again, your sources. How much will Wiseman play this year? And privately, what do they think about him? Because when you watch him in snippets, Marcus, you can see the special. Like, it's right out in front of you. They're been invested. So they buy in large thing like you.

Like, oh, did you see him jump? Oh, we're going to be good for the next 15 years. Right. Like there's a sense of, but if you ever gets it together, we got another star. Right. Like there's that talk. Like he's got it in them. And it's funny because no matter what happens.

no matter what happens, no matter how much he doesn't play, that's all it takes. It's just to see him on the court a little bit. And then you kind of get mesmerized by what's possible. Because he does look like that, right? He does look like, man, if he ever got it together. That's the question is, obviously, will he get it together? But one thing they have is time. They just bought more time at winning championship, Kyle.

Well, you know, they can talk that mess now. They don't need to win right away. And they re-signed Kvon Looney. So again, if he played 16 minutes a game, next year. Doesn't mean you have to play them in the playoffs. They're going to slow play this thing like crazy because the reason Wiseman is here is not for now. They didn't draft him for now. They draft him for the post-Stef Curry era, which many probably thought in 2020

was going to end sooner than we thought, right? After coming off the 2019 season, when they lost, everybody left, he breaks his hand. We had seen Steph for months. And many people thought, okay, what do you have? Three years left of Steph. It's time to start preparing and he comes back looking like an MVP. But he was drafted for to carry the torch to make Chase Center popping after the fact that that plan still looks alive after watching him play because he's seven foot one. He's an athlete. His body's like the opposite of Chet's right. Like his body's ready right now. Like it's insane. He's huge, Colin, you stand there. You know, the NBA is full of big dudes. Like he's a giant. Like he's huge. And you can feel it next to him. And then he's throwing a

Silky smooth jumper? Yeah, yeah. You aren't the only one lost in the sauce, Colin. There's a lot of people who are like, hey, watch out for this dude. No, dude, I was all in on moving Wiseman, and I watched that night, and I'm like, nope, can't do it. This is a young man's game, Colin. Like, I feel you, but, like, I'm with you too, because Katie's KD is KD. Like, yo, give me that bucket all day.

That dude's going to win a championship if he's on. You're going to win. You get to Jordan level numbers if KD's with Steph again, right? They're going to run off two, three more, and now they're up there with six. So it's like you do it. But this game ain't for old folks. This game is for young dudes. People doubt you at 30 something.

KD. Kyrie, James Harden, Westbrook. Overnight. There's no market. I'll tell you, once you hit 30, they're like, I don't know. You like consignment, you know, outfits, right? Like, you're in consignment purse. Like, you nice.

Like, I'll rock you, but I got to get a good price because I'm not paying full price for something that's been used. You know what I'm saying? That's how it is. Like there's no market for Kyrie and a lot of it is personal. Are you shocked at what has happened to Westbrook? Here's why I'm not shocked because you kind of saw this coming where once he lost his athleticism, he would lose a chunk of his game. But I feel like the what he's lost has sped past what his ability is, right?

He still can do some things, but I think playing with LeBron being asked to play off the ball, like that Laker situation really trumped up his ward. No question. Right. Like it really, it was like a blue light, right? You can see, hold on, man. You got a lot of stuff on you. Let me stop. And I think in other situations, you probably don't see it as much.

Or if he's got the ball in his hand, he's ready to make play. Like, you'll see some more of the good and less of the bad. I do feel like he's being treated as if somebody who can do nothing. Like, that's his market. But that's not even his game as much as it is how much he's making, right? It's 40s again. It's like, yeah, that's a lot of money for that. But playing in that situation, man, I think it makes Russell Westbrook look worse

than what he actually is. Like, he can still do some things. You put him on a team like we saw in Washington where he could just cook. And yeah, he'll make mistakes. He'll shoot a low percentage, but you'll see all the great things in what's the rest of him do. He just can't do all those things next to LeBron. So all you see is the like 20 something percent from three, right?

That's all you see. But you put him in a different situation. I think he's way better than how we're acting. But that's also the price you pay in LA because the spotlight is tough, man. You got to be able to hold up under it. I think the blue light comments classic because that's exactly it. You have to watch out for what you wish for in life. Like, you know, in your business, you can work for the Akron B and do a great job.

and then the Washington Post hires you and everybody reads you, and then they pick apart your work. And I think Westbrook off ball is a completely limited player. And I also think, you know, the old saying pride before the fall, I think Russell Westbrook is incredibly prideful. Even at UCLA, if you remember, Marcus, they didn't know what to do with them. Like the Bruins did not know what to do with them. He was just talented.

And then he goes to Oklahoma City and is blamed for KD leaving. Okay. Then he goes to Houston and he's blamed for that not working. So like, I get that he's defensive. And like now he's blamed for everything, even though AD isn't in shape and is never available. So right now I feel like he's so prideful that the shit's personal now. And then you got, you know, you got your commentators out there making fun of him and I rip him. But there's part of me that like has peeled back a couple times thinking, dude, he's taken.

He may not be that self-aware, but he's taken a. beating. He has been blamed for every problem. Every team. It's like Washington wasn't good before him and they're not good after him. That wasn't a Westbrook issue. I think he's still good. I think he's still a serviceable player. I wouldn't pay that much money for him. I think that's a big problem. Like him eating up that much of your cap works against him. I just, it's very uncomfortable to see a dude who's that good being treated like some kind of dude who's be played in the summer league right and i appreciate darvin hamps and i'm happy about this i want to see what we can do i just don't know how he does it with the lakers whatever it is you need him to do right

whatever the plan is where for the post 30s russell westbrook for him to ride these next few years if it's maybe to play off ball if it's maybe to be more of a floor general if it's to turn into some kind of defensive focus where he ain't doing it in l.a where they just dogged for a year right like he ain't going to be the one to change like hold on man uh i'm willing to take this sacrifice for the team like look how they like like he was the he was the outcast right he was the guy who was the problem so i feel like he's kind of got to go somewhere i feel like russell westbrook deserves a better ending than this you know what i'm saying like come on man this is russal westbrook and i always thought he had his flaws like there was limits to how great he is like there were

obvious differences between him and some of the elite elite players. But come on, that dude was great. He's a Hall of Famer. And he don't need to go out like this, man. Send that dude somewhere where we can see Russ one last time. Right. You know, instead of like ride out in the shadow of the Lakers drama. This week's gold medal performance goes to one NFL team who's making a very smart

decision with their new franchise quarterback. No surprise here. The story's out. The Broncos are going to tailor their. their offense around Russell Wilson. With a new young offensive head coach and a superstar quarterback, it's exactly what Denver should be doing. I wish more teams would take care of their star quarterback, keep them happy, gain their trust, lean in. Cudos to the Broncos for finessing Russ the right way. This week's gold medal performance sponsored by Legacy Precious

metals. The stock market's been plummeting. Many economists predicting it's just the beginning, which could mean tremendous losses in your portfolio. Historically, there's been one answer to this. Gold. In the 2008 crash, when the market dipped, gold went up. Yep, Legacy Precious Metals is the company I trust when investing in gold in precious metals. They can advise you on whether gold is right for you.

Call Legacy Precious Metals today at 866674-HERD. 866674-H-E-R-D. Or perhaps download their comprehensive gold guide. It's great. At LegacyPM Investments.com, LegacyPM Investments.com. an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win.

A win is a win. I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes,

creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast, it's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to the Clifford Show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your

podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. One of the reasons the Warriors were hard for me not to root for is Andrew Wiggins. And so he came out. You're such a softie, man. You love these, all these little stories. I do.

I know you talk tough, but the moment of God got a nice little story, you out here all with your tissues and your warm heart. Listen, Wiggins, Canadian parents, Canadians are nice. He's not a dog. He's just talented. And I thought it was unbelievable to watch him in the playoffs. Like he wasn't great after the All-Star game. And you're like, oh, he's going into that kind of wig and his funk.

And then he gets into the playoffs. I thought it was unbelievable. It's the happiest I've ever seen him. And we all know he was a trade piece when he got there. What do you think today, Bob Myers and Steve Kirk? Because Cominga's behind him. I don't think they trust Cominga situationally yet. And I don't think it's close.

And Dremont is still a catalyst. You start looking at their wing issue. issues. Moses Moody is going to eat some minutes. But there's an argument to be made. You got to kind of keep him around for another year or two. Like he's their most athletic guy outside of Kaminga to me. Shear athleticism, sheer twitchiness. Today, what is Wiggins and the Warriors? Wiggins is a part of the Warriors Corps. It's now Steph, Dr. Maude, Clay, and Andrew Wiggins. It feels like it. On top of like everything, everything we watched, the reality of what we just saw.

And I don't think I've ever seen a dude play himself from a bad contract to a good one. Right. Like before he's incredible. It was like, I mean, he's good. I like him. But that's kind of, that's too much. He's got to go if that's the price. So now it's like, I mean, if you get him for 33, that's a good deal.

I mean, Bradleyville just got 50. So it's like, you know, Wiggins is 26 years old. that's the thing he's 26. That's crazy. He's 26. That's the thing. I think he's part of the core now. I think,

and on top of everything else, like he is the ambassador for if you come to go to the state, we'll change your life. You know what I'm saying? It's like, like a L.O.J line, you know what I'm saying? Your man ain't ready for you. Come play with me.

Watch your life change. That's what Andrew Wiggins is the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the trophy for if you come play our way, we will show you how to be champions, right? If you come by end, we will show you, we will change the trajectory of your career. And that's the message for every free agent,

for every player who might could get more money, but takes the minimum. Like Otto Porter, Gary Payton, they wanted to come back so bad, right? They were, auto Porter was literally thinking, man, should I take this mid-level or should I take this minimum? Like, it was a, they were thinking about it. And no universe do you pass up $5 million a year in the NBA.

But they were thinking about it. Should we stay? Because the warriors have this thing where it's like, yo, you've never been anywhere like this. You've never stayed at the penthouse or the hotel. You might have been at the hotel. You've never stayed at the penthouse. And they like Wiggins being there to show everybody. We will change your life.

We will upgrade you. And Wiggins is living. Like you said, you never see Wiggins happy. It ain't just that you win, Gowler. You will, your life will be better. Like you will be smiling on TV. You'll be going on trips, right? Like that's the pitch.

It's like a movie. Like who this dude is now. He didn't even talk. Remember, he wasn't going to get the vaccine at first. That's how this season began. Like, yo, I'm not getting the vaccine. And he was like a villain. You know, we in the Bay, right?

Yeah. Everybody, like, if you don't get the vaccine, you basically from Ohio out here. Right. And so he was a villain. So he went from that to like smile like a dude who's like tasted chocolate for the first time, right? That's what the Warriors will do. That's Joe Laco's best PR for how his organization will change your life. Wiggins, they can't let go of that.

Not for that price. If it was 50, all right. What if they get him for 25? That would be insane. It would be insane. I think your point, the last guy that went to a team and we saw it as an anchor contract and now it's a steal. I mean, seriously, I love Dame, but you don't get anything Dame size, defensive end. and he's 50 large a year.

Wiggins is the twitchiest athlete on that roster not named Kaminga. He is their best athlete. No question. And it's like important what he does. It's not just I'm going to jump in the air and while you with my vertical. It's like, I'm going to cover you full court and you won't be able to get rid of me. Right. I'm going to make your life miserable, Jason Zadam, because you can't just shake me.

Right. I'm side to side good. I'm up and down good, right? I got quickness. I got strength. Like, it's that kind of effective athleticism. Right now, Jonathan Camiga got the jaw dropping. Look at me, athleticism.

And they're trying to teach him how to use that to win games. Wiggins got the kind of win you gain. That'll get you off as a rebound, right? Like, that's why it's so valuable. Because he's 26, man. You can't say this enough. He's 26. Like, Steph's 34.

He's eight years younger than Steph. Like, this is insane. Hey, you need wings and he's 46. You got six four years of Andrew Wiggins if you want it. In his prime. In his prime, yep. As a champion. That's crazy to me.

Marcus Thompson, as always. Great seeing you, bud. My guy. Why are you in Vegas, man? You got to pull up. It's 112 degrees. So gross. I need to see the volume sports with a whole platform in the Thomas and Mac Center.

It's really. You get Jiggins and Jones out there. I guess. It's really, actually, it's a great idea. We had, yeah, send Jenkins and Jones to Salt Lake and then send everybody else to Las Vegas. Now, it's a really, we just talked about this with my partners, you know, some of the guys that run the volume today. And we said, we got to do some remotes. Summer League would be so good.

Because we, you know what, man, Draymond's been so good for our company. Jenkins and Jones have been so unique. There's nothing like Jenkins and Jones. in the podcast space. Nothing at all. Nowhere. Nowhere. Anything like it.

It's so good. Nowhere. They are unbelievable how they could take the most minor news peg of the day and turn it's 30 minutes of hilarity. Like literally, it's like just what's today? Oh, what happened today? Oh, no. Now they're talking about Kai Reed to whatever, Charlotte.

It's like very small, minor stuff. And you go listen to Jiggins and Joe's and you just lost 30 minutes because you're in here. Like, there's, like, where else does that happen? My stepson listens to one podcast on our entire network, Jenkins and Jones. He's never heard me. He has no idea what I do for a living. Every Tuesday, Thursday, he's got Jenkins and Jones is where he's listening. That's hilarious, by the way. You can't get him to listen to what? No, shit. No. I talk too much football. All you got to do is get with Jenkins and Jones and be like, hey, Jenkins and Jones is on episode today and then here you go.

Boom. All on the pod, all in the video. Like, like, like diddy. All right. I appreciate you, man. All right. Have a good one. All right, buddy. Volume.

Make sure to check out the Dremon Green Show. I brought Dremon Green into the volume because one of the more entertaining voices in sports, unique perspective, understands behind the rope. Also chops up with guests like Gary Payton, Zach Levine, Tracy McGrady. Make sure download the Dremon Green Show wherever you get your. podcast only on the volume podcast network. Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends.

Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged.

It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On The Look Back at it podcast.

In 1979, that was a big moment for me. 84 was big to me. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. With our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors. Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild year.

It was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care which I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media.

Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifers Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to the Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok's podcast network on TikTok.

This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.