The Herd with Colin Cowherd - HOUR 2 - James Harden, Murray, Mayfield

Episode Date: April 15, 2022

Will James Harden produce in the playoffs? More on Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield   Guest: Darius ButlerSee 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,

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I don't care what 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 Cliver Show. This is a place for raw, unfills of conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated.

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Find your local station for the herd at Fox Sports Radio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Hurd. Now let's get this party. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Welcome back to the herd. Joy Taylor in for Colin Cowhert today. He is enjoying his weekends. I just learned it's Easter weekend.

I can't believe. I can't believe we just broke the news to you. I was like Passover tonight. Easter on Sunday. Listen, I was raised in a Baptist church. Yeah. And I had some experiences. I, you know, forgot that it's Easter.

But it is Easter weekend. So happy Easter weekends to everyone. Do you have any big Easter plans? I obviously do not. Yeah. I mean, my family's Jewish, my family's Catholic, so we have it all. Passover, two Easter's on Sunday with my husband's family, my family. It's a lot.

Holidays, there's a lot, because everyone's here in L.A. Do you have an Easter dress? Easter dresses are very big. No. Should I? I don't know. Growing up, like having your Easter Sunday outfit was a thing. Yeah.

No? I mean, we were like, half. Like, you know, we weren't hardcore. Yeah, we were hardcore. We go on holidays. Very hardcore. We were that family. Which is probably why I forgot that it's Easter weekend.

You did say your childhood was chaos. You mentioned that as part of the show up. We know, we didn't burden everyone with my, you know, generational trauma. But we were talking about brunch because of Easter. So you're going to have multiple brunches? I have. Luckily, just one brunch in a dinner. We had the most epic brunch I think I've ever had in my life together.

It was our first brunch post-COVID. Yeah. Alex and I We were like We're in Los Angeles So we had two COVIDs basically Because we shut down twice Which the rest of the country didn't

So when we were finally set free We went to a seafood restaurant Because you really can't get oysters And you know, door dash And Alex and I spent an obscene amount of money On this brunch Lobster Crab legs, scallops

Oysters Yes, whatever you're offering We are going to take it Yeah we did not say no to anything And we ate all of it It was a glorious day. I very much enjoyed that. We'll talk to Jim Jackson, Fox Sports NBA analysts, 14 seasons in the NBA

about the upcoming NBA playoffs. I want to get his thoughts on the MVP as well. But we were talking a little bit about this earlier, Alex, in Russell Wilson, and he is now with the Denver Broncos. And Broncos left tackle, Garrett Bowles, compared his new quarterback, Russell Wilson, to some legendary NBA players. He's a great leader. I love Russ.

I love his determination. I love his focus. I love his mental. I love everything. You talk about some of the greatest athletes, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, those type of mentalities that those athletes have. That's what he has.

He's just so focused all the time, rather rock and roll. And it's what we needed here. He brings in such, he's just so positive all the time, just a lovable guy, and you just want to play your heart out for him. I do like how he snuck MJ in there at the end. It would have been a very controversial statement. Eddie not very smart, Garrett. Out of all the free agency moves that happens this offseason, and there were a lot and some pretty massive influential ones, it was the craziest

march of all time. Russell Wilson is at the top of the list. You can mention Deshawn Watson, obviously, Devante Adams. Russ is number one. He's a Super Bowl winning quarterback, eventually going to be a Hall of Famer, and he forced his way out of Seattle after being the ongoing company guy. Everything was go-hawks. and then everything somehow fell apart. And now he is with the Denver Broncos. Now, I think it was a colossal mistake for the Seattle Seahawks to do that. I never would have traded Russell Wilson.

I would have done anything he asked to keep him in the building because it is so hard to find a franchise quarterback, which is why Denver gave up what they gave up to get him. But now this is why I think that the Denver Broncos and Russell Wilson have the most pressure out of any team in the league. And there's a lot of teams that are on the hot seed. you know, really needs to get over the hump this year. But we've been talking about the Denver Broncos and all the talent that they've had

and how they're just a quarterback away for quite some time now. Well, they have their quarterback now. And as Garrett Bulls just mentioned, he is getting right into it. He's galanizing his teammates. He's doing all the right things, which is what I expected Russell Wilson to do. He is a team first guy. He is someone who obviously has a huge brand in working hard and being a leader. And I can buy into all of that on the field.

and I do think it's important for him to win over this locker room. One, the division is very difficult. And two, this is a pressure year for Russell Wilson. Added on to the fact that he forced his way out of Seattle and is now with Denver, who has a lot of talent in the tough division. Tom Brady left New England's for Tampa Bay immediately won a Super Bowl. In a COVID year, where it was almost impossible to get together and work out. Matthew Stafford leaves the Detroit Lions after 12 years of complete disarray,

immediately goes to the Los Angeles Rams, who moved off a quarterback, by the way, who they had gone to a Super Bowl with, wins a Super Bowl immediately. I'm not saying Russell Wilson has to win a Super Bowl this year, but they kind of have to be great. Now, I think they will be very good, but they've got to be great.

Maybe not win a Super Bowl, but there is a lot of pressure on Russell Wilson. And rightfully so. This is a situation where you force your way out, you added things onto your plate. You clearly wanted a new situation. But when you look at what Russell has done, I mean, the last playoff, impressive playoff when he's had was the year that they lost the Super Bowl.

They beat the Packers in the 2014 season. I mean, Seahawks, since 2015, their playoff wins. They scored 17.7 points per game, 230 passing yards per game. he's really not had an influential impressive win in a while. Now, that's probably why people are saying he's washed and he's not that good and he shouldn't have this kind of pressure on him. But I don't believe that. I think Russ is completely capable and is still a winning quarterback

and will have success with the Denver Broncos, with the pieces they brought in an offensive head coach, and eventually they will get a new owner as well. They are a well-run organization with a great fan base and a great history. but there is definitely going to be some extra pressure on Russell Wilson this year. And it's deserved. Tom Brady wins right away. Matthew Stafford wins right away.

Russell Wilson is going to have to make a lot of noise in Denver. All right, let's go out to Jim Jackson, Fox Sports NBA analysts. The NBA playoffs are starting this weekend, played 14 seasons in the NBA. Hi, Jim. Thanks for joining us. What's up, Joy? So let's just start with it. Let's just start with the big news.

I picked the Miami Heat to win the MPA championship. Of course. Of course. So I have Sons and Heat in the finals. Don't tell me why I'm wrong. Tell me why that's possible. Because Miami is one of the deeper teams in the league. One of the most dynamic forwards centers, so to speak,

in Bam, out of bio. You have some tremendous shooting. I think Matt Shrews is adding a lot that they weren't getting from Dunkin'Roy. obviously as a bigger perimeter player. Of course, Bolstra has been there, done that before. I think Kyle Lorry bringing his championship pedigree to the table is going to help. Again, I mean, I think a lot of it goes back to this.

But the number one seed, so they, you have home court advantage. Can you stay healthy? Because you think about it last year, Joy, who would have thought that it would have been walking in Phoenix in the finals? injuries forced that to happen in those two teams because of patrician they were able to fight through it so i'm not mad at you for the pick don't get me wrong i think a lot of things have to go right for miami i think no walkie is still the team maybe in the east that nobody is talking about even though they are the reigning NBA champions i think they still have all the components and the championship i believe has to go through them so let's wind it back to

the first round. The Nets and Celtics, I think, is probably one of the more interesting matchups. Now, I think that the Celtics are a really good team. They've improved a lot this year. But man, when KD and Kari are on, it's just hard to pick against them. Who do you have coming out of that series? Well, it depends on Robert Williams, because the rim protection you're going to need with Karee and KD, I think it'll be very important. I think Seth Curry, his influence in this playoff series. I think you're going to see it two ways. I think you're going to see it hurt maybe Philadelphia, but help Brooklyn. Because that adds a guy that can space to court. You know,

think about it. I'm with you with this. Game stay close. Kyrie and K.D. are a different level. And they can go on the road and get a win, which is very important in the playoff series, as you know, just be able to get on that road. Now you shift the whole. holding court advantage back to your favor. And I just think that. I think Robert Williams is such a key to what they did in regards to protecting the rim, throwing the lives at the rim. Now, Daniel Tyson's done a good

job. He's back again. But it's a different dynamic. His health is going to be dependent upon that. But if Brooklyn is on top of their game, I don't think Boston can beat him in seven. So a former Brooklyn that James Hardin is now with Joel and Bede. He's struggled a little bit

as of late. Are the Sixers capable with what they have of winning a title. I think Joelle Embed is the MVP, but I also feel like they are extremely reliance on Joelle Embed. And when it comes to the playoffs, they're going to need to be a little more deep. Yeah.

You know, it's funny because Joel said this. He said that in the Toronto series, that they're going to double team them. They're going to get the ball out of his hands. He's not looking to score 40. He wants to be a playmaker. That's all well and good. Okay.

But Tobias Harris has to be able to make shots. you know, Matisse Stuybal, who's not a shooter, is going to have to figure out ways to contribute. Of course, James Harden. We didn't even talking about that aspect of it. Because if James is dynamic, of course, now that combination looks a lot different. Because how you go play the pick and roll,

if James is knocking down a shot, and I do believe there's a lot of pressure on James Harder. He can say it's not all he wants to, but because he hasn't had the type of success in the playoffs that we've seen him have in the regular season, he may not want to put pressure on himself, but the trade was all set up by Darryl to enhance what Joel and B wanted to do,

which is getting to a championship, but the relationship the two have from Houston believing that James Hart, even despite not having some success in the late rounds of the playoffs, to bring him there. So this Philly team has components, but at the same time,

I think there's a lot of gaps in their offense in particular, if Joelle and Bede is not playing well. And if we don't see the James Harden that we see when he first came into Philadelphia after the trade. So Phoenix, we're talking to Jim Jackson. Phoenix is obviously the best team in the league. And they've had a tremendous year and they should be favored to come out of the West. Well, who is another team in the West that should be really scary to everyone? Memphis, from that perspective.

You know, I would say Denver, but Denver is not because they don't have their components there. I mean, listen, there's no surprises as to why Phoenix is at the top of the ledger, Joy. I mean, last year, you know how this is when the team gets beat. They can either go the opposite way and feel sorry for themselves, or what they've done is kept their balance together. And what I mean is that their core groups stayed together. And more importantly, Joy, you've been around the sport enough to know this in the mind of sporting world. They matured another year. They're young players, McHale Bridges. Cam Johnson, campaign, and even Devin Booker from a maturity perspective in the playoffs,

they've all taken that next step this year. Shut off a little slow at the beginning, but gained their momentum, and then you saw what kind of maturity they had, Joy, when Chris Paul went out, and they didn't miss a beat. That says a lot. They're the team to beat. Listen, there's a lot of intriguing games. I mean, Dallas is intriguing because of Demwitty.

and a Cus of Luca. Okay? Denver, just because of Yokin, he's going to make you play. Memphis is so dynamic, but they're young, kind of like a young Phoenix team without Chris Paul. You know what I mean? With all those dynamics. So I just think across the ball,

when you look at the Western Conference, Phoenix is still a team to beat at the end of the day in a seven-game series. But there are going to be some intriguing, I think, matchups within the Western Conference that are going to, you know, make everybody have a good time and say, Okay, could they push Phoenix to a seven-game series

if they get to the Western Conference Final? Yeah, Demme, I think there's a lot of parity in the NBA playoffs this year. And we usually don't have that. We usually go in like, okay, this matchup could be interesting. But at the end of the day, we know it's going to be these two teams, whatever team LeBron's on and the Warriors or whatever, going into the finals.

Even if you do pick Milwaukee and the Sons, there are certainly other matchups that wouldn't be surprising. Do you feel like this is a year where there's a lot of parity or it's still going to end up being those two top teams? Well, I think parity from the perspective is that the bottom teams you can see can compete and beat some of the higher level teams. It's not like the six seed can't advance to a Western or Eastern Conference final. And that's the thing that I love. So if you're the NBA, Joy, this is what you want.

You want an intrigue at the end of the season, what you got with the play in tournament. Okay? You want an intrigue at the end of the season in regards to where the actual matchups were going to fall in line. meaning we knew Phoenix was going to be one. Could Miami hold on to number one? Could Boston creep up to number two? All these questions were going down to the last couple weeks of the season. And if you're the NBA, that's what you wanted,

because you wanted to figure out ways to make the regular season really matter and to have teams continue to play that had a shot at it. And that's what we have right now. Now, the end of the day, teams are going to be the team. A seven-game series is meant for a team that's the better team. Now, some matchups favor different situation. But I still think Phoenix and Milwaukee are still the two teams that everybody has to look up to. Despite maybe Milwaukee just being three, it doesn't matter.

It's that they're the team because of Yannis and that experience and Coach Bullnizer, Holzer, Drew, Middleton, a healthy Lopez that you've got to go through. But you're right on the parody part of it, though. You're right. We're talking to Jim Jackson. I'm growing a little bored of the NBA MVP conversation, to be honest with you. I just, I don't know what the criteria is. It changes every single year.

A guy wins it and I think it's deserved. And then the next year he is a better statistical season. So we got to give it to him because we gave it to him last year. So it's not that I don't think it's still prestigious in a great honor and a legacy thing. I do. But I kind of just can't get caught up in the drama of who the MVP is or isn't. I personally think it's Joelle Embed. I think he's been the most consistent the entire season.

I think he's had to overcome a lot. He won the scoring title as a big man. I think he's the MVP. Obviously, if Yonis won, it wouldn't be outrageous. I don't think if Yonkich won, it wouldn't be outrageous. But who is the MVP to you? And if you were voting, what is your criteria for valuable? Well, I was going to ask you, too, what are you based the concept on now?

And it's a mixed question because I have something for you. Like when you look at MVP is based off what? I think it's partly based off statistics. Like you have to put up the numbers. I think your numbers have to enhance your team, like where you are, where you finish in the standing should matter, which is why I feel like even though Yoko has had an unbelievable statistical season, there's six seed.

I think it should matter where you land. And I also think if you removed them, where would they be? Would they even be in the competitive, would they even be in the playoffs? Like what actual value do you? add, what were the circumstances around? Did you have your full compliment of roster the entire season? Is this a year where you were healthy, where you were great from the beginning of the season to the end of the season? Like, I think you have to evaluate all those things and not just

pick one factor that you like the most and elevate that as the most important factor for MVP. I think it's a nuanced conversation, but I feel like the voters kind of change what it is every single year. Like what's the most important factor every single year? Right, right, right. And you know, I'm right about that because early on, when I was, when I was, you know, when I was, let's talk about MVP. I had DeMarg de Rosen and Steph Curry in there, okay, along with Yolkich and Embed, okay, and even Jai Moran. People are looking at me like you're crazy. You don't have Janus. I said, Janus is right there, but the players I've named, especially Yokic, especially DeMar de Rosen, who improved his team, okay? Yokis played without his second and third

option, which was important. And at the time, Steph Curry was playing without his second best option. but their teams were winning. Now, that narrative changed as we got into the year, a little bit more. Yonis began to ascend because they started to win. You saw Yolkitchen and Beets still hang on. So the criteria is a little bit different. But I based it around two early on, drill like this. The guys that impacted winning, Chicago was a lot better, the record at the time,

when we were talking about it because of DeMarge de Rose and what he brought to the table. Okay. Memphis was a lot better during that time. and they still are, but we found that they could win without job. So that narrative changed a little bit more. But remember, we used to always base this. Are you winning games and that means you're the MVP? I do think that narrative has changed a little bit more because if Yokic wins it,

he's not, his team is not the best team. His team is not at the top of the ledger. So that scale has shifted a little bit more if Yokic ends up getting that. And if it does go that way towards Yokic, I still think it's NB over the course of the year. Okay. But Yokic's numbers 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists, incredible. But I understand his team hasn't gotten it. But if he gets to joy, that's going to be the criteria moving forward, I believe.

It's going to phase out, are you winning as much compared to are you keeping your team as competitive without having the other events? managers that the other MVP candidates have. Yeah, I think so until they want to change it to something else. Take it again. And then it'll change it again. It'll be that. Well, it'll be interesting to see who ends up with it. Thank you so much for joining us, Jim.

I really appreciate it. Have a great weekend, a great Easter weekends. And enjoy the NBA playoffs. All right. Talk to you. That's Jim Jackson, Fox Sports NBA analyst. He mentioned something that we are going to discuss next, which is James Harden talking about

No pressure. There's no pressure on James Hardin. There's no pressure on the Sixers in the playoffs. Yes, there is. And we'll discuss that next on the herd. One more herd? The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week, within the IHard Radio app.

Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. 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 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, Cliver 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. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tapped Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George. but you got to do a little kill. Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast.

I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick it here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 is big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack all day, but just so you all know. I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack. So I'm starting to see that there's a through line.

We also have AIDS on the table right now. Thank you for finishing that sentence. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, this is Robert from the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast.

Joe and I are both lifelong Star Wars fan, so we're celebrating May the 4th with a brand new week of fun, thought-provoking Star Wars-related episodes. Join us as we tackle science and culture topics from a galaxy far, far away, such as the biology of taun tons and wampas on the ice planet hot, or the practicality and corporate business sense of the Sith rule of two.

Listen to stuff to blow your mind on the IHeart Radio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. The USFL is coming tomorrow and kicks off with a historic opening game as the New Jersey Generals take on the Birmingham Am Sallions in primetime on Fox and NBC. And Joy, we've got cookies here to celebrate all of that.

Cookies. Cookies. Why not? It's the weekend. Easter weekend. Easter weekend. Remember. No, I'm very, very excited.

Let's go Pittsburgh Mallors. I knew it. I was like, you got a team? Of course you have a team. Yeah, I got a team. Pittsburgh Mallors right there. There we go. I like the colors.

Those are the best colors. USFL exec moose Johnson later in the show gets more details about the new league. So Jim Jackson was just on with us and he sort of slipped in something that I think we're all kind of paying attention to now. You never want to say anything that's extra banter or bulletin board material as you're heading into the playoffs. Kevin Durant dismiss Bruce Brown's comments the other day very quickly about the Celtics not having enough size. want to give anyone bulletin board material, but you also don't want to add anything extra. Just, just say what it is. And James Hardin, he kind of added something a little extra. Here was James Harden. He was asked about feeling any pressure heading into the playoffs.

Pressure, no. So good. I'm ready to hoop. None to it. Look, in actuality, it's not that dramatic of a comment. But when you look at what James Hardin's playoff history is, when you consider that he's, he's, quit on two teams in the last 15 months, that the Sixers haven't reached an Eastern Conference Finals since Alan Iverson in 2001. They've lost three times in the second round, and once in the first round since Embedes's been there.

He hasn't been playing well recently, according to James Hardin's standards, and he was supposed to be the final piece. He was supposed to be the thing that puts the Sixers over the edge. They dealt with Ben Simmons and all that drama. Joelle and Bees having an MVP season. Yeah, James Hardin has a lot of pressure on him going into the play. offs, specifically him, then the Sixers, but it is absolutely crunch time for the Philadelphia

76ers. Now look, everyone in the postseason has pressure on them. That's not an outrageous statement, but I do think the expectations that your fan base has for you, that the front office has for you, and for whatever, you know, us media goofballs happen to put on it matters. And there are certain teams that might not advance past the first round that we're not going to be shocked about. Teams that won't win the championship that it's not going to be outrageous and people aren't going to be fired. They're not going to blow everything up. I don't necessarily know that that's the case with the Sixers. There's a lot on the line for the Sixers and specifically for James Hardin in this year's playoffs. There is absolutely pressure. So while he may not be feeling it, it is there.

There are massive expectations for this team. They are going to have to play well. He specifically is going to have to play well. And if it doesn't go well, Things could very quickly fall apart in Philadelphia. Now, I think it will go moderately well for the Sixers, but that is going to depend a lot on how James Hardin performs. Let's get to Alex Curry with the news. No, no, no, no, no. Turn on the news.

This is the herd line news. Well, it's been a drama filled off season for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals, and he is looking for a long-term extension and is adamant about getting it before he takes the field in 2022. He reportedly is not expected to play next season if it does not, if he doesn't get his new deal, but the Cardinals still have yet to make a long-term offer to him. So here I have so many questions. I want to be a fly on the wall in this front office, just in the facility to really understand what's going on.

What is, is there more to the story that we don't know? Why are you creating tension if you want to keep him long term? He is a franchise quarterback. and the prices are only going to keep going up for quarterbacks. They're not going to go down. You're not going to see a decrease in salary prices. Like it's set here and it's only going to go here. So why wouldn't you take advantage of it?

So many questions. I have questions too. I don't understand it. I don't understand the hostility. I don't understand, you know, he takes all the Cardinal stuff off of his page, archives it, then brings it back. He archives it.

Yeah. That's like that. I didn't fully delete it. That's the move. He saved it. It's the move. When you're like kind of going through hard times, just go ahead and take it off. Yeah.

We're just going through a break. We'll bring that back. We'll got to delete it. That was just a girl moment we just had there. Sorry about that. And then his agent puts out this manifesto statement. Like I am not reading all this. What is it?

Somebody else sum this up for me. It's nonsense. All this stuff. We want to win. Blah, blah, blah, blah. 15 paragraphs long. It looks like a, college exam and now he's saying he's not going to play under the offer that they had.

I'm with you. He's the franchise guy there to me. Get it done. Get it done early. Get it done fast. Give him whatever he wants. You're not going to do better than Kyler Murray. Build around him. You know you have to pay your quarterback. This is what always fascinates me with teams. It's like the quarterback is playing well. You got him on everything. You're branding him everywhere. He's your guy. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And then it comes time to pay him. And you're like, shocked that you have to pay the quarterback. First of all, it's the number one position you should want to pay. You have to.

Because that means that you have the guy, which is what everyone's looking for. But it always, it's like a surprise. Like, oh, whoops, we had to run this check. Like, what did you mean? This was always happening. You guys have been getting better every single year. And if you have character questions about Kyler Murray, cry me a river. That's what you do pre-draft interviews for.

You can find out what someone's character is. You can find out with their personality. type is. If you didn't think that you should have run him control of the organization as quickly as you did, that's your fault. What does it feel bad for you? Kyler Murray is great. You're not doing better than him. I just don't really, I'm with you. I don't understand what the problem is. Run him his money and let's move on to another conversation. You're going to pay Kyler Murray. Surprise. That's why I feel like there might be more to the story that we just don't know yet. Who knows? Who knows? But let's move on. Because the Pelicans still have a chance to make the NBA playoffs. They face the

Clippers tonight for the final spot in the West, but if they do win, Zion Williamson is not expected to return. The Pelicans reportedly have no intention of playing their young star if the team advances to face the Suns. Instead, they are focusing on getting him ready for the 2022, 2020, 23 season. Now, just to put this into perspective, this is Zion's third season. He has played 85 games. He has missed 141 possible out of 226. That is 62 percent of his end. He's NBA season he has missed. And he gave us some excitement. You know, he posted a couple viral dunk videos. The first one, it reportedly came out that he was actually not cleared to do that. Team wasn't happy with it, but he just posted another dunk video. So I, I feel sad. I feel sad

for Zion in the whole situation. There was so much hype. Would you compare his hype the last time we had this much hype of a young player coming into the league, maybe LeBron James, was the last time we have that kind of a hype? Where you have shoe deals right out of the gates. I don't know if I can compare. LeBron is such an aberration. Different. But, I mean, there was a lot of hype.

And rightfully so. Zion was an incredible college player. He is super dynamic, very productive. It's not all just dunks and highlights. But the problem was Zion. And I sort of pushed back on this when they were talking about this in the drafts was that he wasn't going to be capable of taking care of his body. and he's a big guy.

He plays with a lot of torque, a lot of power. And if you have lower extremity injuries early in your career, how are you going to be able to control your weight? How are you going to be able to stay healthy with that much weight? I push back. He's going to be in a professional organization. He's not going to be in college. He'll have chefs.

He'll have next level trainers. As you should. Yes. He'll have nutritionists. He'll have that at his disposal at the professional level and won't run into these problems. At the end of the day, you control what you put into your body.

We all do, right? Like we'd all like to eat an extra salad a day, but sometimes, you know, there's gumbo there. So, like, I get it, but when you're a professional athlete, I don't have a lot of grace for you. If it was my job to look a certain way, millions of dollars you're getting paid for that.

Right. Then that's what I would put my energy into looking a certain way. I mean, LeBron James is notorious for how much money he spends on his body. Tom Brady, Russell Wilson. Yep. Like, there are athletes that champions that invests in themselves. He's a young guy, but the problem is, to your point, he's missed so much time that... 62%.

I really feel like next year, if he doesn't play an entire year, what do you even do with Zion? Can you even trade him? Is anyone going to want him? Does he have the value? The problem is he's so productive when he's healthy. So it's just... But the best ability is availability. And he hasn't been available. He's not available. Also, Woj just tweeted that Paul George has entered health and safety protocol, so he will miss tonight. That's big. Playing game against New Orleans.

So that is a really, really big deal. Paul George will not be available for the Clippers tonight. All right. That's going to be a fun one to watch. But let's move on because the USFL is almost here in football fans across the country are ready for games to begin. Fans from all 50 states have purchased tickets for this historic first season. Eight teams are in action this weekend,

starting with the opening game tomorrow between the New Jersey Generals and Birmingham Ham Sallions on Fox and NBC. Then a full slate of games on Sunday. The Houston Gamblers face the Michigan Panthers. The Philadelphia stars take on the New Orleans Breakers. And the Tampa Bay Bandits play the Pittsburgh Mallors in prime time right here on FS1. And I was going to ask if you had a team, but Pittsburgh has a team. So of course you already have your team.

I need to. I'm such a player person. Mallors. See, I've heard of the chant down. Ask me Monday who my team is. I want to watch all of these games. I want to feel the energy. I want to see the chemistry of these teams.

And then I'll tell you who I'm jumping on. I love the idea of spring football. I'm very excited for the USFL. I think it's great that it offers new opportunities and jobs. It expands football. And it's also an opportunity for fans to be able to enjoy the game throughout the year. So I think it's great. I'm really looking forward to it this weekend, this Easter weekend.

This Easter Sunday. And the Pittsburgh Mallors. Football is bad. Or taken down Tampa Bay. Yes. That's Alex Curry with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by.

The Herd Lye News. And we will talk more about the USFL with one of their executives, Moose Johnson. He is coming up later in the show. Lots of questions for him. But let's get into some more NFL news and draft talk with Darius Butler when we come back on The Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9 a.m. on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the IHeart Radio app. I'm George Reister, host of the Reister or Wrong podcast.

This is the intersection where sports, business, society, and pop culture meet the truth. Absolute fire on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Facts only. Make sure you check your feelings at the door because no BS is allowed. We keep it 100. This is where real conversations happen. Listen to the Rice or Wrong podcast on the IHeart Radio Apple, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. 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 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, Clipper 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 Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes,

follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tap Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do with Little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam J.

And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick it here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 is big to me not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack on day, but just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack. So I'm starting to see that there's a through line. We also have AIDS on the table right now.

Thank you for finishing that sentence. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, this is Robert from the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. Joe and I are both lifelong Star Wars fan, so we're celebrating May the 4th with a brand new week of fun, thought-provoking Star Wars-related episodes.

Join us as we tackle science and culture topics from a galaxy. see far, far away, such as the biology of tauntons and wampas on the ice planet hot, or the practicality and corporate business sense of the Sith rule of two. Listen to stuff to blow your mind on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome back to the herd, Joy Taylor in for Colin Cowherd on an Easter weekend. Hope you guys are enjoying your Friday, getting ready for all the festivities. I did not make any Easter plans because I forgot that it was Easter.

Well, now that's fun. Now it's open. want to do. You do whatever you want. There's something involving mimosis, which is pretty much every weekend, so that's not anything exclusive to Easter. Alex Curry is joining me. Well, let's go out to Darius Butler, former NFL defensive

back, host of the Man to Man Pod, played nine seasons in the NFL and is unapologetic about his cults, which are obviously exhibited right behind him there. So we'll start with that. What are your expectations for the Colts this season with Matt Ryan?

Right now, playoff. You got at least getting the playoffs. Got to win our division. That's my expectations right now. We got to get some receivers, some pass catchers, some real, like, top tier pass catching options to help, you know, 37-year-old Matt Ryan, who's going to be a statue in that pocket. Got to help him out, got to help Jonathan Taylor out, get some weapons around him.

But Chris Ballard made some great moves this offseason and short up that defense side of the ball. But my expectations right now for the car. Colts is just a playoff appearance right now as it stands. Well, speaking of that, Stefan Gilmore agreed to a two-year deal with the Colts. So how much of a difference maker is he? Big.

Huge difference maker. Still a premium position in my eyes, that cornerback position, he's a guy that as soon as he walks in the building. He's cornerback one, you know, just won a defensive player the year at that position back in 2019. Obviously, dealt with some injuries. Played short in season last year with the Panthers,

but still played good ball. I still think he has juice. left in the tank. I think a two-year deal was perfect for him in the situation going into the Indy. We had Kenny Moore there, Blackman coming off of injury. The safety they drafted a couple years ago, obviously Darius Leonard de Forrest Bunkner. So we got some big names, Quitty Pai. We drafted in the first round last year who should develop and be a top tier pass rusher this year. So the defensive side of the ball with Gus Bradley running the show has definitely improved greatly this offseason. But once again, that offensive side of the

I still need to see some additions over there to really get my hopes up. So we got a lot news, I guess, but some rumors about what's going on with Kyler Murray in Arizona. And Alex and I are a little confused about it because I always think it's so strange when teams are like, oh, we have to pay the quarterback. Like, oh, we were, we didn't, we didn't budget for that. Like, this is the one position you should want to pay, first of all, because it means that you have the guy to pay, which is what everyone is trying to do. But it's just not a place you're going to get a discount.

count anymore. So I don't really understand what the rift is between the Cardinals and Kyler Murray. Josh Allen got paid in this space that Kyler Murray is in. Patrick Mahomes got paid. So do you not think that he's in that tier? And if so, based off of what evidence,

because he's improving the team every single year? Yeah, every year. Obviously, he's struggling in the playoffs last year and, you know, that was more on Cliff, I think, as well. But he's came in since he's been a number one pick. Number one pick. You're picking number one for a reason. He's improved every year, made a couple of pro bows, one rookie

a year, and now he's at the table. And honestly, from the team standpoint, the sooner you pay your quarterback, if you believe he's your guy, the better for you, because these numbers are only going to get more astronomical at that position. So the sooner you pay him, the better. And from a college standpoint, you know, he's probably seeing what's going on with his buddy Baker Mayfield out there in Cleveland. He's been injured these years. He's been banged up year and a year out. And you know how fickle that position can be. And he give me down, you can go out there and bust an ankle or a knee at any position, the quarterback position especially.

So he's smart trying to get his money. And I think from the team standpoint, I mean, it's, trust me, you don't want to be one of these teams right now that don't have a quarterback going into this season, especially with all these quarterbacks all around the league. So go ahead and pay him if you're the Cardinals sooner and later, have him in the offseason program and set yourself up to some success going into this season. We're talking to Darius Butler. So we were just talking about Russell Wilson and his teammate, Garrett Bowles,

compared him to LeBron James and Michael Jordan and Kobe and just his mentality. Now, listen, I think that Russ is far-fetched. Okay. So I think Russ is going to have success with the Broncos. I think he is a team guy. I think he brings stability to that organization. They're an organization that we've been talking about. has just been a quarterback away forever.

They have an offensive coach now. They're going to have a new owner. They are a well-run team. It's not like it's just dysfunction. They really just haven't had a quarterback. But I also think the move that Russell made to force his way out of Seattle, whatever you think of Seattle, which I think that they have a lot of improvements to make. Like they're not an overall good team, and I don't think that is at the feet of Russ.

He doesn't have anything to do with the defense, which is deteriorated every single year. Regardless, he forced his way out and he is now in Denver. Well, Tom Brady left. Bill Belichick won a Super Bowl immediately. Matthew Stafford came to Los Angeles, won a Super Bowl immediately. I'm not saying Russ needs to win a Super Bowl, but they have to have a massive amount of success in this first year. And that is what Russ brought to the table with forcing this move.

What do you think? Oh, yeah. They have to have massive improvements going forward. And you still, you got a, he's a, you know, LeBron and these other names you're comparing him to. I don't think that's fair. But Russ has been great in his own right. He's been a great quarterback.

I think if he continues to play another six, seven years, he could easily be a first ballot Hall of Fame type quarterback. And you got weapons there. And like you said, they've done everything right except their quarterback position, you know, since bringing Peyton in over from the Colts. So, Russ, he's got to go and make a deep playoff run. It's going to be tough, though. It's going to be tough.

I mean, just winning that division alone, you got the Raiders who have loaded up. You got the Chiefs who are still the Chiefs. Mahomes still there. You have the Chargers who have done everything. right, in my opinion, this off season. So it's going to be tough. You're going to get beat up in that division. But Russ is the champion. He's been there before. And now, hopefully, he gets there with an offensive coach that kind of, you're going to let Russ cook. And there's going to be no excuses for the Broncos, no excuses for Russ, not to make a deep run. You have all the pieces there

to do so. So I'm excited for the future of that Broncos franchise. I know their fans are excited. And a lot of people are also comparing the kind of juice that Peyton brought to the building and saying Russ is kind of bringing that same type of energy. And I know if I have an organization, if I'm going to run a billion dollar franchise, he's one of the guys I would want to be the face of that franchise to be the CEO steering that ship. So Broncos country should be excited about him. I know Russ is excited. I know he can rub some people the wrong way, just being super, super positive. But I love it, especially if you're a teammate of his in that locker room. Well, speaking of being the face of an organization, thank you for that transition, Darius.

Baker Mayfield is doing himself no favors, in my opinion. I don't think doing, you know, 90 minutes of content when you are looking for a new job and you've just been replaced is really a good strategy, bold strategy. I didn't like what he said about booing people in cubicles. I feel like it lacks all self-awareness. That's not a thing. There's a reason people cheer and boo you is because you make millions of dollars and you're, franchise quarterback. That's what comes with it. I don't agree with harassment, obviously, but fans are allowed to be fans. I don't like what he said about the organization disrespecting him. Even if they did lie to him, you didn't play well enough to deserve the level of, not respect, but whatever it is that you are expecting from this organization. And so there was a lot that he did, I didn't agree with. But what did you make of his interview that came out this week?

You know, these podcasts, they can get your, and I'm in a podcast space. So I love it. I love the long-form conversation. You can get relaxed. You can chill on the couch. You know, you got your dog behind you. Yeah. So, you know, it's easy to, you know, say some things wrong. But honestly, when I heard the clips and watched the podcast, I didn't have a problem with what he said. I know, you know, being a quarterback, you got to kind of, you know, being a face of a franchise, it has to be different. But at the same time, a lot of people say they want transparency, they want honesty from players, from athletes. And Baker, he's giving you that, you know, whether it's good, whether it's bad. He's always kind of worn his emotions on his sleeve.

And when things aren't going well for a player or person, you know, the light just shines a little differently on them. But I think Baker Mayfield, he's a top 25 quarterback in this league when healthy. I think he didn't do himself any favors playing through those injuries last year. If you can afford to not play and not put that bad film out there like Baker could have last year, kind of shut it down maybe with eight games left in the season, I think that would have been the best move for him. So his value would have still been where it should be. but I mean, he's getting paid 18. He's guaranteed $18.5 million a year.

So the whole disrespect, they said they were going to do one thing. They did another. Welcome to the club, buddy. You know, that's 85% of professional athletes have to deal with that at one time of their career or another. But I'm hoping that he lands on his feet. He gets another opportunity. If I had to place a bet, I would bet that Baker Mayfield is a starting quarterback. Week one, somewhere.

I can't tell you where. But somewhere Baker Mayfield will be starting next year. And the whole fans, booing in the cubicle, I'm kind of with you. You know, I like fans. I like fans that kind of push it right to that threshold. Obviously, it's a level of respect that you don't want to cross over. But I like fans. You know, I used to enjoy playing a hostile environment.

And if you're paying, you know, a couple hundred dollars, a couple thousand bucks to get in the stadium, probably a couple hundred to eat a hot dog in the beer. Go ahead. Have it at it. Well, thanks for jumping on with us, Darius. Make sure you check out his podcast, The Man to Man Pod. Really appreciate it. Enjoy your Easter weekends and that beautiful South Florida sun.

Oh, I sure will. Appreciate you, Joy. Thank you, Darius. We'll talk to the USFL EVP of Football Operations, Daryl Johnson. Moose Johnson coming up next. Get into all the details of the USFL, which is premiering this weekend's Easter weekends. And I want to discuss a little bit more about Kyla Murray and Nick Sabin and Davos comments on the NIL. Joy Taylor and Alex Curry in for Colin Cowherd.

We will be back with that on The Herd. 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 I-Hard Radio app.

or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, this is Robert from the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. Joe and I are both lifelong Star Wars fan, so we're celebrating May the 4th with a brand new week of fun, thought-provoking Star Wars-related episodes. Join us as we tackle science and culture topics from a galaxy far, far away, such as the biology of tontons and wampas on the ice planet hot,

or the practicality and corporate business sense of the Sith rule of two. Listen to stuff to blow your mind on the I-Heart Radio, 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, 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, unfills of conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard,

but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to the Cliford Show, the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. This is an IHeart podcast.