The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 2 - Some think super teams are done

Episode Date: June 4, 2025

List of possible Knicks head coaches to replace Tom Thibodeau  Myles Turner says super teams are done   Guest: Alexi LalasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Hey guys, it's us. The Jonas Brothers. I'm Joe. I'm Kevin. And I'm Nick. And guess what? We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas.

We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts. We get to ask other people questions because we're sick and tired of being asked questions. Well, sick and tired is a strong way to put it. But, you know, tired and sick. Tired and sick.

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You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. We're back, our number two, here on the herd. Jason McIntyre in for Colin Cowherd. I'm joined today by Alex Curry. Alex, you know, NBA final start tomorrow. I know you're really excited. We haven't talked a lot about the Stanley Cup finals. I hear hockey is happening this week or something like that.

Yeah, I mean, but we got... Something. I'm just kidding. It's funny, though, because obviously I used to work in hockey, so I love it. Yeah. I follow it, and I was following the King's playoff run. They got... I got booted once again by the Edmonton Oilers.

But, yeah, it's kind of having a similar feel to this NBA finals right now, where everyone's like, oh, yeah, the finals are this week, opposed to like, oh, my God, I can't wait for this day because the finals start. So it's... Yeah. It's a rough one. We have a really nice guest coming up in 30 minutes. Alexei Lalas, U.S. national soccer team legend.

Also a soccer agitator. Can I call them that? I'm on a text thread with some soccer dads. And they're like, oh, I can't stand that Lawless. Oh, my goodness. But first, we've got to start here. Obviously, the Knicks fired Tom Tibido yesterday. Bit of a shocker.

And we decided we come up with five potential names to replace Tom Tibido. Now, we just had Mitch Lawrence on, and he broke it down in an interesting way. He's like, listen, man, MSG is a pit full of vipers. Because it's so insular and they don't talk to the media, really, nobody knows who's really really making this decision. Like Leon Rose had hired his guy, Tibbs. Well, did Leon Rose fire his guy, or did Dolan step in? Is Jim Dolan back in charge and he's going to flex and throw his weight around?

And so there's a bit of a mystery as to, what, Rose get his guy? Will the players have a say? We know it's a players league. Or is the owner just going to steamroll everybody and say, this is what I want? So I came up with five guys and then we'll have like a special mystery guy at the end, which I'll go a little longer on. But the first guy to bring up is Mark Jackson. Nobody's talking about Mark Jackson whatsoever. He's, well, yeah, I'm on the right side, but listen, this is a guy who was in Golden State for the early Splash Brothers. And he got run off. The worst part for Mark Jackson was right. after he got runoff, Steve Kerr made a little tweak, right?

He put Draymond Green into the death lineup. They went small ball, and they made the jump to light speed, and the warriors never looked back. They became a dynasty. And depending on who you talk to, it's like, oh, Mark Jackson couldn't figure it out. We needed Steve Kerr to do that. Now, Mark Jackson is a legend in New York City, okay? Born in Queens, like myself, I thought I was a point card.

he actually was a point guard, went to St. John's legendary player at St. John's. What with the Knicks, Mr. Shimmy? I mean, Mark Jackson needs no introduction. The problem is he had some off-court stuff that kind of carried over, and then the Warriors thing never, he never was able to rebound from that, and he never got a second chance, which I think is kind of BS. He went to be an announcer, then he got shoved out of that,

so Mark Jackson's just out there. And my gut tells me, Dolan, wanting to win over the, the fans is going to bring in Mark Jackson for an interview. I don't know if he'll get it, but he's on the list. I think the next guy you've got to bring up is Michael Malone. Now, Michael Malone won a title in Denver a couple years ago, and we talked with Mitch Lawrence a little while ago talking about Tibado getting fired. He raved about Michael Malone. It's a treacherous place if you're a coach because you're the guy who's the face of the franchise. They don't let Leon Rose talk. Dolan doesn't talk. So Tom Tibido was the guy who had to talk.

Nobody's held accountable in terms of Leon Rose or Jim Dolan. It's run differently than any other organization, and it's been unsuccessful in a lot of ways. You know, it's the anti-Sperors, anti-Miamy, whatever you want to call it. They do things their own way. And for the most part, before time came on board, they were irrelevant and a dumpster fire. And they, I think Nick fans probably fear now that's the road they're headed back on. So if you listen closely, Mitch was like, listen, they don't like dealing with the media. Tibito did not like dealing with the media. He just wouldn't give much, wouldn't talk a lot.

You know who doesn't mind mixing it up with the media? Michael Malone. He'll go right back at you guys. And you know why? Because he won a title with Denver. And he talked, he talked trash and backed it up. Now, the interesting thing is, I had a Knicks fan tell me, listen, who was Yokic when he came into the league? Second round pick. Give me a break. Carl Anthony Towns, you don't think Michael Malone. could work with him and take his defense from a a D plus to a B minus? Could he get him to a C plus? Michael Malone really did help Yokic a lot. Why couldn't you do that with Kat?

And I, you know, remember, I was pushing Michael Malone during the Detroit series. You know, we can pull that video if you really want to. I know you don't care. But then I backed off when he beat the Celtics. And I don't, Malone really does feel like Tibado 2.0. All right. Next name on the list, again, kind of going off. the board here. Steve Nash, anyone? Steve Nash, coached in Brooklyn. It's funny because

Steve Nash was great with the Warriors as like a specialty coach. Kevin Durant loved him. And then Kevin Durant pushed for him when he got to Brooklyn with Kyrie. But what Kevin Durant didn't know is Kyrie Irving was kind of sort of losing his mind at the time and wanted nothing to do with Steve Nash. He famously went on like an Instagram live or whatever and was like, KD and I, with our IQ, we don't even need a coach. And I told the story how Steve Nash was in New York. Kyrie said, oh yeah, come to my place to meet me. And Steve Nash in the rain went there and Kyrie just left him on the doorstep for like 20 minutes ringing the doorbell. Just wouldn't answer it as like a, hey man, I know you're the coach, but I'm the guy. I built this super team.

And it was like, whoa, they got off on the wrong foot. Nash did not last long in Brooklyn. But he's now partnered with LeBron, LeBron on a podcast. And we know that worked out. well for LeBron's last podcast partner, J.J. Redick. Let's see who else we got. We got Mike Brown, anyone? Mike Brown's kind of been around the league, smart guy. I don't want to say got railroaded in Sacramento, but it just didn't really pan out for him. Obviously, a very good coach in Cleveland. He's been around the league.

It's considered a defensive guy, which is pretty good, especially when you factor in how bad the next defense was against the Pacers. I believe they gave up 126 points per game in the losses in the series. And it's like, that was Tibbs calling card. He couldn't deliver. Can Mike Brown get the defense up to snuff? And finally, I'm going off the board here. Sam Cassell. Everybody knows him.

Great celebration guy. Sam Cassell, we won't talk about the celebration. Halliburton mimicked it. But Cassell is known as a player's coach. Colin always laughs when I say this phrase, but Sam Cassell's a cool guy. He's funny. He was a great point guard. And I do believe he could connect with these guys in a way, Tibbs, who's 67 and much older than Casell,

Tibbs didn't really connect with Bridges and Heart. And now that came out in the media. Could Cassel be the guy? So those are the five guys that I think will certainly get interviews and deep looks. Michael Malone, obviously everybody loves that. Mike Brown, I haven't heard as much about Nash. I don't know if I was the first to float him yesterday right after a broke. Sam Castell and Mark Jackson.

So now I'm going to go with the other guy. And I was not convinced of this. And we had a heated four-minute debate in the meeting this morning about whether or not Jason Kidd is a viable candidate for the Knicks job. Jason Kidd was the point card with Carmelo Anthony when the next had a really good run, I don't know, 10 years ago. The problem, of course, is Jason Kidd is currently under contract with the Dallas Mavericks. But let's be real.

Jason Kidd may not love it in Dallas. They get to the finals with Luca and then don't consult J.Kid and they trade Luca to the Lakers. And Jason Kidd, we don't have video of it, but if you look at the post-Luca trade press conference, Jason Kidd is staring straight ahead like he saw a ghost. Yeah, we're doing one ghost reference in our people. And I don't, I'm a Knicks fan. I don't know if the Knicks next season is an upgrade. from the Mavs, let me explain. Yes, the Knicks are in the East, no Tatum, Celtics pullback,

Knicks are going to be one of the three best in the East. Dallas gets Cooper Flagg. They have Anthony Davis, Gafford for now, Derek Lively, PJ Washington, and Kyrie Irving's hurt and will be out, I'm going to generously say the All-Star break, maybe March 1st. So there will be some struggles. Here's why I think Dallas is in. interesting. Given the number one pick of Cooper flag, I believe they will be active in free agency and they will be making trades. I think Gafford is gone. I think you could probably trade Gafford to a team looking to off-road salary and hello, Drew Holiday and the Boston Celtics. So now, if you're just looking at a playoff lineup in Dallas, potentially, Drew Holiday, Kyrie Irving,

B.J. Washington, lively, and AD, that's maybe a truck in the West. And my main, Cooper Flag, future NBA MVP, Cooper Flag would be your six-man. Super Max Christi, seventh man, I know, Super Max. Folks, that's a hell of a lineup. The Knicks have some flexibility this offseason, but when you look at the roster, it's like, are they too top-heavy? And I don't know how much movement they'll actually make. So could you convince Jason Kidd?

Hey, man, we're going to trade for you. Then the other problem is that Dicks don't have a ton of assets. to trade for Jason Kidd. And oh, by the way, they owe $30 million to Tom Tibido. So now you're giving up assets. Then you've got to pay Jay Kid, and you still got to pay Tivito? It just, it doesn't seem like a winning play for the Knicks. It's weird.

I didn't like the Mavs trade at all, but then they get Cooper Flag in the lottery, and now I've got to get back to being a Mavs fan. I love them when they had Luca, just because I like Luca. But the Knicks, everybody's painting this is a great job. Is it? I don't know. The Phoenix Suns just hired a guy named Jordan Not. Just kidding.

Jordan Ott. I have no idea who that guy is. The Phoenix Suns are clearly hitting the detonation button on the franchise. It's probably going to be Devin Booker and a bunch of dudes because Bradley Beale's going to wave his no trade clause and be gone. But like that's what the sons were picking, Jordan Ott. So why are we mentioning for the next Michael Malone? Maybe he wants to go into TV.

We saw him during, I think it was a West, yeah, Western Conference Finals. We saw him on TV talking about how SGA was the real MVP. Thought it was a shot of Joker. I digress. But it's like, is the Knicks job that good? On the surface, hell yeah. Just went to the conference finals, two games from the NBA Finals. So Jason Kidd's an interesting name.

My guess is it doesn't happen. But we know it's history with the Knicks. He's a Hall of Fame point card. If you're making a list of all. time great point cards. Kid has to be top six. Right? I mean, this is one of the great point cards in NBA history. So I don't know. It's going to be fascinating. Nick's head coaching watch. Can't wait. Coming up next, Adam Silver gave the guys on breakfast ball this morning a big update on potential change coming to the All-Star game. Alex Curry will have that for us next in

Heard line. That's next year on the herd. For hot water that never runs out, go tankless with Navian. Right now, save hundreds on a new high-efficiency tankless water heater with local redates. Find the name of your Navian contractor at tankless made simple.com. Tankless made simple.com. Want more herd? The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the IHeart Radio app. Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like.

Hey, it's us, the Jonas brothers, and guess what? We have some big news. What's the news, new? Huge news. We created our own podcast called Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to a...

We're the first people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts around there. But this one's extra special. So how do we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. And we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band before. For Jonas Brothers.

This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, where people could call in and say, hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys.

Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. 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, S&L'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 I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Last night, a blown call changed the game. The morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened.

That's where SportsSlice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls,

We break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. SportsSlice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to SportsSlice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slicelife 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis. And I know firsthand because I competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs. And on the Renee Stubbs' tennis podcast, I'm breaking down.

everything happening at Roland Garris. Every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on Clay. Genshin win. I mean, she went down in three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lerna Rubakina is arguably the best player in the world right now, and I actually can win on any surface.

Because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court-side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast on the Eyeheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. Back here on The Herd, Alexie Lawless coming up in studio to talk soccer. Oh gosh, I'm sorry. But first, let's go to Alex with the news.

Turn on the news. This is the Herd Line News. JMAC lets kick things off in the NFL with the number one overall pick. Cam Ward, who has been flying under the radar a bit in 10. seed, but his teammates have been impressed with him at camp, wide receiver. Calvin Ridley has played with a bunch of teams, but he says his rookie QB stands out. It's calm and relaxed, so, I mean, you need that at the quarterback position. You can't be, it can't just be an overthrinker, a jittery guy.

You just got to kind of, you know, be okay with, you know, doing good. And, you know, just got to have that. So he has the right mentality, you know, you're hearing all the right things you want to hear about your number one overall pick. Again, this is not a great roster. They had the number one overall pick for a reason. They had three wins last season. They're over under for win totals, just set at five and a half this year.

They don't have a great offensive line. So you just hope that he can stay healthy. And you really never know what you're going to get with the rookie quarterback. Anyway, I just hope he has a solid rookie season. It's just, it's not like a sexy topic team. Have they ever, well, I guess when they had Derek Henry, they were had some juice. Yeah. But even having like one of the top players in the league at the time, like he was in commercials,

running through brick walls, like still not much. They almost need to re-brains, right? The Tennessee Tech, they're- Well, that's what they were hoping, like, Cam Warden's going to be. Like, the whole city was behind, like, similar to Chicago with Caleb Williams, like, you have the number one pick. This is the guy you have to take. This is going to save our franchise. So, but again, like, it wasn't like a super strong quarterback draft as we talked about.

He was definitely the top candidate, but he also said, still not the most popular, but I love, talked about rookie quarterback. It's funny, I feel like two years ago he was at Washington State being as a quarterback there,

and then upgrade it to Miami. And now here is number one pick. That's quite a meteoric rise. And he's largely anonymous. I mean, if you walked into the studio, would you know Camille? No, he's not a, like a face brand right now. He's not a face brand right now.

But again, if he has an incredible rookie season, which is hard, When you're not on a great team, where every position on your team is below average, especially the offensive line because that's who protects you. That's a brutal opening. They have a tough schedule. Denver and Rams defenses are top six in the league? And both nits, like put on it.

That was, I think, a big rookie surprise last year that took everybody. No expectation. No expectation. So that's when I think rookies can kind of surprise and rise. but there's not high expectations for Cam, but there are expectations as the number one overall. By the way, you played sports. Yes.

What is the effort mentality? Can we put that for the layman, for the folks at home in Cincinnati watching? What is the effort mentality? Like, you just kind of do whatever it takes to get there. Like, there were other reports. Like, he's, like, you know, first one there, last one to go. Like, he's in the coaches room.

They have to kick him out. So he's doing whatever it takes to get there, but there's two different ways. Like, there could also be the effit mentality. Like, you don't really care. Like whatever happens. But like, yeah, but this felt like, and then what we're gearing and reading is like, no, like, what everyone else is saying, I'm going to do whatever it takes to help turn this franchise around. So that's the way I was taking it.

Largely. Yeah. All right. Let's switch to the NBA. Adam Silver was on breakfast ball this morning. And he's a change that we've all. wanted to see J-MAC. I can't wait for you to hear this. About the concept of USA versus the world.

Is that something that we will see possibly next year as you continue to try to tinker with the weekend? I'm not exactly sure what the format will be yet. I mean obviously paid a lot of attention to what the NHL did with the which was a huge success which was a huge success. The Frozen Four. Yeah. It was awesome. But also you know going back you know last summer our Olympic competition was a huge success. Which was a huge success. huge success. Anything would be better at this point than what they were doing at the NBA All-Star Game.

And as he mentioned, we saw the NHL do this kind of tournament-style all-star game, where it was USA versus Canada and all these other countries. And it was a huge success. And guys were fired up for it. The thing with the NBA All-Star Game, it's sounding like it what would be like USA versus everybody else. USA versus the world or would it be tournament style? We don't know exactly yet, but it sounds like there's definitely going to do something.

Also because the All-Star game is going to be in the middle, I think he was saying, of the Winter Olympics, and it's back on NBC, so it's going to be in the middle of... It's here in L.A. Yeah, it's going to be in the middle of Olympic coverage, so it kind of makes sense to have it be like a country versus country. And I've covered a lot of tournaments. I've covered a lot of championship teams. Did you ever cover the Olympics?

I covered the World Cups. Oh, yeah. There's nothing compares to playing for representing the country. It's a different level. And, you know, I don't know if Alexie Lawless in the studio, but given what's going on politically in the world, this is not the worst format. It could be a good thing. Yeah, I mean, heck, you could get all those Canadian guys and they would really want to win the game against us. I am curious, though, will it just be like a regular basketball game?

Because, like, I don't want to be a negative guy here, but, like, it's a regular, regular basketball game. I don't want LeBronlog in 35 minutes in an All-Star game in Federer. No, I don't think he will. But, again, like, basketball in the Olympics did well. People wanted to watch it. Like, and you had superstars of other teams. Yeah, that's... Like, representing their country.

And, again, people are going to be in the Olympic spirit. I think it's happening during the Winter Olympics, all on NBC. So it kind of makes sense to keep it. in that theme. You also have to remember, like, it's funny to be like, oh, these guys need more incentive because each player wins $125,000 when you win the NBA All-Star game. Most of these guys, that's pocket cheap. It is, but still, it's like, it's get, make it a pride thing. And I think when you represent your country and something like that, it becomes more of a pride thing. Because it's not just about the game. Okay, last story here. The Ravens had a disappointing finish in the playoffs last

year and it's part because of wide receivers. A Flowers missed a game with a knee injury. But Flowers, now back in action and he's feeling good. Take a listen. My knee great. I feel 100%. I feel like I'm ready to go. I feel like I'm ready for the season.

No limits. When you play 17 games just to get to the first playoff game and you can't play in it, it's always hard. So I think that was my first time, second time missing a game ever. And missing a playoff game is different. Yeah, it's a big deal when he ranks first. on the team and targets, receptions, and receiving yards. But Lamar Jackson has weapons now, right?

Gesei Flowers. They just put up DeAndre Hopkins, the veteran, this offseason. They have Derek Henry. We need to see some playoff results from Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Be careful. He is three and five in the playoffs. He's an amazing, incredible MVP, regular season quarterback. But we have not seen the results.

in the playoffs. That's what needs to happen. You got to be careful, Alex. Why? You say stuff about Lamar Jackson, not delivering in the playoffs. I love him. I love Lamar Jackson.

He is a one-of-a-kind, dual-threat quarterback, who is an MVP player during the regular season. But we need to see that carried over into the playoffs. And he has the weapons. He should be able to do it. I mean, three and five in the playoffs. As a two-time MVP. Yeah.

We need to be a little more results in that. I totally forgot Zay Flowers was injured and missed that playoff. Yeah. I totally forgot. That was huge, especially since he ranked first in all the team staff. Seven months ago. But anyways. All right.

Alex with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by. The herd lie news. All right. Alexei Lala's coming up here on the herd in a moment. Real quick. You know, obviously you guys know I'm a humongous soccer fan.

own a minority share of a soccer team. Just so happens, we are playing against Leonardo Messi in later this summer. Obviously, I'll be there. Very excited. I've seen Messi live against the Galaxy out here. It was just a phenomenal experience. But USA soccer's going through a little tumult. So that's how I was like, listen, we got to get Alexi Lalas out here.

Christian Pulisic, obviously was being compared to Messi, Alex, by the coach, right? The head coach. Yeah. And it was just like, what are we doing here? um so let alexie lawless is ready come on in alexie lawless he one of the great soccer players the history of american soccer let me let me go to the brains of the organization first hello beautiful how are you all right hello hello young man how are you i'm not that young anymore but my goodness they're scraping the bottom of the barrel here oh my goodness so um so wow alexie's just such a big deal so behind the curtain so my daughter does like a dance thing and she was in this performance at the end of the year and i part and I roll up and who do I see Alexei Lalas and his wife.

And you should see when he walks into a building, how many people are like, oh, my, that's a soccer legend. That guy owes me money. Yeah. And also, he's going after a certain U.S. soccer star for sitting out a big upcoming tournament. I'll let you take it away because you said it great on your podcast. Well, listen, we are, you know, let's, for all intents and purposes, we're a year away from what I think it's going to be the biggest soccer summer ever from a United States perspective, the World

Cup in 2026. This summer, we have the Gold Cup, which, by the way, you can see on Fox, we'll be bringing that to you. Christian Polisic, who is not arguably, I think he is our biggest star, and absolutely is a in-pen starter for this U.S. men's national team, has decided that he needs to rest. Now, look, athletes, I get it at times you need to rest. The problem is that, you know, way back before you guys were born, if I had thought about what the summer of 25 would look like relative to the summer of 26 when we're going to host the World Cup, I don't think that I would have envisioned the negativity and the cynicism, and this is probably the worst part, the apathy relative to this team,

given their recent failures and given the worry about what's going to happen next summer. And so, look, Christian Polisica is going to be fine, he'll get his rest, and I think he'll star next summer. But this was an unnecessary own goal in that this was a summer where you had the opportunity through the Gold Cup to come in, do well, and kind of regain some of that momentum and that belief that I think is necessary

and is missing right now, and not just the soccer public, but the greater public that we need to cultivate over the next year to have the best damn World Cup ever, on the field and off the field, by the way. I'm just curious. Do you think internally USA soccer, when they heard that, there were like alarm bells going off like, guys, come on. Why isn't he? Like load management? Yeah. Oh, load management is such a load of crap. What is he? 26 years old. Look, and I know I try not to grumpy old man things. I recognize that I played in a different time.

But I cannot fathom or understand or relate to ever saying no to my country when they call me. And I don't think that this is a generational type of thing. I see plenty of other players that play every single game for their country and would move heaven and earth to get on that plane to go wherever it is. Not for nothing, but Messi plays a lot of games. So I think it is concerning. I think it was weak, like I said. And I also think that Pochitino, who is the new coach of the U.S. team,

in a strange way, I think he kind of played this wrong. Maybe, maybe not. Maybe this lights a fire and said, all right, Christian, you're going to get the summer off, but you better bring it for this next year and obviously next summer. Or he could have played it where, you know what, I'm going to take the heat for this. I'm going to say, Christian, you wanted to come in, but I'm going to make you go rest. And I'm going to take the heat for it. But he didn't do that.

So it's going to be very interesting, the dynamic that exists this summer. Hey, look, I'm all in on this group that's going to be this summer because they have a great opportunity, again, a year before the World Cup, to show their wares, to prove to Mauricio Pochitino, who are you seeing on your screen right now, the new coach of the U.S. national team, who's being paid $6 million a year, but this is a short-term type of thing, he has to make sure that he assesses this group and make sure he has the best collection of players,

not the best players, the best collection of players, so we hit the ground running next summer. So is there a world where there is a positive here? Hey, you know what? We don't need him for the Gold Cup. Let's see some new young guys, some fresh blood in there. New coach. I'm sure some of these young guys who are itching to get on the field

are like, hey, this is my opportunity. Yeah, I mean, there's a dumbo that you can fly without the feather. don't worry, you're going to be good, and you can do this without Christian Polisic and just augments it when he comes back to the team. But to your point, I think what we're going to see here at maybe the last chance saloon for guys to step up, guy like Diego Luna, who's playing over in Salt Lake, young guys like Sebastian Burhalter. Yes, you might recognize that game's name because he's the son of previous coach,

Greg Burhalter, who got fired, who Michel Pachitino took his position. But he's playing really well up in Vancouver. I think this is an opportunity for them to step up and say, you know what, I would never refuse a call with my national team. I'm going to show you what I can do. And next summer, come next summer, I'm going to put on that red, white, and blue and do good things. Now, historically, we've dominated the Gold Cup, but is it fair to say we're not a lock this year, given some of the guys who are not playing for us? Well, we have gone to Gold Cups in the past with what would not be considered our A team and still won it. So, yes, this is, if we were to win the World, the Gold Cup this summer, and again, the

Gold Cup is just relative to our region. So North America and the Caribbean. So, you know, you have your usual suspects in terms of Mexico, Canada, which is doing a really good job right now. But usually we are, you know, winning it or going to the final. And I would expect nothing less in terms of this group. Now, you'd get a pat on the back, well done. And you'd feel good type of moment.

but obviously you have greater aspirations, and it gets much, much more difficult to win an actual World Cup. But you know what? You play the tournament in front of you, and if we've won it so many times in the past, fine, this group go out there and prove to everybody that you are worthy of our time

because that's what people want to see. People are forgiving, I think, especially when it comes to the soccer role. They want to see a team that they can sink their teeth into and believe in, that represents what I feel is the greatest country in the world, both on and off the field, in the way that they play, and what they give.

And you can, you know, it's like the Supreme Court definition of obscenity, right? I can't tell you what it is, but I know it when I see it. Well, we know it when we see it on the field for the U.S. men's national team. And unfortunately, we haven't seen it enough. You and Stu Holden had a pretty good debate about Pulisic. And I feel like he should be out there. And I don't want to get you to say something you don't want to. But in a way, he's kind of letting us down, not playing.

Like, Fox obviously would love him to play. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, is he letting us down only because of the moment? Again, players can take time off and I don't get it, to be quite honest. I don't get it. I don't know if he's letting us down, but I think he is putting actually more pressure on himself going forward. Maybe that's not necessarily a bad thing. And again, I just think it sends the wrong message at the wrong time.

I mean, look, World Cups are great, but I am sitting here in this chair, not just because of a World Cup, but because of a home World Cup. It is a whole different level. And yes, guess what? Not only is it an opportunity, but it's a responsibility. And for those of us off the field, we have a responsibility to make sure that it is the most kick-ass tournament, not tournament, event that the world has ever seen. And on the field, Christian Polisic and company, they have a responsibility to make sure that we don't regress, not just in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes. of America. So, realistic, last one on the U.S., realistic for 2026, quarterfinals? Sure, absolutely. Is semifinals reaching too much? Yeah, I mean, look, in 2002, we were arguably a handball

away from going to a semifinals. So things can happen. Soccer gods have to smile upon you. Also, keep in mind, this is the biggest World Cup ever, 48 teams, which means there's actually another round. So there's eight games now in order to win the World Cup. So absolutely getting out of the group that shouldn't even be a question, regardless of who they draw. And then you win that round of 32, I guess it would be. And then you start facing some real teams that you could look at as equal or better than us. But at some point, you've got to win a big game. So we talked a lot about Pulisic.

A certain guy named Messi is playing way more than anybody thought he would. Playing like full games. At this stage in his career, are you surprised? Because a lot of people thought it was, oh, he's just going to come to the MLS to a victory tour, collect some checks, and be done. He's playing a lot. I'm personally shocked. I mean, what he's doing for soccer, obviously, for Major League Soccer and for Inter-Miamy, and that brand down there is exactly what he is being paid.

A lot of money for. But that he is doing it at that level. That's a pretty cool thing to see. Now, we're about to do the Nations League, by the way, coming up on FS1 today, Cristiano Ronaldo and company playing with Portugal against Germany. So, you know, Cristiano Ronaldo, but Cristiano's 40, but it was always been kind of about his physique and his physical abilities, as opposed to Messi, who you see him walking down the street,

if you don't know anything about soccer, you're like, I don't know. There does not go the greatest, potentially greatest player ever to play the game. But it's wonderful what he's doing for a club and country. Excuse me. But it's going to be really interesting to see a year from now, not just Messi with Argentina,

but Messi defending his World Cup, oh, by the way, in his new homeland and backyard of the United States. That's pretty incredible. You mentioned Ronaldo. it sounds like he's done. He had his little trip to Saudi Arabia. That's over maybe. I mean, he got paid, that's for sure.

Listen, is there a world where he lands in the MLS? Yeah, there absolutely is a world where he lands in the U.S. I mean, kind of the final frontier for him. And when I say him, we're also talking about his brand. I'm here for it. Bring it. I, you know, I love it. I know that the whole retirement type of thing gets thrown around,

but these are arguably two of the best players ever to play the game. And that we have them, And you just mentioned what Messi is doing is great. But they've also, their brands are relative to what they have done with each other and against each other over the years. And to kind of rejuvenate that would be kind of cool. I got to ask about, you know, everybody wants to know who's got next, right? So we thought Messi would probably have retired. He sounds like he's going to play in 2020.

Oh, yeah. Ronaldo, I'm going to go ahead and guess he's going to play to. But we're waiting on Mbapé, and then this young kid comes up at Euros last year. I happen to be in Europe during it was like, Jamal, his guys, does he have next? Is he on that stage? He's only 17, turns 18 next month.

It's incredible. And I think we were actually just talking about this in the green room because we're going to be talking about it on our Nation's Lee coverage today. I think that he has hurt by the fact that he's a teenager. And it's unfair because not only do I believe he's the best player in the world today. But he's the best player in the world today

who just happens to be a teenager. And that's how quickly this has happened. The other thing is, we were just talking about Messi. At their height, Messi and Ronaldo, we talked about how, well, we're never going to see this again. Nobody's ever going to perform at these types of levels. And yet, and this is a great thing for the sport, whether you're La Liga, whether you're Barcelona,

whether you're FIFA, or whether you're just into the sport, that it can happen, that another player can burst on the scene, young player, grab our hearts and minds, and do things that we thought never would be done again. I think that says a lot for the player, but it also says a lot for the sport, the sport evolves. Now, listen, I know you're a hot take guy, but Yamol over Mbapé right now?

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Mbapap is great. And I'm talking about it relative to the Bologna, or if we were just doing a pickup game here. Who are you picking, right? Well, I'm going.

I like speed, so I'm going Mbappe. That's fine, but, you know, pick-up games are usually in a much smaller space. Yeah, all right. Alexi Lalas, you'll see them on our UaFa Nation's League coverage. Yeah, today we have Portugal against Germany and tomorrow, Spain against France. So you're in Boppa against, by the way, Yamal. So that's going to be fun to see.

We get Ronaldo and then we get Yamal. I mean, it doesn't get much better than that. And then Gold Cup kicking off here in a couple of weeks, so we got a lot of stuff going on. You can still hang out with him or what? What's going on? She's got bigger things going on. I mean, yeah, you've got much bigger things. Yeah, much bigger things going on.

Oh, my goodness. I'm around for another couple months. I mean, you're gracing him and us with your presence here. All right, Alexei Lollah's great stuff. Coming up next year on The Herd, one NBA star currently in the finals, thinks super teams are done for good. His answer doesn't make sense. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox Sports Radio,

FS1, and the IHeart Radio app. Hey, is Steve Kavino. And I'm Rich Davis. And together we're Kavino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and, of course, the IHeart Radio app. Why should you listen to Kavino and Rich? We talk about everything, life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world? We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture.

Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. take your phone calls, chop it up as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio. Maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino & Rich live on Fox Sports Radio

and the IHeart Radio app from 5 to 7 p.m. Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich, wherever you get your podcast and, of course, on social media. That's Covino and Rich. Hey, it's us to Jonas Brothers, and guess what? We have some big news. What's the news, huge news? We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas.

We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts. We're starting a trend. But this one's extra special. So how did we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys?

I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. And we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band. Before Jonas Brothers was... This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast,

where people could call in and say, hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. 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. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo.

Every episode, we're cutting through the noise. Breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athletes themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context and ask the questions everybody wants answered.

Sports Slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slicelife Life 12 and the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis. And I know firsthand because I competed there myself.

I'm Renee Stubbs, and on the Renee Stubbs' tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening. at Roland Garris. Every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on Clay. Jen she went. I mean, she went down at three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lena Rubakina is arguably the best player in the world right now, and I actually can win on any surface, because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court side seat to the French Open.

Listen to the Renee Stubbs Tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app. Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. Horse Racing's greatest test returns as sovereignty and journalism face-off in the 157th Belmont State. Two of the season's biggest names, one race to settle it off. Coverage begins Saturday at 4 p.m. Easter, live on Fox. All right, I don't know. I got two kids at home who are young, and they like to speak in Internet,

lingo like NGL, not going to lie. I'm sure everybody knows that, obviously. So I'm not going to lie, but the take I had yesterday on Give Me Superteens are going to be death. It's kind of been a big deal on the internet. It's approaching 2 million views. And people are angry with me, obviously. Oh, my gosh, Jason, you are eliteists.

You only want to see the best? Yeah, of course. You think I'm going to the Mission Impossible series when they replaced Tom Cruise? Good luck. but Miles Turner the center of the Indiana Pacers was asked about super teams

and I don't think he understands super teams because here's what he had to say I think the years of the super teams and you know stacking is just not it's not as effective as it once was you know what I mean? As NBA since I've been the league you know the NBA is very trendy you know just shifts but the new trend now is just

kind of what we're doing. OKC does the same thing you know young guys get out and run defend and you know she used The power of friendship is how they call it. The power of friendship. Yeah, okay. That may be the trend in the NBA. Is it a winning trend?

I don't know. Baseball seems to be inching closer back to, hey, give us the super teams. NBA, you don't want them. We'll gladly take Yankees and Dodgers in the World Series every freaking year. I'm sure you guys saw the numbers from the Yankees Dodgers series over the weekend. Kind of massive. Yeah, can I have the best two? players in the sport, Otani and Judge, going at it? Yeah, I love that. I mean, again, I've said this

for a couple of years now. If you ask Adam Silver, Adam, who do you want to see in the NBA finals? Undeniably, well, I want LeBron versus Curry in the conference finals. And in the East, get me Boston and New York. That's what, that's what Adam Silver would want. Now, super teams seems to have gotten lost in the sauce. A lot of people just don't seem to understand or they're being willfully ignorant and they're trying to act like, this is not a super team. I don't care if OKC wins this championship and the next one and the next one.

They're not a super team, not as they are currently constituted. An NBA super team is when, as Miles Turner said, friends get together and join forces. They leave their old team, either by demanding a trade or through free agency, and they go to join other dudes. LeBron created a super team in Miami. The Celtics created a super team with KG and Ray Allen to join Paul Pierce.

Those teams, because you've got stars suddenly joining forces, become instantly hated. Nobody hated the Warriors, except maybe Charles Barkley, kept calling them a jump shooting fraudulent team. Kind of wrong about that, Chuck. Nobody hated those warriors until they got Kevin Durant. who left O KC. Are we understanding now? Like, teams didn't, don't like when stars join forces and owners hate that. And fans, they get upset.

But that's a winning formula. It's polarizing, hence the interests. Okay? When Kevin Durant, Kyrie, and James Hardin joined forces in Brooklyn, it was like, oh, what do we have here? I got to watch them on TV, on Christmas, on opening night, on every relevant night. I got to see that. that's must-see TV.

O KC is never going to be must-c-TV. They will be the Spurs 2.0. A boring group that was homegrown and wins a lot. But they're not polarizing. I mean, maybe just because I don't love SGA, I think he's a really, really good player. But if you ask me, J-Mack, who you got?

You're building around, everybody's healthy. Jason Tatum or SGA. It's Tatum in a heartbeat. It's not even close for me. Like, I like SGA. He's just in a great, great spot. he's on the best college basketball team in the NBA. They got a bunch of young guys.

Alex Caruso is their old dude. There is nothing super or polarizing about OKC. So Miles Turner, I just don't really think he gets it. And he is right about one thing that the super team era is over. So we had our staff put together, sadly, the Super Team Graveyard, where all the great teams lie. and there are the Hedels. You got the Celtics.

Remember those rockets? Oh, I forgot about those. Charles Barkley, where are you at, buddy? Berkeley and Clyde Drexler. Get me to a winning team. I can't win in Portland. I can't win in Phoenix. Get me to a winner.

Ah, Charles Berkeley forgets. He was on a super team in the 90s. I forgot. Thank you to our staff for putting that out there. And again, I have nothing against what OECC's doing. It's great. I just don't think it's that interesting. interesting. And I told you guys, I play in men's leagues. And I got one guy who he played at

Shamanaut. He's a really good player. He just is obsessed with SGA now. And he's sending me all, look at these stats for SGA. Oh my gosh, he's so good at this. Is it okay to not like, how's this? How's this? Derek Rose to me was infinitely more fascinating than SGA. Do you remember when he hit the league like a comet? Oh my gosh, D. Rose was incredible. with the Bulls at first series against the Celtics, I still remember it. He was unstoppable. I don't remember any series of SGA at all.

What, wiping the floor with the Grizzlies? Okay. Struggling to get by Yokic and his merry band of middling players? Like, I mean, Aaron Gordon had one leg in game seven. Michael Porter Jr. had one shoulder. Like, come on. Timberwolves, I don't know, Anthony Edwards. and company.

Like, the Thunder are a really good team. They're probably going to destroy Indiana in the finals. I will make a case for the Pacers tomorrow. That's what I do. Make a case for the underdog. But no super team is just, it just leaves me wanting a little bit more. Now, if the Knicks could somehow get Janus, that's a super team, my friends. I don't know how you pull that off.

I don't think it's possible. But coming up next year on the show, let's go to New York. What happened to Tom Tibido? Who's behind the firing? The players, the GM, the owner? That's next. Hey guys, it's us. The Jonas Brothers.

I'm Joe. I'm Kevin. And I'm Nick. And guess what? We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it.

We just contributed to it. We get to ask other people to do podcasts. We get to ask other people questions because we're sick and tired of being asked questions. Well, sick and tired is a strong way to put it. But, you know, tired and sick. Tired and sick. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it.

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 I-Heart Radio app. Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Michelle McPhee, and I've been unraveling the strangest criminal alliance I've ever reported on. A Mormon polygamist and an Armenian businessman. Multi-million dollar house, Ferraris and Lamborghinis, private jets, a billion dollar fraud. But how long can this alliance last? Tell me what you know. Is somebody coming after me?

Listen to Kingdom of Fraud on the Aihar Radio app. Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. And nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where SportsSlice comes in. I'm Timbo. In every episode, we're cutting through the noise,

breaking down the biggest moments in sports and giving you the real story behind the headlines. And we're going straight to the source, the athletes themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to Sports Slice. on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slical Life 12 in the TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok.

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