Timberwolves beat Nuggets to go up 2-0, Can the Knicks win it all? | NBA | THE HERD

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

7 May 202415:44

Summary

TLDRThe transcript appears to be a discussion about NBA players and their performance, particularly focusing on Jayson Tatum's standing among the league's best players. The conversation suggests that while Tatum is a great player and a superstar, he may not be considered the best in the world, with other players like Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and potentially even Jaylen Brunson being argued as superior. The discussion also touches on the importance of style in the NBA and how it differs from other sports like the NFL. The speakers contemplate the impact of a team's momentum, the potential for upsets in the playoffs, and the challenges of maintaining a high level of performance over multiple rounds. The summary also highlights the surprising performance of the New York Knicks and the historic achievements of their player, Jalen Brunson, in the playoffs.

Takeaways

🏀 Jaylen Brunson is having a historic playoff run, with four straight 40-point games, putting him in the company of legends like Michael Jordan and Jerry West.
🌟 Jayson Tatum is considered a top player, but there's debate over whether he's the fifth best in the league or somewhere in the top ten; he's not universally seen as the best player in the world.
📉 The Denver Nuggets, despite being a strong team during the regular season, are facing an uphill battle in the playoffs, raising questions about their true competitive level.
🏆 Giannis Antetokounmpo's performance in the playoffs, following his second MVP win, is being compared to a potential championship run similar to his previous year's success.
🤔 There's a discussion about whether Nikola Jokic, as a soon-to-be three-time MVP, should be held to the same high standards as LeBron James in crucial playoff games.
👑 The comparison between Anthony Edwards and Michael Jordan is a topic of debate, with Edwards showing similarities in his game but also having his own distinct style and flair.
🚀 The New York Knicks are proving to be a formidable team in the playoffs, with their resilience and ability to compete in close games, regardless of the score.
🎯 The importance of style in the NBA is highlighted, with the suggestion that while efficiency is key, the artistry and entertainment value of a player's game also matter.
🔥 The Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic are mentioned as potential contenders for the NBA Finals, with Doncic's performance being a significant factor.
🤷‍♂️ The unpredictability of the NBA playoffs is emphasized, with recent history showing that the team that won the previous year doesn't always continue their success.
📚 A reminder of the historical context is provided, noting that while players like Jordan and Bird had their achievements, today's players like Edwards and Jokic are carving their own paths.

Q & A

What is the general perception of Jayson Tatum's ranking among NBA players?
-The general perception is that Jayson Tatum is a great player and a superstar, but his ranking is not at the top. He is often considered to be the fifth or sixth best player in the league, with some arguing that he could be as low as tenth.
Who are some players that are considered to be ahead of Jayson Tatum in terms of ranking?
-Players like Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and potentially Donovan Mitchell are mentioned as being ahead of Tatum in the current NBA player rankings.
What is the significance of the 2008 Celtics Championship in relation to the best player debate?
-The 2008 Celtics Championship is significant because it was the last time a team with a player like Tatum, who was not considered the best player in the world, won the championship. Kevin Garnett, who was in the five to ten range of players at that time, was the best player on that team.
How does the speaker view the current state of the NBA in terms of team dominance?
-The speaker views the current state of the NBA as being more open and competitive, with no clear dynasty team emerging. They mention that over the last half decade, different teams have won the championship, and there is no consistent winner.
What is the importance of style in the NBA according to the speaker?
-The speaker believes that style is very important in the NBA, as it adds to the art and entertainment value of the game. They suggest that while efficiency is important, the style and flair of players like Antetokounmpo and the potential of young American players are crucial for the league.
What is the comparison being made between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić?
-The comparison is made in terms of their impact on their respective teams and their potential to lead their teams to a championship. Giannis is seen as having a dominant run in the playoffs after winning two MVPs, while Jokić is discussed as a potential candidate for a similar trajectory.
How is the speaker's view on the importance of the playoffs for a player's legacy?
-The speaker believes that the playoffs are crucial for a player's legacy. They mention that players who have not performed well in the playoffs, even if they have had regular-season success, have faced criticism and their legacy has been questioned.
What does the speaker think about the New York Knicks' performance?
-The speaker is impressed by the Knicks' performance, noting that they have a never-say-die attitude and that they are fun to watch. They also highlight the historic performance of Jalen Brunson, who has been scoring consistently high points in the playoffs.
What is the comparison between Anthony Edwards and Michael Jordan?
-The comparison is based on their playing style and the impact they have on the game. The speaker notes that Edwards has a similar game to young Michael Jordan, with a better outside shot. However, they also point out the differences, such as Jordan's six rings and five MVPs compared to Edwards' achievements so far.
Why does the speaker believe that the NBA needs a homegrown American player to be a top-tier player?
-The speaker believes that for the NBA to maintain its appeal and competitiveness, it needs a homegrown American player who can compete at the highest level. They mention that such a player would bring excitement and a sense of national pride to the league.
What is the speaker's opinion on the importance of in-game rest for players?
-The speaker suggests that in-game rest can be useful, especially for players who are performing at a high level. They use the example of Josh Hart, who has been playing extensive minutes without rest, to argue for the importance of allowing players to catch their breath during games.

Outlines

00:00

🏀 NBA Player Rankings and Playoff Performance

The first paragraph discusses the debate over NBA player rankings, specifically focusing on Jayson Tatum's standing among the league's best. It mentions Tatum's consistent recognition despite the playoffs' outcomes for many stars. The speaker argues that Tatum is likely the fifth or sixth best player, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić being ranked higher. They also touch upon Donovan Mitchell's performance and the importance of defense. The paragraph further explores the concept of being the best player on a championship team versus being the best in the league, using examples from past champions.

05:00

🏆 Jokić's Playoff Struggles and the Pressure of MVP Status

The second paragraph shifts the focus to Nikola Jokić, the soon-to-be three-time MVP, and the expectations that come with such a title. It questions whether it's fair to hold Jokić to the same standard as LeBron James, given their ages and experience. The discussion also includes the pressure on Jokić to perform well in the playoffs, especially after winning the MVP award twice. The speaker compares Jokić's current situation to Giannis Antetokounmpo's path to a championship and the resulting narrative shift.

10:02

🚨 The Knicks' Resilience and Brunson's Heroics

The third paragraph highlights the New York Knicks' surprising performance in the playoffs, emphasizing the historic achievements of Jalen Brunson, who has been scoring consistently high points in consecutive playoff games. The speaker likens the Knicks' unpredictability and resilience to a fidget spinner's brief popularity, questioning the sustainability of their success. They also discuss the team's style of play, comparing it to other teams and noting the importance of style in the NBA. The paragraph concludes with a nod to the Knicks' potential matchup against the Boston Celtics.

15:03

🔥 Josh Hart's Impact and the Herd's Closing Remarks

The final paragraph praises Josh Hart's exceptional performance, noting his increased scoring and rebounding contributions. The speaker calls for recognition of Hart's efforts and suggests that he deserves a break from media attention due to his intense play. The paragraph concludes with a promotional message from the speaker, inviting viewers to subscribe for more content and expressing gratitude for their viewership.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Jaylen Brunson

Jaylen Brunson is a professional basketball player in the NBA. In the context of the video, he is highlighted for his exceptional performance during the playoffs, with the speaker discussing his potential to be ranked among the top players in the league. His performance is significant as it influences the narrative around the best players and the dynamics of the ongoing basketball season.

💡MVP ballots

MVP ballots refer to the voting process for determining the Most Valuable Player in the NBA regular season. The speaker mentions Jaylen Brunson and Jayson Tatum as being among the top candidates for this honor, indicating their strong performance throughout the year and how they are perceived by fans and analysts alike.

💡Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell is another NBA player who is part of the discussion regarding player rankings. The speaker compares his performance to that of Jayson Tatum, noting Mitchell's defensive shortcomings and suggesting that Tatum could be ranked ahead of him based on overall play.

💡Playoffs

The NBA playoffs represent the championship series of the league where teams compete in a tournament format. The script discusses the impact of playoff performance on player rankings and team expectations, with various players and teams being evaluated based on their success or failure in these high-stakes games.

💡Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum is a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics and is a central figure in the discussion. The speaker debates Tatum's ranking among the best players in the league, suggesting that while he is undoubtedly talented, he may not be considered the best in the world.

💡Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo, often referred to as 'Giannis', is an NBA player who has won multiple MVP awards and is considered one of the best players in the league. The script contrasts his potential dominance in the playoffs with the pressure and expectations placed on him as a top-ranked player.

💡NBA Style

The term 'NBA Style' refers to the flair, personality, and manner in which the game of basketball is played in the NBA, often emphasizing the entertainment value and the aesthetic appeal of the players' performances. The speaker discusses how style matters in the NBA, differentiating it from other sports like the NFL, and how it contributes to the appeal of players like 'Jokic' and 'Ant'.

💡NBA Championship

The NBA Championship is the title awarded to the winner of the NBA Finals at the end of the playoffs. The script touches on various players and teams that have won championships and how their performances in the playoffs contribute to their legacy and the perception of their skill level.

💡NBA Twitter

NBA Twitter refers to the community of NBA fans, analysts, and commentators on the social media platform Twitter. The speaker uses this term to describe the general sentiment and discussions happening within the basketball community, particularly in relation to the Knicks' performance and the impact of their games.

💡Rest in the Playoffs

The concept of rest in the playoffs refers to the strategy of allowing players to have time off to recover before or between games. The speaker discusses the potential downsides of too much rest, suggesting that being in a rhythm of play might be more beneficial for some teams, especially younger ones.

💡Jokic

Nikola Jokic, referred to as 'Jokic' in the script, is a professional basketball player who has been a consistent MVP candidate due to his exceptional skills and performance. The speaker talks about the expectations from Jokic in the playoffs and how his performance is scrutinized in comparison to other top players.

Highlights

Discussion on whether Jayson Tatum is among the top players in the league, with arguments suggesting he is ranked around fifth or sixth.

Comparison of Tatum's performance to other stars like Jaylen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell in the playoffs and regular season.

Debate on whether Tatum's team, despite being favored for the championship, makes him the best player in the league.

Historical context provided on past champions and the best players on those teams, like Kevin Garnett in 2008.

Speculation on the potential of a non-dynasty situation in the NBA, with different teams winning each year.

Concerns raised about overvaluing certain teams like the Denver Nuggets, and the impact of injuries on players like Jamal Murray.

Analysis of Giannis Antetokounmpo's performance and the pressure he faces as a two-time MVP to win a championship.

Comparison of the styles of play between different NBA stars and how they contribute to the game's entertainment value.

Discussion on the importance of an American player being among the top in the league and the potential of Luka Dončić.

Commentary on the New York Knicks' surprising performance and the historic achievements of their player, Jalen Brunson.

Brunson's scoring streak in the playoffs and the Knicks' grueling path to the conference finals.

Concerns about player fatigue, particularly for Josh Hart, and the sustainability of the Knicks' current play style.

Predictions and opinions on potential playoff matchups, including a possible Boston-New York series.

Reflection on the impact of rest on team performance and the preference of some teams to maintain momentum.

Commentary on the media's portrayal of players and the need for fair comparisons to legends like Michael Jordan.

Anthony Edwards' potential and his current performance in comparison to young Michael Jordan.

The unique situation of the Knicks and their ability to stay competitive regardless of the game's progress.

The importance of style in the NBA and how it affects the viewers' enjoyment of the game.

The unpredictable nature of the NBA playoffs and the potential for upsets in series matchups.