The Herd with Colin Cowherd Best of The Herd
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Mar 19, 2026 Rachel Nichols, sports journalist and commentator known for NBA and NFL analysis, co-hosts and breaks down hot league storylines. Conversation jumps from the Lakers’ surge and rotation advantages to Giannis’ reported tension with Milwaukee. They also dig into Lamar Jackson’s contract and injury questions, plus why Jaylen Waddle suits Denver and the drama around Maxx Crosby’s trade fallout.
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Playoff Rotation Shrinks Teams' Advantages
- Matchup depth matters in playoffs: OKC's 12-deep rotation is an asset regular season but a liability in a seven-game series where tight-minute rotations favor teams like the Lakers.
- McIntyre invokes Pat Riley's 'play eight and trust seven' to explain playoff minute compression.
Giannis vs Bucks Could Signal A Push To Leave
- Reported tension between Giannis and the Bucks centers on the team wanting him shut down while Giannis insists on playing, signaling potential friction and a softer path to forcing a future exit.
- McIntyre compares this to Maxx Crosby's shutdown saga and suggests leaks may be from Giannis' camp to avoid being seen as the 'bad guy.'
Consider Shutdowns To Improve Draft Position
- If a team is out of playoff contention, consider strategic shutdowns to increase draft odds and rebuild rather than push injured stars to play.
- McIntyre notes Milwaukee could triple their top-four draft odds by sitting Giannis and embracing tanking.